233: In this episode, we take a deep dive into fertility, focusing on egg freezing and IVF. I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman, a board-certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility, to break down the entire process. As someone who froze my eggs at 36, I wanted to understand what comes next and what factors impact fertility, from hormone treatments to lifestyle choices.   We discuss everything from the science behind egg retrieval to the role of environmental toxins and how lifestyle changes can improve reproductive health. Whether you’re considering egg freezing, going through IVF, or just want to learn more, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable information.   Topics Discussed:   Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing   The egg retrieval and IVF process   The impact of pesticides and endocrine disruptors on fertility     Rising infertility rates and potential causes   The connection between PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility   Synthetic hormones and their effects   How age influences fertility outcomes   Sponsored By: Birch Go to Birchliving.com/realfoodology for 20% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows with Mattress Purchase.  Timeline Timeline is offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/REALFOODOLOGY.  SuppCo Get 100% free access today at supp.co/REALFOODOLOGY. Qualia Go to qualialife.com/REALFOODOLOGY for up to 50% off and use code REALFOODOLOGY at checkout for an additional 15% off. Function  Skip Function’s waitlist at www.functionhealth.com/realfoodology Timestamps:  00:00:00 - Introduction   00:03:25 - What is a reproductive endocrinologist   00:05:47 - Egg freezing vs. embryo freezing   00:09:22 - Ways to improve egg quality   00:12:16 - Pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and fertility   00:16:21 - How egg retrieval works   00:18:15 - The IVF cycle explained   00:19:51 - Mature vs. immature eggs   00:20:40 - How fertilization happens   00:23:32 - From eggs to embryos   00:24:46 - The importance of sperm testing   00:27:33 - Why infertility is on the rise   00:29:50 - Phthalates and their impact on fertility   00:31:21 - How embryos are created   00:34:02 - Sperm retrieval process   00:35:45 - What happens to extra embryos   00:37:37 - How embryo transfers work   00:44:24 - Synthetic hormones and fertility   00:47:47 - Birth control and its effects   00:49:29 - PCOS, insulin sensitivity, and fertility   00:54:32 - Finding the right workout for fertility health   00:57:05 - Egg count vs. pregnancy likelihood   00:58:11 - How age impacts reproductive success   Show Links:  Realfoodology - 45: Why Fertility is Declining with Dr. Shanna Swan Check Out Sasha: HRC Fertility  Instagram https://sashahakmanmd.com Check Out Courtney: LEAVE US A VOICE MESSAGE Check Out My new FREE Grocery Guide! @realfoodology www.realfoodology.com My Immune Supplement by 2x4 Air Dr Air Purifier AquaTru Water Filter EWG Tap Water Database Produced By: Drake Peterson