Your Fertility Questions Answered - A Candid & Informative Q & A with Dr. Susanna Park
When IVF Doesn’t Go As Planned, Real Answers Matter
The emotional toll of IVF can be just as overwhelming as the physical process — especially when you’re doing everything “right” and still don’t have answers. That’s why I host a monthly Q&A series with leading fertility specialists. Each session is a chance to hear directly from experts who offer clarity, compassion, and real-world insight.
This month, I was joined by Dr. Susanna Park, a board-certified fertility specialist at San Diego Fertility Center and five-time Top Doctor in San Diego Magazine. With over 20 years of clinical experience — including a decade at Columbia University — Dr. Park is known for her individualized approach, high success rates, and deep expertise in IVF, egg freezing, and third-party reproduction.
Together, we explored the most frustrating and emotionally charged questions patients bring into the room — the ones that don’t always have straightforward answers.
Key Takeaways from the Q&A with Dr. Park
1. Why Do Embryos Arrest at the Morula Stage?
Not all embryo arrest means poor quality. Dr. Park shared what the morula stage actually tells us, what can be done (if anything), and how embryology labs interpret stalled development.
2. IVF Over 40: What’s the Real Success Rate?
Dr. Park explained why she’s still hopeful for women in their 40s — and how success depends more on chromosomal normalcy than age alone. With the right strategy, it’s not always donor or bust.
3. Mosaic Embryos: Should You Transfer One?
We talked about mosaicism reporting, lab variability, and how to make transfer decisions when the data feels murky. Dr. Park outlined when she recommends requesting mosaic status — and when she doesn’t.
4. Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SCSA Testing)
When standard semen analysis looks fine but embryos struggle to grow, SCSA testing can offer helpful clues. Dr. Park walked us through when to test, what it means, and how to reduce fragmentation.
5. Endometriosis, ERA, and IVF Outcomes
Dr. Park broke down how endo can affect implantation — and when ERA or suppression protocols may be worth trying.
6. Supplements, Growth Hormone, and “Hocus Pocus”
From It Starts With the Egg to growth hormone injections, Dr. Park gave her candid take on which supplements help, which don’t, and the importance of timing over trend-chasing.
Watch the Full Q&A
You can watch the full session below. This conversation was part of my free monthly support group — open to anyone navigating IVF, infertility, or third-party reproduction.
Join Our Monthly Support Group
If you’re going through fertility treatment and need a space to ask questions, feel supported, and connect with others who get it — you’re invited. I host these free, virtual sessions every month. We start with a live Q&A with a reproductive endocrinologist, followed by open peer support.
