As a Woman
236 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1K ratingsDr. Natalie Crawford is a fertility physician at Fora Fertility in Austin, Texas who knows that trying to understand your body and your hormones can be exhausting and overwhelming in the world of medical misinformation and contradicting opinions. She started this podcast to educate and empower, giving people access to the knowledge she's acquired on health and fertility from the comfort of their home, or where ever they choose to listen! She talks about a wide range of topics, including IVF, hormones, infertility, menstrual cycles, mental health, and, well, beyond! She also welcomes special guests to speak to related topics, or share their fertility journey. Tune in and become a part of the community of collaboration that amplifies others, As a Woman.
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Episodes
Mother's Day and Infertility
May 14, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford shares her thoughts on mother's day and how difficult it can be when you are struggling with infertility. She also shares her infertility story and her advice for how to accept support from the people around you. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to sign up! Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For ...
Case Study- Amenorrhea
May 07, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford does a case study on amenorrhea. This is the first episode of this series. These case studies will either be cases approved by patients or made up cases. It can be an isolating experience feeling like you are the only one going through something, so I hope this series will help you feel a little less alone. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com...
Marijuana and Fertility
April 30, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses marijuana and how it can impact male and female fertility. She also discusses how marijuana can affect pregnancy including development of the baby. You deserve to know the data in order to make decisions that are best for you. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter to sign up! Natalie answers your social media questions du...
The Two Week Wait
April 23, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains what happens during the two week wait. She includes how to use ovulation prediction kits, implantation, pregnancy dating, IVF cycles, and more. Dr. Crawford also explains what to avoid and how to best support your mind and body during this time. During the two week wait, you are either pregnant or you’re not, and this is an emotionally taxing time period. You do not need to go through this alone. Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS...
Fertility Q&A: Semen Analysis, Embryo Grading, Inflammation, and More!
April 16, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford gathered the best fertility questions you left on her voicemail in this special Q&A episode! There are often so many fertility questions that go unanswered and Natalie is here to be a trusted source for your questions and concerns regarding fertility. Questions answered: What are the IVF success rates without removing hydrosylpinx? My partner's semen analysis says 0% motility and low sperm counts. Has anyone been able to increase scores enough to do IUI? Does embryo gra...
What To Do With Your Embryos
April 09, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford answers what you should do with your embryos if you no longer need them. She goes over embryo storage, your options, and how abortion laws impact your embryos and IVF. All clinics have different contracts when it comes to embryo storage and what they do with them if you forget to make your payment. If you are doing IVF or did IVF in the past and have embryos left, this episode is for you. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to ...
Mini Stim IVF
April 02, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains minimal stimulation IVF also known as mini stim IVF or “natural” IVF. When does it make sense to do minimal stimulation IVF? It’s important to understand your options and what is best for you when it comes to your goals and how you want to get there. She also warns you about the marketing tactics you may see and why many of them are making false claims. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more everg...
Cycle Tracking and Hormone Imbalance
March 26, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford breaks down cycle tracking methods and what is normal when it comes to your cycle. This episode is for you if you are trying to conceive or plan to begin that journey in the near future. She also discusses PCOS, luteal phase deficiency, and other reasons why your hormone levels or cycles may be irregular. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com/n...
Contraception and Future Fertility
March 19, 2023 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains different types of contraception, how they work, and what you should know if you are planning to get pregnant in the near future. She also discusses the many myths surrounding birth control. When you are making decisions about your family planning, it is important to understand your options and decide what works best for you. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign u...
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
March 12, 2023 10:00 - 41 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses POI and what you should know about this medical condition. POI is also sometimes called premature ovarian failure or early menopause. This diagnosis means loss of ovarian function and running out of eggs before the age of forty. This diagnosis can be very difficult and it's important to understand what it means for you and your fertility. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you w...
Fertility Q&A
March 05, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford gathered the best fertility questions you left on her voicemail in this special Q&A episode! There are often so many fertility questions that go unanswered and Natalie is here to be a trusted source for your questions and concerns regarding fertility. Questions answered: What is the truth about Chlamydia and blocked Fallopian tubes? Is pre-seed lubricant a good option when trying to conceive? When undergoing fertility treatments, do all of the stimulated follicles creat...
Religion and IVF
February 26, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses IVF and religion and explains the IVF process, options for modifications, and some things to think about. Many people have preconceived ideas of what IVF is and what it is not. This technology exists for you to have a family and it’s important for you to understand the process before making a decision. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawford...
Miscarriage Management
February 19, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses miscarriage management including what you need to know, what happens next, and your options when your ultrasound doesn't look like it should. She also shares her experience with miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Miscarriage is hard and being able to understand your options is important. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com/newslette...
OHSS-Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
February 12, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford MD discusses OHSS or ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome including risks, warning signs, and how it’s treated. OHSS is a complication that can happen any time you stimulate the ovaries. Many decisions during fertility treatments are made based off the risk of OHSS as the symptoms can become severe. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go to nataliecrawfordmd.com/newslett...
Do You Have PCOS
February 05, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses PCOS, how you know if you have it, and ways to manage it. Often providers have given patients’ birth control or progesterone as a band aid and avoided explaining the disease. If you have a disease like PCOS you deserve to know you have it, understand it, and have a discussion about what you do daily may have an impact. We have decided to move Fertility In The News to the weekly newsletter in order to keep the podcast more evergreen. If you want to sign up go t...
Uterine Birth Defects
January 29, 2023 11:00 - 42 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains how the uterus is formed and the different types of uterine birth defects including a transverse vaginal septum, bicornuate uterus, unicornuate uterus, uterine septums, and more. So often there are no warning signs until you reach infertility or are getting an evaluation. She also goes into detail about a uterine septum, which is the most common uterine birth defect, and the procedure to fix them. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses celebriti...
Advanced Maternal Age
January 22, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses advance maternal age, what you should know, what it means for your fertility, and what should you do if you are waiting to start your family. She also discusses IVF success rates. You cannot make decisions based on data you don’t know. So, it’s important to know your age-related chances of having a child or multiple children if that is your goal. In this week’s Fertility In The News, Natalie discusses the Cosmopolitan article called “Inside the fertility black...
Cancelled Cycles
January 15, 2023 11:00 - 39 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses cancelled cycles, why they happen, and why it shouldn’t always be a bad thing if your cycle gets cancelled. Often cycles are cancelled without explanation, but you, as a patient, deserve to know why. She also discusses things you can control to improve your outcomes. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie responds to Elon Musk’s decision to cut fertility benefits from his employees at Twitter. What hurts the most is knowing that he has benefitted from fe...
When To Have Kids
January 08, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses planning your family and when to have kids. She tells you her story of becoming a parent and what that looked like in medical training. Natalie also shares what she wishes she would’ve prioritized when it comes to health before trying to get pregnant. In this week’s Fertility In The News, Natalie responds to Ricki Lake’s clip claiming the birth control pill causes early menopause and explains why this is “fake news.” She also goes over the variety of reasons s...
Fertility Q&A
December 18, 2022 11:00 - 44 minutesIt’s the last episode of 2022! And to end the year off, Dr. Natalie Crawford gathered the best questions you left on her voicemail in this special Q&A episode. Natalie answers all your burning questions, including: What the correlation between AMH results and antral follicle count is If an IUI procedure combined with ovulation induction is a good treatment plan If and why you need to supplement a form of estrogen in the luteal phase The process of becoming an egg donor or surrogate ...
Frozen embryo transfers
December 11, 2022 11:00 - 47 minutesIn this week’s episode, Dr. Natalie Crawford offers an overview of the frozen embryo transfer. She discusses different protocols, why the timing is what it is, and what you should know if you’re preparing to undergo IVF and an embryo transfer. She explains that, no, your embryos won’t get freezer burn, and that you should keep them as long as you possibly can. For the Fertility in the News segment, Dr. Crawford addresses a story published by CNN and others, highlighting parents who welcomed...
Getting a fertility second opinion
December 04, 2022 11:00 - 39 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses when to get a second opinion and how to go about it. The relationship between you and your fertility doctor is important, and it is a very personal relationship, so it’s important you find the right fit. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses a review in Human Reproduction Update, reported by CNN, that examines how sperm counts may be declining globally, sparking a debate over male fertility. Finally, Natalie answers your social media ques...
Improving your egg quality
November 27, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses egg quality improvement, including what it is, what you should know, and what you should do. There’s a lot we can do about fertility; however, there are no guarantees. But there are some interventions you can take now to improve the genetic normalcy of your eggs. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses the leaked audio clip of Stephen Billy, vice president of state affairs for the Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America Foundation. In this clip, Bill...
Fertility preservation
November 20, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses fertility preservation, including egg vs. embryo freezing, lifestyle interventions, and what to avoid. Often people think of fertility preservation as an insurance policy, but it’s more like an investment for your future. When you know your options, you’re better prepared to plan your family goals at a time that makes sense for you. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses Jennifer Aniston’s recent interview with Allure about her IVF and fertili...
Vitamin D and fertility
November 13, 2022 11:00 - 40 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford chats about vitamin D and its relation to fertility, including why it matters, when you should get your levels checked, and how much you should supplement. There’s a lot we don’t know about vitamin D and its effect on fertility; but, studies show us that a deficiency in vitamin D can be associated with miscarriage and recurrent miscarriage. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie also discusses an article in Runner’s World about how The Center for Environmental H...
Adenomyosis and fertility
November 06, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses adenomyosis including, what it is, how it differs from endometriosis, why it occurs, and what having adenomyosis means for fertility. Adenomyosis changes the normal function and structure of the uterus; but, there is little research and evidence to guide us on treatments, so your period often acts as your sounding guide. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses an article in Medical News Today that analyzes results from a Scandanavian study that...
Politics and reproductive rights ft. Rochelle Garza
October 30, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford chats reproductive rights with civil rights advocate and Attorney General of Texas candidate Rochelle Garza. They discuss bodily autonomy, why the Attorney General’s role is crucial for reproductive health, and why winning this race will be a game changer for protecting civil rights. All your civil rights are on the line in this election, so make sure you have a plan and go out and vote. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses reproductive rights, inclu...
Genetic testing and conception
October 23, 2022 10:00 - 50 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford chats about genetic testing while trying to conceive, including why it’s important, when you should get carrier testing, abnormalities in your genes that can cause diseases, genetic testing of embryos, and more. Genetic testing—both in parents and embryos—is safe and ever-expanding. It also allows you more options when starting a family. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses the CDC’s recent report on maternal mortality and how an estimated 84% of preg...
What you need to know before you get pregnant
October 16, 2022 10:00 - 48 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford chats about what you need to know before you get pregnant or try to conceive, including why you should go to your OBGYN for a pre-conception consultation, what tests you should have done, warning signs from your body, and more. You don’t know what you don’t know, so it’s important to understand your body and how it might affect your chances of getting pregnant. In this week’s Fertility in the News, Natalie discusses actress Hilary Swank’s twin pregnancy at the age of 48 ...
Fertility Q&A
October 09, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford gathered the best fertility questions you left on her voicemail in this special Q&A episode! There are often so many fertility questions that go unanswered and Natalie is here to be a trusted source for your questions and concerns regarding fertility. Natalie also discusses a 15-year-old study about egg freezing summarized in Fortune that indicated women have been led astray on egg freezing. In lieu of FFS (For Fertility’s Sake), Natalie continues to answer your voi...
Semen Analysis and Male Fertility
October 02, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses semen analysis and male fertility—what it is, who should get an analysis done, and what factors doctors look for in sperm analyses. There aren't many choices for people with sperm who have fertility issues, but it’s important to educate yourself to make the choice that is right for you. Natalie also discusses a Turkish study that indicates how blue light exposure from phones and tablets in childhood can increase production of the reproductive hormones, up the r...
Abortion is Healthcare
September 25, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses abortion—why it is and should be considered healthcare, the complications that fall under abortions and why that makes it controversial, and what impact your vote and voice have. 1 in every 4 women will have an abortion. Pregnancy is not health neutral and very complicated, which is why it’s important your vote this November matters. While discussing abortion and healthcare rights, Natalie also discusses senator Lindsey Graham’s proposal for a national 15-week...
Plant-Based Eating
September 18, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford chats all about plant-based eating, including the benefits and how it relates to fertility. There’s no debate that eating plant-based is healthier than processed alternatives, and in this episode, Natalie helps answer common questions about eating plant-based and how to make it a lifestyle—including some easy recipe ideas! Natalie also discusses the release of the new Apple Watch during her Fertility in the News segment and how it can help you track your fertility windo...
The Endometrium
September 11, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains the endometrium—what it is, what it is hormonally responsive to, things that change it, and possible abnormalities. She dives into all things related to the endometrium, including, what can cause a thin endometrium lining, uterine septum, endometrial polyps, and more. She also discusses an NBC essay about how Texas’ abortion trigger ban has stopped a woman from pursuing further IVF treatment. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segm...
Understanding Your Hormones
September 04, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford explains your hormones—what they do, what it really means when your hormones are “unbalanced”, and how to get to homeostasis. Your hormones control your entire body and are influenced entirely by the world around you, so it’s important to understand how they work and how to get to homeostasis. She also discusses a recent article from The Cut that examines discrepancies in health benefits across organizations and the dark side of Amazon's fertility benefits. Finally, Nat...
Post Birth Control Syndrome
August 28, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses Chrissy Teigen and her vulnerability in sharing her fertility journey. Later, she explains the birth control pill and post-birth control syndrome—what it is and why people say it exists. There is a lot of misinformation about the birth control pill, and you should be able to make an informed decision about if it’s the right contraceptive for you. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. This time, all a...
Low Ovarian Reserve
August 21, 2022 10:00 - 46 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses the recent CNN article about how a single Chinese woman lost a court case against a hospital that refused to freeze her eggs. Later, she explains low ovarian reserve—what it is, how to test for it, the causes, and how to approach your fertility moving forward. Reproductive autonomy is important, and if you have a low ovarian reserve, Dr. Natalie Crawford encourages you to look at your reproductive goals differently because you should be in control of your future...
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
August 14, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses Olympian Lolo Jones sharing her vulnerable IVF story. Later she explains recurrent pregnancy losses—what it means, what tests should be done, and recommendations for treatment. Approximately 15–25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage, but recurrent pregnancies account for less than 5%. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. Do I need to take a month off fertility treatments after a chemical pregnancy? Wh...
Irregular Periods
August 07, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses the recent Bloomberg article about how LGBTQ+ hospital workers in Illinois are being denied fertility treatments. Later, she discusses the causes of irregular periods and the importance of not presuming that your cycle is normal. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. Can birth control extend your fertile years by preventing ovulation? Does intermittent fasting affect fertility? What are some modifiable...
Fertility Myths
July 31, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutesDr. Natalie Crawford discusses the recent POPSUGAR article about how “viably fertile” patients are being denied essential autoimmune medication because of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Later, Natalie debunks the fertility myths you submitted on Instagram! Some of your submitted myths: keep your legs in the air after sex to increase your chances of getting pregnant; pineapple, the secret fertility fruit; and sex in the luteal phase is bad for implantation. Don't forget to ask your question...
Preparing for IVF
July 24, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutesThis week, Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and reflects on the Newsweek article that discusses the European study about harmful chemicals in plastic food packaging and their effect on fertility. Later, Natalie teaches listeners how to prepare for IVF. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. Can you still do IVF if you have a low egg count? How long do you wait after having a baby before you do IVF ag...
Emergency Contraception
July 17, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutesThis week, Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and discusses the recent New York Times article about why deleting your period tracker won’t protect you and how other digital data can have implications. Later, Natalie discusses emergency contraceptives, including your options and how emergency contraceptives differ from abortions. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. What can cause a hydrosalpinx? How w...
Ovarian Cysts
July 10, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutesThis week, Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and discusses the Netflix documentary Our Father and the disturbing issue of fertility fraud. Later, Natalie teaches listeners about ovarian cysts—what they are, when they are normal, and when they are problematic. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. Is it common to have abnormal periods after egg retrieval? What is POI, and what questions do I ask my fert...
Living in a Post-Roe World
July 03, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutesOur fertility in the news segment could not be timelier than it is now, as the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. What does it mean to be living in a post-Roe era? This week Dr. Natalie Crawford explains what this could mean if you’re pregnant, trying to be pregnant, are experiencing a miscarriage, experiencing pregnancy complications, wanting to undergo ART, and more. She highlights concerns regarding access to contraception, and shares how her life and career have personally benefite...
Soy and Fertility
June 26, 2022 10:00 - 42 minutesThis week Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and discusses Oklahoma’s pro-life legislature and what it means for reproduction care including assisted reproductive technologies. Later, Natalie discusses the controversial topic of consuming soy and its effect—or lack thereof—when it comes to fertility. Finally, Natalie answers your social media question during her segments, FFS—For Fertility’s Sake. Should uterine polyps be removed before embryo implantation? Does...
Bleeding in Early Pregnancy
June 19, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutesThis week Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and discusses the James MacDougall family court case in the UK and the risks of fragile-X syndrome. Later, Natalie discusses the different causes of bleeding in early pregnancy and why it’s important to establish early prenatal care. Finally, Natalie answers your social media questions during her segment, FFS – For Fertility's Sake. When is the right time to consider IVF? What is a normal HCG level and what are the in...
Implantation
June 12, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutesThis week Dr. Natalie Crawford dives into her segment Fertility in the News and talks about the myths and inaccuracies about Kourtney Kardashian’s IVF journey. Natalie discusses what it really means when Kourtney Kardashian said her fertility medication put her into menopause and why drinking semen does not help with thyroid levels. Later, Natalie helps you understand the luteal phase and discusses what this phase means for understanding symptoms in your menstrual cycle, ovulation and preg...
Testing Your Fertility
June 05, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutesWelcome to Season 2 of As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Beyond. While the podcast you know and love has been around since 2019, this week Natalie takes the time to re-introduce herself and the mission behind this podcast as we head into a new season. She then dives into her first new segment, Fertility in the News, where this week she examines Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy’s interview with Politico where he speaks about African American maternal mortality. We know that Black mothers are ...
Introducing As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Beyond (Season 2!)
May 30, 2022 16:33 - 1 minuteWelcome to As a Woman: Fertility, Hormones, and Beyond. We're so excited to share all that season 2 has in store. If you haven’t already, please rate, review, and follow the podcast to be notified of new episodes every Sunday. Plus, be sure to follow along on Instagram @nataliecrawfordmd, check out Natalie's YouTube channel Natalie Crawford MD, and if you're interested in becoming a patient, check out Fora Fertility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
134: IVF and Abortion
May 15, 2022 09:00 - 31 minutesJoin host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about reproductive rights and what my happen to IVF is abortion laws become state driven. Why are abortion and IVF linked? A draft opinion from the Supreme Court indicated that abortion rights will likely be overturned. If this occurs, many states have trigger laws in place which will immediately limit abortion access. However, what many people don’t understand is that some states also have language defining life at conception or fertilization - kno...