Pregnancy can be life-changing — but for Sandra, it could have been life-threatening. Born with a congenital heart defect, she was told carrying a baby could put both her life and her child’s at risk. In this powerful episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Sandra to share her extraordinary eight-year journey through IVF, surrogacy, and the courage it took to become a mother against all odds.Sandra opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of doing 24 egg retrievals — many without anesthesia due to her cardiac condition — and the difficult medical trauma she carried from childhood. Together with Dr. Luk, she reflects on the bond between doctor and patient, the compassion that carried her through, and the strength it takes to keep going when the odds seem impossible.

Navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, lonely, and unpredictable, especially when perimenopause and diminished ovarian reserve become part of the journey. In this heartfelt episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Sarah, a chef and nutritionist who has spent the last two years cycling at Generation Next Fertility under the care of Dr. NejatSarah courageously shares her real-life story: donating her eggs in her 20s, discovering elevated FSH, facing hot flashes and perimenopause in her late 30s, and undergoing seven retrievals while holding on to hope for a family. She opens up about the emotional toll of fluctuating numbers, the unique isolation of being on the perimenopause: fertility overlap, and the strength she’s found through her husband’s support, nutrition, mindfulness, and a personalized approach to care.0:00 Welcome to Heart to Heart 1:22 Finding Out About Perimenopause & DOR5:18 Having Open Talks with Your Partner7:36 Navigating High FSH & Low AMH10:40 Providing Guidance & Making Decisions15:01 Staying Focused on The Process 18:32 Hope with Unexplained DOR19:57 Diet, Exercise, and Heat Flashes24:37 Going From Regular Cycles to Irregular Ovulation28:50 Sarah's AdviceSarah’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and honesty. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by test results, wondered what it’s like to cycle through perimenopause, or simply needed to hear that you’re not alone, this episode is for you!📲 Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarahpachelli 🍋 Looking for meals that truly nourish? Sarah’s company, Ssere (@ssere_mealdelivery), makes it possible to eat well with ease. Built on ingredient integrity and a philosophy of balance, Ssere delivers fresh, nourishing dishes straight to your door. Support your health and lifestyle by visiting ssere.com......Welcome to 'Heart to Heart,' the podcast hosted by renowned Fertility Doctor, Dr. Janelle Luk. Join us as Dr. Luk opens up a heartfelt dialogue with a diverse range of guests, including patients who have experienced both success and challenges on their fertility journey, mentors who provide invaluable guidance, and peers who share their unique insights. In this podcast, you'll discover stories of resilience, hope, and triumph over adversity in the realm of fertility. Dr. Luk's compassionate and informative approach ensures that every episode is a source of inspiration and knowledge for anyone navigating the complex world of fertility. Whether you're seeking guidance, support, or simply a deeper understanding of this important aspect of life, 'Heart to Heart' is here to foster connection, empathy, and community.💬 (212) 641-0906 | www.GenerationNextFertility.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @Gen.Next.Fertility🔔 Subscribe for more patient stories, expert insights, and fertility education.#IVFJourney #FertilityStory #EggFreezing #IVFSupport #HeartToHeartPodcast

Navigating fertility treatment can feel overwhelming, isolating, and at times, heartbreaking. In this powerful episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk sits down with Loren, a former patient who courageously shares her real-life journey through recurrent pregnancy loss, multiple IVF cycles, and ultimately, the path to parenthood through donor egg IVF.Loren's story is one of resilience, informed decision-making, and deep emotional strength—and it’s a story countless others will recognize in their own fertility journeys.Join Dr. Luk and Loren as they discuss:💗 What it’s like to face multiple pregnancy losses and keep going.💗 Why chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos don’t always result in pregnancy—and what to do next.💗 How Loren and her husband decided donor egg IVF was the right path for them.💗 What it’s really like to choose a donor—from navigating profiles to trusting the process.💗 The emotional toll of treatment and how support, community, and the right care team made all the difference.Fertility struggles often go unspoken, but conversations like this can help break the silence and bring comfort, clarity, and hope to others walking the same road. If you’ve ever wondered about donor eggs, felt discouraged after failed IVF, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone—this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of Heart to Heart, Dr. Janelle Luk is joined by her longtime patient Cathia, whose decade-long journey through infertility, PCOS, and IVF led to the birth of two beautiful daughters.Cathia opens up about the struggles of having no periods due to PCOS, early setbacks with natural treatments, and the emotional toll of recurrent miscarriages. Through resilience, hope, and eventually IVF, she welcomed her second daughter after a complicated delivery that tested her strength yet again.This episode is a tribute to every person navigating the uncertainty of fertility. Cathia's story reminds us that even in the face of loss and delay, there is still hope, healing, and joy ahead. ❤️

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet the average delay in diagnosis is 9-10 years. Too often, patients are told their pain is "normal"—but it’s not. In this special Endometriosis Awareness Month episode of the Heart to Heart Fertility Podcast, Dr. Janelle Luk and Dr. Serin Seckin break down the impact of endo on fertility, why early awareness matters, and what patients can do to take control of their reproductive health.Join Dr. Luk and Dr. Seckin as they discuss:💛 Why endometriosis is so misunderstood and how to recognize symptoms early.💛 How endo can affect fertility, even in patients who ovulate normally.💛 Dr. Luk’s personal experience with endo and how it shaped her approach to fertility care.💛 The emotional and physical challenges of fertility treatment, and Dr. Seckin’s best advice for patients navigating this journey.💛 How to advocate for yourself and why strong doctor-patient communication is key.Too many women suffer in silence. It’s time to change the conversation. If you or someone you love is struggling with endo, infertility, or chronic pelvic pain, this episode is for you.

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Luk reconnects with Cortney, one of her earliest IVF patients, to reflect on an unforgettable 12-year journey. From the challenges of infertility to the triumph of becoming a parent through an egg donor, Cortney shares her heartfelt story of resilience, determination, and love. Join Dr. Luk and Cortney as they discuss: - How Cortney and Dr. Luk reconnected after over a decade. - The emotional rollercoaster of IVF treatments, including moments of heartbreak and hope. - The profound joy of parenthood and lessons learned through the journey. - Advice for others navigating fertility challenges and the power of finding the right doctor.

In this inspiring episode of the Heart to Heart with Dr. Luk podcast, host Dr. Janelle Luk welcomes Dr. Jesse Hade, Director of Third Party Reproduction at Generation Next Fertility, and patient Kelli to share a remarkable journey through the challenges and breakthroughs of infertility treatment. Kelli bravely recounts her experience of discovering a diminished ovarian reserve and navigating a series of IVF cycles, including innovative approaches like luteal phase stimulation and PRP therapy. Together, Dr. Luk and Dr. Hade provide expert insights into the science behind these treatments and the critical role persistence plays in achieving success. This heartfelt conversation explores the emotional resilience required on the road to parenthood, culminating in the joy of Kelli’s pregnancy after years of perseverance and evolution in care.

In this emotional and inspiring episode, Dr. Luk welcomes her former patient, Brooke, to share her incredible journey through IVF and autoimmune challenges. After years of facing fertility struggles and a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis at 36, Brooke’s story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. Join Dr. Luk and Brooke as they discuss: - Brooke's journey with rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on her fertility - The challenges of multiple IVF cycles and the toll it took on her physically and emotionally - The specialized autoimmune protocols, including intralipids, that helped Brooke move forward - Difficult decisions around egg quality, the possibility of a gestational carrier, and navigating the financial and emotional costs - The ultimate joy of conceiving her daughter after years of perseverance Subscribe for more inspiring stories, fertility advice, and expert insights from GoodLuckLuk!