IVF Prep at HealthYouniversity

Dr. Susan Fox

Welcome to Health Youniversity, the podcast dedicated to helping you reclaim your health, through fertility, pregnancy & postpartum, and what I call PRE-perimenopause (so you don't have to suffer when it arrives) I'm your host, Dr. Susan Fox, a women's health expert with over 24 years of experience in helping people navigate hormonal health from menses to menopause.  If you or someone you love is struggling with fertility challenges, you've found the right place.  Whether you're just thinking about "maybe" starting a family or are actively trying to conceive, this podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to turn those dreams into reality. At Health Youniversity, we'll marry traditional medicine with modern science to help you achieve optimum reproductive health.  I'll be joined by experts in the field to share comprehensive solutions that you can apply today.  Knowledge is power - that's why education is at the core of Health Youniversity. Tune in to our podcast on iTunes and Spotify, and let's  turn your dreams of family into reality. I can't wait to guide you on this empowering path of self-discovery and wellness. Stay tuned for our newest podcast season, coming soon.  Take the fertility quiz: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/fertility-quizSchedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programsFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.susan.fox/

  1. MAR 2

    What's in Your Water? with Cydian Kauffman

    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. You'll learn why municipal tap water is treated to a cost standard — not a health standard, what PFAS (forever chemicals) are and why they matter at levels as small as a single drop in a lake, how bottled water in plastic may actually be worse than your tap, why reverse osmosis is the closest thing to a magic bullet — and how to get one for as little as $200, what structured water and hydrogen water actually are (and which one is a fad), how to look up your own tap water report right now, and why if you're on well water, you need a full-spectrum test — not just the standard one. This conversation is for you if you've been drinking bottled water thinking it's the healthier choice, you're navigating fertility or pregnancy and want to understand your environmental exposures, you've heard about PFAS or microplastics and want to know what's actually true, you're on well water and haven't tested it in years (or ever), or you're ready to do something about your water but don't know where to start. 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    44 min
  2. FEB 27

    Is Fertility Concierge service right for you? with Ashlee Laroue BSN, RN

    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 concierge nurse actually does (and how it's different from just having a clinic nurse), why over 90% of your fertility journey is happening at home — not in the office, how real-time text access prevents the 2am spiral into Dr. Google, why Ashlee works as a coach so she can support clients in all 50 states, why you shouldn't wait 6 months or a year to start asking questions, what labs most fertility clinics skip that could change everything, and why seeking support doesn't mean you're weak — it means you're the CEO of your own health. This conversation is for you if you're navigating fertility treatment and feel like you're doing it mostly alone, you've been told to "just wait" and something doesn't feel right about that, you're pregnant after infertility and anxious about the transition out of the fertility clinic, you want someone in your corner who can anticipate your questions before you even ask them, or you're ready to stop Googling and start getting personalized, expert answers. 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    36 min
  3. FEB 19

    Accelerate Fertility with AI + Chinese Medicine with Kirsten Karchmer

    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 37-44 saw a 260% improvement. At 1/1000th the cost of IVF. You'll learn how Chinese medicine pattern differentiation became an algorithm, why daily check-ins accelerate results compared to weekly appointments, how AI tracks Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and Stagnation patterns without using TCM terminology, what happens when sentiment analysis catches emotional patterns affecting fertility, the 3 non-negotiables that must work before IUI/IVF, why asking "WHY" is where transformation happens, and how personalized supplements and meal plans adjust in real-time based on your patterns. But this conversation goes deeper than fertility. Kirsten reveals her vision for an operating system for women's health from first period through postpartum and beyond, why trackers are actually injurious to women's health, how language changes physiology (stop saying "infertile!"), the order of operations: optimize first, intervene second, and why 97% of couples are locked out of fertility care by cost alone. Listen to this episode if you're  considering fertility treatment and want to accelerate your timeline naturally first, currently in treatment and want to optimize outcomes before your next cycleinterested in how AI can scale personalized medicine without losing effectiveness, wondering how Chinese medicine diagnostic principles translate into technologysupporting someone through fertility challenges and want to understand integrative approaches, or a healthcare professional curious about the future of women's health technology. 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    39 min
  4. FEB 12

    Fertility Support with IVF Doula with Laura Weppler, BSN, RN

    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, the support system for patients' emotional well-being is severely lacking. Patients are overwhelmed, left piecing together information from Reddit, Facebook groups, and TikTok just to figure out tomorrow's injections—or simply to feel less alone. You'll learn why having a "pocket fertility nurse" changes everything, what questions to ask BEFORE starting IVF (not during your stim cycle), how to bridge the gap between what clinics provide and what you actually need, why building a support village is the #1 factor in treatment completion, when to advocate for yourself with your OB or fertility clinic, what makes Laura different from your clinic nurse (hint: 24/7 access and personal experience), and why the emotional component is the leading reason people drop out of treatment—not finances. But this conversation goes deeper than just navigating protocols. Dr. Susan and Laura discuss why you need to be the CEO of your fertility journey, how to integrate holistic and conventional care (it's not either/or, it's both/and), the importance of second opinions and building your care team, why waiting "just a little longer" can cost you precious time, and how proactive preparation 3+ months before treatment makes all the difference. Listen to this episode if you're considering fertility treatment and want to understand what support you'll actually need, currently in IVF and feeling overwhelmed or forgotten by your clinic, supporting a partner through fertility treatment and want to help effectively, facing a failed cycle and terrified of "doing the same thing, hoping for different results," wanting to integrate holistic support with your medical treatment, or a healthcare professional looking to better support fertility patients. 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    39 min
  5. FEB 1

    Male Fertility - It Takes 2 to Tango with Dr. Burnett

    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 still frequently neglected in fertility conversations. This episode changes that. You'll learn what lifestyle factors are silently damaging sperm quality (processed foods, stress, sleep deprivation, environmental toxins), when men should consider getting a semen analysis, what really matters in sperm testing (spoiler: it's not just count), and why the 72-day spermatogenesis cycle means changes take time. Dr. Burnett also shares insights on the emotional and mental health components of male fertility, why young men need primary care providers after pediatrics, and the exciting advances coming in male reproductive medicine through AI and genetics. But this conversation goes deeper than fertility alone. Dr. Burnett discusses his upcoming book "Penis Confidential" (2026), which tackles what it means to be a man in modern society—from helping teenagers navigate healthy masculinity to supporting older men through prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction. He challenges outdated notions of "toughness" that prevent men from seeking emotional and medical support, and advocates for destigmatizing men's health conversations. Listen to this episode if you're a couple trying to conceive and want to address both partners' health, a man concerned about sperm quality or reproductive health, someone supporting a partner through fertility challenges, a young man (or parent of one) seeking guidance on male health, a healthcare professional wanting better male fertility resources, or anyone interested in redefining healthy masculinity for the next generation.  💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    41 min
  6. JAN 28

    Egg Freezing is the new Sunscreen with Dr. Jamie Knopman

    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 "the new sunscreen"—a preventative measure that gives women control over their reproductive timeline. She explains the ideal age to freeze eggs (hint: it's younger than you think), debunks common myths about the birth control pill and fertility, and reveals how the vitrification process has revolutionized success rates since 2011. This conversation covers the complete egg freezing process from start to finish, the recovery timeline, how employee benefits are changing to support fertility preservation, and why reproductive health education should start as early as high school. Dr. Knopman also discusses fertility planning for LGBTQ+ couples, the importance of understanding your menstrual cycle, and how egg freezing fits into the broader picture of reproductive rights and body autonomy. This episode is for you if if you're in your 20s or early 30s planning your career and future family, considering egg freezing but unsure where to start, working in HR and evaluating fertility benefits for employees, part of the LGBTQ+ community exploring family-building options, a parent wanting to educate your daughters about reproductive health, or a healthcare professional seeking to better counsel patients on fertility preservation. Pre-order "Own Your Fertility: From Egg Freezing to Surrogacy, How to Take Charge of Your Body and Your Future" Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Fertility-Freezing-Surrogacy/dp/1324111488]  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/own-your-fertility-jaime-knopman/1147402776  Audible: 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    34 min
  7. JAN 20

    Clear Out Microplastics with Winnow! with Dr. Matthew Dunn

    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 the body using nature's own "biological glue." What makes this even more compelling? It's not just another supplement to add to your routine—it's a replacement probiotic that supports gut health while actively protecting you from plastic pollution. Dr. Dunn explains how 60% of microplastics enter through our food and water, how certain bacteria can stick to plastics and remove them through digestion, and why consistent daily protection matters more than occasional detox efforts. He also reveals the research connecting microplastics to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), reduced sperm quality, and compromised egg health. Listen to this episode if you are trying to conceive or you are supporting fertility, if you are a woman planning egg freezing or IVF cycles, if you are a parent concerned about children's toxic load, if you are a health professional wanting evidence-based solutions for patients, or anyone seeking health sovereignty in an increasingly polluted world. Order Winnow and start your daily microplastic protection: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/winnowlabs-healthyou  💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    31 min
  8. JAN 13

    Millennial Menopause: What You Can Do Now with Lauren Tetenbaum

    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 warned," Lauren walked out with a mission: to tell her generation to be proactive. This conversation is revolutionary because Lauren represents a generation saying "not on my watch." Millennials are uniquely positioned—straddling fertility, pregnancy, and the perimenopause transition, often having children in their late 30s and early 40s when perimenopause symptoms begin. Many don't know it, and when they raise the issue with their doctors, are told that if they are having regular menstrual cycles, they aren’t in perimenopause. In this essential episode, you'll discover why perimenopause symptoms often start in your late 30s and are frequently mood-related, why you don't need to meet criteria for major depression to get help, the truth about the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study that left an entire generation without hormone therapy support, why aging is nothing to fear and help is available, and how society's ageism and sexism have made menopause a term people fear. Lauren shares her personal adjustments—strength training at 40 for bone and cognitive health, sleep hygiene practices that actually work, and why a quick workout beats another cup of coffee when you're exhausted.  This episode is for women in their late 30s and 40s experiencing unexplained mood changes, anyone told they're "too young" for perimenopause or it's "just postpartum," women wanting to prepare for a healthy natural transition, their, partners and loved ones who want to understand and support, and healthcare providers who need updated education on menopause care. Website: http://thecounseLaur.com 💻 About Susan Fox: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/about Take your 5-Element Fertility Quiz: http://yourfertilityquiz.com/ Detox to De-Stress: View the FREE Masterclass on the importance of detoxification to prepare for a healthy pregnancy: https://susanfox1.easywebinar.live/gentle-detox Learn about our program entitled Your Fertile Health: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programs Schedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/your-fertile-health-call Let us journey with you as you navigate your fertile health. Connect with me: 🎧 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/health-youniversity-with-dr-susan-fox/id1592763186 🔊 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08U9QJf... 📸 Instagram: @dr.susan.fox 💗 Facebook: ...

    38 min
5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Health Youniversity, the podcast dedicated to helping you reclaim your health, through fertility, pregnancy & postpartum, and what I call PRE-perimenopause (so you don't have to suffer when it arrives) I'm your host, Dr. Susan Fox, a women's health expert with over 24 years of experience in helping people navigate hormonal health from menses to menopause.  If you or someone you love is struggling with fertility challenges, you've found the right place.  Whether you're just thinking about "maybe" starting a family or are actively trying to conceive, this podcast is here to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to turn those dreams into reality. At Health Youniversity, we'll marry traditional medicine with modern science to help you achieve optimum reproductive health.  I'll be joined by experts in the field to share comprehensive solutions that you can apply today.  Knowledge is power - that's why education is at the core of Health Youniversity. Tune in to our podcast on iTunes and Spotify, and let's  turn your dreams of family into reality. I can't wait to guide you on this empowering path of self-discovery and wellness. Stay tuned for our newest podcast season, coming soon.  Take the fertility quiz: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/fertility-quizSchedule a Fertile Health Assessment: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/programsFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.susan.fox/