Blogs
Learn about fertility, infertility, treatments, and more!
The Truth About Progesterone Levels in Fertility, IVF, and Early Pregnancy
Progesterone is one of the most talked-about — and most misunderstood — hormones in fertility care.
Patients are often told to “check their progesterone,” but what do these numbers actually mean? Can they predict whether a cycle will succeed or fail? And how should progesterone be interpreted in natural cycles, IVF, or early pregnancy?
In this episode, Dr. Erica Bove explains the physiology of progesterone, why levels fluctuate throughout the luteal phase, and why a single blood test often provides an incomplete picture.
She discusses how progesterone functions in ovulation, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, and assisted reproduction — and why clinical history frequently matters more than any single laboratory value.
Environmental Toxins & Fertility: PFAS, Plastics, and What to Avoid
In this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores how environmental exposures may affect fertility, egg quality, sperm development, hormone production, and long-term ovarian health.
Environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are often overlooked in fertility care, yet growing research suggests they may influence IVF outcomes, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and even the timing of menopause.
Luteal Phase Defect Explained: Progesterone, Short Cycles & Fertility
In this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores luteal phase defect and its impact on fertility and early pregnancy.
The luteal phase begins after ovulation and is sustained by progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. Adequate progesterone exposure is essential for implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy.
Endometriosis and Failed Implantation: Why High-Quality Embryos Don’t Stick | Dr. Sadikah Behbehani
I have been waiting to record this episode for a while, and I have a really wonderful guest with me today.
Dr. Sadikah Behbehani, and she is a friend, she is a colleague. She is the expert nationally, internationally, from my perspective, on endometriosis and reproductive surgery.
And she is both an REI and a MIGS-trained (minimally invasive gynecologic surgery) physician. And so it’s this beautiful combination of somebody who sees the pelvis through the eyes of an REI. And it’s just amazing.
Authentic Hope in Fertility Treatment: Staying Grounded When Outcomes Are Uncertain
What does authentic hope really look like in fertility care especially when outcomes are uncertain?
In this episode of Love & Science Fertility, we explore how hope can remain steady and empowering without drifting into false reassurance or unrealistic expectations. Grounded in evidence-based medicine and compassionate care, this conversation reframes hope as something patients can build, not just wait for.
We discuss how clear communication, structured treatment roadmaps, and an understanding of individual clinical factors—such as age, embryo quality, and diagnosis can help patients feel informed rather than overwhelmed. Rather than bypassing difficult emotions, authentic hope allows space for uncertainty while still supporting resilience, clarity, and forward movement.
This episode is for anyone navigating fertility treatment who wants to feel supported, informed, and emotionally anchored even when the path ahead feels unclear.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): A Physician's Journey Through Cancer, Hormones, and Healing with Dr. Esra Shermadou
In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits In this powerful episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Esra Shermadou, a board-certified family medicine physician, to explore premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through both a medical and deeply personal lens.
Stress is Optional: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine and Coaching with Dr. Robyn Tiger
In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica Bove sits down with Dr. Robyn Tiger, a double board-certified physician in diagnostic radiology and lifestyle medicine, trauma-informed mind-body expert, and founder of Stress-Free MD.
Dr. Robyn shares her powerful personal journey through chronic, unexplained physical symptoms that ultimately stemmed from severe chronic stress — and how discovering yoga, meditation, and lifestyle medicine quite literally saved her health and her life.
Why High-Achieving Women Struggle Most With Infertility and How to Start Thriving
In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica introduces Starting To Thrive a twelve module course created from over a decade of clinical experience in reproductive endocrinology.
She shares why infertility so often overwhelms the nervous system, why information alone is not enough when the body is in survival mode, and how real transformation begins when the mind and body return to safety.
Setting Intentions in Your Fertility Journey: Reframing Loss, Hope, and Healing
Dr. Erica Bove explores the power of intentional reflection and goal-setting during the fertility journey. She shares how writing down intentions can help reframe negative narratives around fertility treatments, while honoring both loss and growth along the way.
Light in the Darkness: Finding Hope on the Fertility Journey
The winter solstice reminds us that even in the darkest season, the light begins to return. In this episode of the Love and Science Podcast, Dr. Erica reflects on the symbolism of light overcoming darkness and how this truth can offer comfort and perspective during the fertility journey.
A Physician Coach's Fertility Journey: Embodying Self Trust with Dr. Trina Dorrah
Dr. Trina Dorrah is a certified physician coach who shares her experience of the fertility journey before she discovered coaching. She shares how coaching tools could have helped her navigate the process with much less shame, blame, self-judgment, and overwhelm.
Practical Strategies to Feel Better Now with Dr. Kathy Gibney
Join us as we welcome the insightful and inspiring Dr. Kathy Gibney, a mentor, friend, and PhD psychologist whose career spans decades of dedication to physician wellness. Dr. Kathy shares her wisdom on the emotional landscape of medicine and the powerful simplicity of genuine human connection.
An Unexpected Path to Family Building with Dr. Sarah Wittry
Dr. Sarah Wittry was just a resident when she realized she and her husband had infertility. Her story includes the heartache of navigating her fertility journey without emotional support, being open to many different pathways to parenthood, and how she wished she had discovered self compassion sooner.
6 Strategies for Reclaiming Joy This Holiday Season
Is the holiday season, especially while navigating a fertility journey, stealing your joy?
Learn practical, actionable strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and cultivate moments of joy, even when faced with expectations and triggers.
Navigating Fresh and Frozen Embryo Transfers
Choosing between a Fresh and a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)?
Join us as we explore the history, current success rates, and the specific clinical and practical reasons why one approach might be better for your unique situation.
Empowering Women Physicians on the Fertility Journey with Dr. Sunny Smith
Sunny Smith graciously shares her wisdom and experience on today's episode, both in terms of her personal and ongoing journey finding wellness as well as how she empowers other women physicians to do the same.
So, Now What? Embracing a Childfree Life with Lana Manikowski
I believe deeply that we need to consider these questions much earlier in the process. It does not mean that we are giving up, but rather that there are many meaningful ways to live this life, both with and without children.
Rheumatologic Disease and Infertility: A World of Possibility with Dr. Brittany Panico
Dr. Panico takes a patient-centered, whole health approach to her patients. May you borrow her wisdom and take with you pearls which might help you along your own journey, whether you have a rheumatologic diagnosis or not.
Daring to Dream: Entrepreneurship and The Fertility Journey with Dr. Una
In this very moving and powerful episode, my mentor, Dr. Una, shares her wisdom so generously with our community.
The Truth: We Can’t Actually Test Fertility
Can you really “test” your fertility? Is everything you’ve heard about fertility assessments kind of a myth?
This week I’m revealing why “fertility testing” isn’t what most people think it is and how they don’t actually define your fertility or your worth.
Thrive through infertility with Love & Science
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