Trying To Be Positive With Anne Matthews

Avsnitt

• PCOS Is Now PMOS: What the Rename Means for Your Fertility, IVF & Metabolic Health 26.05.2026 43min

  Anne is back with a solo episode on one of the biggest shifts happening in women's health right now: the rename from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). She breaks down why the old name was misleading, why many women with PCOS never actually had ovarian cysts and why many women with polycystic-looking ovaries were completely hormonally well, and what the rename means for how the condition is now understood. She covers lean PMOS, post-pill PCOS, why letrozole works for PMOS patients, why high egg numbers in IVF don't automatically mean high embryo quality, and why PMOS patients are at serious risk of OHSS from aggressive stimulation. She also covers the lifestyle interventions that actually move the needle: resistance training, blood sugar stability, sleep, inflammation reduction, and why male factor is still being ignored in PMOS patients doing IVF. This episode is for anyone who has been told they have PCOS and sent away until they want to have a baby, anyone doing IVF with PMOS and wondering why egg numbers aren't translating to embryos, or anyone realizing that PMOS is a lifelong metabolic condition, not just a fertility problem.00:00 - Introduction and the PCOS to PMOS rename07:01 - What PMOS actually stands for and why it matters09:49 - PCOM: An imaging finding, not a diagnosis15:04 - Lean PMOS and post-pill PCOS18:44 - Testosterone, letrozole and how PMOS actually works23:40 - High egg numbers in IVF don't mean high embryo quality31:08 - Male factor and OHSS risk in PMOS patients33:52 - Lifestyle interventions: Resistance training, blood sugar, sleep40:39 - How acupuncture supports PMOS42:22 - 2026 research: Benjamin Button ovaries and later menopause45:16 - Why the rename changes everything
• Male Factor Infertility: Varicocele, DNA Fragmentation & Recurrent Loss - A Fertility Story 05.05.2026 53min

  Anne is back with Nico, her first male guest sharing a male factor story. Nico walks through DNA fragmentation climbing from 15% to 24% despite lifestyle changes, discovering he'd had an undiagnosed varicocele for 20 years, being dismissed by urologists who said his wife's PCOS was the real problem, and advocating for surgery that dropped fragmentation to 14%. After immune testing revealed LAD levels at 2%, they fixed both issues but still had five losses before IVF. This episode is for anyone dealing with male factor and recurrent loss, or anyone realizing structural problems need surgical solutions.
• A Fertility Story - PCOS, Failed IUIs & Endometriosis: LAD Testing at 7%, LIT Therapy & Getting Pregnant Naturally 14.04.2026 32min

  Anne is back with Sarah, who spent three and a half years navigating PCOS, two miscarriages, failed IUIs, and a fertility system that kept offering IVF without explaining why. Sarah shares how she got pregnant spontaneously right after her wedding, lost it at eight weeks, then spent over a year on medicated cycles that went nowhere. She walks through how Anne clocked her GI issues as endometriosis despite being told PCOS patients don't typically have both, getting an on-the-spot endo diagnosis at Sugo, and finally running a full immune panel that came back with LAD levels at 7% when they needed to be at 30-50%. After LIT therapy and intralipids, her levels jumped to 89% and she was pregnant two months later. This episode is for anyone being pushed toward IVF without answers, anyone with PCOS and unexplained digestive issues, or anyone who knows something's wrong but keeps being told everything looks fine.00:00 - Introduction: Sarah's fertility journey begins02:51 - PCOS, spontaneous pregnancy, miscarriage at 8 weeks05:08 - Two failed IUIs and the IVF push without answers07:36 - Anne identifies GI issues and potential endometriosis11:52 - Endometriosis diagnosis at Sugo13:59 - Second miscarriage and next steps15:24 - Immune panel results: LAD at 7%, cytokines, MTHFR18:10 - LIT therapy and intralipids treatment22:40 - Why reproductive immunology isn't mainstream26:11 - Advice: Listen to your gut and ask questions28:18 - When anxiety lifted: 20 weeks, not 1231:04 - The rage week story
• A Fertility Story - Recurrent Miscarriage & Immune Testing: Five Losses, Varicocele Repair & Refusing Unexplained 31.03.2026 56min

  Anne is back with Anna, one of her first patients dealing with immune-related infertility. Anna shares her four-year journey through five miscarriages, multiple failed IVF transfers, and the medical dismissals that made her stop trusting anyone in the system. She walks through what happened when her husband's varicocele and high DNA fragmentation were finally addressed mid-IVF cycle, why her clinic created embryos before testing sperm quality, how she navigated immune treatments including LIT therapy and IVIG trips to Chicago, and why doing everything at once meant she'll never know what actually worked. Now facing secondary infertility, Anna talks about the psychological difference between trying again with proof her body can carry versus the hopelessness of repeated loss. This episode is for anyone who's been told everything looks normal but keeps losing pregnancies, anyone wondering whether to try again after finally having success, or anyone realizing that unexplained infertility just means no one has looked hard enough yet.00:00 - Intro02:05 - First two losses with heartbeats, no answers04:29 - Third loss: Abnormal embryo becomes the IVF sales pitch06:10 - Meeting Anne and starting IVF09:15 - First retrieval results and DNA fragmentation discovery14:37 - Why ICSI doesn't fix high fragmentation16:16 - Varicocele repair through interventional surgery20:32 - First transfer: Blighted ovum and retained tissue23:04 - Fourth loss and hitting rock bottom27:05 - Immune treatments: Intralipids and LIT therapy32:40 - Success after immune protocol (or was it?)36:39 - Flying to Chicago for IVIG during pregnancy38:10 - Preterm birth at 34 weeks and lingering questions41:06 - Secondary infertility: Going back in with a different mindset43:38 - What Anne would do differently now46:01 - The PCOS "miracle baby" myth explained50:22 - What's actually accessible and what matters most55:10 - The importance of having someone hold hope for you
• Explaining Unexplained Infertility: DNA Fragmentation, Immune Testing & Why Your Lining Matters 17.03.2026 56min

  Anne is back tackling the most frustrating diagnosis in fertility medicine: unexplained infertility. She breaks down why this label almost always means the right questions haven't been asked yet, not that there's actually nothing wrong. She explains how varicoceles affect DNA fragmentation even when sperm count looks perfect, why DOR is overdiagnosed and often not the real problem, how failed IUIs and euploid transfer failures point to lining and immune issues that standard testing misses, and what tests actually matter—CD-138 staining for chronic endometritis, hysteroscopy for microadhesions, endomapping for endometriosis, and immune panels that most clinics won't offer. This episode is for anyone told everything looks normal but nothing is working, anyone about to start IVF without knowing what they're solving for, or anyone realizing that unexplained infertility is just fertility care that hasn't been explained yet.00:00 - Intro03:13 - Question 1: How do you define unexplained infertility?05:10 - Seed, soil, environment: The gardening framework for fertility09:15 - Varicoceles and DNA fragmentation testing13:45 - Why ICSI doesn't fix DNA damage17:36 - Varicocele repair: Finding qualified surgeons22:36 - Question 2: DOR—How can I improve my egg quality?23:15 - Do you actually have DOR or just low AMH?25:08 - Immune dysfunction vs. diminished ovarian reserve28:20 - Maternal immune tolerance and implantation31:45 - Fertilysis testing for immune issues34:20 - Question 3: Spontaneous pregnancy once, many failed IUIs—why?36:02 - Chronic endometritis and CD-138 staining40:15 - EMMA/ALICE testing vs. CD-138: Which comes first43:50 - Hysteroscopy for microadhesions and tissue inflammation46:20 - Why letrozole can thin your lining48:45 - Endometriosis as immune dysregulation, not just pain51:45 - Endo mapping and finding qualified endo surgeons55:36 - Closing: Unexplained means unexplored
• Fertility Clinic Red Flags: Spilling the Tea on Cookie-Cutter Care & What to Ask For 03.03.2026 43min

  Today, Anne tackles the influx of questions from patients feeling let down, gaslit, and stuck in the fertility clinic system. We are diving deep into the diagnostics your clinic should be running—and exactly what to do if they refuse. From the necessity of immune testing to the critical role of blood thinners in preventing recurrent loss, this is your ultimate guide to self-advocacy.00:00 Intro01:53 How Clinics Have Changed: From Innovative to Cookie-Cutter04:03 Why You Must Advocate for Your Future Child11:04 Clinic Red Flags: "Science Experiments" & Ovarian PRP16:59 The Blood Thinner Issue: Microcirculation & Implantation19:20 The Clotting Tests You Need to Ask For (Beyond the RPL)23:15 Why Clinics Refuse Blood Thinners: Liability vs. Physiology27:15 If They Don't Do Immune Testing, Leave31:10 Immunology Explained: Uterine NK Cells, LADs & Cytokines39:19 Final Red Flags & The Truth About Fast OHIP Waitlists
• Fertility Questions I Answer Every Day in Clinic: DNA Fragmentation, Exercise, Coffee & Age 10.02.2026 41min

  Anne is back answering the fertility questions she hears most often from patients—not the ones from Instagram AMAs, but the real concerns that come up after people have already made lifestyle changes. She covers why DNA fragmentation testing matters despite what some clinics say, how much exercise actually helps (or hurts) fertility, whether coffee is sabotaging your chances, why your friend's protocol won't work for you, what recent research reveals about age and egg quality, and how acupuncture actually influences reproductive hormones. This episode is for anyone who's already doing the basics and wants to know if they're focusing on the right things, or for anyone realizing that consistency matters more than fertility hacks.00:00 - Intro05:24 - Question 1: Is there anything else I should be doing?09:15 - Question 2: Why does DNA fragmentation matter?16:16 - Question 3: Should I exercise more or less for fertility?22:20 - Question 4: Is coffee bad for my fertility?25:06 - Question 5: Why did my friend's protocol work but not for me?29:25 - Question 6: The real science on age-related decline36:28 - Question 7: How does acupuncture actually work?43:33 - Closing thoughts and rate & review request
• Unexplained Infertility, High NK Cells & Saying No to IVF: Fran’s Story 09.12.2025 53min

  When Anne first met Fran, she thought to herself, "She’s a youth... this is going to be a slam dunk."Fran was 26, incredibly healthy, and fit. But after a year of negative tests and chemical pregnancies, she was slapped with the frustrating diagnosis of "Unexplained Infertility" and told that IVF was her only real option.In this episode, we share Fran’s Story, a powerful journey of refusing to settle for a non-diagnosis. Fran opens up about why she said no to IVF and instead dug deeper to find the true root cause: her immune system.00:00 Intro06:17 The First Chemical Pregnancy & False Optimism09:49 The Clinic Reality: "Unexplained Infertility" & The IVF Hard Sell15:45 Leaving the System: Seeking "Root Cause" Answers22:06 The Breakthrough: Finding Fertilysis & Reproductive Immunology28:29 The Diagnosis: High Natural Killer Cells (33%) & Low LAD Levels31:40 When Treatment Fails: Failed LIT & Pivoting to Donor Blood37:42 Hitting Rock Bottom: Grief, Burnout & Starting at "Ground Zero"45:40 The Natural BFP & Managing Pregnancy After Infertility Trauma
• AMA: Iron Deficiency & Unexplained Infertility, Luteal Phase Defects vs. Low Progesterone, How Stress Affects Your Cycle & Essential Advice for Patients Over 35 25.11.2025 28min

  In this Ask Me Anything episode, Anne tackles listener questions about some of the most misunderstood aspects of fertility. From why your doctor might not be testing your ferritin levels (even though they should) to the real story behind luteal phase defects and what stress actually does to your fertility journey.We dive into practical topics like optimal iron ranges for conception, why adding progesterone isn't always the answer, and what truly matters most for patients over 35. Anne breaks down complex concepts into actionable insights, challenging some common fertility myths along the way.00:00 - Welcome & Episode Overview01:11 - Iron & Ferritin: The Hidden Fertility Factor06:20 - Luteal Phase Defects: Myths vs Reality18:14 - Stress, Cortisol & Egg Quality25:00 - Mature Patients: Focus on Sperm Quality
• Your Most-Asked Fertility Questions, Answered with Honesty, Science, and a Little Humor 21.10.2025 43min

  Anne is back with an open and honest fertility Q&A, tackling the questions she gets most often from patients and listeners. From embryo grading and PGT-A testing to sperm DNA fragmentation, egg versus embryo freezing, and how often to have sex when trying to conceive, Anne breaks down the science!
• Laura’s Journey Through MS, Endometriosis, and IVF 07.10.2025 1h 2min

  Laura’s story is one of quiet strength and persistence. She opens up about navigating MS, endometriosis, and the realities of using donor sperm while trying to grow her family. After failed IUIs, unexpected surgery, and just one remaining embryo, she learned to trust her body and advocate for herself in a system that didn’t always listen.What followed was a mix of setbacks, small shifts, and self-belief that changed everything, a reminder that sometimes the biggest transformations come from the smallest, most consistent changes.
• Answering Your Fertility Questions: IVF Costs, Implantation Failure, Male Factor, and Staying Hopeful 23.09.2025 44min

  In this episode of Trying to Be Positive, Anne answers your questions: what Ontario’s new IVF funding actually covers, why sperm DNA fragmentation can tank “normal” semen analyses, how frequent release + antioxidants may help, why high cholesterol affects sperm, what to know about supplements (CoQ10, omega-3, folate) without overdoing it - plus practical ways to stay hopeful when you feel like you’re doing everything right.00:00 Intro01:38 Ontario IVF funding 2025 — what’s covered, what isn’t12:55 Does DNA fragmentation matter? (and why)17:00 How to lower DNA frag — release cadence, antioxidants20:45 High cholesterol & sperm — why it hurts fertility25:09 Supplements — safe starts (folate, CoQ10, omega-3) & cautions31:57 Endometriosis diagnosis — SUGO expert ultrasound (not just surgery)34:55 Staying hopeful — mindset, cycles, boundaries, stories that help
• Whit’s Journey Through Miscarriage, Fertility Treatments, and Finding Her Miracle 09.09.2025 1h

  In this episode of Trying to Be Positive, Anne sits down with Whit to share a raw, hopeful fertility story: three losses, multiple failed transfers, and the heartbreak of “it’s not going to happen."From the shock of recurrent pregnancy loss to navigating IVF, IUI, and surrogacy setbacks, Whit opens up about NK cells, low LAD, sperm DNA fragmentation, ERA/EMMA/ALICE results, and why “try another retrieval” wasn’t the full picture. Anne breaks down what immune factors can mean for implantation and how small shifts in care, advocacy, and timing can change everything.If you’ve been told donor eggs or surrogacy are your only options or you’re stuck after “normal” test results—this conversation is for you. You’re not alone, there is hope, and your questions matter.
• Fertility After Miscarriage, Endometriosis Pregnancy Success, Sperm Health Tips, Core Workouts While TTC, and Lifestyle Changes to Boost Fertility | Anne Answers Your Questions 29.04.2025 36min

  In this AMA episode, Anne answers your biggest questions about miscarriage recovery, boosting fertility naturally, improving sperm motility, preparing for IVF, getting pregnant with endometriosis, and what to actually do during the two-week wait.You'll also hear:The 5 non-negotiable lifestyle changes Anne swears byHow men can reduce DNA fragmentation and improve sperm healthThe truth about working out during TTCWhat nobody tells you about inflammation and fertilitySupplements, sleep, movement, and sex timing — explainedYouTubeInstagram00:00 Intro07:56 Listener Q&A: Miscarriage Recovery12:29 Core Workouts and Fertility16:36 Improving Sperm Health20:22 Top 5 Tips for Men to Improve Sperm Health23:09 Age and Fertility: Real-Life Examples27:11 Preparing for Conception32:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
• How Mel Got Pregnant After Being Told She Needed Donor Eggs 15.04.2025 41min

  In this episode of Trying to Be Positive, Anne sits down with Mel to share her story of being told she would need donor eggs to conceive only to get pregnant naturally after finding the right support and answers.From the shock of a fertility misdiagnosis to the emotional weight of being told “it’s not going to happen,” Mel’s journey is one of reclaiming hope, finding clarity, and trusting her body again. Anne and Mel explore what happens when medical advice feels defeating, the importance of second opinions, and how simple shifts in care and understanding can change everything.Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to help keep these conversations going and support others navigating this path.00:00 Intro04:36 Unexpected Challenges06:18 Seeking Answers and Finding Hope12:12 A New Path Forward21:17 Discussing Medical Concerns23:29 Doctor's Recommendations and Tracking Progress27:43 Unexpected Pregnancy News29:20 Navigating Pregnancy Fears30:07 Reflecting on the Journey32:32 Final Thoughts
• Managing Endometriosis & Boosting Fertility: Anne on the Egg Whisperer Show 07.01.2025 26min

  We’re excited to share this special episode of Trying to Be Positive! Recently, Anne had the honor of being a guest on Dr. Aimee’s renowned Egg Whisperer Show. We couldn’t wait to bring this inspiring conversation to you. In this episode, Anne dives into her expertise as a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncturist, sharing actionable insights into managing endometriosis and supporting fertility. Together with Dr. Aimee, they explore the powerful connection between inflammation, immune function, and fertility, and discuss how acupuncture, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle changes can make a difference. We wanted to share this conversation with you because it perfectly captures Anne’s approach to health, humor, and hope. Whether you’re navigating your own fertility journey or simply curious about the science behind acupuncture and endometriosis, this episode is packed with information, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way. Topics include: How endometriosis impacts fertility and immune function The role of acupuncture in reducing inflammation and improving outcomes Personalized approaches to diet and exercise for managing endometriosis A heartfelt success story about hope, perseverance, and twins! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Trying to Be Positive on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify! Your support helps us reach more people navigating their own fertility journeys. We’d love it if you could leave a review and share your thoughts—it makes a huge difference in helping others discover the show. 00:00 Intro 01:35 Understanding Endometriosis and Immune Challenges 05:40 Acupuncture's Role in Immune Function 09:25 Diet and Lifestyle for Endometriosis 14:08 Exercise and Endometriosis 19:16 Success Stories and Acupuncture Efficacy 25:00 Conclusion
• Anne Answers Your Fertility Questions 17.12.2024 34min

  In this special episode, Anne answers your fertility questions. From essential fertility tests and choosing the right clinic to optimizing health through nutrition and lifestyle. Anne sheds light on often-misunderstood fertility issues, including why both partners must take responsibility, how to interpret blood work results, and when IVF is the right step. Whether you’re beginning your fertility journey, facing challenges, or just curious about how to advocate for better care, this episode is filled with must-know insights. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to keep these conversations going and help others find the support they need. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 00:00 Intro 08:17 Infertility Trends and Misconceptions 15:01 IVF Consultation Tips 21:39 Lifestyle Changes for Fertility 26:23 Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic 31:06 Practitioner Training and Mentorship
• Finding Strength Through Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Victoria’s Story 03.12.2024 50min

  In this episode of Trying to Be Positive, Anne sits down with Victoria to share her deeply personal journey through recurrent pregnancy loss. From navigating the emotional isolation of multiple miscarriages to finding strength and hope through professional support and personalized care, Victoria’s story is a testament to resilience and advocacy. Anne and Victoria discuss the importance of understanding your options, advocating for yourself, and finding the right care team. They explore the emotional challenges of loss, the misconceptions surrounding miscarriage, and the power of a tailored fertility plan in transforming heartbreak into hope. Whether you’re experiencing similar struggles, seeking support, or looking for inspiration, this episode offers a compassionate space to feel understood and less alone on your path to parenthood. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to help keep these conversations going and support others navigating this journey. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 00:00 Intro 02:37 Victoria's Miscarriage Story Begins 06:12 First Miscarriage Experience 18:29 Second Miscarriage and Seeking Answers 25:51 Third Miscarriage and Fertility Clinic Experience 28:50 Feeling Neglected by the Clinic 32:04 Exploring Immune Factors 34:59 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Trying Again 39:50 Acupuncture and Alternative Treatments 47:09 The Importance of Hope and Trust
• Fertility Mindset: Inspiring Stories to Keep You Moving Forward 19.11.2024 1h 1min

  In this episode of Trying to Be Positive, Anne revisits four powerful fertility stories that capture the journey from hopelessness to hope. Whether you’re struggling with isolation, feeling triggered, or questioning your own fertility, these stories shed light on the resilience and strength it takes to persevere. Anne highlights the importance of a fertility mindset, professional support, personalized plans, and unwavering faith. These real-life accounts include struggles with unexplained infertility, chemical pregnancies, emotional challenges, and the eventual triumphs that bring hope to anyone navigating this journey. Tune in to feel less alone, find comfort, and reinvigorate your journey toward parenthood. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to keep these conversations alive and inspire others on this path. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
• How Rachael Overcame IVF Failure and Pregnancy Loss on Her Fertility Journey 12.11.2024 51min

  In this episode Anne sits down with Rachel a former patient who faced a series of fertility challenges. Together, they discuss Rachel’s journey through multiple miscarriages, chemical pregnancies, IVF treatments, and ultimately, her experience of becoming a parent. Rachel shares her honest reflections on the ups and downs of infertility, the difficult decision to switch clinics, and the mindset shifts that helped her persevere. Instagram: @energytreeanne 00:00 Intro 03:27 Rachel's Fertility Struggles Begin 04:32 Chemical Pregnancies and Fertility Clinic Visits 07:09 Miscarriage and Clinic Challenges 10:03 Switching Clinics and New Discoveries 12:40 Facing Ectopic Pregnancy 16:15 Acupuncture and Preparation for IVF 19:41 IVF Challenges and Adjustments 26:56 Failed IVF Attempts and Emotional Struggles 32:01 Coping with Social Pressures and Isolation 37:49 Navigating Early Pregnancy Fears 41:28 Reflecting on the IVF Journey and Final Thoughts