
Fertility Now with Dr. Spencer Richlin
By Spencer Richlin
Fertility Now is dedicated to spreading awareness about infertility and reproduction. I discuss family building for everyone and give you the best options to conceive. Each week we’ll discuss relevant topics with guests or sometimes just me, to eliminate stress and confusion by giving you perspective and most importantly hope.

Ep 40: Federal Advocacy Day 2023
Ep 40: Federal Advocacy Day 2023
Fertility Now with Dr. Spencer RichlinFeb 23, 2023
00:00
28:08

Ep 40: Federal Advocacy Day 2023
Ep 40: Federal Advocacy Day 2023
Lisa Rosenthal and myself talk about Federal Advocacy Day, April 25th 2023. This is a day for the reproductive community to discuss pro-family legislation with congress. Check it out and please sign-up to be an advocate in your state. Attendance is virtual this year!
Feb 23, 202328:08

Ep 39: The road starts here!
Ep 39: The road starts here!
I welcome back Monica Moore NP to discuss the initial testing that you may encounter on your first visit with an REI. Monica breaks down the various evaluations in a concise and digestible way. You'll know exactly what you're headed for during your initial consultation. This is part 1 of a 2 part series with Monica. Part 2 focuses on the different ways we can help you family build.
Jan 21, 202301:14:20

Ep 38: The importance of pelvic health with Dr. Jen Morgan
Ep 38: The importance of pelvic health with Dr. Jen Morgan
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jen Morgan. She's a doctor of physical therapy and a pelvic health specialist. We discussed pregnancy and postpartum wellness, pelvic pain with intercourse, and self-care. This is a must-listen as Dr. Jen is a very unique provider in the space!
Dec 07, 202229:48

Ep 37: Managing PCOS
Ep 37: Managing PCOS
I welcome back Monica Moore NP. PCOS is found in 15% of women worldwide and Monica is an expert in this area. She gives us tools to combat PCOS to make it more manageable!
Nov 16, 202247:35

Ep 36: Insights into breastfeeding
Ep 36: Insights into breastfeeding
Slightly switching gears, we talk about post-pregnancy. I welcome Susan Forrester, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to discuss the best practices for successful breastfeeding. She walks us through how to prepare for baby, the benefits of breastfeeding, and common pitfalls people fall into. We also talk about formula feeding and pumping. A great listen pre-delivery!
Oct 30, 202238:34

Ep 35: An egg freezing story
Ep 35: An egg freezing story
Elective egg freezing has become very popular among my patients. Many are not able or ready to start a family right now. Alex Fontaine shares her egg freezing journey with us. She is a medical student who proactively froze her eggs as her academic journey is her priority for the coming years. Listen to her story to see how she removed the stress of 'what if' from her life in order to focus on current career goals and obligations.
Sep 27, 202226:27

Ep 34: It's just a cyst
Ep 34: It's just a cyst
Ovarian cysts are a common finding on ultrasound during the reproductive journey. Many patients inherently assume the word 'cyst' is bad or something to worry about. In reality, reproductive physicians see them almost daily. Monica Moore NP and I explain what you need to know, the variety of cysts, how they initially form, and how to manage them during a reproductive cycle.
Sep 05, 202242:14

Ep 33: Interested in testing your embryos?
Ep 33: Interested in testing your embryos?
This episode is all about embryo testing. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) gives us the ability to test and transfer the most competent embryos. PGT is entering a whole new level where we can gain so much information from embryos prior to transfer. My distinguished guest on this episode is Nathan Treff PhD HCLD. Dr. Treff is the Chief Scientific Officer / Lab Director of Genomic Prediction. He walks us through the various PGT options available.
Aug 03, 202246:29

Ep 32: Yesh Tikva
Ep 32: Yesh Tikva
Join me in a conversation with Gila Block, Executive Director of Yesh Tikva. Yesh Tikva is a community which focuses on raising reproductive awareness in the Jewish Community. They provide psychosocial services bringing hope to those facing infertility. Additionally, Yesh Tikva encourages families who already have children to help support those who are struggling with their journey.
Jul 27, 202231:45

Ep 31: Why did my treatment cycle not work?
Ep 31: Why did my treatment cycle not work?
Why did my cycle not work? IUIs and IVF cycles are not always successful. Monica Moore NP gives us insight into the variety of reasons why fertility treatment(s) may not work. Often times we both hear patients putting too much blame on themselves or overthinking what they could have done. In this episode we discuss the reality of these fertility treatments and shed light on the many variables that can contribute to a cycle not working. Although daunting, we have remedies and solutions in place that can help uplift your spirits to give you confidence to keep pushing.
Jun 29, 202245:34

Ep 30: Artificial intelligence meets egg freezing
Ep 30: Artificial intelligence meets egg freezing
I had the opportunity to speak with Dan Nayot M.D. in this week's episode. Dan is the Medical Director at The Fertility Partners (TFP). The field of reproductive medicine has improved so much over the years due to advancements in technology. Now, in 2022, the future looks even brighter. AI has been moving its way into many fields in medicine. The potential it has in store for reproductive medicine is incredible. Dan walks us through Violet, a non-invasive AI solution designed to detect features in eggs that are invisible to the human eye. This technology can forecast and predict the likelihood of fertilization and embryo (blastocyst) development. Dan and I discuss the technology in layman's terms, but really try to focus on how this will continue to improve the patient experience in reproductive medicine.
Jun 10, 202241:54

Ep 29: Learn what the Medical Assistants are hearing and seeing from our patients
Ep 29: Learn what the Medical Assistants are hearing and seeing from our patients
In this episode, I speak with Chloe Nunez, one of Illume's Medical Assistants. We discuss the integral role the MA plays in our practice. Not only are they imperative to the physician's success, but they are the support system on the front lines of the patient journey. We demystify the various procedures you may experience from the perspective of a Medical Assistant. Giving you a glimpse into the common questions and concerns patients have before, during, and after a procedure(s).
May 31, 202230:03

Ep 28: Living and coping with stress with infertility
Ep 28: Living and coping with stress with infertility
Monica Moore NP and I reframe how we all deal with and interpret stress. Family building is so important to many of us, when we are having a challenging time with it - treat yourself with compassion and acceptance.
Apr 10, 202255:26

Ep 27: A new perspective on exercise
Ep 27: A new perspective on exercise
In this episode, Monica Moore NP gives a new way to think about exercise and definitely makes it more fun. Let's start moving our bodies!
Feb 17, 202249:25

Ep 26: ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis)
Ep 26: ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis)
Angela Linville, PhD, and I discuss ERA. We are now able to genetically test the uterine lining before embryo transfer. Have a listen as you are bound to hear more about this emerging technology.
Jan 22, 202236:41

Ep 25: Fertility preservation for our patients with a recent diagnosis of cancer
Ep 25: Fertility preservation for our patients with a recent diagnosis of cancer
I talk to Jocelyn Crespo, one of our IVF nurse specialists. We discuss fertility preservation options for our patients with a recent diagnosis of cancer. We highlight egg freezing and embryo cryopreservation for our patients prior to chemotherapy. During a complicated time we want you to be proactive and entertain freezing your eggs or embryos.
Dec 07, 202133:56

Ep 24: Single moms to be
Ep 24: Single moms to be
Lisa Schuman and I talk about the reproductive journey for single moms to be. Most importantly, we cover how to choose a donor and how to introduce the topic to your child.
Oct 12, 202134:18

Ep 23: Coping with pregnancy loss and infertility
Ep 23: Coping with pregnancy loss and infertility
Monica Moore NP joins me once again to discuss a more difficult topic. Pregnancy loss and infertility can take an emotional toll on people. Monica and I emphasize the importance of not blaming ourselves and provide strategies to cope and persevere.
Sep 28, 202147:14

Ep 22: Talking acupuncture
Ep 22: Talking acupuncture
Many of my patients are doing acupuncture during their reproductive journey. Dr. Elaine Malin and I talk about the various ways acupuncture can be utilized. Acupuncture can be used for stress relief, during ovarian stimulation, and at the time of embryo transfer. We review the mechanisms of how acupuncture is beneficial. Give it a try!
Sep 12, 202134:33

Ep 21: The relationship between weight and fertility
Ep 21: The relationship between weight and fertility
I welcome back Monica Moore NP for another episode. As a health coach, she knows how important lifestyle is to a healthy pregnancy. She outlines some great strategies for a healthy lifestyle pre and post pregnancy.
Aug 13, 202154:16

Ep 20: Embryo Transfer Day
Ep 20: Embryo Transfer Day
This is where it all comes together. Embryo transfer day is the pivotal point in the IVF journey. I break down what to expect, how embryos are transferred, and how to best prepare.
Aug 10, 202106:31

Ep 19: The steps of IVF in under 10 minutes
Ep 19: The steps of IVF in under 10 minutes
If you have decided to do IVF, check out this episode. I walk you through and simplify the first 5 steps of IVF. The steps include ovarian stimulation, the trigger shot, egg retrieval, sperm source and embryology calls. I want you to see how completely approachable IVF is.
Jul 28, 202108:02

Ep 18: Those Pesky Polyps
Ep 18: Those Pesky Polyps
Many of my patients will end up having polyps once we start doing your reproductive evaluation. Take a listen as I dispel any worry about uterine polyps and their removal.
Jul 13, 202106:23

Ep 17: Pride Month 2021
Ep 17: Pride Month 2021
I speak with Stephanie Ocasio-Gonzalez about her family building journey with her wife Denise. She was so open about her journey. We also discussed pride month and her integral involvement in the Connecticut Parentage Act (CPA) which was just passed.
Jun 22, 202132:24

Ep 16: Federal Advocacy Day
Ep 16: Federal Advocacy Day
June 17th is Federal Advocacy Day sponsored by RESOLVE in partnership with ASRM. This is a national event where the infertility community comes together to educate legislators on issues within the fertility system. Lisa Rosenthal, patient advocate at RMACT and state captain for this year's event takes us through some of the pending bills and explains what advocacy day looks like.
Jun 07, 202139:35

Ep 15: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) walkthrough
Ep 15: Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) walkthrough
This episode focuses on preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Dr. Cengiz Cinnioglu walks us through the process of PGT or embryo screening. Today we are able to biopsy embryos at the blastocyst stage and send the biopsy for genetic analysis prior to embryo transfer. The ability to test an embryo before embryo transfer is one of the greatest accomplishments in IVF.
May 30, 202138:06

Ep 14: Family building utilizing donor egg
Ep 14: Family building utilizing donor egg
I speak with Gail Sexton Anderson, founder of Donor Concierge and Tulip. We unravel family building using a donor. This is truly a great option for some to help build their family. This can be a difficult decision but can oftentimes be the solution to building your perfect family. We discuss the impact of anonymous vs a known donor pregnancy, the importance of reproductive counseling, and how a donor becomes eligible for you to use their eggs in a pregnancy.
May 23, 202131:33

Ep 13: Common questions after your first visit with your REI
Ep 13: Common questions after your first visit with your REI
Carmen Petrafesa RN at RMACT walks us through the most common questions reproductive nurses receive. We discuss everything from the basic fertility evaluation through super ovulation and egg retrieval. A great segment to listen to after you've had your first meeting with your REI.
May 16, 202140:57

Ep 12: Getting ready for your embryo transfer
Ep 12: Getting ready for your embryo transfer
Embryologist Erica Paganetti joins me to talk about embryo transfer day. She walks us through the process of choosing the embryo for transfer. We end our conversation having described how an embryo transfer happens.
May 10, 202123:57

Ep 11: Getting ready for your egg retrieval
Ep 11: Getting ready for your egg retrieval
I speak with Nina Garcia, one of RMACT's IVF recovery nurses. We walk you through the egg retrieval process. This episode is meant to make you comfortable before you come in for your retrieval.
Apr 26, 202123:14

Ep 10: The second half of the IVF journey
Ep 10: The second half of the IVF journey
I welcome back Monica Moore, founder of Fertile Health. We give a shoutout to National Infertility Awareness Week. We then finish our discussion on IVF and bring you through fertilization, blastocyst formation, embryo testing/transfer and hopefully a positive pregnancy test.
Apr 18, 202101:08:14

Ep 9: I Decided to do IVF: Now What?
Ep 9: I Decided to do IVF: Now What?
I spoke with Monica Moore, founder of Fertile Health. We discussed the indications of IVF, getting ready for a successful cycle, pre IVF testing, the suppression check, stimulation, and egg retrieval. Monica simplifies these topics and I think you'll love what she had to say!
Apr 14, 202101:04:28

Ep 8: Egg freezing simplified
Ep 8: Egg freezing simplified
I talk about egg freezing; a way to stop the biological clock. By doing the first part of the IVF process, we can stimulate your ovaries and do an egg retrieval to freeze your eggs for future family building. A great episode for anyone interested in learning the basics of egg freezing.
Apr 12, 202109:38

Ep 7: Men who need IVF
Ep 7: Men who need IVF
I welcome back Matt Wosnitzer M.D. to continue our conversation about male infertility. We talk about fertility options for men who are azoospermic, those who have had a vasectomy, and options prior to chemotherapy (fertility preservation).
Apr 12, 202129:25

Ep 6: Let's talk about the men
Ep 6: Let's talk about the men
Matt Wosnitzer M.D., and myself dive into male reproduction. This episode is great for men to familiarize themselves with their reproductive system. We cover the basics of sperm production and what a normal semen analysis looks like. Additionally, we touch upon when to visit a reproductive urologist. Dr. Wosnitzer goes through what your first visit will look like. Lastly, we talk about artificial insemination and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Apr 12, 202134:49

Ep 5: Family building treatment options
Ep 5: Family building treatment options
I welcome back Josh Hurwitz M.D., to talk about the different ways we help our patients become pregnant. Some topics we cover are: superovulation and intrauterine insemination, In Vitro Fertilization with and without preimplantation genetic testing, and single embryo transfer. We also touch on donor egg pregnancies, egg freezing, single-moms-to-be, and helping our same-sex couples build families.
Apr 12, 202143:40

Ep 4: Your first visit
Ep 4: Your first visit
Josh Hurwitz M.D., and myself discuss what we talk about with our patients during their first reproductive visit. This visit allows us to get to know you and help guide your family building path. We highlight the tests that you're likely going to complete in order for us to learn more about your reproductive system.
Apr 12, 202127:38

Ep 3: Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy - Part 2
Ep 3: Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy - Part 2
Part 2 of 'Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy'. I continue my discussion with Manijeh Kamyar M.D., Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. This time we talk about hyperemesis of pregnancy, pregnancy loss, carrier screening, IVF/embryo testing and we finish with coronavirus.
Apr 12, 202124:49

Ep 2: Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy - Part 1
Ep 2: Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy - Part 1
Part 1 of 'Getting ready for a healthy pregnancy'. I talk with Manijeh Kamyar M.D., Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. She is one of the contributing editors to the 7th edition of "Your Pregnancy and Childbirth" by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). We discuss the many things you can do to prepare for a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Apr 12, 202125:02

Ep 1: An introduction to Fertility Now
Ep 1: An introduction to Fertility Now
The first episode of Fertility Now. I introduce myself and explain the importance of being proactive with your reproductive options. There's never been a better time to seek out information and ask questions. We'll take a look at how the reproductive system works by navigating through the menstrual cycle and noting the best time to try for pregnancy. I comment on when you should seek out a reproductive physician.
Apr 12, 202108:51