Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of fertility testing and the impact of early testing on reproductive decisions. She emphasizes that while guidelines suggest waiting a year before testing, individual circumstances may warrant earlier evaluation. Dr. Crawford outlines key tests for fertility, including menstrual history, ovarian reserve testing (AMH and antral follicle count), anatomical evaluation (HSG or saline bubble test), and semen analysis. She also advises that testing should be considered for those with irregular periods, known endometriosis, or low libido. Dr. Crawford encourages proactive testing to make informed decisions and highlights the importance of data in planning future fertility efforts.

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Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

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If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford takes a deep dive into the science of ovarian reserve testing, exploring key indicators like AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) and antral follicle count. She walks listeners through the process of egg growth, ovulation, and how these tests offer crucial insights into a woman’s fertility potential. Dr. Crawford breaks down the importance of ovarian reserve testing—especially when it's not routinely recommended—and how it can be a game-changer for making informed family planning decisions. Addressing common questions, Dr. Crawford offers clarity on high and low AMH results, and provides expert advice on when to consider IVF, especially for those with low ovarian reserve.

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford addresses a listener's question about primary amenorrhea, discussing the absence of periods despite typical puberty signs and normal hormone levels. She explains the difference between primary and secondary amenorrhea, potential causes like ovarian failure, Mullerian aplasia, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and more. Most importantly, she emphasizes the importance of thorough evaluation and testing to determine the underlying cause.

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

Air Doctor - Go to AirDoctorPro.com and use code AAW to get up to $300 off!

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford gives her advice for navigating infertility during the holidays. Whether you are going through infertility or treatment or you have a family member or friend who is, this episode is for you. You deserve support. Don't be afraid to set boundaries, and communicate why they exist. Make a plan and be prepared if you are spending the holidays with family and know they are going to have questions. Give yourself the gift of education. Control what you can.

Natalie answers your fertility questions in FFS-For Fertility's Sake

What happens if a pregnancy occurs within a blocked tube?

Is 40 a super risky age to have a baby?

How to best support a friend who is going through IVF?

I have a calcification after my D&C. Can I gain fertility back after it is removed?

Is it normal to experience pain during and after ovulation?

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

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Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about male fertility.

Questions included:

1. I have been trying to get pregnant for 18 months, had a miscarriage, and am seeing a fertility specialist. My husband's sperm motility is 36% and morphology is 2%. The clinic says the numbers are minimally low and we can still try medicated cycles and IUI. I want feedback on whether we should stop the medicated cycles and focus on improving my husband's sperm first.
2. I have two healthy children but have had two recent miscarriages. My husband's semen analysis shows normal count/volume but only 3% normal morphology. I want to know if the low morphology could be causing the miscarriages and if we would still have a good chance of conceiving naturally.
3. My husband was treated for testicular cancer and we were able to bank his sperm. I am trying to decide whether to try IUI first or go straight to IVF given our limited sperm supply.
4. My husband has 1% sperm morphology but all other parameters are normal. I am getting mixed advice - the urologist thinks we can conceive naturally, but the RE recommends IUI. I want to understand more about the importance of morphology.

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about TTC and fertility. 

Questions Answered:

1. If you do a frozen embryo transfer and get pregnant, and you continue tracking your basal body temperature, if you have a large decrease in your basal body temperature, does that mean anything? And should you just stop tracking at all after you do have success and get pregnant with your basal body temperature to decrease any anxiety?
2. Could working overnight and day shifts as a nurse impact my trying to conceive journey?
3. When should I be talking to my doctor about my light periods after stopping birth control? What pre-screenings could my husband or I do?
4. I usually have cycles that range from 45 to 48 days. I've been tracking my ovulation at home, and it seems I'm ovulating around day 33. Should I be concerned about this cycle length?
5. I've been trying to conceive for about 10-11 months. Everything is good on my end and my husband's end. They recently prescribed me Letrozole and said I can do timed intercourse with that, or I could do an IUI this cycle. What would you recommend?

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail questions about various aspects of IVF.

Questions Answered:

1. Is priming with birth control necessary for an IVF cycle, and should I try a different protocol for my next cycle?
2. What is the difference between M1 and M2 eggs, and how often can M1 eggs reach maturity after retrieval?
3. How does a mid-luteal IVF protocol work, and is it a good option for me?
4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of waiting to fertilize eggs until after multiple retrievals, compared to fertilizing as I go?

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

Calm - Go to calm.com/aaw for 40% off a Calm premium subscription.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford answers voicemail question about ovulation.

Questions Answered:

1. How do high prolactin levels interact with progesterone and other hormones during pregnancy? Can stopping prolactin-lowering medication lead to miscarriage or other problems?
2. What does it mean if I frequently get bleeding either the day after or the day of ovulation? Does this mean I can't get pregnant?
3. I have PCOS and don't get regular periods. How long on average does it take someone like me to get pregnant, and what are the chances of success with ovulation induction medications?
4. I just finished my first cycle on letrozole. My progesterone test was low, but I started my period the next day. Does this mean I ovulated earlier than expected? Is it possible to have a period without ovulating?

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the importance of cycle tracking for reproductive health, emphasizing its relevance in the current political climate. She explains the menstrual cycle, including the roles of FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Various cycle tracking methods are detailed, such as the calendar method, rhythm method, standard days method, basal body temperature (BBT), cervical mucus monitoring, and urinary LH tests. Effectiveness rates for perfect and typical use are provided, highlighting the need for consistent tracking. Dr. Crawford also addresses the impact of hormonal birth control and IVF on cycle tracking accuracy.

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the impact of the recent election on reproductive health, focusing on IVF and contraceptive options. She reassures listeners that current IVF practices remain unchanged and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's reproductive health. She also advises against making immediate changes but highlights the need to be informed and prepared for potential future restrictions.

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

Uncommon Goods - Go to uncommongoods.com/aaw for 15% off your next gift.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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Dr. Natalie Crawford discusses the emotional and practical challenges of unexpected outcomes in fertility treatments, emphasizing the importance of preparation and understanding. She highlights the need for clear expectations and the role of various treatments like ovulation induction, IUI, and IVF. Dr. Crawford shares a case study of a 31-year-old woman with low AMH levels who experienced a failed IVF cycle, explaining the potential causes and next steps. She also addresses common questions about fertility treatments, such as estrogen dosing for frozen embryo transfers and the impact of lifestyle changes on sperm count.

Natalie answers your questions in FFS-For Fertility's Sake

1. How does your doctor decide how many days of estrogen you should have before your frozen embryo transfer?
2. Why did I not retrieve as many follicles as I was expected to?
3. How long does it take to increase sperm count, motility? And are there any tips?

Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, Q&A, special content and my FREE TTC Starter Kit and Vegan Starter Guide!

Don't forget to ask your questions on Instagram for next week’s For Fertility’s Sake segment when you see the question box on Natalie’s page @nataliecrawfordmd. You can also ask a question by calling in and leaving a voicemail. Call 657–229–3672 and ask your fertility question today!     

Thanks to our amazing sponsors! Check out these deals just for you:

Quince- Go to Quince.com/aaw for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Ritual-Go to ritual.com/AAW to start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today.

Hello Fresh - Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/aaw.

If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility.

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