• Alysia's personal experience as a surrogate and what inspired her to do it multiple times
  
  
• The importance of clear communication and aligned expectations between surrogates and intended parents
  
  
• Navigating emotional and physical challenges throughout the surrogacy process
  
  
• How to choose the right surrogacy agency and avoid common pitfalls
  
  
• The impact surrogacy had on Alysia's sense of purpose and identity
  
  

• Dr. Roxanne Pero's expertise in blending western and holistic medicine.
• The importance of humility, empathy, and thorough diagnoses in patient care.
• How non-toxic lifestyle choices and food as medicine can support fertility.
• The role of functional medicine in fertility treatments.
• Dr. Pero's personal journey to motherhood and how it influences her care approach.

Read the full show notes here: https://www.draimee.org/boosting-egg-quality-what-we-know-about-nad-and-fertility-with-dr-mark-ratner

I'm honored to be joined by Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer at Theralogix. We're diving deep into the science of NAD+ - what it is, why it matters for fertility, and how it might help improve egg quality and outcomes for those pursuing IVF or egg freezing. Dr. Ratner, a board certified urologist, brings a wealth of expertise in nutritional supplements and reproductive health, and I've been looking forward to sharing this conversation with you.

Throughout our interview, we explore the fascinating roles of NAD+ and sirtuins in ovarian health, discuss the latest research (from mice to humans!), and break down what these findings could mean for anyone hoping to preserve or boost their fertility. We also touch on practical strategies, from supplements to lifestyle changes, and address common questions about safety, effectiveness, and the future of this exciting area of reproductive science.

In this episode, we cover:

• What NAD+ is and why it's crucial for egg health and fertility
• The role of sirtuins as "master regulators" in our cells and their connection to ovarian reserve
• How age-related declines in NAD+ and sirtuins impact egg quality
• Insights from animal and human studies on NAD+ supplementation and fertility outcomes
• The difference between NAD+ supplements and precursors like nicotinamide riboside
• Dietary and lifestyle approaches to boosting NAD+ (and why caloric restriction isn't for everyone)
• The growing awareness among fertility specialists and what's next for research in this field

Resources

Get OvaNAD+ from Theralogix at their website (use the code EGG for a 15% discount)

• What PGT-A testing does and how its sensitivity has evolved
• What mosaicism is and why nearly all embryos exhibit it
• How new research is changing the way we interpret mosaic results
• What these findings mean for embryo selection and transfer decisions
• How fertility patients can advocate for themselves and make informed choices

In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I'm welcoming back renowned fertility specialist Dr. Geoffrey Sher to talk all about the causes and prevention of poor embryo quality in IVF. With over 36 years of experience and more than 17,000 IVF babies born through his work, Dr. Sher offers valuable insights into the factors that influence embryo quality and shares strategies to help improve IVF outcomes.

Read the full show notes on Dr, Aimee's website.

You can find Dr. Sher at Sher Fertility Solutions.

Key Topics:

1. Embryo Competency: Exploring the critical role of embryo competency in IVF success rates and miscarriages.
2. Factors Affecting Egg Quality: A closer look at how age, ovarian reserve, and the ovarian hormonal environment affect egg quality.
3. Impact of Environmental Pollutants: How pollutants like bisphenol A can impact egg quality and overall reproductive health.
4. Personalized Treatment Protocols: The importance of individualized ovarian stimulation protocols for optimal egg development.
5. Sperm Quality's Role: How sperm quality impacts embryo development and ways to improve it.
6. Emerging Technologies: New advancements in IVF, such as PGT and video screening for embryo development, that are shaping the future of fertility treatments.

Guest Information: Dr. Geoffrey Sher is the founder of Sher Fertility Solutions and a pioneer in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). He has authored multiple books and over 200 scientific articles and has been instrumental in advancing fertility treatments worldwide.

Resources:

• Dr. Sher's book: In Vitro Fertilization: The Art of Making Babies
• Download Dr. Sher's free ebook "From In Vitro Fertilization to Family: A Journey with Sher Fertility Solutions"
• Download Dr. Sher's Free ebook: "Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Unexplained IVF Failure: The Immunologic Link" (on immunology and recurrent pregnancy loss).
• Contact Dr. Sher's assistant Patti at concierge@sherivf.com or call 702-533-2691 for inquiries.

• How surrogacy and marathon training both teach endurance and resilience.
• The importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and personal journeys.
• Alison's reflections on hope and perseverance during life's challenges.
• Lessons from blending mental and physical strength to overcome obstacles.
• The inspiration behind Alison's memoir, The Miles We Run.

THAW examines the rapidly growing egg and embryo freezing industry, revealing its profound implications for women's reproductive health and rights. Through the stories of three American women navigating the world of fertility preservation, the film sheds light on the deeply personal, social, and ect. Get your tickets here.