5 Things I Wish I Knew Before TTC | Common Fertility Myths & What Actually Works

Pre-order Dr. Crawford's debut book, The Fertility Formula, now! https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/book

Dr. Natalie Crawford, board-certified OB-GYN and REI, breaks down five essential fertility truths every person should know before trying to get pregnant. From cycle tracking and luteal phase health to male factor fertility and inflammation, this will help you better understand your body and advocate for your fertility.

Questions Answered:

1. Does having a regular menstrual cycle mean your hormones and ovulation are perfectly normal?

2. What actually happens inside the ovary during a normal cycle and ovulation?

3. Why isn’t simply asking “Are your cycles regular?” enough for evaluating fertility?

4. What are the follicular and luteal phases, and why does it matter to know their lengths?

5. What underlying problems (thyroid, prolactin, ovarian reserve, etc.) can irregular phases signal even if cycles look regular?

6. How much of infertility is due to male factors, and why is semen analysis so important?

7.When should a semen analysis be done if you’re trying to get pregnant?

8. How are sperm made, how long do they live, and why do lifestyle changes matter so much for sperm quality?

9. What is chronic inflammation, and how can it negatively impact fertility for both men and women?

10. How do gut health, insulin resistance, and inflammation affect hormone signaling and egg/sperm quality?

11. What lifestyle changes can reduce chronic inflammation and support fertility?

12. Do you really need to wait 12 months of trying before seeking fertility help?

13. What early fertility evaluations can you get before or early in trying to conceive?

14. Why is the luteal phase so important, and why is a single progesterone level not enough to judge it?

15. What is luteal phase deficiency, what can cause it, and why is improving ovulation (not just adding progesterone) crucial?