Fertility Talk with RSC NJ: Recent Episodes
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Listen to the latest informational podcasts from RSC New Jersey fertility experts Dr. William Ziegler, Dr. Alan Martinez, and Dr. Virginia Mensah.
This episode breaks down the first steps for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples exploring fertility care, helping listeners understand intake, counseling, and planning so they feel confident starting the journey. Guest Dr. Ashley Ulker, MD, FACOG, walks through what to expect at an initial consult and why individualized care matters. Listen for practical guidance on fertility evaluation, donor sperm options, IVF planning, options for transgender patients, and legal and emotional considerations.
Learn more about Ashley Ulker, MD, FACOG
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the surrogacy journey and what patients should know about third-party reproduction at Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
As 2026 approaches, many hopeful parents are wondering what they can do now to set themselves up for a healthy, empowered, and informed path to pregnancy. In this episode, Dr. Ulker breaks down how to prepare for a new year of fertility goals—whether you're just getting started or ready to take the next step.
We’ll explore simple lifestyle updates, important medical check-ins, how to set realistic timelines, and what tools or testing can give you clarity heading into the year ahead.
Learn more about Ashley Ulker, MD, FACOG
September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of the most common and often misunderstood conditions affecting people assigned female at birth. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) impacts as many as 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet many go years without a diagnosis or clear answers about their health and fertility.
In this episode, we explore how preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has transformed the IVF process. Join Dr. William Ziegler as he breaks down the different types of PGT, their benefits, and how they can enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy. Learn why more than 50% of IVF cases now utilize this cutting-edge technology.
Dive deep into the compassionate world of the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey as we introduce Dr. Alan Martinez. He shares his journey, philosophy of care, and the highly collaborative approach that sets RSCNJ apart in helping couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.
Get ready for an insightful discussion about the intricate workings of an embryology lab on egg retrieval day. Our guest, an experienced embryologist, shares insider tips on what to expect and how couples can best prepare for this pivotal moment in their fertility journey.
Curious about fertility preservation methods? Join us as we discuss what egg freezing truly means, who can benefit from it, and why it has become a popular choice for many individuals and couples. Our expert guest breaks down the misconceptions and provides clarity around the process, making it easy to understand.
How do costs compare between fresh and frozen embryo transfers? In this episode, we break down the financial aspects of fertility treatments. Dr. Ziegler discusses hidden costs, insurance coverage, and the long-term value of choosing the right transfer type for your family-building goals.
In this episode, we navigate the intricate relationship between microplastics and fertility. Dr. Alan Martinez breaks down the science behind these endocrine disruptors and offers practical advice on minimizing exposure. Discover ways to take charge of your reproductive health in a world full of plastic.
Getting pregnant is not always as easy as you might hope and for many couples, that can take some extra work or possibly medical intervention. Dr. Alan Martinez discusses 2 specific options that may be available, IUI and IVF.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses questions many may have about fertility diets and how diets can affect fertility.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses how RSCNJ supports LGBTQIA+ patients when going through fertility treatments.
Do you love exercise and worry that your exercise may affect your ability to get pregnant? Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis discusses how exercise can possibly affect your fertility.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses the use of Ozempic as a weight loss toll an the possible negative impact it can have on your fertility.
Embryologist Amanda Iorio discusses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, or ICSI, at RSCNJ.
When you're trying to have a baby, getting pregnant can be all you think about. Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis discusses the ways that both men and women can optimize their natural fertility.
As marijuana is becoming legal in more states, many people are looking to it as a way to wind down & de-stress but if you're thinking about getting pregnant, can marijuana use have an effect? Dr. William Ziegler discusses the possible effects marijuana can have on fertility.
Have you struggled with your weight but now you're thinking about getting pregnant? Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis discusses the relationship between weight and fertility.
Endometriosis can be a painful but manageable condition and many women with this condition wonder if they can get pregnant. Dr. Alan Martinez talks about the correlation between endometriosis and infertility.
The journey to fertility can be both stressful & incredibly exciting. Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis discusses what you can expect when you begin the testing and fertility process at Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
Having a baby can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime and understanding your fertility options is key to starting that amazing process. Meet Dr. William Ziegler and the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey and learn about how we work with couples to offer them the latest fertility options at the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey!
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses pre-implantation genetic testing for polygenic disorders called PGT-P.
When you're trying to have a baby, getting pregnant can be all that you think about. Kelly Curtis discusses different things you can do to increase your ability to conceive and optimize your natural fertility.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses embryo transfer, the differences between fresh and frozen transfers, and what is involved when it comes to each type of procedure.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the impact that the overturned Roe v. Wade verdict may have on fertility treatments and what the future holds.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses marijuana and the possible effects it could have on your fertility.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the many contraception choices available, the right way to use them, and whether they'll affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis discusses what you can expect as a patient when you visit a fertility clinic.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses the regulatory oversight, as well as the evolution, of fertility practices.
An introduction to Physician Assistant Kelly Curtis who is on the medical staff at Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the many contraception choices available, the right way to use them, and whether they'll affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses the different fertility options that are available for single women and how Reproductive Science Center of NJ can help them begin the journey of starting a family.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the many contraception choices available, the right way to use them, and whether they'll affect your ability to get pregnant in the future.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses the different fertility options that are available for single women and how Reproductive Science Center of NJ can help them begin the journey of starting a family.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the correlation between the COVID 19 vaccine and pregnancy and fertility.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses what is an IUI and the difference between Clomid vs. Superovulation.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses what is an IUI and the difference between Clomid vs. Superovulation.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, Dr. Alan Martinez, discusses the evaluation of male infertility and what to expect.
Same sex female partners who want to have a baby have a number of treatment options to help them conceive. Dr. William Ziegler discusses these options and the varying ways female partners can proceed.
While the decision and process to have a baby for heterosexual couples may seem relatively straightforward, for same-sex couples the path to parenthood can be quite different. Dr. Alan Martinez discusses LGBTQ fertility options for same-sex couples.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses Minimal Stimulation IVF, including how the process works, who is a good candidate for the procedure, and success rates.
Dr. Alan Martinez discusses how sexual dysfunction affects men and women, and the types of treatment options available.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses how success rates are determined for IVF and other fertility treatments.
When a woman cannot carry a healthy pregnancy, she can turn to a gestational carrier, a surrogate who carries the fetus created from the egg and sperm of the parents.
Dr. Alan Martinez explains how The Reproductive Science Center of NJ can help coordinate the care of the biological parents and gestational carrier for couples wishing to have children.
Preimplantation genetic screening in recent years has shown improved outcomes for couples with infertility who are going through IVF. Mosaicism or embryos that can be predicted to be a mix of normal and abnormal cells have changed the landscape of screening and what questions might arise as a result of that screening.
Dr. William Ziegler discusses Mosaicism and how it might affect fertility options and treatment for couples trying to conceive.
Listen in to learn more about Dr. William Ziegler, a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as the Medical Director of the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 15 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage. For couples this can be a devastating event. Dealing with a miscarriage can cause a roller coaster of emotions, doubt, and discouragement on your ability to conceive.
Listen in as Dr. Alan Martinez shares resources to help couples cope with a miscarriage, the recovery process, and that there are options for couples who want to try to conceive again.
Infertility is a medical condition not unlike other medical conditions; it can affect many aspects of your life.
It can create one of the most stressful life crises that an individual or couple ever experience. It can also affect your relationship with others, your perspective on life, as well as how you feel about yourself.
In this important podcast, Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the psychosocial aspects of fertility treatments, and when to seek help for individuals and couples, to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility, as well as with the medical treatments that can be painful and intrusive.
If you have had implantation failure, there is a test available that can help evaluate the woman's endometrial receptivity from a molecular perspective. This advanced technology is a personalized genetic test to diagnose the state of endometrial receptivity in the window of implantation.
In this segment, Dr. William Ziegler discusses the ERA Biopsy- Endometrial Receptivity Analysis to help if you have had implantation issues.
Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, chrones disease, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease seem to be on the rise in the last 20 years.
Might these diseases be associated with infertility?
In todays segment, Dr Alan Martinez discusses autoimmune diseases, their possible link to infertility and the treatment options available for women with an autoimmune disease that are trying to get pregnant.
Many couples are told that they have unexplained or idiopathic infertility, meaning doctors cannot seem to find anything wrong with either the male or female after analysis of sperm and fallopian tubes or uterus.
In this segment, Dr William Ziegler discusses some possible causes of unexplained infertility and what the options might be for a couple trying to conceive.
If a woman cannot become pregnant using her own eggs, either by sexual intercourse, artificial insemination or IVF, she may choose to use eggs donated by another woman.
A women has the choice between fresh or frozen eggs. Frozen eggs eliminate the need for cycle coordination, as the egg retrieval process is already complete. Fresh and frozen donor eggs have about the same pregnancy success rate of 55-63%. Listen as Dr Martinez discusses donor eggs, fresh vs frozen.
Infertility is a medical condition not unlike other medical conditions – it can affect all aspects of your life.
Everyone undergoes emotional stressors as they pursue infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed, sad, exhausted, frustrated, angry, ashamed, among many others, at times are perfectly normal responses. But if you are experiencing these feelings persistently or are having difficulty managing other emotions related to your infertility, you might benefit from infertility counseling.
In this segment, Dr. William Ziegler discusses the primary goal of infertility counseling is to help individuals and couples learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility, and some signs that infertility counseling would be helpful to you.
The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, it has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today.
Listen in as Alan Martinez, MD discusses how acupuncture, when combined with IVF treatments, can significantly increase your chance of conception.
Listen in to hear more about Dr. Alan Martinez, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
While exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are important, physical activity should be done in moderation. Excessive physical activity can inhibit ovulation and reduce production of progesterone, which are essential in becoming pregnant. Doctors recommend that women who are trying to become pregnant should not exercise more than five hours weekly.
In this segment, William Ziegler, DO discusses exercise and how it can affect a womens fertility and her ability to become pregnant.
The Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (RSCNJ) provides several options of fertility preservation for women, either through freezing eggs or embryos. This technology can give a woman the potential to conceive in the future should she be unable to become pregnant naturally.
Listen as Dr. William Ziegler explains the Elective Egg Freezing process at The Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
According to the National Institutes of Health, reproductive surgery could be divided into surgery as a primary treatment for infertility, surgery to enhance in-vitro fertilisation outcome, and surgery for fertility preservation. A shift has occurred away from surgery as a primary treatment of infertility to surgery playing a crucial part in enhancing in-vitro fertilisation outcome and for fertility preservation.
Listen as Dr. William Ziegler, a specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Medical Director of the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey, comes on to discuss the role of reproductive surgery in the era of assisted reproductive technology.
A common cause of female infertility is a blockage of the fallopian tubes, which can prevent sperm from meeting and fertilizing an egg. Blocked fallopian tubes can also cause ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg is unable to move to the uterus for implantation and starts to grow within the tiny fallopian tube, ovary or abdominal cavity.
There are several possible causes of fallopian blockage. Fortunately, there are also several treatment options.
Listen as Alan Martinez, MD explains ectopic pregnancy and the steps necessary to help insure future pregnancies.
If you have been ignoring the news about Zika virus, maybe this will gain your attention. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, five of nine pregnancies among U.S. women who were infected with the Zika virus have resulted in tragic outcomes.
If you are traveling to an area where the Zika virus has been reported, precautions must be taken. Insect repellents containing DEET won’t harm a pregnant woman or her fetus when used as instructed to prevent infection with the Zika virus, a new research analysis suggests.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports the guidelines and is urging pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy to follow them.
Listen as Alan Martinez, MD discusses the Zika virus and the risks of travel for women that are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
As the rates of Type II diabetes are rising every year in the U.S., there are many infertility specialists that are are beginning to look toward this health issue as a main cause of some otherwise unexplained infertility cases that they see. Management of Diabetes and the symptoms associated with it are crucial to fertility treatment success and a healthy pregnancy.
Listen in as Alan Martinez, MD discusses the correlation between fertility and diabetes.
Very often, when conducting a diagnostic work-up of both male and female infertility, there may need to be various blood tests in order to verify the presence or absence of various infectious diseases.
The reason for these tests is that if a couple is found to have one of these infections, this very well might be a contributing factor to a couple's infertility. The infection might also affect the outcome of fertility treatments.
Another important reason for these tests that is underestimated, is that the fact that many of these infections can be passed along to the baby, potentially jeopardizing their health and the pregnancy.
Listen today as Dr. Alan Martinez discusses the reasons for infectious disease testing prior to fertility treatments and how they can affect the outcome of treatments.
Women who have had tubal ligations may at some point come to regret their decision and desire fertility in the future. Pregnancy rates are influenced by both age and tubal ligation method. The highest pregnancy rate (87%) was reported by women age 29 or less who underwent reversal of a previous ring or clip method of sterilization.
The physicians at the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey have all had extensive training in tubal reanastamosis. Listen in as Dr. William Ziegler, specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and the Medical Director of the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey, shares his expertise when a couple decide to try to have a baby after Tubal ligation procedure.
When a patient or couple is considering using assisted reproduction technologies (ART) to have a baby, there are many things to consider.
In addition to the physical, mental and emotional tolls that infertility treatment can cause, there is the financial aspect to consider. Insurance coverage may be limited or non-existent and in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other fertility treatments can be costly.
The Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey accepts most major insurances including Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Listen in as William Ziegler, DO explains your insurance options at The Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. But a diagnosis of infertility does not mean that becoming pregnant is impossible.
Nearly 90 percent of infertility cases are treatable with medical therapies ranging from drug treatment and surgery to advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey offers many surgical treatment options. Robotic myomectomy: the surgical technique that removes uterine fibroids that can contribute to pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or infertility.
Robotic Surgery for Infertility: RSCNJ fertility specialists use minimally invasive Da Vinci robotic surgery & laparoscopy for women with infertility as effective uterine fibroid treatment.
Listen in as Dr. Alan Martinez discusses these and other surgical techniques to help women conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
Fertility treatments can be complex and often require patients to make many decisions along the way.
One of the toughest decisions for patients undergoing IVF & Donor Egg treatment is how many embryos should I transfer? This is an important decision and we understand the reasons why patients might struggle for the right answer.
The IVF process is complex and consists of several steps, including: ovulation induction, egg retrieval, fertilization of the eggs and embryo culture, embryo grading, and embryo transfer.
Listen in as Alan Martinez, MD discusses your options when considering IVF and if single embryo transfer is the right choice for you.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, or intend to start trying, being overweight can affect your chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.
Interestingly, being underweight can also reduce a woman’s fertility. If you're planning to get pregnant in the next year or so, healthy eating and regular exercise can help boost your fertility.
Listen in as Dr. William Ziegler how your weight can affect your ability to get pregnant.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows for the detection of life-altering genetic abnormalities prior to embryo transfer during IVF.
The procedure can also help patients suffering from certain fertility challenges as well.
The PGD procedure is an evaluation of chromosomes, thread-like structures found in all human cells except red blood cells.
The PGD process starts after the embryo is fertilized and allowed to grow, when an embryo biopsy is performed.
This procedure involves removing either a polar body, which is half of the maternal DNA, or a blastomere, which is a cell from the embryo that contains its DNA.
Alan Martinez, MD, is here to help you better understand Preimplantation genetic testing to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone disorder in women that is also a leading cause of infertility.
According to WomensHealth.gov, 10 to 20 percent of women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS.
PCOS is one of the most under-diagnosed diseases in the world, with less than 25 percent of women with PCOS being diagnosed.
PCOS is characterized by seemingly unrelated symptoms and may include irregular or absent periods, lack of ovulation, weight gain, acne, excessive facial hair and infertility.
There is no cure for PCOS yet, but medications used to induce ovulation may help women with PCOS get pregnant.
Alan Martinez, MD., is here to help answer questions relating to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages.
A miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a clinically-recognized pregnancy before the 20th week.
Clinically recognized means the fetus has been identified with ultrasound or through tissue after the pregnancy loss.
About two-thirds of women who have suffered recurrent pregnancy loss have a successful pregnancy in subsequent efforts.
William Ziegler, DO, FACOG, is here to explain how a healthy lifestyle can help improve your odds: getting moderate exercise, controlling weight, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake may be beneficial in avoiding RPL.
Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you can no longer conceive.
Women are having babies at older ages than ever before.
But if you’ve been trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 6 months, or have experienced several miscarriages, our Physicians may be able to help you carry and deliver a child successfully.
William Ziegler, DO is here to help you determine if your age will be a factor when trying to become pregnant.
Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
In the United States approximately 15-20 percent of married couples will experience some degree of infertility.
This means that one in six couples will need professional assistance.
A diagnosis of infertility, however, does not mean that becoming pregnant is impossible.
To completely evaluate the reproductive potential of a couple, the physician must see the couple together to facilitate treatment.
Infertility can be a multi-factor problem, where several conditions when presented alone are not so important but when added together could markedly influence the reproductive potential of a couple.
Therefore, a systematic, simultaneous basic evaluation should be implemented on both spouses.
Alan Martinez, MD is here to discuss your fertility options and what is best for your individual situation.
Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus and attaches to other organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Endometriosis is a progressive disease that tends to get worse over time and can recur after treatment.
Symptoms include painful menstrual periods, abnormal menstrual bleeding, pain during or after sexual intercourse, and infertility.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown, though there are a few theories that suggest possible causes.
Alan Martinez, MD is here to discuss what an endometriosis diagnoses means to you.