Episodes

  • 535. Recurrent Miscarriage Explained: Which Tests Matter and What Actually Helps

    535. Recurrent Miscarriage Explained: Which Tests Matter and What Actually Helps
    Mar 30 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down recurrent miscarriage, including which baseline tests are truly worth doing, which findings actually change treatment, and which commonly suggested tests have weak evidence behind them. He explains the role of embryo chromosomal abnormalities, balanced translocation, uterine assessment, antiphospholipid syndrome, sperm DNA fragmentation, and when options like progesterone or IVF with genetic testing may be worth considering. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    9 mins
  • 534. Why IVF Cycles Can Vary So Much — From Trigger Shots to Ovarian Response

    534. Why IVF Cycles Can Vary So Much — From Trigger Shots to Ovarian Response
    Mar 25 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman answers two important IVF questions: whether an Ovidrel trigger can cause a rise in TSH, and why the same patient can have very different ovarian responses in back-to-back IVF cycles. He explains the biology behind temporary thyroid changes during treatment, the role of rising estrogen, and why ovarian response is never exactly the same from one cycle to the next. Prof Chapman also explores the concept of follicle “waves,” how random-start IVF works, and what doctors consider when deciding the next protocol after an unexpectedly different cycle. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    5 mins
  • 533. Endometriosis and IVF: Why Embryo Freezing Before Surgery Can Protect Your Fertility

    533. Endometriosis and IVF: Why Embryo Freezing Before Surgery Can Protect Your Fertility
    Mar 23 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why severe endometriosis can create a difficult fertility dilemma, especially when ovarian cysts need surgical removal. He shares how surgery for endometriomas, while sometimes necessary, can reduce ovarian reserve by damaging healthy ovarian tissue. Prof Chapman discusses why many fertility specialists now recommend doing IVF first, freezing embryos before surgery, and then transferring them later into a healthier uterine environment. He also covers when laparoscopy is still an important diagnostic tool, particularly after repeated failed embryo transfers, and outlines newer medical treatments that can help manage endometriosis symptoms once fertility is no longer the main focus. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    4 mins
  • 532. The Hidden Cause of Infertility Most Women Don’t Know They Have

    532. The Hidden Cause of Infertility Most Women Don’t Know They Have
    Mar 19 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman breaks down why endometriosis is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of infertility — affecting up to 30% of infertile women, often with no symptoms at all. He explains exactly how it damages fertility, what to watch for, and why getting the right diagnosis early can make all the difference. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    7 mins
  • 531. What’s Really Driving IVF Success? Lab Secrets, Frozen Embryos, and Weight Loss Drugs Explained

    531. What’s Really Driving IVF Success? Lab Secrets, Frozen Embryos, and Weight Loss Drugs Explained
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman cuts through the noise to reveal what's truly moved the needle in IVF over the past decade — and it's not what most patients expect. From the quiet revolution happening in fertility lab culture mediums and incubators, to the game-changing shift in embryo freezing techniques, Prof Chapman shares the under-the-radar advances that have pushed pregnancy rates from 25% to 40%. He also tackles the growing questions around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic in fertility treatment, offering frank, age-aware guidance on when weight loss efforts help — and when waiting could cost more than it gains. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    6 mins
  • 530. Choosing The Right IVF Specialist: Why Expertise Counts

    530. Choosing The Right IVF Specialist: Why Expertise Counts
    Feb 23 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman explains why selecting the right fertility specialist can significantly influence your IVF journey and outcomes. Responding to questions about failed protocols, limited embryos in storage, and embryo grading, he breaks down what classifications like “3BB” really mean and how treatment strategies can be refined to improve your chances. Drawing on over four decades of experience, Prof Chapman discusses the role of clinical intuition alongside data, the importance of staying current with evolving research, and why high-volume fertility expertise matters. He also explores how emotional readiness and resilience shape treatment decisions, reinforcing the value of truly personalised IVF care. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    7 mins
  • 529.The Science and Uncertainty of IVF Success Rates

    529.The Science and Uncertainty of IVF Success Rates
    Feb 20 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman answers a listener’s question about recovering from surgery before restarting IVF, and then opens up about one of the most challenging parts of his work which is the difficult conversations that follow failed embryo transfers. He explains why even in women under 38, the success rate per transfer is only around 40%, and why that still leaves so many patients searching for answers. Prof Chapman discusses the role of embryo genetics, why testing can improve outcomes, and the reality that even with a genetically normal embryo, success is never guaranteed. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    9 mins
  • 528. From Unexplained Infertility to IVF: Choosing the Right Next Step

    528. From Unexplained Infertility to IVF: Choosing the Right Next Step
    Feb 16 2026
    In this episode, Prof Chapman walks through the clinical pathway for couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility. He explains tubal testing, the temporary fertility boost after flushing the tubes, when to keep trying naturally, and when to move forward to IUI or IVF. Clear, step-by-step guidance to help you feel confident about your next move. Explore the 'Prof. Michael Chapman - The IVF Journey' Facebook Page, your reliable destination for cutting-edge insights and guidance within the realm of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Don't miss out on the IVF Journey podcast; stay informed with the latest episode updates. Tune in for expert discussions and valuable information on navigating the intricate path of IVF.
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    7 mins