About this episode
233: In this episode, we take a deep dive into fertility, focusing on egg freezing and IVF. I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman, a board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, to break down the entire process. As someone who froze my eggs at 36, I wanted to understand what comes next and what factors impact fertility, from hormone treatments to lifestyle choices. We discuss everything from the science behind egg retrieval to the role of environmental toxins and how lifestyle changes can improve reproductive health. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, going through IVF, or just want to learn more, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable information. Topics Discussed: Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing The egg retrieval and IVF process The impact of pesticides and endocrine disruptors on fertility Rising infertility rates and potential causes The connection between PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility Synthetic hormones and their effects How age influences fertility outcomes Sponsored By: Birch | Go to Birchliving.com/realfoodology for 20% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows with Mattress Purchase. Timeline | Timeline is offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/REALFOODOLOGY . SuppCo | Get 100% free access today at supp.co/REALFOODOLOGY. Qualia | Go to qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off. Function | Skip Function’s waitlist at www.functionhealth.com/realfoodology Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:25 - What is a reproductive endocrinologist 00:05:47 - Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing 00:09:22 - Ways to improve egg quality 00:12:16 - Pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and fertility 00:16:21 - How egg retrieval works 00:18:15 - The IVF cycle explained 00:19:51 - Mature vs. immature eggs 00:20:40 - How fertilization happens 00:23:32 - From eggs to embryos 00:24:46 - The importance of sperm testing 00:27:33 - Why infertility is on the rise 00:29:50 - Phthalates and their impact on fertility 00:31:21 - How embryos are created 00:34:02 - Sperm retrieval process 00:35:45 - What happens to extra embryos 00:37:37 - How embryo transfers work 00:44:24 - Synthetic hormones and fertility 00:47:47 - Birth control and its effects 00:49:29 - PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility 00:54:32 - Finding the right workout for fertility health 00:57:05 - Egg count vs. pregnancy likelihood 00:58:11 - How age impacts reproductive success Show Links: Realfoodology - 45: Why Fertility is Declining with Dr. Shanna Swan Check Out Sasha: HRC Fertility Instagram https://sashahakmanmd.com Check Out Courtney: LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide! @realfoodology www.realfoodology.com My Immune Supplement by 2x4 Air Dr Air Purifier AquaTru Water Filter EWG Tap Water Database Produced By: Drake Peterson