Welcome to the new and improved Brave & Curious podcast, where we dive deep into the world of fertility, reproductive health, and overall wellness. If you're a loyal listener, you may have known this show previously as "Baby or Bust" - but don't worry, the mission behind it remains the same.

Dr. Lora Shahine, your host and a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, is here to guide you through the complexities of your reproductive journey with science, compassion, and a whole lot of bravery and curiosity.

The anticipation of seeing those two pink lines on a pregnancy test can feel both thrilling and agonizing, especially during the dreaded two-week wait. During this time, many hopeful parents-to-be find themselves hyper-focused on every subtle bodily change, searching for any potential signs of early pregnancy.

In this comprehensive guide, double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lora Shahine shares her expert insights on decoding the early signs of pregnancy. We'll explore the role of the menstrual cycle, common symptoms to watch for, and the biggest mistakes people make when trying to detect pregnancy too soon. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of your body's signals and the most effective ways to test for a positive result.

If you're considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) now or in the future, one of the first questions you'll likely have is: how long does the IVF process actually take? The answer can vary quite a bit depending on your personal situation, clinic protocols, and goals. But understanding the typical IVF timeline is crucial for setting realistic expectations and managing the emotional ups and downs of this journey.

Egg quality is a critical factor when it comes to fertility and building a family. As a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, I've helped countless patients understand the importance of egg quality and take proactive steps to improve it.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the top five evidence-based strategies to boost your egg quality and overall reproductive health.

Miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience that affects 1 in 4 pregnancies. While the emotional toll can be devastating, understanding the different types of miscarriage and their medical implications is crucial for navigating this difficult journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the 10 distinct types of miscarriage, their causes, and why recognizing the nuances of each one matters for your health and future family planning.

In my practice in Seattle, I've witnessed the devastating impact of wildfires on air quality, especially during the summer months. Smoke and particulate matter from these fires can travel hundreds of miles, affecting the health and fertility of people far beyond the immediate fire zones. And it's not just wildfires - air pollution from industrial sources, traffic, and other human activities can also wreak havoc on our reproductive systems.

So, what does the research say about the connection between air quality and fertility? Let's dive in.

If you're getting ready for your embryo transfer, it's an incredibly exciting time - the culmination of so much hard work on your fertility journey. But it's also normal to feel some anxiety about what to expect and how to maximize your chances of success.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the entire embryo transfer process step-by-step, so you can feel informed and empowered on the big day.

If your doctor has recommended an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) test, you may be feeling uncertain about what to expect. How does an HSG work? Will it be painful? What might the results mean for your fertility journey? And how can you best prepare to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible?

Trying to conceive can be a complex and often confusing journey, with one of the most crucial factors being understanding your ovulation cycle.

Knowing when you're ovulating and how to recognize the signs can make all the difference in optimizing your chances of getting pregnant. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the science of ovulation, explore the various methods for tracking it, and provide you with practical tips to help you navigate this essential aspect of your fertility journey.

If you're trying to conceive, the two-week wait between ovulation and a potential positive pregnancy test can feel like an eternity. During this time, you may find yourself hyper-focused on every little bodily change, wondering if it's a sign of pregnancy or just the start of your next period. One of the most common questions I receive from patients is how to differentiate between implantation bleeding and regular menstrual bleeding. Let's dive in and explore the key differences.

The two-week wait is a brutal experience for anyone trying to conceive. This period of time between potential conception and pregnancy confirmation can feel like an eternity, filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and a rollercoaster of emotions. As a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and OBGYN who has helped patients navigate this challenging phase for over 20 years, I've seen firsthand the mental and emotional toll it can take.

But I'm not just speaking as a fertility specialist - I'm also an "infertility warrior" myself, having struggled to build my own family. I know exactly how it feels to be in that two-week wait, constantly wondering, worrying, and second-guessing every twinge and symptom. That's why I'm passionate about sharing practical strategies and insights to help you get through this difficult time.

As the new year approaches, many of us are filled with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose. If starting or growing your family is one of your top goals for 2025, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share five essential fertility tips to help you optimize your chances of conceiving in the coming year.

In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to access information about our health. However, not all of this information is accurate or backed by scientific evidence. When it comes to women's reproductive health, there are countless myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even harmful health decisions.

Fortunately, we have experts like Dr. Karen Tang, a board-certified OBGYN and women's health expert, to help us separate fact from fiction. In a recent episode of the Baby or Bust podcast, Dr. Tang and host Dr. Lora Shahine tackled some of the most common reproductive health myths, providing valuable insights and practical advice.

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women and people with uteruses of reproductive age. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. This misplaced endometrial tissue behaves just like the uterine lining - it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle.

However, unlike the tissue inside the uterus, it has no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions and cysts.

The holiday season is a time for gathering with family and friends, celebrating traditions, and reflecting on the past year. However, for those struggling with fertility challenges, this time of year can also bring a unique set of stressors and uncomfortable conversations. Well-meaning loved ones may bombard you with invasive questions about your family planning, leaving you feeling vulnerable, frustrated, and even ashamed.

During the holiday season, there can be many triggers if you’re trying to build a family. I know from my personal experience and helping patients that this time of year, full of holiday traditions, can be extremely difficult for people. Whether you have infertility, recently had a miscarriage, or don’t yet have the family you desire, this blog post is for you.

During the holiday season, there can be many triggers if you’re trying to build a family. I know from my personal experience and helping patients that this time of year, full of holiday traditions, can be extremely difficult for people. Whether you have infertility, recently had a miscarriage, or don’t yet have the family you desire, this blog post is for you.

Whether you’re looking to start your family or not, limiting exposure to parabens can help your overall health. And with parabens in so many products, it might seem like a hopeless task to try to limit exposure. Here are a few tips for finding products without parabens.

I’m passionate about teaching you the lifestyle changes you can make to optimize your reproductive health. Much research shows the different ways that parabens can impact our endocrine system and our reproductive health. Typically, the larger the paraben, the more impact it has on your endocrine receptors and hormonal system.

Lack of sleep (or dysfunctional sleep) is associated with many medical issues, including disordered blood sugars and a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders. It’s no secret that sleep plays an essential role in our overall health and well-being, and that includes your fertility.