Megan
10 years journey
The Transformation
Before
Had failed IVF, surrogacy, and donor eggs with no explanation for fertility struggles
Key Shift
Discovered and treated a raging oral infection she couldn't feel
After
Conceived naturally and had a healthy pregnancy
In summary: Megan's story demonstrates that natural conception after multiple treatment failures, hidden oral infection revealed, and 10-year journey success. despite Unexplained Infertility after a 10 years journey.
Teachings8
Certain oral infections can increase your risk of fertility issues by three times, even when you feel no pain or symptoms
Dr. Katie Lee explains that Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria specifically inhibits ovulation, prevents embryo implantation, and causes stillbirths. Megan, featured in a previous episode, had a 10-year fertility journey with failed IVF, surrogacy, and donor eggs until discovering and treating a raging oral infection.
▶ 2:22Oral bacteria don't stay in your mouth - they circulate through your bloodstream and target your reproductive system
Dr. Lee explains that when gums become permeable due to infection, bacteria enter the bloodstream through an enzyme called MMP8 that breaks down protective tissue barriers. This creates 'leaky gums' similar to leaky gut, allowing bacteria to reach reproductive organs.
▶ 12:59Male fertility is equally affected by oral bacteria, with specific bacteria killing sperm and decreasing motility
Dr. Lee treated both partners in a young couple struggling with infertility. The husband had bacteria affecting sperm motility, and after treating both partners, they conceived within months. She notes that two specific bacteria directly impact sperm's ability to swim.
▶ 8:43Forty percent of pregnant people have some form of gum infection, increasing preterm birth risk by 30-50%
Dr. Lee states that oral bacteria increases risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Only 10% of women who develop gestational diabetes are prediabetic before pregnancy, suggesting something during pregnancy triggers the condition.
▶ 21:53The six-month dental cleaning rule came from insurance companies, not science - bacteria repopulate in 90 days
Dr. Lee explains that bacteria repopulate in the mouth within 90 days, yet insurance only covers cleanings every six months. She recommends cleanings every 3-4 months for optimal oral health, especially during conception and pregnancy.
▶ 37:38Simple saliva testing can identify fertility-affecting bacteria from home, followed by targeted treatments
Dr. Lee uses saliva tests to identify specific bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and 3D cone beam CT scans to detect hidden abscesses. Treatments include periodontal cleanings, targeted therapies for specific bacteria, and microbiome rebuilding with probiotics.
▶ 10:37Oral bacteria are linked to major diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's
Dr. Lee directly links PG gingivalis bacteria to Alzheimer's disease and notes that oral bacteria correlate with pancreatic and colon cancers, heart disease, and diabetes. Seven out of eight leading causes of death in America are caused by inflammation.
▶ 30:48Stress and elevated cortisol shut down immune function, allowing harmful oral bacteria to proliferate
Dr. Lee explains that chronic stress releases cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and makes the body more prone to infections. This creates a cycle where bacteria proliferate, causing more inflammation and stress.
▶ 22:35
Quotable Moments6
“certain oral infections that you might not even know you have, because all of us are running around thinking that we would feel pain if we had an infection. Not true. Okay? So those things can increase your risk of fertility issues by three times.”
— Rosanne Austin2:03“if you're thinking to yourself, oh, I you know, I brush and floss every day. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Stick around.”
— Rosanne Austin3:24“the bacteria in the man causes their sperm to, it actually kills the sperm, it changes their shape, and it decreases their ability to swim.”
— Dr. Katie Lee18:40“don't let your insurance dictate how you take care of your health for frick's sake, man.”
— Rosanne Austin43:38“It's like showering and not washing your armpits. Right? Like, you have to wash every part of your body. You have to clean every part of your tooth.”
— Dr. Katie Lee40:22“information is power. And when you have power, you can take control.”
— Dr. Katie Lee33:54
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