Shows
Taco Bout Fertility TuesdayThe Incubator Inside You: IVC and the Baby Pod ExplainedSend a textWhen you see a fertility doctor, you’re usually offered two paths: IUI or IVF. But what if there’s a middle ground?In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down IntraVaginal Culture (IVC) — a treatment where your body becomes the incubator. At our clinic, we call the device the “Baby Pod,” and it offers a meaningful step up from IUI without the full cost and complexity of IVF.Dr. Amols explains how IVC works, why it is not the same as IVF, and why marketing...
2026-02-2513 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayIs My Embryo Really Mine? The Truth About IVF Mix-UpsSend a textEvery IVF patient has wondered it at least once: Is my embryo really mine?Every so often, a story makes headlines about an IVF mix-up. While these cases are heartbreaking, they are extraordinarily rare — occurring approximately 1–2 times per million IVF births.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down:How IVF labs prevent embryo mix-upsThe role of double witnessing and lab verificationElectronic witnessing systems (RFID, barcodes, and AI)Whether new technology truly reduces errorsHow DNA testing can confirm embryo identityWhy human vigila...
2026-02-1817 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayThe Lie of the Perfect Embryo: Why Euploid Doesn’t Mean GuaranteedSend a textYou were told your embryo was “perfect.” It was euploid. Genetically normal. The best one.So why didn’t it work?In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the truth behind PGT testing and explains why even genetically normal embryos can fail to implant or result in miscarriage.You’ll learn:What PGT-A actually tests (and what it doesn’t)The difference between chromosomal abnormalities and single gene disordersWhy microdeletions and tiny DNA changes can go undetectedHow embryo biopsy sampling works (and its limitations)Why implantatio...
2026-02-1112 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayWhy IVF Medications Just Got Cheaper (and What That Changes)Send a textFor years, fertility medications were one of the biggest and least controllable costs in IVF—sometimes costing more than the procedure itself. Then, almost overnight, prices dropped by nearly 50%.In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols explains what actually caused this dramatic shift, how government policy and pharmaceutical competition reshaped pricing, and why this change is already affecting IVF protocols. He breaks down what lower gonadotropin costs mean for patients, how this impacts the use of Menopur, and why low-dose hCG is now becoming a more cost-effective alternative for LH activity in many cy...
2026-02-0411 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayBack-to-Back, DuoStim, or Just IVF Twice? Let’s Clear This UpSend a textIVF terms like back-to-back cycles, DuoStim, double stimulation, and accelerated IVF are often used interchangeably—but they don’t mean the same thing. And confusing them can lead to unrealistic expectations.In this episode of Taco ’Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what these terms actually mean, how they differ, and—most importantly—when one approach may make sense over another. We talk about why doing IVF twice doesn’t magically improve egg quality, how ovarian biology and timing matter more than buzzwords, and why faster isn’t always better...
2026-01-2813 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayLooks Good on Paper: Why Normal Fertility Tests Don’t Guarantee PregnancySend a textFertility tests can look perfect on paper—and pregnancy still doesn’t happen.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down why many fertility treatments, especially IUI, are built on assumptions rather than certainty. Tests like the HSG can confirm that fallopian tubes are open, but they cannot prove that the tubes are functional. Semen analysis can look normal, but it cannot confirm that sperm can reach the egg or successfully fertilize it.This gap between testing and reality is why IUI often requ...
2026-01-2113 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayReplay: Embryo Glue — Should You Use It? (New Evidence Next Week)Send a textThis is a replay of our 2023 episode on embryo glue. The discussion reflects the evidence available at that time.A lot has changed since this episode was first released. Listen again — because next week we’ll be back with a brand-new episode covering newer data and updated evidence you won’t want to miss.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Embryo Glue: Is it a glue? Does it help? Should you use it?In this episode we discuss the what, how and why about embryo glue. We also discuss what t...
2026-01-0715 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayHigh-Level Mosaic Embryos: Rare Chances, Real QuestionsSend a textWhat happens when an embryo never even makes it to the report? In this week’s episode of Taco About Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols tackles the complicated world of high-level mosaic embryos—the lesser-known, often misunderstood siblings of low-level mosaics.Learn why some labs label these embryos as “aneuploid,” why others report them as “mosaic,” and how that single label could decide whether an embryo is transferred or discarded.We break down the true live birth odds, explain what high-level mosaicism really means, and walk through the...
2025-12-1715 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayWhen the Math Ain’t Mathing: How Too Many Mosaics Can Hurt Pregnancy RatesSend a textIn this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most overlooked problems in modern fertility care: the hidden harm of overcalling mosaic embryos.We begin with a surprising math puzzle from a 2023 study by Dr. Jonah Bardos in Fertility & Sterility, where the lab reporting the highest euploid rate also had the highest live birth rate—a result that shouldn’t happen if “more abnormal embryos were slipping through.” Instead, the math points to something deeper.Dr. Amols explains what mosaicis...
2025-12-1011 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayAre You ‘Cheating’ on Your Fertility Doctor by Getting a Second Opinion?Send a textIn this eye-opening episode, Dr. Amols tackles a question most patients are too embarrassed to ask out loud: Does getting a second opinion mean you’re cheating on your fertility doctor?Inspired by a real patient interaction, he breaks down why fertility care feels so personal, why patients often feel guilty seeking outside input, and why no confident doctor should ever take it personally. You’ll hear how second opinions can validate your plan, reveal new options, and ultimately strengthen your confidence — not sabotage your treatment.You’ll learn: • Why fertili...
2025-12-0311 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayGood Eggs Gone Bad: Why Perfect-Looking Eggs Still FailSend a textWhy do eggs that look perfect on retrieval day sometimes lead to poor embryos, failed implantation, or no pregnancy at all? If your clinic once told you your eggs “look great,” only to later say the cycle failed due to an egg issue… you’re not alone. And no, your doctor didn’t lie to you.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols unpacks one of the biggest misunderstandings in IVF: the difference between how an egg looks and how an egg...
2025-11-2614 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayWhat to Expect at Your IUI: The Process, the Math, and the RealitySend a textIUI is simple—but the expectations, emotions, and math behind it definitely aren’t. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols walks you through exactly what to expect during an IUI cycle, from the first ultrasound to the trigger shot to the quick, 30-second insemination appointment. You’ll learn who IUI works best for, why success rates aren’t as straightforward as they seem, and how your odds really build with each cycle. Whether you’re preparing for your first IUI or deciding whether to keep going, this episode gi...
2025-11-1915 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayFewer Embryos, Smarter Strategy: How to Avoid the Spare Embryo DilemmaSend a textWhat happens when IVF success leaves you with more embryos than you ever planned for? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols tackles the emotional and practical side of “extra embryos.” He explains why the U.S. system often pushes patients to create as many embryos as possible — and how cost, culture, and regulation shape that pressure.You’ll learn the pros and cons of mini-IVF, selective fertilization, and egg-only freezing, and why “more” isn’t always better when it comes to emb...
2025-11-1212 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayDoctors Have Feelings Too: The Human Side of Fertility CareSend a textIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols opens up about something doctors rarely say out loud — that we have feelings too.Step behind the white coat to hear the human side of fertility care: the burnout that comes with modern medicine, the emotional weight of every failed cycle, and the reality of being judged not by effort, but by outcomes. Dr. Amols shares raw stories about patient misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, and the painful impact of online reviews that don’t always reflect the truth.
2025-11-0516 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayWhen Nature Meets Science: How Naturopaths and Fertility Doctors Work TogetherSend a textThis week on Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols sits down with fertility naturopath and nutritionist Tasha Jennings to explore how natural and medical approaches to fertility can work hand in hand.Together, they break down the science behind how nutrition, lifestyle, and epigenetics can influence egg and sperm quality — and how collaboration between naturopaths and fertility specialists can lead to healthier pregnancies and better IVF outcomes.From real patient stories to myth-busting the “magic of IVF,” this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to tak...
2025-10-2922 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayThe 120% Illusion: When Doing More Tests Doesn’t Mean Better ResultsSend a textCan you really boost your IVF success rate by doing everything before an embryo transfer? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most common misconceptions in fertility treatment — the belief that more testing automatically means better results. From ERA and Receptiva testing to add-ons like PRP or HCG washes, Dr. Amols explains why these extra steps can’t push your chances beyond what the embryo already has — because you can’t beat the math.Using simple numbers, national success rate data, and a me...
2025-10-2214 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayLies, Damn Lies, and IVF StatisticsSend a textAre fertility clinics telling you the whole truth about their success rates? In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the hidden math behind IVF statistics — and exposes how “creative marketing” can make average results look amazing.Learn why pregnancy rates don’t always mean babies, how clinics use “per transfer” versus “per cycle” numbers to their advantage, and what to look for in real CDC data before choosing a fertility center.From the “we take the toughest patients” myth to the truth about PGT and donor egg statistics, you’ll walk away knowing h...
2025-10-1512 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayClomid vs. Femara: Why Two Similar Fertility Pills Work So DifferentlySend a textNot all fertility pills are created equal. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the real differences between Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Femara (letrozole)—two medications that may look the same but work in totally different ways.Learn how each medication triggers ovulation, why increasing your dose doesn’t always improve your chances, and when doctors decide to switch from oral pills to injectable gonadotropins. Dr. Amols also shares the surprising origins of both drugs (spoiler: one started as birth cont...
2025-10-0814 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayPooling Frozen Sperm for IUI—and What Freezing Really MeansSend a textFreezing is one of the most powerful tools in modern fertility—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols unpacks the science behind freezing sperm, eggs, and embryos. Why do eggs and embryos need vitrification while sperm are slow-frozen? Does freezing harm fertility? Why can’t multiple sperm samples just be frozen and combined for IUI? And does the length of time embryos are frozen affect success?From the history of freezing to survival rates and real-life applications, this e...
2025-10-0116 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayThe Needle in the Egg: Should You Choose ICSI?Send a textICSI—also known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection—sounds complicated, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in modern IVF. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what ICSI really is (hint: it’s the ‘needle in the egg’), when it’s a game-changer, and when it might just be an unnecessary add-on. From male factor infertility to frozen eggs, genetic testing, and even rescue ICSI, you’ll learn exactly when this treatment makes sense and when it doesn’t—so you can make the right choice for...
2025-09-2417 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayAre Day-7 Embryos Doomed to Fail? The surprising science of late-blooming embryos — and why they still deserve a chance.Send a textAre Day-7 embryos doomed to fail — or are they just late bloomers? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explains why embryos that don’t reach blastocyst until Day 7 have lower implantation and live birth rates compared to Day 5 or 6. Using a marathon analogy, he breaks down how timing reflects embryo quality, metabolism, and chromosomal health. You’ll also hear the surprising history of Day-7 embryos — from being discarded in the early 2000s to becoming a viable option thanks to advances in culture systems and vitrification. Most importan...
2025-09-1713 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayInside the ZyMōt Chip: How Microfluidics Picks Better SpermSend a textIn this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols takes a deep dive into the ZyMōt microfluidic sperm chip — a device designed to mimic nature’s way of selecting the healthiest sperm.We explore:Why sperm DNA fragmentation matters for fertilization, embryo quality, and miscarriage risk.How the ZyMōt chip works compared to traditional methods like swim-up and density gradient centrifugation.What the science really shows — from lab data to clinical trials — including studies where the chip nearly doubled live birth rates in male-facto...
2025-09-1012 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayMitoSure or Mito-Not-Sure: Should You Trust the MitoSure Score?Send a textToday’s episode comes straight from a listener question: What’s the deal with MitoSure? Is this mitochondria-based score the secret weapon in embryo selection — or just another lab test with a fancy name and fuzzy usefulness?Join Dr. Mark Amols as he takes you on a wild science ride from embryo scoring to evolutionary biology, bacterial roommates, and the ancient origin of mitochondria. You'll learn what MitoSure actually measures, why the same embryo could score a “2” in one lab and an “18” in another, and why most fertility specialists still treat it as a tiebreake...
2025-09-0312 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayBaby’s First Pictures: Decoding the First Trimester UltrasoundSend a textIn this week’s episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols takes you on a guided tour of your baby’s very first pictures—the first trimester ultrasound. From the tiny gestational sac to the yolk sac (your baby’s first lunchbox), to the fetal pole and that reassuring flicker of a heartbeat, Dr. Amols explains what each step really means and when you should expect to see it. You’ll also learn:Why we stop checking hCG once we see the sacWhat it means if a yolk sac is missing...
2025-08-2713 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayPregnant After IVF or IUI: What to Do Next and What to ExpectSend a textYou finally got the positive test after IVF or IUI — now what? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols walks you through the first steps after a positive pregnancy test, from confirming with beta hCG bloodwork to your first ultrasound. Learn why rising numbers matter more than the absolute hCG value, why it’s crucial not to stop progesterone or estrogen too early, and what milestones to expect in the first 6–10 weeks.Dr. Amols also shares common myths, tips for healthy habits, and insight into the emotional rollercoaster of “gr...
2025-08-2012 minTaco Bout Fertility TuesdayDOR Demystified: Why Diminished Ovarian Reserve Isn’t One-Size-Fits-AllSend a textUnderstanding the different types of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and what they mean for your fertility journeyBeing told you have Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) can feel overwhelming — but the truth is, it’s not the same diagnosis for everyone. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the “automobile” analogy to explain why DOR is a broad category that can mean very different things depending on the cause.You’ll learn:The four common “models” of DOR and how each affects fertilityWhy age, AMH, AFC...
2025-08-1315 min