Your Fertility Questions Answered – A Deeply Insightful Q&A with Dr. Kelly Baek
The hardest fertility questions are often the ones without clear answers — decisions about how many embryos to transfer, what to do after failed cycles, or how to interpret confusing numbers like AMH. These are the moments when hearing directly from a specialist can bring both clarity and relief.
I recently spoke with Dr. Kelly Baek, partner at California Fertility Partners (part of the Pinnacle Fertility network) in Los Angeles. She is double board-certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and has been recognized by Los Angeles Magazine and Southern California Super Doctors. Known for her compassionate, individualized approach, Dr. Baek also brings her own personal experience with fertility challenges into her work.
Key Takeaways from the Q&A with Dr. Baek
1. Single vs. Double Embryo Transfer
While patients often wonder if transferring two embryos boosts their odds, Dr. Baek emphasized that a single embryo transfer is usually safest. Twin pregnancies raise risks of preeclampsia, preterm labor, and other complications — even when everything looks perfect. Each case is individual, but her message was clear: prioritize a healthy outcome over doubling chances.
2. How Many Embryos to Bank
Dr. Baek starts every consult by asking: How many children do you hope to have? From there, she works backward. In general, she recommends two euploid embryos per child as a cautious benchmark — though age, uterine factors, and medical history all change the equation.
3. Low AMH Doesn’t Mean Poor Quality
A low AMH can feel devastating, but Dr. Baek reminded us it’s about quantity, not quality. Younger patients with low AMH may still produce normal embryos and have strong odds of pregnancy. The key is finding out why AMH is low (surgery, infection, genetics, autoimmune conditions, endometriosis) before assuming the worst.
4. Failed Euploid Transfers: What’s Next?
For patients with multiple failed euploid transfers, Dr. Baek often turns to the Endometrial Function Test (EFT). Unlike narrower tests (ERA, Receptiva, EMMA), EFT provides a fuller picture of lining development, inflammation, and protein expression. This can reveal hidden uterine issues that explain failed transfers.
5. Low-Level Mosaic Embryos Can Still Lead to Healthy Births
Dr. Baek has seen many successful pregnancies from low-level mosaic embryos. With genetic counseling and follow-up amniocentesis, she often treats them as viable options — a hopeful takeaway for those with limited embryos.
6. Endometriosis and Adenomyosis Require Precision
From subtle ultrasound clues to referrals for highly skilled excision surgeons, Dr. Baek highlighted how the right surgical hands make a difference. Adenomyosis, in particular, requires looking at activity, location, and whether it abuts the uterine lining before deciding between medical suppression, transfer, or surrogacy.
7. Lifestyle and Supplements: Less is More
Her go-tos: high-quality prenatal vitamins, ubiquinol (CoQ10), acupuncture with the right provider, adequate sleep, and no alcohol (because of its impact on REM sleep and ovulation). She cautioned against “a bag of supplements” and stressed lifestyle timing over trends.
