Before IVF: What Most Couples Miss About Fertility

Fertility isn't just about trying harder — it's about understanding time and timing. In this episode, Dr. Melvin Thornton explains what most couples miss about fertility, including why properly timed intercourse and early evaluation matter more than many people realize. If you're trying to get pregnant, navigating infertility, or wondering when to seek help, this conversation breaks down the foundational steps before moving to IVF or advanced treatment. Dr. Thornton also addresses one of the most overlooked contributors to infertility: male factor fertility. Nearly 40% of fertility challenges involve sperm health, yet many couples delay or skip a semen analysis early in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: • What "time and timing" really mean when trying to conceive • When age becomes a critical fertility factor • Why ovulation tracking matters • Why sperm analysis should often come first • How to approach fertility testing in a structured, informed way Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or reassessing next steps, this episode offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help you focus on the fundamentals before escalating care. Understanding fertility starts with clarity — and clarity starts with the right information.