Conceive Baby Tasha Jennings - Fertility Naturopath

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, I am joined by Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva who provides expert insights into  the transformative advancements in reproductive medicine, particularly international egg donation. Dr. Dorofeyeva brings a wealth of knowledge, having pioneered groundbreaking work in assisted reproduction technologies. Our discussion centres around how international egg donation functions in Australia, the way donors are selected, the detailed information provided about donors, and the prospects of achieving a healthy pregnancy through egg donation.
The rise of egg donation has provided hope for many couples battling insurmountable fertility barriers. Dr. Uliana explains the recruitment and ethical considerations in the process of egg donation in Australia while clarifying the misconceptions around compensation in such arrangements. As we delve deeper into the selection mechanisms, Dr. Uliana talks about the AI-driven processes that enhance the quality and potential of the donor eggs, improving the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Key Takeaways:International egg donation is offering hope to couples facing significant fertility challenges, operating within the legal and ethical frameworks of the respective countries.Egg donors are meticulously screened and educated about the process, with their motivation being largely altruistic in nature.Advanced AI technology is employed to select high-quality eggs, considering multiple factors to increase the efficacy of egg donation treatments.Prospects for successful pregnancies using donor eggs are considerably high, especially with the advancement of AI and thorough genetic testing.It's important for the recipient mother to adopt a healthy lifestyle to create an optimal environment for embryo implantation and pregnancy progression.
About the Guest(s):Dr. Uliana Dorofeyeva is an esteemed figure in the realm of assisted reproductive technology with comprehensive expertise in advanced fertility treatments. Her professional journey began with a deep-seated desire to enter the medical field, inspired by the profound impact medical professionals had on saving lives and improving quality of life. Dr. Dorofeyeva's extensive knowledge base covers a multitude of techniques including artificial insemination, ovarian stimulation, embryo transfers, and reproductive medicine. With a focus on the latest research and technologies, she specialises in intricate procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assisted hatching, and mitochondrial donations. 
Currently, she is associated with Ovogene, a global European egg bank, and actively engages in assisting international patients with their fertility challenges.
Contact Information:
LinkedIn: Uliana Dorofeyeva https://www.linkedin.com/in/uliana-dorofeyeva?originalSubdomain=ua
Instagram: @dr.uliana.dorofeyeva

Ovogene:
https://www.facebook.com/ovogene.bank
https://www.instagram.com/ovogene.bank/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovogenebank/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduzzCBc7atXckj40fvWEzg

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast IVF and Fertility Specialist Dr. Daniel Lantsberg joins me to dive into the evolving topic of genetic carrier screening in preconception care and IVF. 
Dr Lantsberg shares valuable insights into what genetic carrier screening is and who should consider testing. We also explore how genetic carrier screening can influence reproductive outcomes and the options available to couples who are found to be carriers of genetic conditions. Dr. Lanstberg highlights the accuracy and limitations of genetic testing and discusses the future of genetic screening and potential advancements in the field. This informative episode empowers you with valuable information, enabling you  to make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways:Genetic carrier screening is a form of preconception care that can identify the risk of passing on genetic conditions to offspring, even if there’s no known family history of illness.Screening is meant for the general population and is ideally done before starting a family to maximize the available preventative options.Basic genetic carrier screening in Australia covers the three most common conditions and is now bulk billed by Medicare.Expanded screening can test hundreds of genes, offering a higher chance of detecting carrier status but at a higher cost.Knowledge from these tests empowers prospective parents to make informed reproductive choices, including IVF with pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to select healthy embryos.
About the Guest:Dr. Daniel Lantsberg is a respected consultant gynecologist with a specialization in fertility, reproductive endocrinology, and fertility preservation. He serves as the clinical director of education at Melbourne IVF and has a rich professional background with special interests that include elective egg freezing, age-related infertility, unexplained infertility, male infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and fibroids. Dr. Lantsberg’s commitment to reproductive health extends to his role at the Reproductive Services Unit at the Royal Women’s Hospital, as well as a senior lecturer position at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
You can find out more about Dr Daniel Lantsberg at the links below.
Website
Facebook Page
Instagram
Egg Freezing Melbourne Instagram

In this episode of the Conceive Baby podcast, my wonderful colleague, fellow Fertility Naturopath Rhiannon Hardingham joins me to discuss the unique challenges and solutions involved in managing endometriosis and creating a healthy pregnancy.  



Endometriosis is common yet often misunderstood condition that impacts millions of women, yet diagnosis can take an average of 7 years or more, with considerable suffering in between. 



We dive into the complex nature of endometriosis, and explore how this condition extends far beyond its diagnosis of ‘misplaced endometrial tissue’. With a focus on practical resolutions, we unpack the underlying drivers including immune dysregulation, inflammation, and the intertwining of genetics and microbiome health and draw a clear picture of what you can do to reduce symptoms, improve fertility, and increase your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. 



Expert Guest - Rhiannon Hardingham is a renowned naturopath, presenter, practitioner, educator, mentor, and author with over 16 years of experience specialising in infertility and IVF support. She has made significant strides in the integration of natural and conventional medicine, often working alongside top fertility doctors in Melbourne to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Rhiannon is a respected voice in her field, routinely invited to present on collaborative patient care to medical specialists and naturopaths. She also fulfils her passion for education by providing professional mentoring to functional medicine practitioners. Authorship is among her achievements; co-authoring "Create a Fertile Life," a preconception healthcare guide, stands as a testament to her commitment and expertise in fertility health.



Website: https://www.rhreproductivehealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhihardingham/




Endometriosis is more than just tissue growth outside the uterus; it involves immune dysregulation and microbiome dysbiosis, making it a multifactorial condition.


Diagnostic strategies for endometriosis include ultrasound, laparoscopy, CA-125 blood tests, and there is an emerging role for MRI assessments.


Diet and lifestyle modifications, such as consuming high-fibre foods and omega-3-rich fish, avoiding processed foods, and engaging in regular exercise, can have significant impacts on managing endometriosis.


The microbiome plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammation and immunity; specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, reuteri, and crispatus are beneficial for uterine health.


Individualised approaches in treatment, testing, and supplementation, including considerations for hormone clearance pathways, are critical for optimal outcomes in managing endometriosis and fertility challenges.

We are exposed to hundreds of thousands of chemicals each and every day. What impact is this having on our ability to create a healthy pregnancy?

As my guest today, embryologist Lucy Lines explains, it has a big impact and we need to take action now.

Lucy is an embryologist who likes to describe herself as a Fertility Educator and an IVF Advocate, with her sole purpose being to help women and couples find the information they’re searching for, in the knowledge that it is science based, comes from a reputable source and from someone who isn't trying to sell you anything more.

I have previously interviewed Lucy about the biology of what’s needed to create a healthy pregnancy. Today, we’re discussing all the chemicals we are exposed to in our modern world and how they can:

• Reduce egg quality

• Reduce sperm health

• Affect our risk of miscarriage

• Reduce our ability to create a healthy pregnancy.

In this episode Lucy explains what endocrine disrupting chemicals and the specific impact they are having on the creation of healthy sperm, healthy eggs and a healthy pregnancy.

Unfortunately, the release of chemicals to market is largely unregulated, which means we need to take matters into our own hands.

If you would like to work further with Lucy or join her DetoxWTF Program, you can find more details here.

In this episode of the Conceive Baby Podcast I have the pleasure of speaking with one of my lovely patients Emily Gentles.



Emily started her fertility journey at 41 and was greeted with some pretty scary statistics about her chances. After failed IVF cycles and miscarriage, it felt like a near impossible task.



Emily is kindly sharing her story to help others who are on their journey to pregnancy over 40.



Emily he openly shares

• The challenges she faced trying to conceive over 40

• Being told her test results were all ‘fine’

• Advised that IVF was really her only option

• In Emily’s words “we failed really badly at IVF!”

• Her struggle through multiple miscarriage

• The toll it took, physically and emotionally

• The specific steps she took to improve her chances

• The importance of having her partner involved in the journey

• Her joy at conceiving naturally

• Her journey through a healthy pregnancy and birth at 43




If you would like to take the steps Emily did on her journey to pregnancy over 40 - Join the Your Fertile Pantry Program now

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Tamara Hunter, a Certified Specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) based in Perth. Dr Hunter is dedicated to identifying and addressing reproductive health concerns and guiding her patients through personalized treatment options.

We discuss the updated ESHRE guidelines on recurrent implantation failure and implantation failure testing and treatment. Dr Hunter shares her insights into these updates around recurrent implantation failure.

We discuss

• What the new guidelines really mean for you

• Which testing options are best

• Alternative testing methods, their evidence and efficacy

• The impact of the uterine microbiome on implantation

• PLUS proactive ways you can help advocate for yourself, overcome recurrent implantation failure and create your healthy pregnancy

I hope you enjoy this informative discussion!

You can find out more about Dr Hunter at her website https://www.drtamarahunter.com.au/