FERTILITY, WITHOUT THE NOISE.
In this episode of The Woman’s Handbook: HOW TO BE A WOMAN, Dr. Natalie Hutchins speaks with Professor Zhongwei Huang, Clinician Scientist at the National University of Singapore, to cut through the myths and misinformation surrounding fertility.
Together, Dr. Hutchins and Professor Huang explore what truly influences fertility — from age and ovarian reserve to genetics, lifestyle, and nutrition. They discuss how fertility naturally changes over time, the difference between egg quantity and egg quality, and why the number 35 is not a “magic off switch.” The conversation delves into the roles of ethnicity and genetics, how early nutrition and preconception health affect fertility, and why sustainable lifestyle habits matter far more than short-term “fertility diets.”
The episode also addresses some of the most common areas of confusion: the real evidence behind folic acid supplementation, the myths surrounding MTHFR mutations, and the importance of vitamin D and calcium for reproductive and bone health. Professor Huang highlights why both partners play an equal role in conception — discussing the impact of smoking, alcohol, obesity, and sperm DNA fragmentation — and how small, consistent lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve reproductive outcomes.
They also explore polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, explaining their effects on ovulation, egg quality, and overall reproductive function, as well as how early diagnosis and management can support fertility. Professor Huang shares insights on egg freezing, separating fact from fiction about success rates, costs, and realistic expectations, and discusses the emotional and medical aspects of miscarriage, unexplained infertility, and the critical role of empathy and emotional support in fertility care.
The conversation closes with a hopeful look at ongoing research into reproductive ageing and what the future may hold for diagnostics that could help women better understand and preserve their fertility. Throughout, Dr. Hutchins and Professor Huang remind listeners that fertility is a shared journey, grounded in science, compassion, and self-care — and that there are many paths to creating a family.
Guest:
Dr Zhongwei Huang MBBS, PhD(Oxon), AFHEA (UK), MRCOG (UK), M.Med (O&G), FAMS is Deputy Director and Adjunct Assistant Professor of NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity & Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore. Dr Huang completed his PhD on ovarian biology in 2011 at the University of Oxford, UK, and continues to contribute to the field as a clinician-scientist. Dr. Huang also dedicates his time to undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching as well as performing translational research on fertility and reproductive ageing. Dr Huang’s research has been published in renowned journals such as Nature Aging, Cell Research, Nature Communications, Human Reproduction, Fertility & Sterility, Molecular Human Reproduction, Reproductive Sciences and Clinical Endocrinology.
Dr Huang supports couples with fertility and sexual issues holistically as an integral part of his clinical practice. He also cares for mothers throughout their pregnancy and women in their post reproductive years. He is the Vice President of the Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society of Singapore (OGSS), President of the Society for the Study of Sexology and Andrology, Singapore (SSASS), Chair, Section of Reproductive Medicine, College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Singapore (COGS) and Treasurer, Menopause Research Society, Singapore.
Connect:
The Woman’s Handbook website: www.thewomanshandbook.com
Instagram: @thewomanshandbook
Follow Dr. Natalie Hutchins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natalie-hutchins-7521a8136
Follow Professor Huang Zhongwei: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zhongwei-huang-5a58695b