#157. How to make the IVF decision

This week’s episode I sat down with Ryan Woodbury, co-founder and co-CEO of one of our favourite supplement company’s Needed who are championing radically better nutrition for women, their families and the earth. Ryan shared with us the shocking discoveries of Needed’s IRB-approved clinical study, and that they found 95% of women were nutritionally depleted, even if they were taking a standard prenatal already. We chatted about the importance of tailored nutrition support, why we’re seeing these nutrient deficiencies basically across the board in women, and how we can support women through fertility and pregnancy in a more well-rounded way.    You can read more about Needed’s clinical study at thisisneeded.com/thrive or learn more about why this is important and how to help at neededacademy.com    Needed also has generously offered our podcast community 20% off their first order of supplements with the code DRKELSEY over at thisisneeded.com  Ready to lay the foundational groundwork to optimize your chances of getting pregnant, and include our partner in the process with research-driven support? Join our Conceive Together Challenge and walk away with both of your next steps! Check it out at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/ctchallenge

In this week’s episode, I got to sit down with Victoria Myers, period recovery specialist, RDH and  host of the Nourishing Women Podcast to chat about all things Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and fertility. Victoria shares her personal experience and advocates for a better understanding of eating disorders in the fertility space. We covered common misdiagnoses, the need for a supportive care team, and the recovery process when a fertility journey is involved. Learn so many valuable tips and strategies for your own period recovery journey!   Find more from Victoria Myers over on Instagram @nourishingmindsnutrition and make sure to  check out her podcast Nourshing Women Podcast.   Ready to dig deeper on your fertility journey but don’t know where to start? Fertility Labs 101 walks you through the full assessment we do with our clients, what the labs mean and how to interpret your results based on optimal guidelines for fertility. Grab your copy for just $17 over at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs    **Please note that Victoria mistakenly stated "low estrogen" instead of "high estrogen" when discussing PCOS lab work in comparison to HA lab work.**  

This week’s episode we’re covering a big beef of mine in the fertility community. Women get so hung up on this number they can lose sleep over it. Here’s why using the right metrics matters and how to make things way simpler for yourself. Find out what fertility number I’m NOT promoting here!   Thank you Needed for our amazing podcast sponsorship. Check out Needed’s products over at thisisneeded.com and use the code DRKELSEY for 20% off your first order.   It’s not too late to join our free 5-day Bootcamp from June 2-6th! Come hang out with us and build your fertility care plan at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/bootcamp    Curious about what labs to order or what your labs actually mean? Get Fertility Labs 101 for just $17 and have our full FCM lab assessment at your finger tips + all the optimal lab values you’re aiming for, for both you and your partner! ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs   

In this episode we are exploring the controversial connection between asthma and fertility. I’m going to share some of the research we have so far showing how asthma can impact pregnancy outcomes, particularly in relation to recurrent miscarriage. How the immune system plays a role in infertility and miscarriage is not talked about - but this is impacting so many couples worldwide! I cover we we need to care, what the testing looks like and how you can support your body if you come back with positive markers.   Want more support? Join me in my free 5-day Fertility Confidence Bootcamp starting June 2nd and get started on the next step of your fertility care plan with me. Register at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/bootcamp   Thank you to our amazing podcast sponsor, Needed. You can save 20% off your first order with code DRKELSEY at thisisneeded.com.   Want a step by step plan backed by science and based on your own unique fertility identifiers? Let’s get to the root cause together and make a baby. Learn more about how Fertility Confidence Method can support you at downloads.kelseyduncan.com/results  

Today we’re discussing the often-overlooked topic of insulin resistance and its significant impact on both male and female fertility. In order to boost your chances of conceiving a Whole Couple Approach to fertility is important. This episode is explaining how insulin resistance can affect ovulation, hormone levels, and overall reproductive health for both partners. The conversation aims to empower couples on their fertility journey by providing them with the knowledge and tools to optimize their chances of conception.   Curious about what a proper fertility lab work up looks like? Unsure what your numbers mean or what good numbers are? Check out Fertility Labs 101 for a full breakdown for both men and women for just $17. Grab your copy here at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs    Thank you to our amazing podcast sponsor, Needed. Check out their amazing product selection for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum support at thisisneeded.com and use the code DRKELSEY for 20% off your first order.   Our FREE Fertility Confidence Bootcamp is happening June 2nd-6th and you’re invited! Start building out your fertility care plan with me and other like-minded women. Join us at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/bootcamp   

Today we’re chatting about one of the most common reasons for male factor infertility - varicoceles! This tiny issue can have a potentially big impact on the fertility journey, and yet it’s often being missed or not even looked for during your fertility assessment. Even if numbers are within normal, if they aren’t optimal this may be a bigger issue! Find out more about diagnosis, advocacy and management by listening.   Thank you to our amazing podcast sponsor, Needed. Grab yourself quality and third-party tested supplements over at thisisneeded.com and use the code DRKELSEY for 20% off your first order.   Other male fertility podcast episodes: E153. 3 Causes of Low Sperm Count that Supplements Won’t Fix E148. When Should Your Partner Get Fertility Labs? E147. Opening the Conversation on Men’s Mental Health E130. Don’t Forget This Important Part of a Semen Analysis   Curious about male fertility testing and how to interpret your man’s labs (and yours!) based on research-optimal levels? Check out Fertility Labs 101 for a full breakdown of what a proper fertility assessment should look like and how to know what your labs even mean. ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs

This week’s episode is an insightful interview with fertility advocates April Christina and Connie Stark. We covered all things endometriosis, and April Christina shared her personal journey with endo diagnosis and how that’s impacted her fertility journey. Even if endo isn’t on your radar for your fertility journey, this is a must listen to learn how to navigate advocating for yourself to get answers and solutions for your fertility.   Check out Fertility Out Loud for more fertility resources and access to 1:1 coaching.   Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Needed! Enjoy 20% off your first order at thisisneeded.com Curious about what labs to run for fertility investigation, or maybe you’ve had labs done but have no idea what they mean? Check out Fertility Labs 101 to get our full access lab assessment we use with our private clients and exactly what numbers you want to see for optimal fertility for both you and your partner. Grab your copy today at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/fertility-labs

In this episode of the Fertility Confidence Podcast, Dr. Kelsey Duncan speaks with Monica Cox about her personal fertility journey, the importance of self-care, surrender, and radical responsibility in the fertility process. Monica shares her experiences with failed IVF attempts, miscarriages, and the emotional toll of the journey. They discuss the significance of mindset, emotional healing, and the need for women to embrace their innate fertility. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being kind to oneself and recognizing the impact of personal health on future generations.   Create your cozy sanctuary with Cozy Earth’s amazing bamboo sheets. Save 40% with the code FCM at cozyearth.com. 

The golden question: “I’m super healthy… why am I not getting pregnant?”. Have you asked yourself this before? You’re not alone. The reality is fertility is more complex for some couples. In today’s episode we’re covering three things to consider if you feel like you’re already healthy and don’t know where to go from here on your fertility journey. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Needed! Check out Needed’s amazing fertility and pregnancy support supplements at thisisneeded.com and enjoy 25% off with the code DRKELSEY. Ready to go deeper? Check out our free masterclass Mastering Your Fertility Potential (As a Couple) over at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/myfp.

Today we’re talking about the complex decision making process when it comes to the IVF decision. We cover the barriers to access, how age does need to play a role, as well as your own personal decisions. I walk you through the conversation and questions to ask yourself and your partner the same way I do with our FCM clients who are in the same space as you.   Thank you so much to our amazing podcast sponsor, Needed. Check out their fertility, pregnancy and postpartum products over on thisisneeded.com and use the code DRKELSEY for 20% off your first order.   Want a done-for-you fertility action plan that’s based on your own body's unique needs (as well as your partners) + hands on support from me and my team? Learn more about Fertility Confidence Method at ttc.kelseyduncan.com/results.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction to IVF Decision-Making 03:15 Understanding Financial and Emotional Barriers 05:37 The Role of Age in Fertility Decisions 08:59 Personal Timelines and Family Planning 12:14 Questions to Consider Before IVF 18:19 The Importance of Partner Communication 22:15 Gathering Information for Informed Decisions 27:38 Addressing Misconceptions About IVF