As a Woman

FERTILITY Q&A: Ovulation, Recurrent Loss, IUI, PMOS, and More

As a Woman

Show Notes

When your cycles are regular, your ultrasound looks normal, or you have been pregnant before, how do you know when it is time to look deeper?

Fertility testing does not always give you the whole picture. An LH surge is not the same as the day you ovulate, a normal ultrasound cannot rule out every uterine issue, and previous pregnancies do not protect you from secondary infertility or recurrent loss.

In this Fertility Q&A, Dr. Natalie Crawford answers your questions about ovulation tracking, recurrent chemical pregnancies, PMOS (formerly PCOS), low sperm motility, failed embryo transfers, Hashimoto’s, unexplained infertility, IUI, and when to pursue a more complete fertility evaluation.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Fertility Q&A

00:20 When Do You Actually Ovulate After an LH Surge?

02:00 What Should Be Tested After Recurrent Chemical Pregnancies?

03:58 Should You Fast or Exercise Fasted With PMOS (PCOS)?

06:15 What Does Low Sperm Motility Mean for Fertility?

08:43 When Should You Schedule a Saline Sonogram or HSG?

09:35 What Should You Do After Multiple Failed Embryo Transfers?

11:49 Can Creatine Make Endometriosis Worse?

12:50 How Should You Prepare for Pregnancy With Hashimoto’s?

14:48 When Does Recurrent Loss Require a Fertility Evaluation?

17:42 When Should Both Partners Get Karyotype Testing?

18:41 Is IUI Worth Trying for Unexplained Infertility?

21:41 Who Is the Best Candidate for IUI?

22:32 How Long Can Fertility Be Affected After IUD Removal?

23:50 How to Submit Your Fertility Questions

AS A WOMAN WITH DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLveZDgg3_HZ9m7Wy3C6Vvyrj_NtEOwj_l

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/as-a-woman/id1449553339

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12IYOLH9liu60gk5D0bRPk

HOST RESOURCES:

Order The Fertility Formula: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Newsletter: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/newsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliecrawfordmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NatalieCrawfordMD

Become a patient: https://www.forafertility.com

Earn FREE CE/CME: https://learnatpinnacle.com/education

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network.

ABOUT DR. NATALIE CRAWFORD:

Natalie Crawford, MD, is a double board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of The Fertility Formula. She helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and reproductive health so they can make informed decisions about their bodies.

Disclaimer: Natalie Crawford, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from As a Woman

Oct 20, 2026

Are you getting enough sleep but still waking up exhausted? Or struggling to fall asleep while your mind won’t switch off? Better sleep starts with understanding what may be getting in the way, including the two-way relationship between sleep and your hormones.

Oct 14, 2026

Why are you feeling more bloated, struggling with digestion, or noticing changes in your metabolism when your usual habits haven’t changed? During perimenopause and menopause, symptoms that seem unrelated may be part of a bigger conversation about hormones and gut health. What should you pay attention to, and where should you start?

Oct 6, 2026

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis can affect far more than periods or fertility. What can irregular cycles, insulin resistance, inflammation, pelvic pain, painful sex, digestive symptoms, mood changes, and fatigue reveal about your whole body health, even when pregnancy is not the goal?

Sep 29, 2026

Which IVF add-ons and fertility tests are actually worth considering, and what should you know before your next embryo transfer?

Sep 22, 2026

Food labels can make almost anything look healthy, but what is actually in the food we eat? With growing concerns about ultra processed foods, additives, seed oils, and pesticides, many women are left wondering what truly matters for their hormones and fertility.

See all episodes →