Fertility 101: Ovulation, PCOS, Stress, Male Factor + IVF Success Rates with Dr. Sasha Hakman
I’m joined by Dr. Sasha Hakman — double board-certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) specialist and host of Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman — for an empowering, myth-busting conversation on fertility, hormones, and what it actually takes to support reproductive health.
We break down ovulation, PCOS, stress and missing periods, male factor infertility, and the real success rates of trying naturally vs IUI vs IVF — plus how age impacts egg quality and why fertility conversations need more truth, nuance, and far less shame. Sasha also shares her own fertility journey and what she wishes every couple (and every woman) knew before they start trying.
If you’re trying to conceive, considering egg freezing, navigating PCOS, or simply want to understand your fertility and hormones with clarity (without fear), this episode will meet you exactly where you are.
Key insights:
The causes of female infertility and how to identify if ovulation is the missing link
PCOS explained: what it is, why it happens, and how lifestyle can help (without perfection)
Stress, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and why missing periods are a real biological signal
Male factor infertility: what a semen analysis can (and can’t) tell you + when to test further
The biggest fertility disruptors Sasha sees most: vaping, marijuana, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods
When it makes sense to optimize ovulation vs move toward IUI, IVF, or ICSI
Egg freezing timing: the “sweet spot,” how many eggs matter, and why earlier can mean fewer cycles
Success rates by age: natural conception vs IUI vs IVF — and what most people don’t hear until it’s urgent
Why egg aging is largely about chromosomes (not just “mitochondria + supplements”)
New research Sasha’s excited about: whole genome sequencing for embryos
What Sasha wishes every couple understood before trying: tracking, teamwork, and consistency over perfection
Dive deeper with us!
The conversations don’t end here, they ripple into real life.
Ways to be Supported:
Follow Dr. Sasha Hakman: @SashaHakmanMD
Visit Dr. Sasha’s website: SashaHakmanMD.com
Listen to her podcast: Trying to Conceive with Dr. Sasha Hakman
Ways to Support the Show
Join our We Shine Well community on Substack to: Dive deeper with with guided prompts, resources, and community conversations with fellow listeners and guests to expand you
Connect with us on Instagram at @weshinewell
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