Ever wonder what a typical day is like for a fertility specialist? Dr. Lauren Roth let us spend the day with her to get a behind the scenes look at the life of a reproductive endocrinologist.Dr. Lauren Roth is now seeing new patients in our Rockville, MD office, while continuing to see patients in our Frederick, MD and Harrisburg, PA offices. She was also recently named Maryland’s The Daily Record 2017 Leading Women Honoree. Learn more about Dr. Lauren Roth and read the insightful advice she gives to all SGF patients.
What’s your morning routine?
Dr. Roth: A few times a week, I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get a work out in before I go into the office. I really enjoy Orange Theory, which is high intensity interval training. It helps me feel more energized throughout the day. Of course there are some mornings though where that early alarm is tough. I always have my coffee and almost always pack my breakfast and lunch. Bringing my own food helps me stay healthy. I love to cook and eat healthy food.
What do you listen to during your car rides to work?
Dr. Roth: Now that I’m traveling between Rockville, Frederick, and Harrisburg, PA, I am in the car more often. I drink my coffee and absolutely love listening to podcasts. I listen to lots of pop culture, political, and current news podcasts. Listening to podcasts helps make my commute more enjoyable.
How do you help keep your patients motivated on their journeys?
Dr. Roth: If I’m not able to see my patients, I try to make it point to review their treatment on the phone. I think talking to my patients about what’s happening helps me stay connected to them. If things aren’t going well for a patient, I schedule time to speak with them in person. I want them to know I’m on this journey with them every step of the way. SGF patients are amazing and really keep themselves motivated during treatment. I also encourage healthy lifestyle changes, which can help bring back a sense of feeling in control.
What lifestyle changes do you recommend when trying to conceive?
Dr. Roth: A healthy lifestyle while trying to conceive is very important. I recommend limiting alcohol, no smoking, taking prenatal vitamins, and following a healthy diet. People hear “diet” and think extremes, but that’s not that case. It is key to be consuming nutritious foods and exercising moderately. Exercise can also really help with stress.
How can patients deal with stress during their journey?
Dr. Roth: Everyone deals with stress differently. Some patients relieve stress by exercising and others relax by spending time with friends. Many patients use the services at SGF, such as our patient support groups or the Wellness Center, which offers acupuncture and massage. I tell my patients to live their life and try not to live by their treatment schedule in 2 week increments.
It’s a stressful time and it’s important to still try to enjoy life and do things that make you happy.
What’s your favorite part about monitoring appointments?
Dr. Roth: It’s wonderful meeting so many SGF patients on different stages of their journey. I really enjoy making those personal connections. Everyone here at SGF wants every patient to be successful on their journey.
Advice for patients that are nervous about a procedure in the OR, such as an egg retrieval?
Dr. Roth: It’s very normal to feel nervous or anxious about a procedure. Know that you are safe and everyone involved is there to help YOU! Also keep your goal of having a baby in mind. I promise the OR will be a distant memory once you’re holding your baby.
What is the most common concern from patients?
Dr. Roth: For most patients, the most common concern and question is “will it work?” Many patients feel that nothing goes right for them. This is a very common feeling, but also true- nothing goes right…until it does. When it goes right the outcome is a little miracle.
Why do you think some people delay seeking treatment? What would you tell them?
Dr. Roth: I think many people delay seeking help because they are so nervous. Again this is common and I understand that feeling. I wish I could tell people waiting to seek help that almost all my patients leave the initial consult feeling so much better. They tell me it feels good to finally have a plan and get some answers. Don’t delay seeking fertility care due to nerves, we are here to help you every step of the way and answer your questions.
How did you know this was the right career for you?
Dr. Roth: I wanted to be a doctor from the age of 12 and then in high school I knew I wanted to be a women’s health physician. While I was a med student at University of Maryland (Go Terrapins!), Dr. McClamrock, of SGF’s Baltimore Harbor office, ran a small group session on reproductive endocrinology that really peaked my interest in the field.
Being a reproductive endocrinologist allows me to really help people. There are a lot of days with delivering bad news, but there are more good days delivering good news. I get to tell people their dream of a family is coming true…now that’s good news.
How do you manage expectations for your patients?
Dr. Roth: I try to be very honest with my patients. I also acknowledge my patients’ feelings when they are having a hard time. Patients have every right to feel upset when a cycle doesn’t work. I tell them that fertility treatment is more of a marathon than a sprint. Patients should know that if they are persistent and keep going forward, that it will happen.
What is the most common misconception about infertility?
Dr. Roth: Most people don’t realize how greatly age affects their fertility. A healthy lifestyle is great, but ultimately age is the best indicator of egg quality and quantity. From ages 30 to 35, there is a gradual decline in a woman’s ability to become
pregnant; after age 35, the decline is sharper (even with a very healthy lifestyle).
What do you like most about your job?
Dr. Roth: The relationships I get to build to with my patients.
How do you unwind when you get home from work?
Dr. Roth: I love cooking! I was watching “The Great British Baking Show” because it was just fun to watch. Even though I love cooking, I really don’t like to bake. Also I have a wonderful group of girlfriends from childhood that get together once a month for dinner. A girls’ night is always a great way to unwind! I also love to ski, hike, and do yoga.
Dr. Lauren Roth is currently available for new patient appointments in our Harrisburg, PA, Frederick, MD, and Rockville, MD offices. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Roth or any of our 41 physicians, call 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief form.
