What You Need to Know About Egg Donation with Dr. Diane Tober
Release Date: 05/13/2026
What You Need to Know About Egg Donation with Dr. Diane Tober
The Egg Whisperer Show
I'm joined by Dr. Diane Tober, medical anthropologist, researcher, and author of Eggsonomics, a book that exposes the hidden realities of the global egg donation industry. Her NSF-funded research includes nearly 900 survey participants and close to 300 interviews with donors across the U.S., Spain, and beyond. We talk about the real risks donors face, the ethical complexities of how donors are selected and compensated, and what a more transparent fertility industry could look like for donors, intended parents, and doctors alike. In this episode, we cover: Why egg donors often don't feel...
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How to Have a Great Sex Life as a Fertility Patient with guest Dr. Renée Hilliard
The Egg Whisperer Show
In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m joined by Dr. Renée Hilliard, an expert in sexual health, mindfulness, and integrative wellness. We discuss how mental and emotional well-being intersect with fertility, the role of mindfulness in reproductive health, and the importance of cultivating a healthy relationship with intimacy and self-care throughout the fertility journey. In This Episode, We Cover: The role of mindfulness and emotional health in fertility How past experiences shape our reproductive wellness Why intimacy and connection matter during fertility treatments The...
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Living with Endometriosis: What You Need to Know About Healing and Hope with Dr Iris Kerin Orbuch
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In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I welcome Dr. Iris Kerin Orbuch, a renowned expert on endometriosis, to discuss the complexities and challenges of living with this disease. We explore how endometriosis affects fertility, the obstacles to early diagnosis, and the misconceptions that often delay proper treatment. Dr. Orbuch shares insights on the integrative approaches used in her practice, highlighting the importance of gut health in managing endometriosis. We also discuss the critical need for specialized surgical treatment and how endometriosis impacts overall health and...
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The Egg Whisperer Show
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What is Menopausal Pregnancy and How Are Celebrities Getting Pregnant After Age 50?
The Egg Whisperer Show
Did you know that pregnancy after menopause is possible? In this episode, Dr. Aimee dives into everything you need to know about menopausal pregnancy, including the science behind it, the role of egg donation, and how women over 50 are growing their families. She also shares important considerations for those thinking about this path to parenthood. In this episode, we cover: How pregnancy is possible after menopause The role of donor eggs in menopausal pregnancy Health risks and considerations for pregnancy at an older age Success rates and advancements in reproductive technology Emotional...
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The Truth About Fertility Trends in 2026: Egg Maxing, Sperm Maxing, Hormone Balancing & More with Sara Jensen of Hugh and Grace
The Egg Whisperer Show
This episode is a special one. Sara Jensen, co-founder and Co-CEO of Hugh & Grace invited me to join her for a live conversation in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week and the interview was so good, I knew I had to share it with all of you here on the Egg Whisperer Show. Sara has walked the deeply personal road of unexplained infertility for 14 years, ultimately building her family through the incredible gift of surrogacy. And, she and her husband Ben and channeled that journey (and what they learned) into a company dedicated to hormone-supportive, toxin-free wellness...
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Genetic Counselor Explains Genetics & Hereditary Disease for Fertility Patients with Dena Goldberg
The Egg Whisperer Show
Your Genetics are a key part of my TUSHY Method (Y = Your genetics) and I'm so honored to have Dena Goldberg (also known far and wide as Dena DNA) joining me today! Some of the questions I know you have on your mind about genetics are: Nothing came back on my 23 & Me test. I'm good to go, right? Answer: Not so fast. 23&Me relies on "SNP testing," and only looks at "very specific bookmarks on very random genes." You'll want a more thorough test for preconception screening. I don't have any history of disease in my family. Do I need to do genetic testing? Answer: It's a good idea....
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Gut Health and Fertility with guest Dr. Alex Carrasco
The Egg Whisperer Show
In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, I’m joined by Dr. Alex Carrasco, a board-certified family medicine doctor and functional medicine expert, to talk about the powerful connection between gut health and fertility. Dr. Carrasco is the founder of Nourish Medicine and the author of Bloom: 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Health, Cultivate Your Desires & Reignite Your Spark. We dive into how the gut microbiome impacts hormones, egg and sperm quality, inflammation, and even implantation. Dr. Carrasco breaks down how poor digestion, food sensitivities, and nutrient absorption can quietly...
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The Big Freeze: Everything You Need to Know About Egg Freezing with Natalie Lampert
The Egg Whisperer Show
In this episode of The Egg Whisperer Show, Dr. Aimee interviews Natalie Lampert, award-winning journalist and author of ‘The Big Freeze: A Reporter’s Personal Journey Into The World of Egg Freezing and The Quest to Control Our Fertility.’ Natalie shares her personal journey and professional insights into egg freezing, highlighting the psychological, ethical, and practical aspects. She emphasizes that egg freezing is a backup option that offers assurance but not insurance. They discuss the broader implications of fertility preservation, societal pressures, and the importance of thorough...
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Seed Cycling, Balancing Your Hormones and Your Cycle with Kate Morton of Funk It Wellness
The Egg Whisperer Show
After college, Kate left the States and moved to New Zealand where she worked at Lululemon and then at Wellness Beverage before starting Funk It. During that time, she went off birth control and struggled to get her period back; and when it returned she had cramps, moodiness, bloating, and hormonal acne. I can't wait to have her talk to us about being a dietician, seed cycling, and supporting your cycle. Do you have questions about IVF? The next live class call is on Monday, May 20, 2026 at 4pm PST, where Dr. Aimee will explain IVF and there will be time to ask her your...
info_outlineI'm joined by Dr. Diane Tober, medical anthropologist, researcher, and author of Eggsonomics, a book that exposes the hidden realities of the global egg donation industry. Her NSF-funded research includes nearly 900 survey participants and close to 300 interviews with donors across the U.S., Spain, and beyond.
We talk about the real risks donors face, the ethical complexities of how donors are selected and compensated, and what a more transparent fertility industry could look like for donors, intended parents, and doctors alike.
Read the full show notes on my website.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why egg donors often don't feel like "real patients" and how clinics can do better
- The truth about OHSS complication rates and why the statistic that "less than 1%" of those going through egg retrieval may be misleading
- How donor compensation in the U.S. varies by education, ancestry, and school prestige
- Key differences between egg donation in the U.S. vs. Spain
- What donors need to know about donating eggs, and how to self-advocate
- How private equity is changing patient care at fertility clinics
- Why 90% of donors in Dr. Tober's study actually want a national donor registry
Resources:
- Eggonomics by Dr. Diane Tober available on Amazon
- Romancing the Sperm by Dr. Diane Tober (on Amazon)
- Dr. Aimee's Freeze & Share Program - freezeandshare.com
- ASRM: asrm.org
- SART: sart.org
Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom.