Ep 292: High Hopes, Low Reserve: Making Tough Choices with Decreased Ovarian Reserve

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas , Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center , and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center . In this episode, the Fertility Docs dive into the complexities of decreased ovarian reserve and the tough decisions that come with it. What happens when only a few eggs are retrieved? When is it best to fertilize, and when might it be time to stop treatment? Our docs unpack the emotional and financial weight of multiple cycles with low yields and explain why sometimes looking at sperm health—including DNA fragmentation testing may be important. They discuss the role of growth hormone in supporting egg quality, the difficult but potentially life-changing choice of donor eggs, and strategies for dealing with dominant follicles, from luteal starts to estrogen priming. You’ll also hear insights on high AMH at age 41, unexplained infertility that turned out to be diminished reserve, chemotherapy’s impact on fertility, and alternative paths when IVF isn’t financially possible—from IUI and intratubal insemination to fertility grants. This is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating the challenging reality of decreased ovarian reserve. This podcast was sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility .