Fertility Q&A: Hormones, Male Factor, IVF Challenges & More

Fertility Q&A: Hormones, Male Factor, IVF Challenges & More

From As a Woman by Natalie Crawford, MD

April 13, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

Dr. Natalie Crawford answers various fertility-related questions from listeners.

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, answers your fertility questions. I’ve been on the progesterone-only pill for three years due to other medical concerns, and I recently stopped taking it because my husband and I are ready to start trying to conceive. What should I expect when coming off this type of pill? Are there any body changes to look out for, and how long does it typically take for cycles to regulate after stopping? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for a year. I’m 30 and he’s 32. He was diagnosed with a varicocele, and his only borderline parameter is motility at 36%. I’ve been diagnosed with mild PCOS and had an HSG that suggested possible adhesions in one tube. Our fertility doctor recommended holding off on varicocele surgery and starting a medicated cycle. In cases like this, is surgery worth pursuing, or are treatments like medicated cycles or IUI typically sufficient? I’m 38, have been trying to conceive for nearly two years, and have mild PCOS with regular cycles. I’ve had two chemical pregnancies and recently moved forward with IVF with PGT-A. I’m currently in the two-week wait after transfer but am experiencing brown spotting again…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Natalie Crawford

Topics covered

  • fertility
  • hormones
  • IVF
  • male factor infertility
  • PCOS
  • medicated cycles
  • luteal phase spotting

Keywords

  • fertility
  • hormones
  • IVF
  • PCOS
  • varicocele
  • medicated cycles
  • luteal phase
  • chemical pregnancies
  • endometriosis
  • fibroids

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