Dr. Jeffrey Keenan

Why Dr. Gordon Wears a Suit to Work

He makes the case that there's still value in 'suiting up.'

Before Baby, We Had to Get Our Marriage Right

Hope, Faith, & Infertility episode for February 2023

Meet Medical Assistant Susan Lake

Susan Lake is one of the newest team members at Southeastern Fertility. As a registered medical assistant, she helps serve both our general clinic and National Embryo Donation Center (NEDC) families. This is your chance to get to know her better!

They Persevered, and Found a Support System

Charity & Rhett went through a long road of infertility over several years. Along the way, they navigated failed IUIs, surgery, unsuccessful IVF, a very iffy positive pregnancy test, and even an ice storm! But amid their pain and vulnerability, they also discovered an amazing support system in their local church. And yes, eventually, they welcomed the son for whom they had so long prayed.

“It Took Infertility to Draw Me Closer to the Lord”

Dominique & Tim didn’t know it was possible to have a child, then experience infertility. But that’s exactly what happened to them. In this episode of our “Hope, Faith, & Infertility” podcast, Dominique explains how secondary infertility challenged (and ultimately strengthened) her faith, how Mini-Stim IVF proved to be her family’s answer, and how she managed to go through it all while simultaneously pursuing advanced education.

Learning God's Hard Life Lessons

Infertility is so hard to bear. Yet, seen through the eyes of faith, it can become redemptive. Jacob & Beth say the lessons they learned through infertility and the premature births of their twins prepared them to deal with other, longer-term trials in life. Through it all, they’ve come to trust God more and learned to serve others well. Be inspired by their journey in this episode of Southeastern Fertility’s “Hope, Faith, & Infertility” podcast.

When Is It Time To Move On?

When is it time to move on? That’s always a hard question, but especially when you’ve been going through a particular course of fertility treatment without the hoped-for results. In this video, Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Coordinator Lynda McCollum are helping you think this topic through.

Putting Our Fertility Journey in God's Hands

Alyssa and Jonathan’s infertility journey was far from easy. Yet it ultimately grew their faith and reaffirmed they could entrust themselves to God’s loving care. IUI ended up being their affordable answer.

Better Than Winning It All With The Vols

When Andre and Jessica got married, they were blending two families. Next came the faith-testing challenge of trying to have a child together. In this episode of our Hope, Faith & Infertility podcast, learn about their journey and how Southeastern Fertility was privileged to come alongside them. This couple has enjoyed great success in business and athletics -Andre was actually a member of the legendary 1998 Tennessee Volunteers national championship football team!- but they say welcoming Tyson to their family tops it all.

The Fight of His Life, While Awaiting New Life

Bryce received a devastating diagnosis as his wife Genevieve carried their Southeastern Fertility twins. Let their story of courage, faith and prayer work its way into your soul during this episode of our Hope, Faith & Infertility podcast.

I Feared Multiples Deeply. Then Came the Triplets.

Erin used to dream she had triplets and woke up considering those dreams to be nightmares. She didn’t think there was any way she could parent so many kids at once. It took actually having triplets for her to realize she was wrong.

Where The Embryos Are

Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Coordinator Lynda McCollum are talking about why people from all over the country (and even some foreign countries!) are willing to come all the way to Knoxville to build their families. It boils down to this: This is where the embryos, and treatment tailored to you, are!

We Didn't Go All The Way To IVF

Jennifer and Matt had their first child very easily, then encountered the heartache of secondary infertility. They wondered if the dream of growing their family would ever become reality. In this episode of our Hope, Faith & Infertility podcast, Jennifer explains how that dream came to life. It’s an encouraging journey that didn’t require them to go all the way to IVF.

The Times They Are A-Changin'

The tour of our ever-changing center continues as we dive head on into an expansion to serve you better, plus an idea from Dr. Gordon if you’re doing a Christmas gift exchange!

Experience Matters!

Experience matters! Especially when addressing infertility. Take it from Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon (between him and Dr. Keenan, they’ve piled up close to 60 years of experience!) and longtime phlebotomist Sherry Schoolfield in this video.

Should You Get the COVID Vaccine if You're Trying to Get Pregnant?

In this video, Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Coordinator Lynda McCollum are talking about whether you should take the COVID vaccine when you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Unbelievable!

Co-Director Dr. John Gordon has now been at Southeastern Fertility for almost two years. So he’s taking some time to reflect on a few things he finds unbelievable (in a good way) now that he’s had time to settle in. Plus, he’s pointing out a few things patients have told him they find unbelievable about Southeastern Fertility (again, in a good way).

Can I Do Natural Cycle IVF?

Natural Cycle IVF can be a preferable option for many infertility patients. It uses no fertility medications and results in a single egg and embryo. In this video, Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon responds to a patient who’s wondering if Natural Cycle IVF might be right for her.

Infertility True or False

You might be surprised just how common fertility problems are among couples of child-bearing age in the U.S. If you’re having fertility struggles, there’s no need to feel alone, because you’re definitely not. Here’s a little “Infertility True or False” from Southeastern Fertility to put a bow on National Infertility Awareness Week 2021.

Lost & Found

No one enjoys the feeling of being lost. Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Coordinator Lynda McCollum unpack why infertility can make you feel that way, and how we can help to move you to “found”, in this edition of our Internet show “Talk Fertility.”

Endometrial Scratching: Why We Do It & When

When you’re struggling to have a baby, research suggests purposely disrupting the lining of the uterus could improve your chances of achieving pregnancy in some cases. Endometrial scratching, or endometrial biopsy, is a common fertility procedure used toward this end by Southeastern Fertility. The procedure is very safe and may be followed by mild, short-term cramping or bleeding.

One Last Shot: Jon & Kristie's Southeastern Story

Sometimes one last shot at a dream is all you have. And sometimes that’s enough. Jon and Kristie Weaver are living proof. Here’s how they had their twins through IVF at Southeastern Fertility.

Hollywood & Battling Infertility

Real life isn’t like the movies very often, and it’s important to make peace with that when pursuing fertility treatment. How will you respond if the hoped-for Hollywood ending doesn’t work out?

Mini-Stim IVF, NC IVF: Factors to Weigh

Stimulated Cycle IVF seems to dominate the list of potential options when couples are undergoing fertility treatment. Certainly that can be a good and fruitful option for many, and we’re happy to offer it at Southeastern Fertility. But it’s not the only IVF option out there. Southeastern Fertility also offers the choices of Natural Cycle IVF and Mini-Stim IVF. So why might these be more attractive options for some patients? Here are four possible reasons.

Oooh, That Smell’

Sometimes, when it comes to your pursuit of parenthood, things just stink! We’re here to listen, and help you potentially find an answer.

Everybody Has a Story

Everybody’s story matters! That’s why it’s so important to talk to your children, whether they were conceived using fertility treatment or not, about how they entered this world.

Know When to Fold 'Em

When it comes to a scheduled embryo transfer cycle, sometimes you’ve got to know when to fold ‘em. Heartbreaking and frustrating as it can be, there are sometimes good reasons to put the brakes on a cycle. Doing so does not mean all hope is lost. It likely just means the timing isn’t right at a particular juncture, and your hopes of achieving pregnancy have a better chance of becoming realized down the road during a rescheduled cycle.

Dr. Gordon's Thanksgiving List

What does a leading fertility expert have to be thankful for as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday?

Farragut Press Touts Role of Southeastern Fertility, Dr. John Gordon in Historic Birth

Our hometown newspaper, the Farragut Press, recently reported on the role of Southeastern Fertility in the historic 1,000th embryo adoption birth facilitated by our nonprofit partners at the National Embryo Donation Center. The NEDC is the first embryo adoption program in the world to surpass the 1,000-birth milestone.

What's Your Backup Plan?

Once you’ve decided upon a particular fertility treatment, you naturally envision everything going according to plan. Of course, life just doesn’t work that way. Here are some examples of backup plans to consider while going through fertility treatment.

What if I pee on the doc? (And other fertility fears.)

What if I pee on the doctor during my embryo transfer? What if, after struggling for so long to get pregnant, I become too pregnant? These are some of the more common fears among fertility patients.

Should You Worry About Cramping & Spotting After an Embryo Transfer?

It’s not uncommon for women to experience a variety of physical symptoms in the days following an IVF embryo transfer. These symptoms can include cramping, spotting and more. So when is it time to worry, and which are probably no big deal?

Is it Too Late for my Ultrasound?

You’re doing Natural Cycle IVF. Is Day 5 too late to call in to schedule your baseline ultrasound?

The More You Know’

When combating infertility, as with any medical treatment, educating yourself is a big key to success. There are all kinds of resources through which you can do that.

In Fertility Treatment, U-turns are Allowed

Once you’ve decided upon a particular course for fertility treatment, is it okay to change your mind and change direction?

Egg-Freezing Q and A

Egg-freezing is an increasingly popular fertility preservation option. So what are the possible pros and cons? Who might be a good candidate?

About Sibling Embryo Transfers’

How does it work when you come back to Southeastern Fertility for a sibling embryo transfer?

Possible Side Effects of Fertility Medication

Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John David Gordon and IVF Nurse Lynda McCollum address possible side effects of some of the most common fertility medications below in this edition of our Internet show “Talk Fertility.”

Just Reach Out’

Discover some of the easy ways you can connect with Southeastern Fertility.

Is Stimulated Cycle IVF the Right Choice for you? Factors to Consider.

While many patients find the lower expense and fewer medications of Natural Cycle or Mini-Stim attractive, Stimulated Cycle IVF is still an option to consider; one that will prove to be the optimal choice for many couples.

Why You Need a Full Bladder for Your Embryo Transfer or Trial Transfer

Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Nurse Lynda McCollum explain why you need to have a full bladder when you come in for embryo transfers and trial transfers.

Mini-Stim IVF: What You Need to Know.

Because it costs about half the price of Stimulated Cycle IVF and also involves fewer medications, Mini-Stim IVF can be an attractive option for many couples experiencing infertility. Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John David Gordon and IVF Nurse Lynda McCollum go into details, plus do a little clowning around and encounter a surprise guest, in this edition of our Internet show “Talk Fertility.”

Turning the Corner in Your Fertility Journey

Helping you turn the corner in your fertility journey is what we’re all about. Here’s how we do that, and how you can lead the way!

Just Looking for Someone Who'll Listen?

Everyone wants to be listened to, especially during the trial of infertility. That’s exactly what you can expect at Southeastern Fertility in Knoxville, Tennessee.

How We Handle “Extra” Embryos

Learn why you will never have a dilemma about what to do with remaining embryos when you go with Southeastern Fertility.

Keith, Amanda, River and Emmaline: A Southeastern Story

Keith and Amanda half-jokingly sum up life as parents this way: “They both have stolen our hearts, and all of our time.” And they wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Ordering Your Steps on the Infertility Treatment Escalator (or is it Escalaytah?)

Here are some tips for ordering your steps when it comes to infertility treatment.

Hope for Those Dealing with Male Factor Infertility

Dealing with male factor infertility? Think you’ve explored all the possible solutions? There may be some potential avenues of help you haven’t investigated.

Reasons to Choose Southeastern Fertility

Southeastern Fertility Co-Director Dr. John Gordon and IVF Nurse Lynda McCollum delve into some of the reasons Southeastern Fertility is a place of hope for those struggling with infertility.

T.J., Megan, & Baby Carter: A Southeastern Story

“Every hiccup was just part of God’s plan that led us to our daughter.”