Maureen Schulte Fertility Doc

Maureen Schulte Fertility Doc Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Doctor
Passionate about building families and providing pe

Is it just you or is everyone having kids later these days? Spoiler: it’s not just you. The average age of first-time mo...
08/07/2025

Is it just you or is everyone having kids later these days?

Spoiler: it’s not just you. The average age of first-time moms in the U.S. is now 27.5, the highest it’s ever been. In some cities, it’s even higher. And while there are so many good reasons people are waiting - careers, finances, finding the right partner -it’s also changing the fertility landscape.

Here’s what I want you to know:
👉 Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35, but it doesn’t disappear overnight.
👉 Egg quality and quantity are the biggest factors that shift with age.
👉 There are proactive steps you can take now (like fertility testing or egg freezing) to keep your options open later.

Waiting doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. But it does mean it’s worth having a plan and a doctor who’s ready to walk that path with you.

Thinking about your timeline? Let’s talk!

Plan B isn’t just for birth control - it’s also for your fertility journey. I know, no one wants to think about backup p...
08/01/2025

Plan B isn’t just for birth control - it’s also for your fertility journey.

I know, no one wants to think about backup plans when you’re pouring your heart into Plan A. But here’s the truth: fertility isn’t always linear. And sometimes, the most empowering thing you can do is give yourself options.

Maybe IVF isn’t working the way we hoped. Maybe your ovarian reserve is lower than expected. Maybe life threw you a curveball. Having a Plan B doesn’t mean you’re giving up, it means you’re staying in control.

Here’s what a backup plan might look like:
💙 Freezing embryos now, even if you’re not ready to use them yet
💙 Considering donor eggs or s***m down the road
💙 Exploring gestational carriers or adoption as part of your long-term vision

It’s not about settling, it’s about staying open. And I promise, we’ll walk through every option together.

You deserve a plan that’s flexible, thoughtful, and centered on you, not just your labs or your timeline. ac

Tried cutting out gluten, dairy, sweet treats… and still not pregnant? Let’s talk about anti-inflammatory diets and whet...
07/29/2025

Tried cutting out gluten, dairy, sweet treats… and still not pregnant?

Let’s talk about anti-inflammatory diets and whether they actually help with fertility.

Here’s the deal: chronic inflammation can affect ovulation, implantation, and even how your body responds to IVF. So yes, there’s growing evidence that eating in a way that reduces inflammation—think Mediterranean-style with lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats—might improve your chances of conception.

Some studies even show higher success rates in people who follow anti-inflammatory diets. But (and this is important): it’s NOT a magic fix. It’s one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

If you’re thinking about making changes to your diet, let’s make sure it’s the right plan for your body, your diagnosis, and your goals. No need to go it alone or give up your favorite foods without a good reason, and remember – PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION.

Is BBT tracking still a thing in 2025? Or is it just another outdated fertility ritual we’re clinging to like UGG Boots?...
07/24/2025

Is BBT tracking still a thing in 2025? Or is it just another outdated fertility ritual we’re clinging to like UGG Boots? (I’m never getting rid of my UGGs...)

Here’s the truth: tracking your Basal Body Temperature can still be helpful, but it’s not the whole story.

BBT rises slightly after ovulation thanks to progesterone, so it can confirm that ovulation has happened. But it won’t predict it in real time, and it’s sensitive to everything from poor sleep to stress to that glass of wine you had last night. So, does it matter? Yes, if you’re using it alongside other tools like ovulation predictor kits or cervical mucus tracking. On its own, BBT is a bit like checking the weather after it rains.

If you love data and don’t mind a little morning routine, go for it. But if it’s stressing you out or making you second-guess your cycle, it might be time to upgrade your tracking game.

Curious what method makes the most sense for you? Let’s chat 💛

That’s what a failed IVF cycle can feel like. You gave it everything - your time, your energy, your hope - and now you’r...
07/21/2025

That’s what a failed IVF cycle can feel like. You gave it everything - your time, your energy, your hope - and now you’re left with exhaustion, disappointment, and a whole lot of “what now?”

If you’re in that space, I want you to know: THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT. You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.

Here’s what I remind my patients (and myself):

Grief is part of this process. Let yourself feel it.

Rest isn’t weakness, it’s healing.

You’re not behind. You’re on your own path, and it’s still leading somewhere beautiful.

If you’re feeling left behind, I see you, and I want you to know - we learn something from every IVF cycle and every step you take on your fertility journey. Consolidating it all and reviewing it helps us make the best decision for your next step – when YOU are ready. 💛

Let’s talk about alcohol and your fertility. 🍹 The Fourth of July is around the corner, and if you're in the middle of f...
06/30/2025

Let’s talk about alcohol and your fertility. 🍹

The Fourth of July is around the corner, and if you're in the middle of fertility treatments or just starting your journey, you might be wondering where alcohol fits into the picture.

Here’s the deal:

Your overall health supports your fertility health.

And when it comes to alcohol, balance is everything.

Studies show that heavy alcohol use—think 20+ drinks per week—can lower testosterone, s***m production, and even egg quality. And for patients undergoing IVF, even moderate drinking (4+ drinks a week) has been linked to lower fertilization and live birth rates.

That doesn’t mean you have to skip every social event or celebration. But choosing lighter, alcohol-free options can help support your body as it prepares for pregnancy.

Need an easy mocktail to keep in hand this holiday? This Virgin Moscow Mule is a crowd-pleaser:
1–2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp simple syrup
¼ cup club soda
¾ cup non-alcoholic ginger beer
3–4 mint leaves
Crushed ice

(Optional: Serve in a copper mug for extra flair!)

👉 Combine lime juice, syrup, and club soda. Add ice and ginger beer. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wedge—and enjoy.

You don’t need a cocktail to join the celebration. With a drink like this in hand, you’re doing something kind for your body and enjoying the party.

Cheers to smart choices and staying hopeful.

“Why is this so much harder the second time?” It’s a question I hear often and one that hits hard for those navigating s...
06/24/2025

“Why is this so much harder the second time?”

It’s a question I hear often and one that hits hard for those navigating secondary infertility. You may have assumed that once you had one child, growing your family would follow the same path. But when that next pregnancy doesn’t come easily, it can feel confusing, frustrating, and even lonely.

Here’s what I want you to know:

➤ Your grief is real.

➤ Your desire to grow your family is valid.

➤ And no, you’re not being ungrateful for wanting more.

Secondary infertility doesn’t erase the love you have for your first child. But it can absolutely introduce new heartache you didn’t expect.

At STL Fertility, we understand the unique emotions and challenges that come with this experience. Whether you’re seeking answers, hope, or simply someone who gets it, we’re here to help you navigate this chapter with care, compassion, and a clear plan forward. 💙

You deserve to be supported every step of the way.

Let’s talk about something that deserves a reframe: using donor eggs or s***m. 💛 Too often, using a donor is framed as a...
06/20/2025

Let’s talk about something that deserves a reframe: using donor eggs or s***m. 💛

Too often, using a donor is framed as a “last resort” - a plan B. Something you only consider when “everything else has failed.” And while yes, many people do turn to donor options later in their journey… But what if we shifted the narrative?

What if we saw donor conception for what it truly is:

✨ A proactive, empowering, deeply loving choice to grow your family. ✨

Using a donor isn’t giving up, it’s moving forward.

It’s choosing possibility. It’s expanding the definition of what family can look like. And for many, it’s the clearest path to parenthood with the highest chance of success.

It’s also worth remembering:

You are still the parent. You will still carry, love, raise, and guide your child. The biology may be different, but the bond is just as real.

At STL Fertility, we walk through these decisions side-by-side with you. We honor the emotions, the questions, the hopes, and we make sure you feel supported every step of the way.

Let’s keep normalizing these conversations. Let’s make room for more joy, more love, and more possibilities on this path to parenthood.

You are not alone and you are not out of options. 🤍

The concept of cycle syncing aka aligning your workouts, diet, productivity, and lifestyle habits with different phases ...
06/16/2025

The concept of cycle syncing aka aligning your workouts, diet, productivity, and lifestyle habits with different phases of your menstrual cycle has gained a lot of buzz lately. And while there’s value in understanding your cycle more deeply (always a fan of that 🙌), the fertility benefits of cycle syncing aren’t quite as proven.

Here’s what we do know:

✅ Understanding your cycle = empowerment.
When you know when you ovulate, how long your cycle typically is, and how your body feels during each phase, it can absolutely help you better time in*******se or treatment to optimize your chance of pregnancy.

💬 Listening to your body is always a win.
If you feel better doing lighter workouts during your luteal phase, or more energized eating differently during your follicular phase - that’s great! Those intuitive habits can support overall wellness and reduce stress, which can positively influence fertility.

⚠️ But syncing alone won’t “fix” fertility issues.
Cycle syncing isn’t a medical treatment, and it won’t resolve ovulation disorders, structural issues, male factor infertility, or diminished ovarian reserve. If you’ve been trying to conceive and something feels off or nothing’s happening, please don’t wait too long to get support.

Cycle syncing can be a nice complement to your wellness routine—but when it comes to growing your family, we recommend pairing it with education, diagnostic testing, and expert care.

Want to talk through your cycle or what your symptoms might be saying? I’d love to help. 🤍

When you’re on the path to growing your family, the support and transparency of your care team matters. If you're vettin...
06/12/2025

When you’re on the path to growing your family, the support and transparency of your care team matters. If you're vetting fertility clinics, keep an eye out for these signs that something may not be quite right:

🚩 Lack of Transparency
If it’s hard to get straight answers about pricing, success rates, or treatment options, that’s a problem. You deserve clear, upfront information so you can make informed decisions.

🚩 One-Size-Fits-All-Care
If every patient gets the same protocol without testing, customization, or consideration for your goals and medical history… It's time to ask more questions. Fertility care should be personalized.

If you rarely see or hear from your doctor, and your questions go unanswered, it can feel lonely and frustrating. Your clinic should make you feel supported and cared for, not like a number.
If you rarely see or hear from your doctor, and your questions go unanswered, it can feel lonely and frustrating. Your clinic should make you feel supported and cared for—not like a number.

🚩 Pressure to jump straight to IVF
IVF is an incredible tool—but it’s not the only one. If you’re not offered alternatives (like medicated cycles, IUI, or lifestyle support) when appropriate, that’s worth reevaluating.

✨ At STL Fertility, we’re proud to offer evidence-based care with heart. Every patient has their own path, and we’re here to help guide yours with honesty, compassion, and a whole lot of support. 💛
You deserve a team that responds promptly, follows up when they say they will, and makes sure you understand what’s happening at every step.

✨ At STL Fertility, we’re proud to offer evidence-based care with heart. Every patient has their own path—and we’re here to help guide yours with honesty, compassion, and a whole lot of support. 💛

Thinking about growing your family? Summer might be the perfect season to get started. If you’re considering fertility t...
06/10/2025

Thinking about growing your family? Summer might be the perfect season to get started.

If you’re considering fertility testing or treatment, June is an ideal time to get your lab work and diagnostic testing done and here’s why:

✅ Timing matters. Certain hormone labs need to be drawn on specific days of your cycle (often Day 2–4), and ultrasounds and procedures are also timed carefully. Starting now gives us flexibility to complete everything in one or two cycles.

✅ Schedule-friendly. Whether you’re a teacher off for summer break or have more PTO in the warmer months, we can often move faster and minimize disruptions to your day-to-day.

✅ Beat the rush. Fall tends to be one of the busiest times for fertility clinics. Starting your testing now may help you avoid delays and stay ahead of the curve.

✅ Planning ahead. Even if you’re not quite ready for treatment, testing in June means we can create a personalized plan before the busier seasons hit, whether that’s trying naturally, preparing for IVF, or freezing eggs for the future.

Bottom line: knowledge is power and early testing gives you options. Ready to take that first step? I’m here to walk it with you 💛

Let’s talk about something we don’t talk about enough: secondary infertility.If you're struggling to grow your family af...
06/05/2025

Let’s talk about something we don’t talk about enough: secondary infertility.

If you're struggling to grow your family after already having a child, and you're feeling heartbroken, confused, or even guilty for being upset—you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

It's okay to be incredibly grateful for the child you already have and still long for another. Wanting to expand your family doesn't make you ungrateful—it makes you human. 💛

Secondary infertility can come with its own unique grief, because others may not understand why it still hurts. At STL Fertility, we know every path to parenthood is different, and every hope deserves compassion and care.

You don’t have to minimize your pain just because you've been blessed before. Your journey still matters. We see you, we support you, and we’re here to help.

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St. Louis, MO
63141

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Dr. Maureen Schulte MD,FACOG

Dr. Schulte is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and Fellowship trained in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Originally from Chicago, her first introduction to Missouri was attending Truman State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a focus in Health Science and Biology. While at Truman, she was an accomplished collegiate athlete playing varsity soccer while also receiving the Outstanding Senior Service award from Eta Sigma Gamma Honor Society. Dr. Schulte went on to receive her medical doctorate (MD) from the University of Illinois where her interest in research was piqued and she was awarded the Craig Research Fellowship. She then returned to Missouri to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a three-year Fellowship program specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, both at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Schulte or “Moe” as everyone calls her, has an avid interest in research and education, focusing on translational research that impacts patients. Notably, she is the recipient of the First-Place Outstanding Paper from the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society (2017), a $20,000 Research Fellowship Grant Award from ASRM/SREI (2015) and has presented over 25 peer reviewed research projects at national meetings. Dr. Schulte is a member of American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a Manuscript Reviewer for Journal of Assisted Reproduction & Genetics, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, as well as the Abstract Reviewer for ASRM’s Annual Meeting.

Dr Schulte’s accomplishments are vast, however her passion is treating patients. Building families through personalized care utilizing the latest technological advancements is career fulfilling for Moe. Encouragement, empathy and a supportive care team are fundamental in her practice, and she is thrilled to combine the art of human connection with cutting edge-science to care for patients. Moe is married to St. Louis native Dan Schulte and they have two young children. She is pleased to join the team at SIRM® and thrilled to begin seeing patients again in her “second home”, St Louis!