The fertility conversation we're not having (but should) with Carrot's Dr. Asima Ahmad

In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Dr. Asima Ahmad MD, MPH, FACOG, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot, discussing her journey as a fertility specialist and entrepreneur. They explore the challenges and advancements in fertility treatment, the importance of early fertility education, and the impact of new technologies on making fertility care more accessible and affordable.

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LINKS:

Carrot: https://www.get-carrot.com/

 Dr. Marcelel Cedars: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-marcelle-cedars

 The End of Sex by Hank Greely: https://www.amazon.com/End-Sex-Future-Human-Reproduction/dp/0674728963 

Pilot Study Evaluates Weekly Pill to Slow Ovarian Aging, Delay Menopause: https://www.nyp.org/advances-womenshealth/pilot-study-evaluates-weekly-pill-to-slow-ovarian-aging-delay-menopause

@doctor_asima on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_asima/ 

 Leslie Schrock episode on Second Opinion: https://youtu.be/LmZAoLqMSmc?si=djwXFJ0KhgZV-_ia 

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FOLLOW:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/asima-ahmad-md/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Asima Ahmad is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot and practices as a fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago.
• Only about 40-50 reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists graduate per year in the US.
• OB-GYNs often handle initial fertility workups in rural areas and some countries before referring to specialists.
• Virtual care has significantly improved access to fertility treatment since the pandemic.
• "Revenge egg freezing" is a trend where employees use fertility benefits right before leaving companies.
• Asima considers egg freezing safe and supports access to fertility preservation options.
• Both Asima and host Chrissy experienced delayed PCOS diagnoses, highlighting the importance of early detection.
• PCOS diagnosis requires two of three criteria: irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries, or signs of elevated androgens. PCOS has implications beyond fertility including increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
• Fertility education should be taught alongside contraception education in schools.
• Women experience ovarian aging and declining egg quality with age, which impacts family planning.
• In vitro maturation (IVM) allows eggs to be retrieved earlier with fewer medications, reducing physical and financial burden.
• Research is being conducted on delaying ovarian aging to extend the fertility window.