EFR 945: The Fertility Crisis Is Worse Than You Think… What's Causing It and How to Finally Get Pregnant with Dr. Natalie Crawford

This episode is brought to you by Audible, Fatty15 and Z Biotics. Sperm counts are down 50%. Fertility rates are collapsing. Miscarriages, hormone dysfunction, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, cannabis use, and modern stress are all colliding into what fertility physician Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, author of The Fertility Formula, calls a growing reproductive health crisis. This conversation breaks down why fertility is one of the strongest indicators of overall health, how inflammation damages eggs, sperm, mitochondria, and hormones, why "healthy" people are still struggling to conceive, and the exact lifestyle, nutrition, testing, and environmental changes that can dramatically improve fertility outcomes for both men and women. Chase and Dr. Crawford also share deeply personal stories about pregnancy loss, the emotional toll of infertility, and how couples can better support each other through one of life's hardest journeys. You will learn: Fertility is a powerful marker of overall metabolic and cellular health Chronic inflammation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of infertility Sperm counts have dropped 50% over the last 50 years Cannabis use is strongly linked to sperm DNA damage and miscarriage risk TRT can significantly suppress or permanently impair sperm production Sleep may be the single most powerful fertility intervention available Women and men respond differently to fasting, cold exposure, and stress Insulin resistance is affecting far more "healthy" people than they realize Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors are major fertility disruptors Men can dramatically improve fertility in as little as 90 days Pregnancy loss requires emotional support, community, and medical follow-up Follow Natalie @nataliecrawfordmd Follow Chase @chase_chewning -----  00:00 - The fertility crisis nobody is talking about 02:24 - Why fertility rates are rapidly declining 03:54 - Fertility as a marker of overall health 05:14 - Chronic inflammation explained 07:33 - The "walkie talkie" theory of hormones 10:10 - Detaching from the identity of being "healthy" 13:00 - TRT and male fertility risks 17:09 - Why men are 50% of the fertility equation 18:54 - Cannabis and sperm DNA damage 22:01 - Plastics, fragrances & endocrine disruptors 24:48 - Why men need to show up during fertility journeys 32:25 - Sauna use and sperm health 35:00 - Cold plunges, fasting & female hormones 37:34 - Best fertility-supporting nutrition strategies 43:53 - Why men can improve fertility in 90 days 44:44 - Women, egg reserves & aging explained 52:43 - The #1 thing you can do for mitochondrial health 55:11 - Fertility tests every person should know 01:00:17 - Why every man should get a semen analysis 01:04:11 - Should everyone freeze eggs and sperm? 01:09:15 - Chronic inflammation & insulin resistance explained 01:17:13 - How stress directly impacts fertility 01:19:11 - Practical ways to reduce inflammation 01:21:43 - The emotional reality of miscarriage & pregnancy loss 01:26:29 - What to do medically after pregnancy loss 01:29:08 - What "Ever Forward" means to Natalie ----- Episode resources: Audible - Get a FREE 30-day trial and start listening to your next favorite audiobook today ZBiotics - Use code EVERFORWARD10 to save 10% on the probiotic drink before drinking Fatty15 - Use code EVERFORWARD for an additional 15% off the 90-day starter kit Get Natalie's new book "The Fertility Formula"