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

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 founder of Sunray Fertility Law, helping people navigate the complex world of fertility law and insurance.

More from Rijon Charne and Sunray Fertility HERE

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 emotional well-being is just as critical as physical health during this time.

Whether you're currently undergoing fertility treatments, supporting a partner, or working with patients in this space, this conversation offers compassionate guidance, evidence-based tools, and a reminder that you're not alone.

For more information about Mavida Health, click HERE

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 episode is for every woman who's ever questioned the "fairy tale" version of motherhood and is ready to write her own story.

✨ Topics covered:

• Overcoming societal expectations around motherhood

• Finding strength through IVF, foster care, and legal battles

• Building community and confidence as a single mom by choice

• How to reclaim your story and pursue motherhood with purpose

💜 Listen now and be inspired to rewrite your own version of "happily ever after."

Purchase Cheri's book: https://www.cheribergeron.com/book
Learn more about her mission: https://www.cheribergeron.com/

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 personal journey: becoming a mother through IVF and surrogacy.

In this episode, Esther shares:
✨ What led her to pursue IVF
✨ How she began the process of finding a surrogate and agency
✨ The biggest misconceptions about surrogacy
✨ Her best advice for those just starting their IVF journey

Link to The Esther Vergeer Foundation HERE

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 experimental
  
  

• How lifestyle and disease management factor into reproductive immunology
  
  

🎙️ No "Spill the Tea" this week, but you can always send your questions to fertiliteawithdrd@gmail.com, they might be featured in a future episode!

Amy Weinblum has spent her career working alongside some of the most influential leaders and brands in the world, including serving as Oprah Winfrey's Chief of Staff, producing with Harpo Productions, and leading the sold-out Oprah's 2020 Vision Tour. But behind her incredible career, Amy was on another journey: her path to parenthood.

In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D, Amy opens up about her fertility story.. Spanning from egg freezing, single parenting, IVF, to surrogacy. Now serving as Senior Vice President at Growing Generations, the very agency that helped her become a mom, Amy shares wisdom, resilience, and hope for anyone navigating their own fertility journey.

💜 Topics we spill the tea on:

• What led Amy to freeze her eggs and how that shaped her path

• The toughest moments of IVF and how she found strength

• Choosing surrogacy and building her family

• What she wishes she had known earlier in her journey

• Her advice for others just starting fertility treatment

✨ Plus, our Spill the Tea segment where Dr. D answers listener questions!

👉 To learn more about the surrogacy and family-building services Amy now helps lead, visit growinggenerations.com

📩 Got a question for Dr. D? Email us at fertiliteawithdrd@gmail.com.

IVF expert Dr. Natalie Crawford shares fertility tips, hormone health insights, and lifestyle strategies from her new book The Fertility Formula.

This week on FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we welcome world-renowned IVF and fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD — co-founder of Fora Fertility and author of the brand-new book The Fertility Formula.

In this episode, Dr. Crawford and Dr. D explore the science of fertility and the real factors that impact your journey to conception. Together, they dive into:

💜 How hormones shift throughout the menstrual cycle — and how to support each phase
💜 The most common hormone imbalances that affect fertility
💜 The role of sleep, nutrition, gut health, and stress in reproductive health
💜 Powerful lifestyle changes to naturally support hormones while TTC
💜 Practical strategies for self-advocacy when labs look "normal" but something still feels off

📖 Learn how The Fertility Formula can help cut through the noise and give you the tools you need to support your fertility. >>> https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Learn more about Natalie Crawford: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/
Listen to her podcast: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/podcast