Did you have a C-section and now notice spotting that won't quit? Are you dealing with pelvic pain, confusing symptoms, or trouble getting pregnant, and wondering if they're connected? Has anyone ever mentioned the word isthmocele to you… or is this the first time you're hearing it?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains a condition many patients are never warned about after a C-section: an isthmocele. She tells us what an isthmocele is, how it can form in a prior C-section scar, and why it can sometimes lead to unexpected bleeding, pain, or fertility challenges.

You'll learn the five key symptoms that may signal an isthmocele, how this condition can affect fertility and future pregnancy plans, and the pros and cons of monitoring versus treating. Dr. Shahine also talks us through when surgical repair may be helpful, and the exact questions to ask your doctor so you can advocate for informed, personalized care.

If you've had a C-section and feel like something isn't quite right, this episode offers knowledge, reassurance, and a clear path forward.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [0:46] Understanding C-section scars: Isthnocele
• [2:21] What is an isthmocele?
• [3:24] How common?
• [4:18] Getting diagnosed
• [6:06] Symptoms
• [7:36] Treatment options
• [9:21] Observation vs. surgical management
• [14:01] Important questions to ask your doctor
• [14:57] Conclusion & final thoughts
  

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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How do you make an embryo stick? Is there anything you can do to improve embryo transfer success? And how do you know which advice is science-backed versus fertility folklore?

In this special solo Q&A episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine answers the questions patients ask most often when preparing for an embryo transfer.

What really matters during an IVF embryo transfer? Using real questions from Instagram, YouTube, and her own practice, she walks listeners through fresh vs. frozen embryo transfer, what happens on transfer day, whether you need a full bladder, lying down afterward, Valium use, pineapple cores, French fries, genetic testing, ERA testing, and how uterine lining preparation actually works.

Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of embryo transfer success rates, frozen embryo transfer protocols, and implantation timing, and get their real questions answered.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:27] What should I expect on transfer day?
• [8:00] What happens post-transfer?
• [9:35] Funny myths: pineapple cores & McDonalds french fries
• [13:46] Fresh vs. frozen transfer myths
• [20:18] Pre-transfer testing and ERA
• [24:37] Natural vs. medicated transfer protocols
• [28:30] Conclusion & final thoughts

Links and Resources:

Embryo Transfer: What to Expect on YouTube

Does the Embryo Fall Out: Embryo Transfer Tips on YouTube

Fresh vs. Frozen Transfers: Pros and Cons on YouTue

Studies Mentioned:

Randomized Controlled Trial for FET Protocols: PMID: 38944045

Retrospective analysis Perinatal Outcomes with FET protocols PMID:33926401

Randomized Controlled Trial for ERA before FET PMID: 36472596

Randomized Controlled Trial Bedrest after embryo transfer: PMID:31520259

Dr. Shahine's Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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