Baby or Bust with Dr Lora Shahine

Author: Dr. Lora Shahine

Fertility, reproductive health, and wellness are deeply personaland sometimes, deeply challenging. Brave & Curious is a space for open, honest conversations about the science, emotions, and decisions that shape our reproductive journeys. Hosted by Dr. Lora Shahine, a double board certified OBGYN and reproductive endocrinologist, author, and advocate, this podcast blends evidence-based medicine with empathy and curiosity. Whether you're navigating infertility, exploring reproductive health, or simply seeking knowledge, this show will equip you with insights, expert interviews, and real stories to support your journey. New episodes drop weeklysubscribe and join the conversation. Until next time, stay brave and curious.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine

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Ep 161 Understanding Fertility Testing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Couples
Episode 161
Tuesday, 3 February, 2026

Are you starting to think about fertility testing? Have you been trying to conceive and wondering which tests actually matter? Or are you overwhelmed by conflicting advice and unsure where to begin? In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine breaks down fertility testing with clarity, compassion, and evidence. Now you can move forward feeling informed instead of intimidated. Dr. Shahine covers the basics of fertility testing including the essentials of a thorough health history. She also explains how menstrual cycles, ovulation patterns, pain, PCOS, endometriosis, lifestyle factors, and mental health all shape a fertility workup. This episode empowers couples with realistic expectations, evidence-based guidance, and the confidence to advocate for personalized fertility care, because understanding your options is the first step to feeling as ready as you can for what comes next. In this episode you'll hear: [1:36] Key fertility tests for women: AMH, FSH, estradiol, ultrasound, and HSG [3:42]] The full work up: lifestyle, medical history, menstrual cycles, and past pregnancies [7:54] Ovarian reserve and AMH explained [13:19] Fertility tests for men: semen analysis and hormone evaluation [16:13] Preconception testing including genetic carrier screening [21:48] When to see a fertility specialist and what to ask your doctor after testing Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books