Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. Today we welcome special guest Lauren Makler, Founder of Cofertility. In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the doctors sit down with Lauren Makler to explore why transparency is essential in modern egg donation. For years, donor conception carried an unnecessary layer of secrecy. Parents often felt shame discussing the use of an egg donor, and donor-conceived children sometimes internalized guilt or discomfort, feeling that the process was transactional, or that the donor was excluded from any meaningful connection. Lauren explains how the Cofertility model aims to reshape this narrative entirely. Prospective egg donors undergo extensive medical and psychological screening before being accepted. Those who qualify complete an extraordinarily detailed profile allowing families to choose a donor whose values, background, and goals align with theirs. The donor is empowered too since she keeps half of her eggs for future use. Only a limited number of families can match with each donor, and together, donors and recipient families determine their preferred level of ongoing contact. At minimum, recipients receive identifying information, but many matches opt for deeper communication, shared updates, or even in-person meetings over time. This thoughtful, relationship-centered approach helps ensure that donor-conceived children grow up with honesty, openness, and pride in their origin story. Transparency removes shame, strengthens family identity, and honors the donor’s contribution in a meaningful, human way. At its core, every child’s conception however it happens, should be embraced with joy, not secrecy. This podcast was sponsored by Cofertility.

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center. In this episode, our docs take a deep dive into one of the most pivotal decisions in an IVF cycle: when and how to trigger for egg retrieval. They break down the thought process behind choosing between an HCG trigger and a Lupron trigger, explaining why the choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. One of the biggest advantages of a Lupron trigger is its ability to dramatically reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a key consideration for patients with a high response to medication. But Lupron doesn’t work for everyone. The docs explain why patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea must use HCG to ensure proper follicle release, and why a fresh embryo transfer also requires an HCG trigger for optimal luteal support. The docs also discuss the many clinical clues that guide trigger timing. These include a patient’s historical response to stimulation, whether they’re planning a fresh or frozen transfer, and crucial hormonal cues such as a drop in estrogen that can signal impending ovulation. They even share how sometimes they bring patients into the office for an ultrasound on retrieval day to confirm that spontaneous ovulation hasn’t occurred. Finally, they cover the selective use of combined HCG + LH triggers, and which patients benefit most from this approach. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how reproductive endocrinologists make one of the most important calls in an IVF cycle. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility.

Join Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center, and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center to learn what to do after a failed embryo transfer. We discuss 20 steps to take if your transfer was unsuccessful. A failed embryo transfer can be heartbreaking, but it’s not the end of your journey. In this episode, the docs share the top 20 things to do—and not do—after a failed cycle. They discuss why it’s important to give yourself grace, seek emotional support from close friends and family, and take a break if you need one. The doctors explain how a brief pause between cycles can help you reset physically and mentally, and why even a few months away from treatment often makes no real difference in the long run. You’ll also hear about the value of getting a wellness checkup, optimizing your health before trying again, and consulting with your doctor about new options. After a failed transfer, you may now qualify for additional testing that wasn’t previously recommended. The docs caution against reflexively transferring more than one normal embryo—since twins or triplets can pose serious risks to both mother and babies—and encourage exploring different protocols if you’ve used the same regimen multiple times. Finally, they cover when to consider a second opinion, the benefits of embryo genetic testing, and how to make the most of your insurance coverage. Most importantly, they remind listeners to be kind to themselves and take the time they need to heal before moving forward. This podcast was sponsored by US Fertility.