• Dr. Paula Amato's professional background and personal connection to embryo donation
• The medical, ethical, and legal aspects of embryo donation
• Who embryo donation can help and what the process involves
• Emotional considerations for both donors and recipients
• The role of transparency and disclosure in donor-conceived families
• The future of embryo donation in reproductive medicine

• Understanding that we ovulate only one egg per month with a 15% chance of genetic viability at best
• The reality of conception timelines: why it can take 6-12 months for healthy couples to conceive
• Miscarriage statistics and why 20-30% of pregnancies end in the first trimester through no fault of your own
• The three-question framework for planning your fertility future: what you want, what it takes, and your willingness to act
• How egg freezing works as "IVF without the F" and why it's about rescuing eggs, not depleting them
• Age-related fertility decline: why your chances at 41 (10% viable eggs) are dramatically different than in your twenties
• Preparing for pregnancy like you'd prepare for a vacation: getting medically ready, addressing health issues, and genetic carrier screening

I'm thrilled to share this conversation with my friend and colleague, Dr. Jaime Knopman, a reproductive endocrinologist and author of the newly released book Own Your Fertility. Dr. Knopman brings clarity, honesty, and courage to the conversations our patients need now more than ever. In this episode, are talking fertility-doctor-to-fertility-doctor about egg freezing, IVF success rates, and fertility preservation strategies. If you're wondering when to freeze your eggs, how age affects fertility, or what "fertility tests" actually tell you, this conversation is for you.

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

We dive deep into the science of fertility decline, debunk common myths about getting pregnant, and discuss practical steps for fertility preservation. Dr. Knopman shares her powerful "fertility puzzle" and "fertility treatment ladder" frameworks that help patients understand their options. We also cover the emotional aspects of infertility, pregnancy loss, and how to build resilience through your fertility journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why fertility declines at age 32 and what AMH testing really tells you
• Egg freezing success rates and how many eggs you actually need
• The truth about monthly pregnancy chances (hint: it's not 50/50)
• IVF treatment options explained: from IUI to embryo transfer
• Fertility myths debunked: hormone balancing, ovulation tracking, and the "fertility test"
• How to talk to your doctor about fertility preservation and family planning
• Real patient success story: 10 frozen eggs, 1 embryo, 1 healthy baby

Resources:

• Dr. Jaime Knopman's book: Own Your Fertility (on Amazon)
• Dr. Jaime Knopman Instagram
• Dr. Jaime Knopman website

• In this episode, we cover:
• How fibroids and endometriosis can impact fertility, implantation, and IVF outcomes
• The signs, symptoms, and most effective diagnostic approaches for both conditions
• When surgery is recommended and the advantages of minimally invasive techniques
• What to expect during recovery and how to prepare your mind and body
• Patient advocacy tips for navigating care and finding personalized treatment options

• The power of saying "no" to protect your emotional well-being during fertility treatment
• How to communicate clearly with friends and family about the kind of support you need
• Building your fertility support team, including therapists, acupuncturists, and mindfulness practices
• What friends and family should (and shouldn't) say to someone going through fertility treatment
• Why it's okay to decline baby showers and pregnancy-related events without guilt
• The importance of celebrating every win, no matter how small, throughout your journey
• Five simple questions anyone can ask to show genuine support: "What can I do for you? What do you need? How can I help? Can I bring you anything? Can I come with you?