Are progesterone shots really necessary for a frozen embryo transfer? Why would your doctor recommend intramuscular injections over suppositories or other less painful options? And could the type of progesterone you use actually affect implantation, miscarriage risk, or live birth rates?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine explains the science behind progesterone support in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, especially why intramuscular (IM) progesterone is often recommended in certain programmed cycle protocols.

Dr. Shahine explains how progesterone supports implantation and early pregnancy, the key differences between programmed or medicated and natural or ovulatory FET protocols, and why not all progesterone options perform the same way.

Listeners will learn how IM progesterone compares to other forms and when IM progesterone may meaningfully improve FET success. You'll get some practical guidance on how to talk with your doctor about choosing the right progesterone protocol for your body and your treatment plan.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [1:11] Progesterone shot fears
• [2:30] Why progesterone matters
• [4:22] Why supplement in treatment
• [5:22] Programmed vs. ovulatory FET
• [7:31] Progesterone options explained
• [11:07] Landmark 2021 trial set up
• [13:08] Results: live birth miscarriage
• [15:14] Next steps

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

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This episode was produced by Audiotocracy Podcast Production.

Are ovulation predictor kits enough to time intercourse? Can an app really tell you when you're fertile? And what if your body has been giving you the answers all along?

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine is talking to fertility awareness pioneer Dr. Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, and her niece, software engineer Sabrina Nowicki. These three women explore how women can confidently track ovulation, understand cervical fluid, and take charge of their reproductive health with both education and technology.

Dr. Weschler shares the powerful origin story behind her decades of paper charting and why she once resisted fertility apps altogether. She believed that a thermometer, a pen, and knowledge of your own body were enough.

Sabrina explains how that philosophy evolved into Cyclicity, an educational cycle tracking app designed as the perfect companion to the book. Unlike predictive period apps that rely on algorithms and "average" 28-day cycles, Cyclicity follows the sympto-thermal method exactly as taught in Toni's work.

It will finally make sense why basal body temperature confirms ovulation but doesn't predict it, how cervical fluid signals approaching fertility, why ovulation predictor kits can miss critical timing, and how improper app use can delay fertility diagnosis or lead to unintended pregnancy.

This conversation is a masterclass in reproductive education and body literacy while blending science, privacy, and modern technology.

In this episode you'll hear:

• [0:39] Meet the guests: Dr. Toni Weschler and Sabrina Nowicki
• [2:36] Why track your cycle?
• [4:03] Understanding ovulation and health
• [6:49] Sabrina's personal journey
• [10:29] Toni's period tory
• [13:10] The push for technology
• [14:52] Early software resistance
• [18:35] The perfect team forms
• [22:03] Creating Cyclicity
• [27:07] Using book and app together
• [31:41] Temperature vs cervical fluid
• [32:53] Checking cervical fluid
• [35:19] OPKs
• [39:29] Additional app insights
• [42:03] Community support features
• [47:57] Closing thoughts

Resources mentioned:

cyclisity.com

tcoyf.com

@cyclisity on IG

@cyclisityapp on TikTok

@wanderingsabrina on IG | on TikTok

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books

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

Follow @drlorashahine Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok | Her Books