Best Microfluidics Podcasts (2025)

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Inside the ZyMōt Chip: How Microfluidics Picks Better Sperm 12:45

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5h ago12:45

12:45

Send us a text In 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…

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Are Day-7 Embryos Doomed to Fail? The surprising science of late-blooming embryos — and why they still deserve a chance. 13:39

5h ago13:39

13:39

Send us a text Are 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…

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MitoSure or Mito-Not-Sure: Should You Trust the MitoSure Score? 12:56

6d ago12:56

12:56

Send us a text Today’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, bacte…

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Baby’s First Pictures: Decoding the First Trimester Ultrasound 13:14

13d ago13:14

13:14

Send us a text In 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…

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Pregnant After IVF or IUI: What to Do Next and What to Expect 12:23

1M ago12:23

12:23

Send us a text You 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 c…

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DOR Demystified: Why Diminished Ovarian Reserve Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All 15:45

28d ago15:45

15:45

Send us a text Understanding the different types of Diminished Ovarian Reserve and what they mean for your fertility journey Being 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 “automobi…

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From Superstar to So-So: Why Your Fertility Results Fluctuate 11:07

1M ago11:07

11:07

Send us a text Ever had an amazing IVF cycle followed by one that made you question everything? You’re not alone—and no, your ovaries didn’t suddenly revolt. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the statistical concept of regression to the mean—why extreme fertility outcomes often return to average over time. F…

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The Scariest Part of IVF—And Why It Terrifies Me as a Doctor 15:33

1M ago15:33

15:33

Send us a text There’s a lot to worry about in IVF: Will you get enough eggs? Will your embryos be normal? Will the transfer work? But for Dr. Mark Amols, there’s one part that truly keeps him up at night—fertilization. In this deeply personal episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Amols shares why fertilization is the most unpredictable and e…

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The Curious Case of the Missing Semen 12:34

2M ago12:34

12:34

Send us a text Where did the semen go? In this week’s episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols unpacks one of the lesser-discussed causes of male infertility—low semen volume and retrograde ejaculation. From the science of what makes up semen (spoiler: sperm is only about 3% of it!) to the coordinated dance between the sympathetic and…

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Balls in Your Court: Male Fertility Red Flags 14:53

2M ago14:53

14:53

Send us a text Think infertility is just a female issue? Think again. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols serves up some tough love (and solid science) about male fertility. From hormonal red flags and testicular trauma to lifestyle choices and personal history, this episode breaks down when men should consider that they …

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Superhero Hormone: What Progesterone Is Really Doing Behind the Scenes 14:54

2M ago14:54

14:54

Send us a text You’ve heard of estrogen, maybe even LH—but the real superhero in fertility? It’s progesterone. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols reveals how progesterone silently supports pregnancy, stabilizes the uterine lining, and prevents early contractions—all without the recognition it deserves. We break down the …

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Ugly Sperm? Why Morphology Might Not Matter as Much as You Think 12:37

3M ago12:37

12:37

Send us a text You've been told your sperm shape is the problem—but is it really? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what sperm morphology actually means, how it's measured, and whether a low morphology score truly impacts your chances of getting pregnant. We’ll explore: What “teratozoospermia” is—and why it …

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From Nurse to Nerd: Why I Became a Fertility Doctor 15:39

3M ago15:39

15:39

Send us a text This week’s episode is deeply personal. Dr. Mark Amols shares the journey that led him to become a fertility doctor—from his early days as a nurse, to witnessing a friend’s struggle with infertility, to navigating his own fertility challenges with his wife. You’ll learn how these experiences shaped his mission to make fertility care …

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Spotting An Opportunity, Crafting A Solution : EP41 36:56

3M ago36:56

36:56

Epinephrine auto-injectors, first developed in the 1970s, are the most common emergency treatments for anaphylaxis, often deadly allergic reactions. The limitations of liquid epinephrine and the device’s decades-old technology have kept these life-saving devices out of patients’ hands. Austin-based startup Windgap Medical, Inc. plans to break these…

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Got Milk? Understanding Hyperprolactinemia and Fertility 14:02

3M ago14:02

14:02

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most commonly overlooked causes of infertility: elevated prolactin levels, also known as hyperprolactinemia. If you’ve ever been asked about nipple discharge at a fertility consult and thought, “What does that have to do with getting pregnant?”—this…

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One Tube Wonder: What’s Next When One Tube’s Blocked? 13:28

3M ago13:28

13:28

Send us a text Can you still get pregnant if one fallopian tube is blocked? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what it really means when one of your fallopian tubes isn’t working. From proximal vs. distal blockages to the surprising truth about which ovary ovulates—and how often—it all matters more than you t…

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What Could Go Wrong? The Not-So-Fun Side of Fertility Treatments 18:24

3M ago18:24

18:24

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols pulls back the curtain on the often-unspoken truth: fertility treatments don’t always go as planned. From failed ovulation and sperm no-shows during IUI, to egg retrieval curveballs, fertilization failures, and embryo transfer nightmares in IVF—this episode covers the cha…

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When Your Best Embryo Fails: Is There Still Hope? 12:03

4M ago12:03

12:03

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explores one of the most common emotional pitfalls in IVF: the heartbreak of a failed transfer using your top-graded embryo. Using a relatable medical school analogy, he explains why even “average” embryos can still lead to pregnancy—and why the term “best” isn’t a guaran…

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Startup Advice for AI Enabled Products : 40 39:47

4M ago39:47

39:47

Hundreds of approved devices use artificial intelligence to help physicians diagnose patients faster and more accurately. Brooke & Associates is a legal and regulatory advisory firm that helps medical device makers get AI-powered devices through FDA pre-market approval. In Episode #40 of the MedTech Speed to Data podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and…

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Egg-spectations: What’s a Normal Egg Count in IVF? 13:46

4M ago13:46

13:46

Send us a text How many eggs should you expect during IVF? Is 8 enough? Is 20 too many? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols cracks open the real data behind egg retrieval numbers and answers the question everyone’s asking: “Am I making enough eggs?” We break down what’s normal by age, what counts as mature, and why having…

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Fast Track or Wait? Fertility Treatment Over 40 Explained - The FORT-T Study Illuminated 12:37

4M ago12:37

12:37

Send us a text They say life begins at 40—but what about fertility? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the real numbers, treatment options, and emotional journey of trying to conceive after 40. We take a deep dive into the groundbreaking FORT-T trial and how it flipped the script on fertility treatment for wo…

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Glued from the Inside: The Truth About Asherman's Syndrome 16:12

5M ago16:12

16:12

Send us a text What if your uterus looked normal on the outside—but inside, it was glued shut? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the rarely discussed but deeply impactful condition known as Asherman's Syndrome. From why some women are more likely to develop intrauterine adhesions (think “keloid-level healing…

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Primed and Ready: Choosing the Right IVF Prep for Your Body 17:57

5M ago17:57

17:57

Send us a text Are all IVF cycles created equal? Not even close. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the science of IVF priming—covering everything from birth control pills, estrogen, progesterone, and Lupron to the emerging role of androgen priming with DHEA and testosterone. Learn how synchronization, FS…

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“How Could PGT Be So Wrong?” – When the Problem Isn’t the Test, It’s the Interpretation 14:05

5M ago14:05

14:05

Send us a text Can embryos labeled as “abnormal” still lead to healthy babies? Are fertility clinics discarding embryos that could result in a pregnancy? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the controversy surrounding Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A). You’ve seen the headlines — abnormal …

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What PGT-A Really Does: It Doesn’t Fix Embryos—It Sorts Them 13:37

5M ago13:37

13:37

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down one of the most misunderstood aspects of fertility treatment: what PGT (preimplantation genetic testing) really does—and what it doesn't. Contrary to popular belief, PGT doesn't improve embryo quality. It simply helps prioritize which embryos to transfer first…

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Rare but Real: The Tragedy of Hailey Okula and the Truth About AFE 13:07

5M ago13:07

13:07

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols honors the life and legacy of Hailey Marie Okula—beloved nurse, influencer, and new mother—who tragically passed away from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) shortly after giving birth. Hailey’s story, while devastating, has left many women afraid to pursue pregnancy…

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Where Did My Eggs Go? Unpacking the Myth of Empty Follicle Syndrome 13:22

6M ago13:22

13:22

Send us a text You've done the ultrasounds, the shots, the bloodwork — and then retrieval day comes, and... nothing. Zero eggs. What just happened? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives into one of the most confusing and emotionally crushing outcomes in IVF: Empty Follicle Syndrome (EFS). But before you panic, know th…

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Scroll with Caution: Fertility Advice from the Internet (and Why It Might Be Wrong for You) 12:35

6M ago12:35

12:35

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives into the world of online fertility advice—from Facebook groups to TikTok trends—and explores why some well-meaning suggestions can actually do more harm than good. You’ll hear real stories of patients misled by online advice, the dangers of taking recommendations ou…

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Adapting to Market Needs: From Advanced Biotelemetry to Organ Transport Logistics : 39 42:59

6M ago42:59

42:59

Successful organ transplants depend on quickly getting donor organs to their recipients. MediGO, now part of CareDx, pioneered logistics technologies that help make these life-saving procedures more successful than ever. In Episode #39 of the MedTech Speed to Data podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and Lauren Eskew speak with MediGO co-founder Dr. Jos…

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Game Plan for Fertility: Timing Your Best Play 13:17

6M ago13:17

13:17

Send us a text When it comes to fertility, timing is everything. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the "window of opportunity"—the crucial period where certain fertility treatments are most effective. Using football analogies, Dr. Amols explains why some treatments, like IUI, can be done at almost any age, w…

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Second Chances: Should You Rebiopsy Your Embryo? 19:35

6M ago19:35

19:35

Send us a text Have you ever heard of giving an embryo a second chance at genetic testing? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the fascinating world of embryo rebiopsy—what it is, why it’s performed, and whether it’s the right choice for your IVF journey. When genetic testing of embryos (PGT-A) yields uncl…

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Free IVF? What Trump’s New Executive Order Could Mean for Fertility Patients 13:39

7M ago13:39

13:39

Send us a text Could free IVF really become a reality? President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), and it’s stirring up big conversations in the fertility world. But what does this order actually do—and just as importantly, what does it not do? In this episode, we break it all down: …

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Decoding hCG: Can One Number Predict Your Pregnancy? 15:43

7M ago15:43

15:43

Send us a text The two-week wait after fertility treatment can feel endless, but what if a single blood test could give you insight into your pregnancy’s future? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, we break down the science behind hCG levels at 16 days post-ovulation and how they predict pregnancy outcomes. We’ll discuss the role of hCG…

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From Fear to Confidence: When Pregnancy Becomes Safer 12:36

7M ago12:36

12:36

Send us a text The moment you see a positive pregnancy test, excitement kicks in—but so does fear. Every cramp, every symptom (or lack of symptoms) can send you spiraling into anxiety. And for those who’ve battled infertility, that fear is even more intense. But when does the risk of miscarriage truly drop? When can you finally breathe easier and e…

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Identifying the Need for a Wearable Solution to Overactive Bladder: Insights from Market Research with Patients, Providers, and Payers : 38 51:26

7M ago51:26

51:26

Ohio-based Avation Medical has developed a bioelectric wearable device for at-home treatment of overactive bladder, promising improved quality of life for patients suffering from the most common cause of incontinence and urinary urgency. In Episode #38 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Andy Rogers discusses the Vivally System, entrepreneurship,…

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Vanishing Embryo: Understanding Blighted Ovums 13:34

7M ago13:34

13:34

Send us a text A positive pregnancy test, rising HCG levels, and all the symptoms of early pregnancy—yet no embryo ever forms. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, we unravel the mystery of blighted ovums. Why does a pregnancy start but not develop? Is it a genetic issue or a developmental failure? Why do some women not realize there's a…

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Embryo Math: Why Aneuploidy Doesn’t Mean a Chromosomal Disorder 13:56

7M ago13:56

13:56

Send us a text Many patients panic when their PGT results show numerous abnormal embryos, fearing that this means they have a high chance of having a baby with a chromosomal disorder. But is that really true? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the math behind aneuploid embryos, explaining why most won’t lead …

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Bumps in the Road: Fibroids and Fertility Explained 20:20

8M ago20:20

20:20

Send us a text Fibroids are common, but when do they actually impact fertility? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives into everything you need to know about fibroids—their types, how they’re diagnosed, their effect on fertility, and the latest treatment options. Whether you're trying to conceive or just curious about …

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One at a Time: Why Single Embryo Transfers Win the Odds 16:12

8M ago16:12

16:12

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols explores why transferring one embryo at a time often leads to better outcomes than transferring two simultaneously. Building on previous discussions about statistics and probabilities, this episode dives into the math, biology, and risks associated with multiple embryo tr…

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Probability & Parenthood: Making Sense of Fertility Odds 20:05

8M ago20:05

20:05

Send us a text Ever wonder why trying the same fertility treatment more than once doesn’t just double your chances of success? Or how putting back two embryos could actually lower your overall chances of a live birth? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the math behind fertility treatments, exploring how proba…

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Developing a Clinically Useful Pain Assessment Tool : 37 34:04

8M ago34:04

34:04

Transforming Chronic Pain Treatment with a Lean, Data-focused Development Strategy Based in Washington, DC, AlgometRx has developed a technology platform that will let clinicians perform objective pain assessments to improve treatments for chronic pain. In Episode 37 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers and AlgometRx Chief O…

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Never Give Up: Finding Hope in Fertility Challenges 19:28

8M ago19:28

19:28

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols shares his personal fertility journey, reflecting on the fears, challenges, and triumphs of building a family. Through heartfelt stories and compelling statistics, he highlights the significance of perseverance in fertility treatments. Whether it’s overcoming fi…

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To Test or Not to Test: The Early Pregnancy Debate After IVF 12:57

9M ago12:57

12:57

Send us a text Ever wondered if testing early after an IVF embryo transfer is worth the stress—or the potential answers it might bring? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols tackles the big question many IVF patients face: to test or not to test before the official day 10 pregnancy test. We explore why clinics often discour…

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Fertility Tidings and Holiday Cheer: A Short Christmas Special 2:30

9M ago2:30

2:30

Send us a text In this special Christmas Eve episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Amols shares warm holiday wishes and a few surprising fertility-themed fun facts that tie into the festive season. Discover why Christmas is a popular time for conception, the ancient fertility symbolism of mistletoe and evergreen trees, and how the peaceful ho…

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Timing Ovulation: Unlocking the Keys to Conception 14:08

9M ago14:08

14:08

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols revisits the critical topic of ovulation timing with a fresh, in-depth perspective. Understanding when ovulation occurs is essential for maximizing your chances of conception, and this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical tools to help you track it…

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End-to-End Responsibilities for Early Development : 36 38:17

9M ago38:17

38:17

Data drives MedTech growth, from the leanest startup to the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical company. In Episode #36 of the MedTech Speed to Data Podcast, Key Tech’s Andy Rogers discusses data-driven trends in medical technology with Anand Subramony, Eli Lilly’s Vice President of Drug Delivery, Device, Connected Solutions & Innovation. Need to …

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Priming for IVF: Balancing Synchronization and Suppression 17:25

9M ago17:25

17:25

Send us a text Today, we dive into the world of IVF priming and uncover the delicate balance between synchronization and suppression. Learn how different priming methods like combined oral contraceptives, estrogen-only, progesterone-only, and cold starts play a pivotal role in setting the stage for successful outcomes. Whether you’re curious about …

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Half the Equation: Unlocking Male Fertility Through Semen Analysis 18:55

10M ago18:55

18:55

Send us a text Infertility is often seen as a female issue, but the truth is men are half the equation. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols shifts the spotlight to male fertility and the critical role of the semen analysis in evaluating reproductive health. A semen analysis isn’t just a basic test—it’s a window into the “…

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Frozen Embryo Transfers Demystified: Natural, Modified Natural, and Programmed Cycles 17:50

10M ago17:50

17:50

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the world of frozen embryo transfers (FETs). If you’ve been through IVF, chances are you have frozen embryos ready for transfer—but how do you decide the best way to prepare your body for implantation? Dr. Amols breaks down the three main approaches to FET…

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Thawing Fears: Why Today’s Embryo Freezing is Safer Than Ever 15:34

10M ago15:34

15:34

Send us a text In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols dives deep into the often-anxious topic of embryo thawing, addressing the common fears patients feel about their embryos surviving the thaw. Dr. Amols takes listeners on a journey through the history of embryo freezing—from early techniques like slow freezing at the pronu…