98: Ask the Fertility & Reproductive Health Expert: Q & A with Dr. Pavone, MD

04/20/21 • -1 min

1 Listener

We are in the middle of National Infertility Awareness Week, a time to bring awareness, build empowerment and help to contribute and change the conversation around infertility. We are absolutely honored to have Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone, MD, on the podcast this week for a Q&A on all things infertility and reproductive health-related.

Dr. Pavone was Pamela’s fertility doctor; she is a Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist, as well as Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Pavone happens to be the magic and expertise behind bringing Pamela and Kevin their babies. In this very special episode, Dr. Pavone shares about her profession, and how learning about how hormones can affect the body and endocrine system fascinated her, and particularly how much she wanted to be a part of empowering women’s health.

During our conversation, Dr. Pavone shares her insight and experience on various topics: the most common infertility diagnoses she tends to see for both men and women, the other various reasons women and men may come to seek her assistance and how, besides growing families, a niche of hers is reproductive surgeries. We also delve into the importance of advocating for women’s health, and how knowledge is power and understanding your body is one of the best things you can do.

Dr. Pavone provides her expertise on the best indicators of an issue with fertility, and the next steps after a diagnosis is given. Dr. Pavone sheds light on the treatments and protocols with most success, and her passion for constantly continuing her research. If you ever Google her, you will see many, many articles she’s written, and how they cover all aspects of the field; which shows how much Dr. Pavone truly loves all areas of her career! As with all things in science, there are always new developments and theories being made. Dr. Pavone shares her current research projects: from investigating chronic endometritis, cryopreservation for cancer patients, and time lapse morphokinetics. Additionally, Dr. Pavone discusses how they’re currently looking at how to figure out noninvasive ways to look at embryo quality, which could be revolutionary to the field. All of Dr. Pavone’s dedication and research is always in pursuit of making sure more of the patient population is having live births, which just speaks tremendous volumes to the heart and commitment she has to her patients and the entire community.

One of the most rewarding things about her career, Dr. Pavone shares, is getting birth announcements and keeping in touch with families that have seen her. She adores the process of growing families and getting to be part of the magic in creating that. It’s truly astounding all the time, research, scientific expertise and love that Dr. Pavone pours into her patients and the entire field. All to allow the opportunity for growth and more happiness in others’ lives.

We answered your questions that were sent in, listeners! And Dr. Pavone shared her wonderful knowledge on these various areas: from egg freezing to IVF necessity to thyroid issues to progesterone and more!

As some words of hope to those out there listening, Dr. Pavone shares, “It’s important to validate your concerns. And remember, we are here for you. We are here for treating you as a WHOLE person - not just the medical aspects.”

Dr. Pavone, what a tremendous honor it was to have you share your extensive knowledge, insight and beautiful heart with us on the podcast. We are so grateful for all of this information, which we hope will allow others out there to feel supported and validated. It’s National Infertility Awareness Week right now - but know that every week, we are here for you, beside you and holding your hand - no matter what walk you are in on this journey.

Xx, the Boob Broads

Show Notes:

NY Times Article Mentioned

Various Articles by Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2217/WHE.13.24

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028217320253

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028205038628

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073375/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4511594/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5474218/

Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility & Reproductive Medicine

Xx, the Boob Broads

Show Notes:

NY Times Article Mentioned

Various Articles by Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.2217/WHE.13.24

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028217320253

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0015028205038628

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3073375/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4511594/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5474218/

Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility & Reproductive Medicine

Previous Episode

97: A Story of Hope and Miracles: Jessica's Fertility Journey

1 Recommendations

“Beyond the statistics it happened. And you can hear the results (baby coos) in the background,” Jessica says and you can practically hear a smile on her face as she says this.

This week on the podcast, we are beyond honored to have special guest Jessica share her incredible fertility story. Jessica just so happens to be sister to our own lovely Boob Broad, Lauren! Jessica’s fertility journey begins 13 years ago. She shares that her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) caused issues in conceiving, due to irregular cycles. With this in mind, she and her husband decided to seek fertility treatment, which Jessica provides insight on. After a variety of tests, they decided to begin their IVF journey.

The IVF process is challenging, depleting and a lot of work for couples. Jessica and her husband were so grateful to have gotten pregnant with their two precious girls through their IVF cycles. They dreamed of having a third but it did not work out as they had hoped with IVF. Fast forward to the year 2020 — the craziest year we have experienced in our world — and this brought Jessica and her family an incredible, magical, miracle.

Against all odds, science, statistics, considering ages and infertility diagnosis, Jessica got pregnant naturally and had the most amazing surprise when she found out she was pregnant with her third miracle baby! There was a lot of initial shock surrounding finding out she was pregnant, as Jessica delves into, but they were so overjoyed with this news and grateful for this gift of growing their family just as they had hoped to, 13 years ago.

Jessica discusses the pregnancy, the delivery and all the feelings that went along with it, after having such a different experience with her first two. She says, “So many want to use this story as a cautionary tale... but, as my husband says: ‘It’s like someone wants to break into your house, but to give you a cake.’” As you’ll hear throughout the episode, Jessica and her husband’s dedication to one another throughout the last 13 years and beyond is unbreakable and so inspiring to hear.

Jessica’s story is one for the books. Infertility is heartbreaking and such a difficult experience — there are no words. But this story evokes every ounce of hope you may need to hear, and listening to Jessica’s comforting, strong, and compassionate voice, you will no doubt feel solidarity, support, and validation. Most importantly, we hope you listen to this story of hope and feel uplifted and a big virtual hug, for wherever you are at in your journey.

Jessica — thank you SO much for sharing your story, your heart, and such a big piece of yourself with us! What a privilege it is to have you share such an inspirational story and spread awareness and hope.

Tune in to hear more!

Xx, the Boob Broads

SHOW NOTES:
The PCOS Diet Plan: A Natural Approach to Health for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Next Episode

99: Advocate Like a Mother: ~Alli's Journey as an Autism Mama~

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“He’s made us closer as a couple. He’s made us closer as a family. And I am a better mom because of him.”

This week on the podcast, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, we have a very special guest! Alli, sister to our girl Lauren, is here to share about her journey as mama to her son, Liam who has Autism. Alli gives a insight into her life; mama to 3 boys and wife to Todd. She works as an elementary school teacher and treasures family time! Alli discusses how, in her mom gut, she knew early that her middle son, Liam, might require additional needs. As a family, they went through the first few years of Liam’s life making different adjustments, seeking out therapies and getting him evaluated for Early Intervention. Alli trusted her instincts and used her experience working as an educator to advocate for Liam in every way she could. She went out to advocate on her own for various therapies and began to enlist the help of a psychiatrist to help with some of Liam’s needs.

Alli tells us of the diagnosis that came in the middle of kindergarten: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2, and Depressive Mood Disregulation Disorder. She shares the indicators she recognized as Autism, and what the next steps were following this diagnosis. They continued to strengthen as a family in figuring out what they could do to best help Liam, and best lead him to success. Alli used this time to discover the best support for Liam, and she ultimately found the right clinic and their family witnessed monumental progress and saw Liam thrive like never before.

From being told that he would never be able to be empathetic, to seeing him completely transform and create engaging and special relationships, asking people how they are doing - has been awe-inspiring, Alli shares.

“Never say never. There are no limits with these kids and they can do anything they want, with support and love.”

Alli shares more of how to be an advocate for your child; it is your right to speak up for your child, or ask questions, and call a meeting for additional answers. It’s important to always keep finding balance with your support team; after all, we’re all working toward the same common goal.

It’s abundantly clear in Alli’s journey, that while Autism has presented many struggles and challenges for her family, it’s ultimately created the strong, loving and dedicated family unit that they are today. Alli, listening to your story, hearing how strong your mama heart beats for all 3 of your boys, and how much you would do for them - was truly beautiful. You are not only advocating for your own family, but others when you share your tremendous experience. It was a true honor to have your phenomenal voice on the podcast, we are so grateful for you sharing your inspiring story, Alli!

Let’s continue to Light It Up Blue, and light these fires to fight for others always.

Xx, the Boob Broads

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Alli at [email protected].