IVF Prep at HealthYouniversity

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan Fox steps in solo to share something close to her heart — the charitable organization behind the work, and why it exists.

As part of the international Podcastathon (March 14–20), podcasters worldwide are spotlighting the causes they champion. For Health Youniversity, that means shining a light on the Health Youniversity Group — a 509(a)(2) public charity dedicated to making the Preconception Plan Course accessible to the people who need it but may have financial constraints.

Dr. Susan walks through what the course actually is: a 120-day, phase-by-phase program built around the me...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we explore something that doesn't get nearly enough attention on the fertility journey: the kind of support that holds you together while medicine does its work.

Dr. Susan sits down with Jess Tims — certified fertility doula, Reiki master, and founder of Her Fertility Support — whose path to this work came through her own two-year experience with unexplained infertility. What she couldn't find then, she's now dedicated to creating for others.

You'll learn what a fertility doula actually is (and how it's different from a fertility coach or therapist), why the...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we talk about something so fundamental we rarely stop to question it — the water we drink every single day, and what it might actually contain.

Dr. Susan sits down with Cydian Kauffman — owner of Pure Water Northwest and a water quality specialist on a mission to cut through the hype and give people real, science-backed answers. From forever chemicals to microplastics to reverse osmosis, Cydian demystifies what's actually in our water, what it means for our fertility and hormonal health, and what we can do about it without spending a fortune.

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we explore something that more people need to know exists — a nurse who shows up for you in the gaps that even the best fertility clinics simply can't fill.

Dr. Susan sits down with Ashlee Laroue — registered nurse, clinical nurse educator, fertility education specialist, and founder of Fertile Ease — whose 12+ years across women's health, labor and delivery, high-risk pregnancy, and fertility have shown her the same gap over and over again: patients going home with big questions and no one to call.

You'll learn what a fertility concie...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we explore how ancient Chinese Medicine wisdom meets cutting-edge AI technology to accelerate fertility outcomes—at a fraction of the cost of IVF.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Dr. Kirsten Karchmer, founder and CEO of Conceivable Technologies.. With 20 years of clinical experience helping thousands of women, Kirsten has done something revolutionary: she's taken the diagnostic precision of Chinese medicine and trained an AI to deliver it 24/7.

The results? A pilot study showed 150-260% increase in pregnancy likelihood—with the AI actually outperforming in-person clinical care. Women aged...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're tackling a critical gap in the fertility treatment journey: the missing emotional and educational support during IVF.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Laura Weppler, a certified fertility nurse, infertility doula, and IVF mom of two. With 12 years of clinical experience working with thousands of patients and her own personal journey through PCOS, miscarriage, and multiple failed embryo transfers, Laura intimately understands both sides of the fertility treatment experience.

Laura reveals a truth many don't realize until they're deep in treatment: while IVF technology is miraculous...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're diving into the often-overlooked side of the fertility conversation: male factor infertility.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Dr. Arthur "Bud" Burnett II, M.D., MBA, FACS, a trailblazing urologist and globally recognized expert at Johns Hopkins University with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Burnett is a pioneer in male sexual health research—his groundbreaking work on erectile function helped make oral therapies like Viagra possible.

Dr. Burnett reveals a critical truth: male factor accounts for up to 50% of infertility cases, yet men's reproductive health is st...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're exploring one of the most empowering decisions women can make for their reproductive future: fertility preservation through egg freezing.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Dr. Jamie Knopman, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and co-author of the upcoming book "Own Your Fertility: From Egg Freezing to Surrogacy, How to Take Charge of Your Body and Your Future." Dr. Knopman serves as Director of Fertility Preservation for CCRM Fertility of New York and is a leading advocate for women's reproductive health education.

Dr. Knopman shares why egg freezing is "...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're tackling one of the most concerning threats to fertility and health in our modern world: microplastics.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Dr. Matthew Dunn, molecular biologist and CEO of Clean Body Biotics, who's developed a groundbreaking solution to help our bodies clear microplastics through the gut. With microplastics now found in follicular fluid, seminal fluid, amniotic fluid, placenta, and throughout our bodies, this conversation offers hope and actionable solutions.

Dr. Dunn shares the science behind Winnow—a probiotic designed to bind and escort microplastics out of...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're crossing the bridge from fertility into the next phase of womanhood—preparing for perimenopause while you still have time to make a difference.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Lauren Tetenbaum, author of "Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period." Lauren is a lawyer, turned licensed clinical social worker and perinatal mental health certified therapist who realized—after years of education and clinical experience—that she knew nothing about menopause. When she attended a networking event where every older woman said "I wish I had been w...

In today's episode of Health Youniversity, we're exploring the critical connection between women's health and wealth—and why your worthiness matters in both.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Nancy Griffin, a private client wealth advisor and creator of Women, Worth and Wellness. Nancy shares her deeply personal journey through infertility while climbing the corporate ladder at Procter & Gamble in the 1970s—a time when being a mother meant being passed over for international assignments, and fertility struggles had to be hidden like a "perceived weakness."

Nancy's story is one of transformation: from 18 year...

Today at Health Youniversity we're exploring the critical connection between hormonal health and mental well-being.

Join Dr. Susan as she sits down with Dr. Lauren LaRose, a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who practices integrative psychiatry in the New Orleans area. Dr. LaRose shares her deeply personal journey with hormonal imbalances that began at age 11 and profoundly impacted both her fertility and mental health for decades.

From suffering through 15 years on birth control that caused anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) and depressive symptoms, to experiencing two devastating miscarriages before discovering a simple progesterone...

Let’s talk about” functional fertility fitness” —physical and nutritional.

Dr. Susan chats with Arielle Creager, a Los Angeles-based personal trainer, certified nutritionist specialist candidate, and Nike LA trainer, who specializes in empowering pregnant and postpartum mothers through functional fitness and holistic nutrition.

Arielle’s  personal health journey—overcoming chronic lung congestion through dietary changes when doctors couldn't find answers—sparked her passion for functional medicine and helping women optimize their bodies for conception, pregnancy, and for the rest of their lives.

Discover the essential movement patterns every woman should master before pregnancy, which lab tests...

In today’s episode of Health Youniversity, we're breaking the silence around vaginismus—a condition that is rarely discussed openly.

Join us as Dr. Susan sits down with Dr. Kayla Jimenez, a clinical psychologist at Stanford School of Medicine and co-founder of Palmetto Psychology Clinic, who specializes in a revolutionary approach: therapist-assisted exposure therapy for vaginismus.

Vaginismus, a condition where involuntary pelvic floor contractions cause pain with penetration, has a stigma that leaves women to suffer in silence.  Learn how the pain-avoidance cycle keeps women trapped in fear and shame for years—sometimes decades.

Dr. K...

In this powerful episode of Health Youniversity, discover how to build your family on your own terms—with or without a partner.

Join us as we sit down with Cheri Bergeron, author, life coach, and founder of the nonprofit Cheri's Choice, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate IT professional to fierce advocate for women pursuing alternative paths to motherhood.

Learn why the traditional "fairy tale" of marriage-then-motherhood no longer serves modern women, and discover the options available to you that you may never have known existed. Cheri shares her personal story of becoming a mo...

In this latest episode of Health Youniversity, discover how to balance your hormones naturally to optimize fertility and reclaim control of your reproductive health.

Join integrative nutrition health coach and hormone health specialist Madison Pollack as she shares her personal journey from cancer survivor to wellness advocate, and how she reversed her PCOS diagnosis and restored her natural cycles with nutrition.

Learn why PCOS isn't just a reproductive issue—it's a metabolic concern with long-term health implications. Discover the importance of proper nutrition (including why you need 80-100g of protein daily), why high-intensity workouts mi...

In this latest episode of Health Youniversity, discover why midwifery care isn't just for pregnancy and birth - it's a powerful resource for your entire preconception journey and beyond.

Join certified functional medicine nurse practitioner and midwife Abigail Prushansky as she reveals how comprehensive, whole-person care can transform your fertility outcomes.

Learn about the importance of early reproductive wellness assessments starting as early as age 28, the power of egg freezing and embryo banking strategies, and why education about your menstrual cycle should begin long before you try to conceive.

Discover how midwives can...

In this episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan Fox sits down with Chef James Barry—celebrity chef to the stars, founder of Pluck superfood seasoning, and Shark Tank entrepreneur—to discuss why organ meats are nature's ultimate prenatal vitamin and how to actually get them into your diet without the "ick factor."

After 20 years as a private chef cooking for Tom Cruise, George Clooney, and Barbara Streisand, once he became a father of two young daughters Chef James became obsessed with solving one problem: How do we get the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet into modern diet...

In this heartfelt episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan Fox sits down with Lauren Clements, founder of the Brilora Fertility Foundation, to discuss how grants and community support are changing lives for families pursuing IVF, IUI, surrogacy, and even acupuncture treatments.

After struggling with her own three-year fertility journey—including blocked tubes, saving for 18 months, a miscarriage, and finally welcoming IVF twin girls—Lauren knew she had to do something about the financial barriers preventing others from building their families.

Discover how Brilora provides not just financial grants, but comprehensive support throughout the entire fertility jour...

Are you struggling with fertility?  Do you want to increase your success by as much as 42%?  In this solo episode of Health University, Susan Fox reveals breakthrough protocols in the Preconception Plan Perfected at Health Youniversity that have helped women improve their fertility outcomes: Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation (TEAS).

As her patients suffered from unsuccessful  frozen embryo transfers, she knew she had to get the word out about this evidence-based solution that's still the best-kept secret in fertility care.

In a meta-analysis of over 2,000 women TEAS improved live birth rate - not positive pregnancy tests but...

In this urgent and timely episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan Fox sits down with Barb Collura, founder of Vital Voices Consulting and former President/CEO of RESOLVE (2007-2025), for a critical conversation about the current state of IVF policy and advocacy.

Barbara reveals the behind-the-scenes forces shaping fertility policy in America—from the Alabama Supreme Court decision to the rise of "restorative reproductive medicine" as a political strategy, to recent White House announcements about medication discounts and employer benefits.

Discover why the 84% medication discount may not be what it seems, what "supplemental benefits" really me...

In this episode of Health University, Dr. Susan Fox interviews Daniel Bayen, an open intentional sperm donor and founder of the Sperm Donor Association. Daniel was himself born through open donor conception and is raising awareness about ethical, transparent donation as an alternative to traditional sperm banks.

Discover why open donors prioritize the wellbeing of future children above all else, how donors and recipients are carefully matched for compatibility, and the rigorous health and genetic screening required of Sperm Donor Association members.

Learn about the growing demand for known donors among lesbian couples, single mothers...

In this solo episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan Fox addresses a critical topic affecting fertility care today: the current administration's shift from promised universal IVF support to exclusively supporting restorative reproductive medicine.
Discover why this isn't an either-or situation, but a both-and approach that has successfully served patients for over 20 years. Learn how integrative care combining conventional IVF with whole-health optimization can improve live birth rates by 42% for women over 35.

Dr. Fox explains the science behind preconception health optimization, from reducing microplastics in follicular fluid to improving egg and sperm quality through evidence-based protocols like...

In this latest episode of Health Youniversity, discover the truth about male fertility and why "normal" sperm results may be hiding a male-factor fertility problem.
Learn common misconceptions about male fertility, including how declining global sperm parameters mean today's "normal" results wouldn't even qualify as fertile just 10 years ago.

Understand the critical role of male factor in miscarriages,  and gain insights from the 3-step sperm success strategy that focuses on mitochondrial health, blood flow optimization, and antioxidant support.

Discover how medications like allergy treatments and hair loss drugs can impact sperm production, a...

Discover why detoxing your lifestyle could be the key to improving your fertility outcomes, even if you don't have a full year to prepare.

Join us as we explore the critical connection between our toxic environment and fertility health, including how microplastics and inflammatory markers appear in follicular fluid and affect egg quality, and in semen that affects sperm health.

Learn practical strategies for cleaning up your nutrition, hydration, personal care products, and home environment to optimize your fertile health, whether you're preparing for IVF, thinking about freezing your eggs, or trying to conceive naturally.<...

Discover how Open Fertility is revolutionizing IVF accessibility with high-quality, affordable treatment options that don't compromise on care.

Join us as we explore this groundbreaking new model with Georgia Noonan, board-certified women's health nurse practitioner and lead advanced practice provider at Open Fertility in Sacramento.

Learn why traditional IVF costs $30,000-35,000 per cycle, how Open Fertility dramatically reduces these costs while maintaining excellent outcomes, and whether this innovative approach might be right for your fertility journey.

From transparent pricing and telemedicine integration to collaborative care models, discover how Open Fertility is making advanced...

Join us for an essential guide to fertility lab testing that goes beyond the standard IVF panel to give you a complete picture of your reproductive health.

Discover which lab tests are crucial for not only getting pregnant but staying pregnant and carrying a healthy baby to term, as we break down everything from AMH and FSH to often-overlooked markers like vitamin D and thyroid antibodies.

Learn why timing matters for hormone testing, the difference between TSH and a full thyroid panel, and why certain nutrients are critical for sustaining pregnancy from the moment of...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Heather Kampf, certified yoga instructor and devoted mother of two, who reveals how yoga goes far beyond physical exercise to support your fertility journey.

Discover the profound connection between breath, body awareness, and reproductive health as Heather shares her expertise in prenatal yoga and the ancient practice of pranayama breathing techniques.

Learn why slowing down might be the key to speeding up your conception journey, plus get practical guidance on choosing the right yoga classes during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum.

From debunking yoga myths to understanding...

Fertility Breakthroughs: Harvard Scholar Reveals Why "Unexplained Infertility" is a Lazy Diagnosis 

Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Gabriella Rosa, fertility specialist, reproductive health educator, and Harvard University awarded scholar. 

As founder and CEO of the world's first entirely virtual and holistic fertility clinic, Gabriella leads a team serving patients on every continent (except Antarctica)!

Listen as she shares her methodology for identifying and addressing biochemical obstacles that help couples overcome infertility and recurrent miscarriage - even after multiple failed treatments. 

Learn why "unexplained infertility" is NOT a diagnosis, why min...

 Join us for a critical conversation with Dr. Thalia Segal, double board-certified fertility specialist and founder of Collab Fertility, as she reveals the hidden toxins lurking in everyday products that could be sabotaging your fertility. From that "new car smell" to your morning energy drink, discover which common chemicals are acting like weak estrogens in your body and disrupt reproductive hormone communications..

Learn about Dr. Segal's revolutionary "Collab Way" - an evidence-based integrative approach that tackles environmental toxins from day one. Plus, get the inside scoop on California's new IVF coverage mandate and why timing still matters m...

In this week’s episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Sally Hayes, founder of Matrikas- a growing community and directory transforming how fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum providers connect and collaborate. 

After 25 years as a prenatal and postpartum massage therapist, Sally identified a critical gap in maternal healthcare: talented practitioners working in isolation without support or connection.

Discover how Matrikasis breaks down silos between conventional and traditional medicine, creates meaningful referral networks, and builds provider villages that ultimately serve families during their most transformative moments. 

From monthly wine nights in LA that grew...

In this yet another empowering episode, join us for an intimate conversation with Jennifer Buonamassa, a licensed midwife and prenatal educator who serves families throughout Los Angeles with deep presence and trust in the birthing process. 

Discover how midwifery care offers a revolutionary approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that honors the sacred nature of bringing life into the world.

Jennifer shares her journey from doula work to becoming a licensed midwife, explaining how this calling transforms not just careers but entire approaches to supporting families. Learn about the profound differences between obstetric and midwifery m...

In this transformative episode, join us for a profound conversation with Lindsay Goodwin, a pioneering spiritual fertility expert who combines neurolinguistic programming, medical intuition, and spirit baby communication to help women overcome fertility challenges.

After her own near-death experience, Lindsay began receiving messages from spirit babies and has since guided hundreds of them to their parents. Her unique approach integrates licensed health provider skills, board-certified herbalism, hypnotherapy, NLP, and trauma healing to address the subconscious blocks that often prevent conception.

Lindsay Goodwin is a reproductive medicine expert, intuitive fertility medium, and board-certified herbalist who helps...

In this week’s episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Gita Vellanki, creator of Neeshi, a delicious cacao-based functional food that's transforming women's health from menstruation through menopause. 

What started as a mother's quest to help her daughter's debilitating periods has become a game-changing product backed by medical professionals and loved by women of all ages.

Gita Vellanki is the founder of Neeshi, a women’s wellness brand offering real food-based support for hormonal health from menstruation through menopause. With a holistic approach rooted in nourishment and daily rhythm, she helps women feel more...

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Susan sits down with Sara Banta, a certified dietary supplement professional and founder of Accelerated Health Products, to uncover the hidden connections between liver health, thyroid function, and reproductive wellness. 

Sara shares her powerful personal journey from struggling with PCOS, Crohn's disease, and fertility challenges to discovering the root causes of metabolic dysfunction that affect millions of women today.

Sara Banta is a certified dietary supplement professional, member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, and founder of Accelerated Health Products - named "Most Innovative Supplement Company" 4 years running. She's a...

In this transformative episode, Dr. Susan sits down with Lisa Manca, a licensed professional clinical counselor and board-certified dance movement therapist who helps people reconnect to their bodies to release pain and feel good again. Lisa reveals how dance therapy allows us to explore emotions through movement, accessing thoughts and feelings that might otherwise stay hidden, and how changing our movement can literally change how we feel.

Lisa Manca, LCSW, BC-DMT is a licensed professional clinical counselor and board-certified dance movement therapist who specializes in helping people reconnect with their bodies to release pain, trauma, and emotional...

In this heartwarming and informative episode, Dr. Susan sits down with Kelly Cox, a registered prenatal yoga instructor, birth doula, licensed clinical social worker, and breast cancer survivor who created the groundbreaking app "Share the Drop." This innovative platform connects mothers who have excess breast milk with families who need it, creating a modern village approach to infant nutrition.

Kelly Cox, LCSW, RPYT, and certified birth doula, is the founder of Share the Drop, a community-based platform transforming access to breast milk through peer-to-peer donation. With over 15 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and...

In this game-changing episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan sits down with Kristina Simmons, venture capitalist and founder of Overwater Ventures, to explore the revolutionary intersection of finance and fertility.

Kristina breaks down the venture capital landscape transforming women's reproductive health, from companies democratizing egg freezing to breakthrough technologies that could reduce IVF costs from $50,000 to $5,000.

This conversation reveals the massive funding gaps in women's health, the alarming fertility statistics driving innovation, and why technology like automated embryology labs and continuous hormone monitoring will completely transform the patient experience.

From her personal journey...

In this another valuable and insightful episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan is joined by Dr. Sam Shay, a chiropractor and functional medicine expert who specializes in solving complex health puzzles by helping people exit survival mode and reclaim their energy, brain health, and resilience. 

Dr. Shay breaks down the "fertility stress trap" - revealing how chronic stress literally hijacks your body's hormone pathways and diverts resources away from reproduction toward survival. 

From the pregnenolone steal to mitochondrial dysfunction, this conversation dives deep into the cellular mechanisms that make stress such a fertility saboteur. 

D...

In this enlightening episode of Health Youniversity, Dr. Susan explores the hidden world of toxic exposures with Deidre Bloomquist, a functional nutritionist and author of "Toxic Infertility: Detoxification Solutions to Improve Natural Fertility." 

Together, they uncover how environmental toxins create barriers to conception and impact overall health. From microplastics found in ovarian follicular fluid to heavy metals crossing the placental barrier, Deidre explains why detoxification before conception is critical for both successful fertility outcomes and the health of future generations. 

Learn about personalized detox protocols, proper testing methods, and practical steps anyone can take to re...