Episode 26: Restorative Reproductive Medicine

In this episode, Jennifer talks with Dr. Pietro Bortoletto about restorative reproductive medicine. 

Dr. Bortoletto is a reproductive medicine specialist, reproductive surgeon, and co-founder of the newly opened Terra Fertility, along with Dr. Emily Seidler and Dr. Denis Vaughan. Based out of Dedham, MA, Terra Fertility is reimagining fertility care by making it more accessible, through transparent pricing, intuitive technology, and comprehensive patient education - so that everyone, regardless of background, language, or identity, can feel informed, empowered, and supported on their fertility journey. 

Dr. Bortoletto currently serves as the Interactive Associate in Chief for Fertility & Sterility, co-hosts the F&S OnAir podcast and is the former Media Editor for F&S Reports.

Key topics discussed:

• What restorative reproductive medicine is, and isn’t
• Fundamentally those who practice restorative reproductive medicine and reproductive endocrinologists want the same thing: patients getting pregnant as fast as possible with the least amount of intervention. Where they differ is in the approach.
• Restorative reproductive medicine stigmatizes IVF and assisted reproductive technology and delays appropriate therapy and treatment for many patients.
• The pathways for professional expertise in restorative reproductive medicine and reproductive endocrinology are very different and shouldn't be confused.
• The importance of conducting a thorough health history and fertility workup for a patient.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all in fertility treatment.
• Sometimes it takes a village to have a child: collaborating with herbalists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health professionals and nutrition coaches.
• The evolution of PCOS treatment in the last 2 years.
• Weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, and fertility.
• The politics of restorative reproductive medicine: the personhood movement, limiting access to fertility treatment, protecting women’s health.
• Terminating a pregnancy that has miscarried or is ectopic is an abortion; abortion care is women’s health care.
• Restorative reproductive medicine creates a hurdle for patients who have a time-sensitive diagnosis.
• One piece of advice for every woman who is planning to try to become pregnant: get genetic carrier screening.

Connect with Dr. Bortoletto:

• TerraFertility.com
• Pietrobortolettomd.com
• Instagram: @BortolettoMD, @TerraFertility

Connect with Jennifer:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

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Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.