In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tricia Adams, a senior embryologist and laboratory manager at Ovation Fertility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening inside the IVF lab. Dr. Adams brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, from equine oocyte cryopreservation research to cutting-edge human embryology and a genuine passion for patient outcomes. Together we explore how embryo development, genetic testing, and the timing of biopsy and freezing all influence your IVF success. If you’ve ever wondered what makes one embryo better than another, or whether a day six blast is cause for concern, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, I cover:
• What embryologists actually do behind closed laboratory doors — and why you may never meet yours
• Hatching vs. fully hatched blastocysts: what Dr. Adams’ research revealed about ploidy status and implantation rates
• The truth about day five vs. day six vs. day seven embryos — and why the day alone doesn’t tell the whole story
• How to advocate for yourself by asking the right questions about your specific lab’s data
• The rapid rise of elective egg freezing and what women should realistically understand about timing, expectations, and outcomes
• Lessons from cryopreserving horse eggs and what that research taught Dr. Adams about protecting human oocytes
• The future of embryo assessment: AI, non-invasive tools, and individualized embryo scoring
Resources
Ovation Fertility Website
Fertility Answers (Baton Rouge & Lafayette, LA)
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