Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you wasting money on fertility supplements that don’t actually help you get pregnant? In this solo episode, I break down the truth about fertility supplements, what is worth taking when you are trying to conceive, and what may be overhyped or unnecessary. There is so much conflicting information online, especially around prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and trending supplements, so I wanted to walk through this in a clear and evidence-based way. I share what I recommend starting with before pregnancy, including prenatal vitamins and key nutrients that support fertility and early fetal development. I also explain the controversy around folic acid vs methylfolate and MTHFR, and why this topic is often misunderstood. From there, I get into the most popular fertility supplements for egg quality and sperm quality, including CoQ10, omega-3s, vitamin D, melatonin, and antioxidants. I also talk through how age impacts egg quality, when supplements may actually make a difference, and why they should always be used alongside proper medical care and lifestyle support. I also touch on PCOS and why inositol can be a helpful supplement for improving insulin resistance and supporting ovulation in certain cases. If you are trying to conceive, preparing for pregnancy, navigating infertility, or doing IVF, this episode will help you better understand which fertility supplements may actually support your goals and which ones may not be worth your time or money. Follow along for more conversations on fertility, TTC, egg quality, PCOS, hormone health, prenatal nutrition, and pregnancy preparation. _____Follow Dr Sasha!TikTok: @sashahakmanmdInstagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepodYouTube: @tryingtoconceivepodWant to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more!If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks.If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you freeze your eggs? And if you do, how many do you actually need to feel confident about your future fertility? In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Jessica Ryniec, a reproductive endocrinologist based in Boston, to break down everything you need to know about fertility preservation. From egg freezing to embryo banking, this conversation covers the science, the process, the myths, and the practical decisions that come with preserving your fertility. Dr. Ryniec explains why fertility preservation has become so popular, who should consider it, and how the process actually works from evaluation to egg retrieval. You'll learn what ovarian reserve testing really tells you, why AMH matters even if it doesn't predict pregnancy, and how age impacts both egg quality and quantity. They discuss the reality that egg quality declines over time due to DNA repair breakdown, and why waiting too long can significantly reduce your chances of success. This episode dives into the technical side of egg freezing, including how vitrification revolutionized the field, what happens in the lab once your eggs are retrieved. Dr. Ryniec shares her approach to counseling patients on how many eggs to freeze based on age and family goals, and why 70% chance of one live birth is often a comfortable target for many patients. They also tackle the debate between freezing eggs versus embryos in a committed relationship, and why most fertility doctors have done fertility preservation themselves. Dr. Ryniec discusses the role of AI in egg selection, the limitations of current technology, and why fertility preservation is better thought of as a head start rather than insurance. You'll also learn about priming protocols, how birth control pills and IUDs can temporarily suppress ovarian response, and why lifestyle factors like sleep, hydration, and movement matter more than extreme dietary restrictions. Dr. Ryniec shares her thoughts on when it's too old to freeze eggs, how to optimize egg health in the 90 days before a cycle, and why smoking and daily fast food are bigger concerns than occasional gluten or dairy. This episode is essential listening for anyone considering egg freezing, wondering if they should wait to optimize their health first, or trying to decide between eggs and embryos. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or simply want to understand your options, this conversation will give you the knowledge and confidence to make the right decision for your future family. _____ Follow Dr. Jessica Ryniec on Instagram and TikTok: @jessicaryniecmd Follow Dr Sasha! TikTok: @sashahakmanmd Instagram: @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod YouTube: @tryingtoconceivepod Want to receive my weekly newsletter? Sign up at sashahakmanmd.com/newsletter to receive updates, answers to Q&A and more! If you haven't already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every 2 weeks. If you're interested in becoming a patient go to sashahakmanmd.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you delay IVF or egg freezing to improve egg quality—or could waiting actually hurt your chances? In this episode of Trying to Conceive, Dr. Sasha Hakman is joined by renowned reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Philip Romanski to break down what the science really says about timing fertility treatment. They explore ovarian reserve testing, egg quality myths, lifestyle and supplement considerations, and groundbreaking research showing that short delays in IVF—even for women with diminished ovarian reserve—do not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. This episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help patients make confident, informed decisions about when to start treatment and how to optimize results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our latest episode is here, and it’s one every fertility patient should hear. Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Certified Genetic Counselor Meaghan Doyle to break down the confusion around PGT-A, embryo grading, and what mosaic results really mean. In this conversation, Meaghan explains the differences between euploid, aneuploid, and mosaic embryos, why so many early embryos show mosaicism, and how to think about transferring a mosaic when it’s your only option. They also discuss the limitations of PGT-A, when it’s helpful, and why results should always be interpreted within the full clinical picture. If you’ve ever wondered whether PGT-A is worth it—or whether viable embryos are being discarded based on testing alone—this episode brings clarity, nuance, and evidence-based guidance. Listen now to feel more informed and empowered on your fertility journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to share my latest solo episode on maximizing natural fertility. In this episode, I cover how to understand your fertile window, the best ovulation-tracking methods, and what really matters for timing intercourse. I break down lifestyle strategies proven to support fertility—from nutrition and resistance training to essential supplements like folic acid and CoQ10. I also address environmental toxins, practical everyday swaps, and the importance of sleep, stress management, and mindful substance use. This episode gives you evidence-based, actionable steps to support your fertility and know when it’s time to seek professional guidance. Listen now to feel informed and empowered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing reproductive medicine. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Eduardo Hariton—Harvard-trained OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and innovation leader at US Fertility—to explore how AI is transforming every stage of fertility care. From personalizing IVF medication protocols to improving embryo selection and patient communication, Dr. Hariton shares how technology is enhancing outcomes, increasing accessibility, and allowing doctors to focus on what truly matters: caring for patients on their path to parenthood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miscarriage affects one in four pregnancies, yet it’s still spoken about in whispers. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman and Dr. Jessica Zucker confront the stigma head-on—discussing how social expectations, gender norms, and medical systems often fail grieving parents. Drawing from her bestselling book Normalize It, Dr. Zucker shares her insights on how to support loved ones through loss and why changing the language around miscarriage is key to collective healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For anyone tracking ovulation, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Sasha Hakman and Dr. Pero from Inito dive into the real science behind fertility monitoring—how to know when you’re actually fertile, what hormonal patterns really matter, and why one-size-fits-all apps don’t cut it. Hear how Inito’s technology is redefining what it means to be informed and empowered while trying to conceive. Get your Inito for $89 with the code TTCPODCAST https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=TTCPODCAST&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=TTCPODCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly half of infertility cases involve male factors, yet men are often left out of the conversation. Dr. Justin Houman joins Dr. Sasha Hakman to break down the myths and stigma around male fertility, from the basics of semen analysis to advanced treatment options. They explore how simple lifestyle changes, early testing, and proactive care can make a major difference in outcomes for couples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman dives deep into one of the most frustrating diagnoses in reproductive medicine: unexplained infertility. She breaks down what it really means when everything looks “normal” on paper—but pregnancy still isn’t happening. From testing protocols to treatment options like IUI and IVF, this episode is your go-to guide for understanding how to navigate the unknown and how to move forward with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices