Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman
Dr. Sasha Hakman, a double board-certified OB-GYN and infertility specialist, hosts this podcast about reproductive health. Drawing from her own experience with infertility, she covers topics like IVF, PCOS, endometriosis, and perimenopause. The show aims to explain complex science in plain language through expert interviews and patient stories.
Episodes
Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & Psychosis Explained: What Every Woman Should Know
Mental health during infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum is often misunderstood, and knowing what's normal, what's not, and when to seek help can make all the difference. In this educational episode, Dr. Sasha sits down with Dr. Kristin Lassiter, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry, to break down the mental health conditions women may experience throughout the
How to Make a Birth Plan: Induction, Epidurals, VBAC & Labor Explained
A birth plan can help you feel prepared for labor, but birth does not always go according to plan. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman shares her perspective as both a board-certified OB-GYN and a mom preparing for her third delivery after IVF. She breaks down birth plans, hospital vs. home birth, induction at 39 weeks, VBAC and TOLAC, epidurals, doulas, delayed cord clamping, cord blood bankin
Dr. Mona Amin on Sleep Training, Co-Sleeping & Gentle Parenting (Part 2)
What does it actually take to raise emotionally resilient kids without losing yourself in the process?
In Part 2 of my conversation with pediatrician and PedsDocTalk founder Dr. Mona Amin, we move from her personal journey into some of the most debated topics in modern parenting: sleep training, co-sleeping, gentle parenting, attachment, boundaries, emotional regulation, and the pressure to get e
Secondary Infertility After a C-Section: Dr. Mona's Journey to IVF
WARNING: This episode includes detailed discussion of traumatic birth, a NICU stay, a newborn stroke and seizures, maternal sepsis, repeat surgeries, and fear of dying in childbirth.
What happens when the birth experience you imagined becomes a medical emergency, and the journey to growing your family takes a turn you never expected?
In this deeply personal episode of Trying, Dr. Sasha Hakman si
Fertility Q&A: IVF, Luteal Phase Defects, Embryo Testing, Exercise & More
In this solo Q&A episode of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha answers listener questions across fertility, IVF, embryo transfer, hormone health, pregnancy, exercise, and reproductive genetics.
From adenomyosis treatment before embryo transfer and ways to support a short luteal phase to whole genome sequencing, balanced translocations, IVF in your 40s, male factor infertility, and exercise d
Fetal Movement, Kick Counts & Stillbirth Prevention with Count the Kicks
Stillbirth is a topic many expectant parents are afraid to talk about, but understanding your baby’s movement patterns can be an empowering tool during pregnancy.
In this episode of Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha sits down with Karina Bennett, ambassador for Count the Kicks, a stillbirth prevention program created by Healthy Birth Day, Inc. Karina shares the story of losing her son to st
OHSS: What You Need to Know Before IVF or Egg Freezing
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS, is a potential complication of ovarian stimulation that Dr. Sasha believes every patient going through IVF or egg freezing should understand. After seeing thousands of women comment that they wished they had known about OHSS before treatment, she knew it deserved a deeper conversation.
In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha breaks down what OHSS actually is, w
How to Get in Shape After Baby: Postpartum Fitness, Nutrition & Strength with Samantha Christine
Getting stronger after pregnancy is not about "bouncing back." It is about rebuilding your body, fueling it properly, and creating habits you can actually maintain. In this episode, Dr. Sasha sits down with certified personal trainer and nutritionist Samantha Christine to talk about postpartum body recomposition, strength training, nutrition, macros, GLP-1 medications, and what it really takes to
The IVF Protocol No One Explains: What Actually Determines Your Results
IVF medication protocols can be one of the most confusing parts of fertility treatment. In this solo episode, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Sasha Hakman explains how IVF medications actually work, why different patients may need different stimulation protocols, and how factors like AMH, ovarian reserve, age, previous IVF response, and risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) influence t
Dr. Mamina Turegano on Hormonal Acne, Hair Loss & Skincare That Works
We share more with a reproductive endocrinologist than you'd think — hormones drive skin and hair just as much as fertility. In this episode, Dr. Sasha sits down with triple board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano to break down what's really behind hormonal acne and hair loss, the environmental factors quietly wrecking our skin, and the exact prescriptions, supplements, and skincare rout
Secondary Infertility Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment: Everything You Need to Know
Secondary infertility affects millions of women — and yet it remains one of the most isolating diagnoses in the fertility space. You already have a child, so you feel like you can't complain. But the confusion, grief, and frustration are completely real. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down exactly what secondary infertility is, why it happens, and what to do about it — including cau
The Truth About Cycle Syncing, Fasted Training & Building Muscle After 40
Most women have been told at some point that their menstrual cycle should dictate how they train, that fasted workouts are wrecking their hormones, or that muscle-building becomes nearly impossible after 40. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with researcher and women's health expert Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to separate what the science actually shows from what the fitness industry is se
What IVF Protocol Did a Fertility Doctor Choose for Herself?
You asked for it, and here it is. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman walks through her own two IVF cycles in full detail — the exact medications, doses, trigger decisions, lab outcomes, and the reasoning behind every choice she made. As a reproductive endocrinologist who has navigated IVF both as a clinician and a patient, she brings a level of transparency you rarely get from a doctor. From a
Does a Hysterectomy Cure Endometriosis? An Endo Surgeon Answers Your Top Googled Questions
Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women, yet the average patient waits years for a diagnosis — often after being told their pain is normal. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with board-certified OB/GYN and endometriosis surgeon Dr. Mallory Stuparich to break down what endometriosis actually is, why it's now understood as a systemic immune and neuro-inflammatory condition rather than
What Causes Miscarriage? A Fertility Doctor's Full Breakdown
Pregnancy loss affects 15–25% of clinically recognized pregnancies, yet so many people are left without answers — or without hope. In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down everything you need to know about miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss: the five major causes, how each one is diagnosed, what treatment actually looks like, and which lifestyle factors are (and aren't) worth worry
Fertility After 40: Real Stats, Real Options, Real Talk
In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha dives into one of the most requested topics on the podcast: trying to conceive and being pregnant after 40. She cuts through the noise of misleading celebrity headlines and online misinformation to give you a clear, honest, and compassionate look at the biology, statistics, and real options available to you.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why more women are ha
The IVF Test That Could Finally Explain Your Failed Transfers with Jeremy Grushcow of Juniper Genomics
If you've ever gone through a failed embryo transfer and wondered why , this episode is for you. Dr. Sasha sits down with Jeremy Grushcow, co-founder and CEO of Juniper Genomics, to break down a groundbreaking advancement in IVF: whole genome and transcriptome embryo testing.
Jeremy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago, along with a law degree, and has
The Truth About Women's Health, Medical Misinformation, and Advocating for Yourself
What does it actually mean to try as a woman, as a patient, as a person navigating a healthcare system that wasn't built with you in mind? In this first solo episode of the newly rebranded Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman, Dr. Sasha shares why she changed the name, what this podcast is really about, and who it's for.
She opens up about the conversation that sparked the rebrand, the reality of practic
Your Doctor Is Wrong About Exercise: What a Doctor of Physical Therapy Wants You to Know
Are you being told to stop exercising while trying to conceive or going through IVF? You're not alone and according to today's guest, you're also likely being given advice that isn't backed by science.
In this episode, Dr. Shannon joins us for a conversation that is equal parts empowering and eye-opening. As both a physical therapist and a patient who exercised throughout her own fertility journe
A Reproductive Endocrinologist's Guide to Protecting Your Hormones
In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha goes deep on one of her most-requested topics: endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). What they are, where they're hiding, how they affect your hormones and fertility, and exactly what you can do about it.
As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, she brings both clinical expertise and personal practice to this conversation. This episode is grou
Sitting Down with My Husband: What IVF Really Looks Like from the Partner's Side
Dr. Sasha Hakman is finally joined by her husband, Dr. Eryk Hakman. In this honest, funny, and surprisingly emotional episode, Sasha and Eryk sit down together for the first time to share the full story: how they met on labor and delivery, why Eryk almost didn't commit, and what it has really been like to navigate three rounds of IVF as a couple, including a failed embryo transfer that hit them bo
The Protocol That Got Me Pregnant: A Fertility Doctor's Honest Account of Her Own IVF Journey
Dr. Sasha Hakman goes solo to finally answer the question her community has been asking for weeks: what exactly did she do differently for her second embryo transfer, the one that worked? Now 14 weeks pregnant, Dr. Sasha walks through her full protocol in detail, from the switch to a programmed FET to every medication, supplement, and lifestyle change she made. She also opens up about the emotiona
Acupuncture, Fertility & Chinese Medicine: What Every TTC Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Felice Chan
Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Felice Chan, a Chinese medicine practitioner and licensed acupuncturist based in Los Angeles, to explore how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can support women's health and fertility. What starts as a curiosity from a fertility doctor who regularly refers patients for acupuncture quickly turns into one of the most eye-opening conversations yet covering everyth
All Birth Control Methods Compared: Pill, IUD, Shot, Implant Pros and Cons
Today, I’m breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health: hormonal contraceptives. With so much misinformation online, it’s easy to feel confused or even scared about your options. As a reproductive endocrinologist, I want to give you the science-based facts so you can make informed decisions about your body and your future fertility.
I walk you through the different types
Male Factor Infertility: Why Men Need to Get Tested at 20 (Not When It's Too Late)
What happens when you're the picture of health, crushing it in your career, and then find out you can't get your partner pregnant?
In this episode, I sit down with Brian Mazza, entrepreneur, founder of High Performance Lifestyle Training, and one of the few men openly talking about male infertility. Brian shares his deeply personal journey from receiving devastating test results to navigating IVF,
Unexplained Infertility? The Truth About Endometriosis Doctors Don’t Always Tell You
I see this all the time. You’re doing everything right, your tests look “normal,” and yet… you’re still not getting pregnant. What if something is being missed?
In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in fertility: endometriosis.
I walk you through what endometriosis actually is, how it impacts your body, and more importantly, how it can affec
8 Embryo Transfers, 6 Years of Infertility, and the IVF Story That Finally Worked | ft. Abbe Feder
Can you really get pregnant after seven failed embryo transfers? What does it take to keep going when nothing seems to work?
In this episode, I sit down with Abbe Feder to talk about one of the most intense fertility journeys I’ve ever heard. After 6 years of trying to conceive, 8 embryo transfers, a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, and multiple failed IVF cycles, Abby finally got her miracle… t
The Best Fertility Supplements for Egg Quality, PCOS, and Pregnancy Prep From an OBGYN
Are you wasting money on fertility supplements that don’t actually help you get pregnant?
In this solo episode, I break down the truth about fertility supplements, what is worth taking when you are trying to conceive, and what may be overhyped or unnecessary. There is so much conflicting information online, especially around prenatal vitamins, folic acid, and trending supplements, so I wanted to w
Fertility Doctor Explains Egg Freezing, AMH, and the Truth About Your Biological Clock | Dr. Jessica Ryniec
Should you freeze your eggs? And if you do, how many do you actually need to feel confident about your future fertility?
In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Jessica Ryniec, a reproductive endocrinologist based in Boston, to break down everything you need to know about fertility preservation. From egg freezing to embryo banking, this conversation covers the science, the process, t
What Actually Happens in an IVF Lab (And Why No One Talks About It) | Shaun Reed
What really happens to your eggs once they leave the operating room? And how much does the embryology lab actually impact IVF success?
In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Shaun Reed, an experienced embryologist from Utah Fertility Center, to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the fertility journey: the IVF lab. From egg retrieval to embryo transfer, Shaun walks through
I Thought I Had PCOS (But I Was Wrong): Understanding Testing, Treatment & Fertility
Could your PCOS diagnosis actually be something else?
In this episode of the Trying to Conceive Podcast, Dr. Sasha Hakman breaks down polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the most common and misunderstood hormonal conditions affecting fertility. She also shares her personal experience of believing she had PCOS for years before discovering through expanded genetic testing that she actually had
How to Choose a Safe Prenatal: Manufacturing, Ingredients & Avoiding False Claims with Sam Diamond
How do you know if the prenatal vitamin you're taking actually contains what it claims? And why do some supplements promise everything but deliver almost nothing?
In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Sam Diamond, co-founder of Bird & Be to pull back the curtain on the supplement industry. From sourcing ingredients to third party testing, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory differe
Your Guide to IUI: Success Rates, Safety & Moving to IVF with Dr. Blake Evans
How many follicles are too many for an IUI? When should you move on to IVF? And is IUI ever a waste of time?
In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Blake Evans, a reproductive endocrinologist and researcher whose groundbreaking studies on ovarian stimulation and IUI have changed the way fertility specialists counsel patients every day.
Dr. Evans breaks down his widely cited research
My Embryo Transfer Failed. Here's How I'm Getting Through It (As a Fertility Doctor)
I finally share something I know so many of you have been waiting for.
My embryo transfer failed.
In this episode, I walk you through what happened, what I felt as both a fertility doctor and a patient, and the real reasons embryo transfers sometimes do not work even when everything looks perfect.
We talk about the science behind failed implantation, what recurrent implantation failure actually me
The Real Reason You Are Not Getting Pregnant with Dr. Natalie Crawford
What if your fertility struggles are not just bad luck?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr Natalie Crawford to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of infertility… chronic inflammation.
We talk about why so many women are told to “just try for 12 months” before testing, why sperm counts have dropped dramatically over the last 50 years, and how inflammation quietly interferes with ovulation,
Gestational Surrogacy Uncovered: What Intended Parents Need to Know
Gestational surrogacy can be one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—paths to building a family. In this episode of Trying to Conceive, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with her partner and colleague, Dr. Shahin Ghadir, a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with nearly 20 years of experience in third-party reproduction.
Together, they break down the essentials of gestational surrogacy
Your Fertility Questions, Answered: IVF, Egg Quality, Transfers & More
In this solo Q&A episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman answers your most common and complex fertility questions with clarity and nuance. She breaks down topics like chronic endometritis and transfer timing, reasons for low egg maturity and fertilization rates, day 7 PGT-normal embryos, and what “normal” HCG rises really look like. Dr. Hakman also shares guidance on natural vs. programmed FETs, exercising duri
Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman Trailer
Trying with Dr. Sasha Hakman is a women's health podcast hosted by a reproductive endocrinologist, covering everything from fertility and IVF to perimenopause, endometriosis, and hormonal health, all in plain, evidence-based language. No jargon, no shame, just the answers you've been searching for.
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Delay IVF or Start Now? The Truth About Egg Quality, Timing & Outcomes
Should you delay IVF or egg freezing to improve egg quality—or could waiting actually hurt your chances? In this episode of Trying to Conceive, Dr. Sasha Hakman is joined by renowned reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Philip Romanski to break down what the science really says about timing fertility treatment. They explore ovarian reserve testing, egg quality myths, lifestyle and supplement considera
Understanding PGT-A & Mosaic Embryos with Genetic Counselor Meaghan Doyle
Our latest episode is here, and it’s one every fertility patient should hear. Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Certified Genetic Counselor Meaghan Doyle to break down the confusion around PGT-A, embryo grading, and what mosaic results really mean.
In this conversation, Meaghan explains the differences between euploid, aneuploid, and mosaic embryos, why so many early embryos show mosaicism, and how
Your Complete Guide to Optimizing Natural Fertility
I’m excited to share my latest solo episode on maximizing natural fertility. In this episode, I cover how to understand your fertile window, the best ovulation-tracking methods, and what really matters for timing intercourse. I break down lifestyle strategies proven to support fertility—from nutrition and resistance training to essential supplements like folic acid and CoQ10. I also address enviro
How AI is Transforming IVF Success
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing reproductive medicine. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with Dr. Eduardo Hariton—Harvard-trained OB-GYN, reproductive endocrinologist, and innovation leader at US Fertility—to explore how AI is transforming every stage of fertility care. From personalizing IVF medication protocols to improving embryo selection and patient communication, Dr. Har
The Psychology of Loss: Dr. Jessica Zucker and Dr. Sasha Hakman in Conversation
Miscarriage affects one in four pregnancies, yet it’s still spoken about in whispers. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman and Dr. Jessica Zucker confront the stigma head-on—discussing how social expectations, gender norms, and medical systems often fail grieving parents. Drawing from her bestselling book Normalize It, Dr. Zucker shares her insights on how to support loved ones through loss and why c
Beyond Ovulation Strips: How Inito Is Changing Fertility Tracking
For anyone tracking ovulation, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Sasha Hakman and Dr. Pero from Inito dive into the real science behind fertility monitoring—how to know when you’re actually fertile, what hormonal patterns really matter, and why one-size-fits-all apps don’t cut it. Hear how Inito’s technology is redefining what it means to be informed and empowered while trying to conceive.
Get y
Optimizing Sperm Health: Dr. Justin Houman Joins Dr. Sasha Hakman
Nearly half of infertility cases involve male factors, yet men are often left out of the conversation. Dr. Justin Houman joins Dr. Sasha Hakman to break down the myths and stigma around male fertility, from the basics of semen analysis to advanced treatment options. They explore how simple lifestyle changes, early testing, and proactive care can make a major difference in outcomes for couples.
Le
Unpacking the Unknown: Dr. Sasha on Unexplained Infertility
In this solo episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman dives deep into one of the most frustrating diagnoses in reproductive medicine: unexplained infertility. She breaks down what it really means when everything looks “normal” on paper—but pregnancy still isn’t happening. From testing protocols to treatment options like IUI and IVF, this episode is your go-to guide for understanding how to navigate the unknown a
Donate Your Eggs & Keep Half for the Future: How Cofertility is Changing the Game
What if freezing your eggs didn’t have to come with a $15,000+ price tag? Enter Cofertility, the first platform to make egg freezing free when women donate half of their retrieved eggs to intended parents. Dr. Sasha Hakman sits down with co-founder and CEO Lauren Makler to talk about the ethics, logistics, and impact of this model—and how it’s reshaping fertility care for donors, parents, and futu
When Longevity Meets Fertility: How Longevity Expert Kayla Barnes ChoseBetween Egg and Embryo Freezing
In this episode, longevity leader and wellness entrepreneur Kayla Barnes joins Dr. Sasha Hakman to share her science-backed approach to fertility preservation. Kayla touches on how she decided to freeze eggs vs embryos and the tools she used that helped her recover faster than any patient Dr. Hakman has seen, Kayla breaks down the why, how, and what’s next in her journey to building a big family.
IVF 101: The IVF Process Step by Step
Starting IVF can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Sasha Hakman simplifies the science and the steps so you know exactly what to expect. From understanding your menstrual cycle and ovarian reserve to exploring egg retrieval, embryo culture, and genetic testing, Dr. Sasha gives you the knowledge to feel informed and empowered throughout your fertility journey.
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Loss, Resilience, and Choice: A Fertility Journey with Dr. Sarah Oreck
Dr. Sarah Oreck- psychiatrist, mother of three, and co-founder of Mavida Health- opens up about her experience with second trimester loss, IVF, and the emotional complexity of trying to conceive. With Dr. Sasha Hakman, she discusses how mental health is often overlooked in fertility treatment, the stigma around termination for medical reasons, and how her personal story helped shape the way she ca
Not On Brand—But Totally Real: Aggie Lal Opens Up About TTC
What happens when your lifestyle is optimized, your labs look great—and you still can’t get pregnant? Aggie Lal joins Dr. Sasha to unpack the emotions and realities behind “unexplained” infertility, how her partner’s sperm shifted the narrative, and why being a wellness influencer doesn’t guarantee an easy path to motherhood. This is the story behind the social media highlight reel.
Learn more a
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