My IVF Story: With Jason and Jay
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
This week, Dr. D sits down with former patients Jason and Jay to discuss their journey to parenthood through IVF and third-party reproduction. As LGBTQ+ intended parents, they share how they accessed information, asked the right questions, and educated themselves on IVF options—including egg donation and surrogacy. Now proud dads of two children, Jason and Jay offer some great insight and encouragement for LGBTQ families seeking knowledge, support, and inclusive fertility care. Follow us on Instagram @fertiliteawithdrd for more fun facts about fertility! Hosted by Said...
info_outline
My IVF Story: With Corey and Nakia
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
This week, Corey and Nakia share their IVF story, opening up about the realities of infertility, IVF, and their journey to parenthood through surrogacy. From the early decisions that led them to IVF, to the decision to move forward with surrogacy, they reminisce with Dr. D about their 10 year journey to creating their family. Corey and Nakia reflect on the moments that challenged them most, the support that carried them through, and how their experience reshaped their understanding of family and parenthood. Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola to...
info_outline
How To Talk to Your Family About IVF During the Holidays
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
The holidays can be joyful—but if you’re going through IVF, they can also bring tough questions, unsolicited advice, and emotional conversations with family. In this episode, we’re talking about how to navigate IVF conversations during the holidays in a way that protects your mental health and honors your boundaries. We’ll cover how to decide what (if anything) you want to share about your IVF journey, ways to respond to invasive family questions, and scripts you can use when family gatherings feel overwhelming. If you’re dealing with infertility, IVF, or pregnancy pressure...
info_outline
The IVF Magician: With Dr. Andy Huang
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
Dr. D sits down with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Andy Huang, known in the fertility world as the IVF Magician. They break down recurrent implantation failure, what’s driving the conversation around PGT-P, and how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of IVF. Dr. Huang is a board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Reproductive Partners Medical Group, located in Southern California. After completing his residency and fellowship at UCLA Medical School, he has gone on to practice for the last 20 years in the field. ...
info_outline
Unexplained Fertility Explained
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
We’ve all heard the term “unexplained infertility” — but what does it actually mean when all your tests look normal and you’re still not getting pregnant? In this episode, Dr. Daneshmand breaks it down and what might really be going on beneath the surface — from egg and sperm quality to hidden uterine factors — and why “unexplained” doesn’t necessarily mean untreatable. If you’ve ever felt stuck with an unexplained diagnosis, this one’s for you — equal parts insight, science, and hope. Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola
info_outline
Redefining the F Word: With Rijon Charne
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
This week, Dr. D sits down with reproductive attorney Rijon Charne to talk about how a cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life — and ultimately led her to her purpose. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma days before graduating from law school, Rijon faced the daunting reality of preserving her fertility before treatment. Through her own egg freezing journey, she discovered firsthand the emotional and financial hurdles that so many patients encounter when trying to protect their future families. Today, Rijon uses that experience to advocate for others as the...
info_outline
Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Fertility Journey: With Dr. Sarah Oreck
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
Navigating fertility challenges can be one of the most emotionally taxing experiences in a person’s life — filled with uncertainty, hope, and heartbreak. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck, reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavida Health, to explore the often-overlooked mental health aspects of fertility. Dr. Oreck shares her expert insights on how stress, anxiety, and depression can impact both individuals and couples during the fertility journey. We dive into practical strategies for coping, how to recognize when to seek professional support, and why...
info_outline
Mission Motherhood: Rewriting the Fairy Tale with Cheri Bergeron
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
In this episode, Dr. D sits down with Cheri Bergeron, author, life coach, and founder of Cheri’s Choice which explores what it truly means to build a family on your own terms. From navigating fertility treatments and foster care to winning a landmark Texas case that reshaped laws around assisted reproduction, Cheri’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and redefining what motherhood looks like in today’s world. She shares how her book, Mission: Motherhood, was born from her own challenges and triumphs, proving that there’s more than one path to creating the family of your dreams. This...
info_outline
Serving Miracles: IVF Wins with Esther Vergeer
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
Today we’re joined by the legendary Esther Vergeer — widely regarded as one of the greatest wheelchair tennis players of all time. A seven-time Paralympic gold medalist, 48-time Grand Slam champion, and former world number one who held her title for over a decade with an astonishing 470 consecutive match wins, Esther’s greatest win was her journey to parenthood. Beyond her extraordinary career, Esther is the founder of the Esther Vergeer Foundation, empowering children with disabilities through sports, and the author of Fierce and Vulnerable. But today, she’s opening up about a deeply...
info_outline
Immunology & IVF: Can Your Immune System Affect Fertility?
FertiliTEA with Dr. D
When patients say, “My body is rejecting my embryos,” … what do they really mean? This week on FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we’re diving into the fascinating (and often misunderstood) role of immunology in fertility and IVF. Dr. D breaks down: How the immune system protects the body, yet must “tolerate” an embryo during pregnancy The role of uterine NK cells, T-regulatory cells, and inflammation in implantation What autoimmune conditions (like lupus, Hashimoto’s, or rheumatoid arthritis) may mean for fertility outcomes Which tests and treatments are evidence-based vs. still...
info_outlineThis week, we’re sipping on the science behind mini stim cycles —a low-dose, less invasive alternative to conventional IVF. Dr. D breaks down what mini stim is, who it's best suited for, and how it compares to traditional protocols in terms of cost, success rates, and side effects. Whether you're looking to reduce medication or explore IVF options with a lighter touch, this episode is a must listen for those looking for alternative plans for their IVF journey.
Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG
Produced by Phoebe Gurrola