Resources for Fertility

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.