Listen On:
 |
 |
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out whether to get surgery for endometriosis… or wondered if freezing your eggs is the right step for you… This blog is for you.
I recently had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Dr. Mei Cheah, a fertility specialist and surgeon who not only leads in her field but also lives with endometriosis herself. Her dual perspective as both a medical expert and someone personally navigating these challenges brought such compassion, clarity, and depth to our conversation.
We Started with Fertility Myths and Got Real About What Affects It
One of the most common misconceptions we tackled was the idea that age is the only thing that matters when it comes to fertility. Spoiler: it’s not.
Dr. Mei explained how factors like environmental toxins, chronic stress, and even the technology we use daily (yes, including that laptop on your lap) can impact fertility. It’s not about fear, it’s about being informed. She even shared her thoughts on microplastics and how she avoids plastic in her daily routine by choosing glass or stainless steel containers, minimising takeout, and storing food without plastic wrap.
Her Personal Endo Journey Changed the Way I See Treatment
One of the most powerful moments came when Dr. Mei opened up about her own journey with endometriosis. Living with this condition has deeply influenced how she diagnoses and treats it, not just medically, but emotionally too. She brings empathy into every conversation, and it shows in how she talks about surgery, pain management, and the long road to diagnosis that so many women face.
As a mom, I shared my daughter’s early experience with endo symptoms. We’re seeing this in younger girls more than ever, and it’s a reminder that early education and advocacy are crucial.
Diet, Birth Control, and Endo: What Actually Helps?
Dr. Mei has a refreshing take: she doesn’t demonise hormonal birth control, but she does believe in understanding how it affects your body. We talked about the pros, the cons, and what she's seen in patients who make dietary changes to manage their symptoms. Certain foods can really influence endo symptoms, for better or worse.
When Should You Consider Surgery or Fertility Preservation?
This part of our conversation was incredibly enlightening. Dr. Mei was honest about how timing matters especially when you’re trying to manage pain or conceive. We talked about how to know if and when surgery is right for you, and why egg or embryo freezing is something to consider earlier than most people think.
My Own Pregnancy Experiences and a Fascinating Insight
I also shared a bit about my own pregnancies and how different they were from each other. Dr. Mei offered some insights into how endometriosis might have been a hidden factor in the harder one. It really opened my eyes to how much we don’t always know about what’s going on in our bodies.
Three-Person IVF: The Future of Fertility?
We even got into some next-level science—three-person IVF. Yes, it’s real. And yes, Dr. Mei explained it in a way that actually made sense. (No biology degree required.)
Stress, Endo Pain, and Daily Rituals
Dr. Mei shared her top three tips for managing endo-related pain—and they’re simple, research-backed, and actually doable. We also talked about how she manages stress, both personally and professionally, and why mindset shifts are just as important as medication.
When Should You Start Fertility Testing?
We wrapped up with a message I hope everyone hears: fertility testing isn’t just for women, and it’s not something to wait on until you’re actively trying to conceive. The sooner you understand your fertility baseline, the more empowered your decisions can be.
This episode is full of science, stories, and so much heart. Whether you’re managing endometriosis, thinking about freezing your eggs, or simply want to better understand your reproductive health, Dr. Mei brings wisdom that could truly change how you approach your body—and your future.
🎧 Listen now on YouTube or your favourite podcast app.
And if this resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Got questions, thoughts, or your own story to share?
Drop a comment or DM me I’d genuinely love to hear from you. 💛
