Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday

Mark Amols, MD
  • 4.9 (125)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This podcast presents an in-depth exploration of fertility concerns and inquiries straight from those undergoing fertility treatment. Standing apart from the usual information found online, we dive headfirst into the real science and comprehensive research behind these challenges. Amidst all this, we never forget to honor our cherished tradition - celebrating the simple joys of Taco Tuesday!

  1. 16H AGO

    Is My Embryo Really Mine? The Truth About IVF Mix-Ups

    Send a text Every IVF patient has wondered it at least once:    Is my embryo really mine? Every so often, a story makes headlines about an IVF mix-up. While these cases are heartbreaking, they are extraordinarily rare — occurring approximately 1–2 times per million IVF births. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down: How IVF labs prevent embryo mix-upsThe role of double witnessing and lab verificationElectronic witnessing systems (RFID, barcodes, and AI)Whether new technology truly reduces errorsHow DNA testing can confirm embryo identityWhy human vigilance still matters more than automationYou’ll also hear how the risk of an IVF mix-up compares to lightning strikes, car accidents, and even plane crashes. The goal of this episode is simple: reassurance through transparency. While no medical process is ever zero risk, IVF is one of the most carefully audited and safeguarded systems in modern medicine — and understanding how it works can help replace fear with facts. If you or someone you love is going through IVF, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    17 min

  2. FEB 11

    The Lie of the Perfect Embryo: Why Euploid Doesn’t Mean Guaranteed

    Send a text You were told your embryo was “perfect.”  It was euploid. Genetically normal. The best one. So why didn’t it work? In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the truth behind PGT testing and explains why even genetically normal embryos can fail to implant or result in miscarriage. You’ll learn: What PGT-A actually tests (and what it doesn’t)The difference between chromosomal abnormalities and single gene disordersWhy microdeletions and tiny DNA changes can go undetectedHow embryo biopsy sampling works (and its limitations)Why implantation depends on more than just DNAThe real theoretical ceiling of IVF success—even with “perfect” geneticsPGT is powerful. It reduces miscarriage. It improves efficiency. But it is a filter—not a crystal ball. If you’ve experienced a failed euploid transfer, this episode will help you understand why that doesn’t mean your embryos are bad, your clinic failed, or IVF won’t work. There is no such thing as a perfect embryo. There are only probabilities. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    12 min

  3. FEB 4

    Why IVF Medications Just Got Cheaper (and What That Changes)

    Send us a text For years, fertility medications were one of the biggest and least controllable costs in IVF—sometimes costing more than the procedure itself. Then, almost overnight, prices dropped by nearly 50%. In this episode, Dr. Mark Amols explains what actually caused this dramatic shift, how government policy and pharmaceutical competition reshaped pricing, and why this change is already affecting IVF protocols. He breaks down what lower gonadotropin costs mean for patients, how this impacts the use of Menopur, and why low-dose hCG is now becoming a more cost-effective alternative for LH activity in many cycles. If you’re preparing for IVF, freezing eggs, or struggling with medication costs, this episode will help you understand how these changes can affect your treatment, your budget, and your options. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    12 min

  4. JAN 28

    Back-to-Back, DuoStim, or Just IVF Twice? Let’s Clear This Up

    Send us a text IVF terms like back-to-back cycles, DuoStim, double stimulation, and accelerated IVF are often used interchangeably—but they don’t mean the same thing. And confusing them can lead to unrealistic expectations. In this episode of Taco ’Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down what these terms actually mean, how they differ, and—most importantly—when one approach may make sense over another. We talk about why doing IVF twice doesn’t magically improve egg quality, how ovarian biology and timing matter more than buzzwords, and why faster isn’t always better. You’ll learn: The real difference between back-to-back IVF cycles and DuoStimWhy high egg yield can increase cyst risk and affect next-cycle outcomesHow early follicle recruitment makes luteal-phase stimulation helpful for some patientsWhat the research actually shows about outcomes and success ratesThe one question every patient should ask when a clinic recommends “accelerated” IVFIf you’ve ever wondered whether DuoStim is better, more aggressive, or just IVF on a tighter schedule—this episode clears it up. Same ovaries. Same egg pool. Different calendars. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    13 min

  5. JAN 21

    Looks Good on Paper: Why Normal Fertility Tests Don’t Guarantee Pregnancy

    Send us a text Fertility tests can look perfect on paper—and pregnancy still doesn’t happen. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down why many fertility treatments, especially IUI, are built on assumptions rather than certainty. Tests like the HSG can confirm that fallopian tubes are open, but they cannot prove that the tubes are functional. Semen analysis can look normal, but it cannot confirm that sperm can reach the egg or successfully fertilize it. This gap between testing and reality is why IUI often requires a leap of faith—and why it works well for some patients but not for others. In this episode, Dr. Amols covers: What fertility tests can—and cannot—tell usWhy “normal results” don’t guarantee pregnancyWhy IUI is assumption-based by designWho is more likely to succeed with IUIWhy patients with long-standing infertility face harder decisionsThe difference between assumption-based treatment (IUI) and information-based treatment (IVF)Why IVF often provides answers even when it doesn’t lead to pregnancyIf you’ve ever wondered why IUIs fail despite normal testing—or whether it’s time to move on to IVF—this episode explains the logic behind those decisions without pressure or judgment. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    14 min

  6. JAN 14

    Embryo Glue, Round Two: Same Glue, New Data

    Send us a text In 2023, we asked a simple question: Should embryo glue be used routinely in IVF? Since then, more studies have been published, larger analyses have been completed, and the evidence has matured. In this episode, we revisit embryo glue with fresh eyes — separating what hasn’t changed from what actually has. We discuss why embryo glue is now clearly shown to be non-inferior to standard transfer media, what newer data suggests about small but possible benefits, and why those benefits are often misunderstood. Most importantly, we break down the difference between relative and absolute risk, using real-world examples to explain why a “10% improvement” doesn’t always mean what people think it does. This episode is about evidence, expectations, and honest counseling — not hype. If you’ve ever wondered whether embryo glue is worth considering, who it may help, and who likely doesn’t need it, this conversation is for you. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    13 min

  7. JAN 7

    Replay: Embryo Glue — Should You Use It? (New Evidence Next Week)

    Send us a text This is a replay of our 2023 episode on embryo glue. The discussion reflects the evidence available at that time. A lot has changed since this episode was first released. Listen again — because next week we’ll be back with a brand-new episode covering newer data and updated evidence you won’t want to miss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Embryo Glue: Is it a glue? Does it help? Should you use it? In this episode we discuss the what, how and why about embryo glue. We also discuss what the studies say about using embryo glue and if it is a treatment option you should use. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us — leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips — follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    15 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    High-Level Mosaic Embryos: Rare Chances, Real Questions

    Send us a text What happens when an embryo never even makes it to the report? In this week’s episode of Taco About Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols tackles the complicated world of high-level mosaic embryos—the lesser-known, often misunderstood siblings of low-level mosaics. Learn why some labs label these embryos as “aneuploid,” why others report them as “mosaic,” and how that single label could decide whether an embryo is transferred or discarded. We break down the true live birth odds, explain what high-level mosaicism really means, and walk through the trade-offs between not testing, testing and discarding, or testing and keeping everything. Whether you're over 40, deep into IVF, or just weighing your PGT options, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make the right decision for your fertility journey. 🔹 Topics covered: What is a high-level mosaic embryo?Why some labs don't report themStatistical odds of success by age groupEthical and emotional trade-offs in embryo testingWhat to do with abnormal embryos if you're not ready to discard them🎧 Tune in to find out: is a rare chance still a chance worth saving? Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

    15 min
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4.9
out of 5
125 Ratings

About

This podcast presents an in-depth exploration of fertility concerns and inquiries straight from those undergoing fertility treatment. Standing apart from the usual information found online, we dive headfirst into the real science and comprehensive research behind these challenges. Amidst all this, we never forget to honor our cherished tradition - celebrating the simple joys of Taco Tuesday!

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Amols, MD
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday
  • Show Website
    Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday

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