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. 6D AGO

    Can You Really Choose a Boy or Girl? The Truth About Sex Selection

    Send a text For thousands of years, humans have tried to influence whether they have a boy or a girl. From ancient myths about moon phases and food choices to modern scientific techniques, the desire to choose a baby’s sex has never gone away. In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down the real science behind sex selection and separates fact from fiction. You’ll learn: • Why sex positions, foods, and timing methods like the Shettles Method don’t actually work  • The fascinating biology behind X and Y sperm  • Just how tiny the difference between male and female sperm really is  • Why sperm sorting techniques have struggled to work reliably  • The only method currently proven to determine a baby’s sex before pregnancy  • The ethical debate surrounding gender selection  • Why sex selection laws differ around the world  • What future technologies may make possible Dr. Amols also discusses the concept of family balancing, the controversial question of whether choosing a baby’s sex is “playing God,” and how advances in reproductive technology continue to push the boundaries of medicine. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s truly possible to choose a boy or a girl—or why so many myths about sex selection still exist—this episode explains the science in a way that’s easy to understand. 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

  2. MAR 4

    What I’d Do If I Were 38, Trying 12 Months, and All My Tests Were ‘Normal’

    Send a text If you’re 38, you’ve been trying for 12 months, and every test comes back “normal,” this episode is your step-by-step game plan for what to do next. “Unexplained infertility” isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a sign we haven’t found the real bottleneck yet, and at 38, time is a real variable. We walk through the highest-yield checklist to confirm what’s truly been evaluated (ovulation, uterine cavity, tubes, and the male factor), then cover the common “hidden” causes that don’t show up on basic workups—like egg quality/aneuploidy, subtle sperm issues (including DNA fragmentation), endometriosis, and timing problems. Finally, I lay out a clear decision tree for your next move—minimal intervention vs a time-limited IUI trial vs moving to IVF sooner—plus my hard-stop rules, what I would NOT waste time or money on, and the exact questions to bring to your next appointment so you leave with a timeline instead of limbo. 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.

    16 min

  3. FEB 25

    The Incubator Inside You: IVC and the Baby Pod Explained

    Send a text When you see a fertility doctor, you’re usually offered two paths: IUI or IVF. But what if there’s a middle ground? In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down IntraVaginal Culture (IVC) — a treatment where your body becomes the incubator. At our clinic, we call the device the “Baby Pod,” and it offers a meaningful step up from IUI without the full cost and complexity of IVF. Dr. Amols explains how IVC works, why it is not the same as IVF, and why marketing it as an IVF replacement is misleading. He walks through real-world success rates, who makes a good candidate, who should avoid it, the limitations of embryo monitoring, and why fewer embryos matter. He also clarifies how IVC differs from mini-IVF and where each fits in modern fertility care. If you’ve failed IUIs, are concerned about IVF cost, or want a clear, honest breakdown of your options — this episode separates hype from hope and myth from medicine. 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

  4. FEB 18

    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

  5. 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

  6. FEB 4

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

    Send 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

  7. JAN 28

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

    Send 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

  8. JAN 21

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

    Send 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
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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
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday
  • Show Website
    Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday

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