Dr. Zaher Merhi: The Future of Fertility, From Stem Cells to Reproductive Immunology

In this episode, Sakara founders Whitney Tingle and Danielle DuBoise sit down with world-renowned fertility expert Dr. Zaher Merhi, founder and medical director of the Rejuvenating Fertility Center. Named one of the Top 2% Scientists in the World, Dr. Merhi is pioneering a new era of women’s health—one where fertility, longevity, and regenerative medicine are deeply interconnected. Together, they explore groundbreaking new frontiers in fertility—from stem cell ovarian rejuvenation and reproductive immunology to natural and low-dose IVF alternatives. Dr. Merhi challenges traditional fertility medicine, emphasizing that IVF isn’t always the answer—and that many women can restore fertility and hormonal health by addressing underlying inflammation, immune imbalances, and lifestyle factors. Whether you’re thinking about kids, navigating perimenopause, or simply curious about optimizing your hormonal health, this conversation offers a powerful perspective: your fertility is a reflection of your overall vitality—and supporting it means nurturing your whole body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Merhi Shares:  Why inflammation is at the root of many fertility challenges How reproductive immunology helps prevent miscarriage and support healthy pregnancies The science of PRP and stem cell ovarian rejuvenation Why IVF is not the only answer The link between mental state, nourishment, and fertility How regenerative therapies like ozone and exosome treatments are advancing longevity and hormonal health Check out the video version on the Sakara Life YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/uTjlwH7wNhM  About Dr. Merhi: Dr. Merhi is the founder and the medical director of Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC). He is an internationally recognized fertility doctor, lecturer, editor, and grant reviewer. His training and faculty appointments included Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, NYU School of Medicine, and University of Vermont. He was a Professor at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University and the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship program (ACGME accredited). He is currently a Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Maimonides Medical Center in New York. He has 3 American Board certifications in OB/GYN, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and High-Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD). Dr. Merhi is one of the few Reproductive Immunologists in the country and is an active researcher with an interest in women older than 40 with Low Ovarian Reserve (low AMH or high FSH), Stem Cell ovarian rejuvenation, gentle stimulation IVF, natural IVF, and IVF without injectables. He was named “Top 2% Scientists in the World.”His research also focuses on technologies, such as Stem Cell Exosomes, Ozone Sauna therapy, and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), that could improve egg quality especially in women with endometriosis, immune disorders, and PCOS. Dr. Merhi is also experienced in treating overweight women and those who had weight loss surgery. He is a strong proponent of the LGBTQ+ community and has proudly served the Arabic and Jewish Communities for over two decades.