The Most Important Thing to Know Before IVF with guest Dr. Max Ezzati

Mar 19, 2026

Dr. Max Ezzati, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist who created the IVF pyramid to clarify IVF outcomes. He explains the IVF pyramid and why egg number and ovarian reserve matter. He walks through follicle and egg maturity, timing of retrieval, embryo development, genetic testing limits, and realistic chances of euploid embryos across ages.

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ADVICE

Match Fertilization Method To Sperm Quality

Choose fertilization method based on male factor: use conventional insemination when sperm parameters are normal and ICSI when count or motility is poor.
Recognize ICSI raises fertilization rates but adds operator-dependent risks and a very small increase in rare epigenetic conditions.

INSIGHT

Blastocyst Stage Marks Advanced Embryo Development

A blastocyst is a day-5/6 embryo of ~100–200 cells with a distinct cavity; reaching blastocyst stage signals advanced embryonic development.
Not all fertilized eggs reach blastocyst due to egg/sperm quality or occasionally lab culture conditions.

ADVICE

Act Early And Optimize Sperm Health

To increase chance of genetically normal embryos act early because maternal age is the dominant factor for aneuploidy.
Support male fertility with antioxidants, healthy diet, and frequent ejaculation to improve sperm DNA quality.

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Preparing for IVF can be an emotional and complex journey, and having the right information beforehand can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Max Ezzati, a highly respected reproductive endocrinologist, to discuss the most important thing to know before starting IVF. Dr. Ezzati shares key insights about how patients can optimize their chances of success, the factors that influence embryo quality, and why understanding ovarian reserve is crucial. We also dive into the role of lifestyle factors, genetic screening, and cutting-edge advancements in reproductive medicine. If you're considering IVF or supporting someone on their fertility journey, this conversation will empower you with the knowledge you need. One important concept we discuss is the IVF pyramid, which illustrates how the number of eggs retrieved translates to the number of viable embryos. Not every egg leads to a healthy embryo, and understanding this process can help patients set realistic expectations about their IVF journey. In this episode, we cover:

How to assess your ovarian reserve before IVF
Why embryo quality matters and how it's evaluated
The importance of individualized treatment plans
How lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress, impact IVF outcomes
The role of genetic screening in IVF success
Common misconceptions about IVF and what patients should really focus on

Read the full show notes on my website. Find Dr. Max Ezzati here. Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom. Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates. Join Egg Whisperer School. Request a Consultation with me. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Learn more about the TUSHY Method and find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.