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Meet the Team: Jennifer Nichols, DO, FACOOG

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“DREAMS, IDEAS, AND PLANS NOT ONLY ARE AN ESCAPE, THEY GIVE ME PURPOSE, A REASON TO HANG ON.”

Walt Disney 

Meet Jennifer Nichols, DO, FACOOG, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, and member of the IVFMD family since 2022. We recently spoke with Dr. Nichols to get a better understanding of what motivates her to help so many individuals and couples on their path to parenthood.

How do you approach patient care?

“I am dedicated to ensuring each patient is educated about the process and receives personalized care. My focused approach is apparent as soon as patients walk through the door, and they know that my entire team has their best interest as our primary goal.”

“I have been a fertility specialist since 2010 so I will draw pictures, explain things so patients can understand and then explain again if needed. I take pride in giving patients the best overall care beginning with the new patient visit through individualized fertility treatment plans.”

“My hope is that patients will never leave my office saying they don’t understand what is going on or what to expect.”

 

How do you connect with your patients?

“I am a busy mother of three boys. When building my own family, I experienced pregnancy losses and diminished ovarian reserve. I truly believe that my journey furthered my understanding and commitment to providing exceptional care to my patients.”

“I like to think that patients appreciate that I just talk to them. I listen, I hear what they have to say, I create plans based on their experience. I share my experience when needed and I give fertility analogies that help difficult explanations a bit easier to understand.”

 

What is one thing you recommend to people trying to conceive?

“I recommend reaching out for help- we are here. There is a lot of information out there from a lot of people and places… some good and some not so great.”

“If you are trying to conceive and it is more than a year if you are less than 35, 6 months if you are over 35, or if you are over 40 then as soon as you are trying, or if you have other known issues (fibroids, endometriosis, tubal issues, sperm issues, PCOS, or irregular periods) then make an appointment and we can help!”

 

Why did you become a REI?

“There is nothing better than helping people achieve their goal of becoming parents and although it is an emotional process- being there along the way, I consider it a privilege.”

“During my OBGYN residency my program director was an REI, and I got to work with him and see the interactions even with some resident clinic patients and the impact treatment is able to provide is so profound.”

 

What would you say to someone that is struggling to get pregnant to encourage them to take the first step?

“Overall, it can seem so overwhelming- just realize you are not alone. You have a whole team of people ready to help you. Just take the first step and reach out.”

“Sometimes the scariest part is the unknown.”

 

Scientific Societies

Dr. Nichols is a member of multiple scientific societies including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOOG), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (FSREI), and Brevard County Medical Society.

Dr. Nichols serves on the ACOOG Historian Committee and previously served on ACOOG’s Board of Trustees and Continuing Medical Education Committee (CMEC). She also participates on the AOBOG Sub-specialty REI committee and is an examiner and question writer for the AOBOG REI oral examination for board certification. She has worked to train and educate residents during her years of practice both in the clinic as well as through lectures and truly experiences gratification in teaching to not only the students she comes across but to patients who want to learn as they go through the fertility journey.

 

Education

Dr. Nichols completed her post-graduate fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania in 2010. She received her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center.

 

Honors and Awards

Dr. Nichols has been voted recognized as a Top Doctor by US News and World Report, Best Physicians for Women by Suburban Life Magazine and Main Line Top Doc Reproductive Medicine in Main Line Today.

 

Hear Directly from Dr. Nichols

Whether you are ready to begin treatment, looking to explore fertility preservation options, or just have questions about your reproductive health, Dr. Nichols is here to help. Schedule a consultation and take the first step on your fertility journey.

 

Hear what Dr. Nichols’ patients say:

“Dr. Nichols and her team in Viera are incredibly supportive and welcoming. They are always available to answer our questions and provide real-time updates on our progress and needs. We truly appreciate Dr. Nichols’ thoroughness with the IVF process and procedures. Her attention to detail has helped ease our anxiety, and we feel very comfortable under her care. We are thrilled to continue our journey with Dr. Nichols and her awesome team.”

– Google Review

 

“Dr. Nichols and the whole team at IVFMD provided such a great experience for me and my husband in a very difficult time. Infertility is a tough road, and they provided compassion and support throughout our whole journey. Dr. Nichols was always very thorough in her explanations of diagnostics and next steps and remained optimistic through our whole journey. Throughout the process, I felt confident in the next steps. She and her team were so personable and spent a good amount of time with us at every appointment- we never felt rushed or overlooked.

Working with her and her team gave us hope that our dream could actually be a reality, AND I am 37 weeks pregnant with our little dream baby girl!”

– Google Review

Egg Freezing 101: Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

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In recent years, egg freezing has gained significant attention as more women explore options for preserving their fertility. This advancement in reproductive technology offers women the opportunity to extend their reproductive years and align their family planning with personal and professional goals.

 

With so much information online, it can be hard to find credible information. We’ve answered 10 of the most frequently asked questions about egg freezing to help you on your journey.

 

1.   What are the benefits of egg freezing?

Egg freezing offers a number of benefits to women who wish to wait to start their family or who are undergoing certain medical treatments.

 

Extended Fertility Window

One of the primary reasons women choose to freeze their eggs is to extend their fertility window. As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs decline. Freezing eggs at a younger age preserves their quality, providing a better chance of successful conception later in life.

 

Career and Education

Many women opt to focus on their careers or education during their prime reproductive years. Egg freezing allows them to pursue their ambitions without the pressure of a ticking biological clock.

 

Medical Reasons

For women undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy, which can harm fertility, egg freezing offers a way to preserve their eggs before treatment.

 

Personal and Relationship Factors

Egg freezing provides flexibility for women who may not be ready to start a family due to personal or relationship circumstances. It allows them to wait for the right time and partner.

 

2.   Who is egg freezing for?

Egg freezing can be a viable option for a variety of women, each with their unique circumstances and reasons for considering the procedure.

 

Women Focused on Career or Education: Many women in demanding professions or those pursuing advanced degrees might choose to delay childbearing to focus on their careers or education. Egg freezing allows them to preserve their fertility until they are ready to start a family.

 

Women Without a Partner: For women who have not yet found the right partner or are not in a stable relationship but wish to have biological children in the future, egg freezing provides a way to extend their fertility window.

 

Women Facing Medical Treatments: Women who are about to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which can affect fertility, often consider egg freezing to preserve their ability to have biological children after their recovery.

 

Other Medical Conditions: Women with conditions like endometriosis or autoimmune diseases that could impact ovarian reserve might opt to freeze their eggs for future use.

 

Genetic Concerns: Women with a family history of early menopause or other genetic conditions affecting fertility, might choose to freeze their eggs while they are still in their reproductive prime.

 

Women in High-Risk Occupations: Women in the military or other high-risk professions where they might face long deployments or hazardous conditions can freeze their eggs to ensure they have the option of having children later.

 

Women Seeking Reproductive Autonomy: Some women might choose egg freezing as a proactive step to take control of their reproductive future, regardless of immediate circumstances or pressures.

 

3.   What is the ideal age for a woman to freeze her eggs?

Eggs are at their optimal quality and quantity during a woman’s 20s and early 30s, making this the ideal time for undergoing oocyte cryopreservation.

 

A woman is born with a finite number of eggs, which gradually decrease in both quantity and quality over time. This decline explains why a woman in her 40s has only a 5% chance of becoming pregnant each month and why the risk of aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes) in her eggs increases after age 45.

 

Despite the decline in egg quality, the uterus remains capable of carrying a child well into a woman’s 40s. Therefore, using healthy, frozen eggs can be an excellent solution for achieving pregnancy later in life.

 

4.   What is the process to retrieve a woman’s eggs for freezing?

To prepare the eggs for retrieval, patients will undergo hormone treatments (through daily hormone injections for about two weeks) to promote egg maturation. During this time, she will have frequent office visits and be monitored for progress and safety.

 

Once the eggs have matured, they are removed with a thin needle through the vagina under ultrasound guidance. Egg retrievals are done under intravenous sedation and pain is minimal. The retrieved eggs are immediately frozen through a process called vitrification, before storing.

 

After the egg retrieval, patients can return home, and no other treatment is necessary until they are ready to use the frozen eggs.

 

5.   How long does the egg freezing process take?

The total time from stimulation start to egg retrieval is typically between 12 and 16 days.

 

At IVFMD, prior to starting stimulation, you will meet with your physician to discuss your family goals and collaborate with them to plan treatment. During your initial appointment you will have a transvaginal ultrasound and discuss blood tests that will help assess your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health. Over the next few weeks, your care team will ensure you are educated and confident by reviewing the process, financial information, and medication protocols. Once your test results are reviewed, clinical processes are completed, and medications are received, you will begin treatment!

 

6.   Will I experience any symptoms after retrieving my eggs?

The retrieval process goes by quickly and you will feel normal very shortly afterwards. Take the day off, relax, and do not operate heavy machinery. It is common to feel bloated in the days immediately following your retrieval, but you should be back to normal within 3-5 days. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids such as coconut water or low-sugar electrolyte water.

 

A menstrual period will occur approximately 2 weeks after the retrieval.

 

7.   What are the chances of having a baby from frozen eggs?

The best data we have suggests that in women under 35, cryopreserving 20 eggs translates to ~70-80% chance of having one child from those eggs. This statistic, of course, varies between women based on age, egg reserve and other factors.

 

8.   What is the difference between egg freezing and embryo freezing?

Egg freezing is the process of freezing unfertilized eggs for future use. When you are ready to become pregnant, the frozen eggs will be thawed and injected with sperm to create an embryo. This embryo will then be transferred to the uterus and attempt to achieve pregnancy.

 

Embryo freezing is the process of freezing fertilized eggs, called embryos. The eggs are combined with sperm through a process referred to as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) prior to freezing. The resulting embryos are then stored for future use. When you are ready to become pregnant, the embryo is thawed and transferred to the uterus.

 

9.   How long do frozen eggs last?

Eggs can remain frozen and viable for many years. Current research suggests there is no time limit for how long an egg can be cryopreserved. However, there are other considerations you should consider, such as eggs surviving the thawing process, being fertilized, implanting, and developing into a baby.

 

10. What do I do when I’m ready to get pregnant using my frozen eggs?

When you are ready to use your frozen eggs to attempt pregnancy, the eggs are thawed and injected with a single sperm to achieve fertilization. This is done through a process called ICSI. The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are transferred into your uterus.

 

Conclusion

Egg freezing is a powerful tool that offers women more control over their reproductive futures. Whether for career, education, medical, or personal reasons, it provides an opportunity to align family planning with life goals.

 

IVFMD’s approach to egg freezing is simple, time-efficient, highly cost-competitive, and minimally disruptive. Our fertility specialists can provide personalized insights and help you plan for a future that algins with your goals. Schedule a consultation to discuss if egg freezing is right for you!

Navigating Fertility Treatment Costs

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Embarking on the journey of fertility treatment can be both an emotional and financial challenge. As hopeful parents-to-be explore options to grow their families, the costs associated with treatments like IVF, IUI, and surrogacy can be daunting. However, with careful planning and awareness of available resources, managing these expenses becomes more feasible. Here are 6 ways to finance fertility treatment that can help alleviate the burden of fertility treatment costs.

 

1.   Insurance

Although Florida is not a mandated state, many insurance companies include some form of coverage for fertility care including coverage for diagnostic tests, medications, and procedures like IVF. While not all plans cover the complete cost of fertility treatment, exploring your insurance options can help ease the financial burden associated with fertility treatments.

 

At IVFMD, our team is dedicated to helping our patients focus on what matters most – your journey to parenthood. We understand the importance of affordability and accept most insurance plans. Our financial counselors will work directly with you to help understand your coverage options.

 

2.   Employer Plans Outside of Major Medical

In addition to standard health insurance, many companies offer employer plans specific to fertility treatment.

 

At IVFMD, we are proud to partner with many fertility insurance companies including Carrot, Maven, Progyny and WINFertility.

 

As a Carrot Fertility partner, IVFMD provides comprehensive fertility benefits to employers and individuals. Carrot Fertility helps people navigate the complex world of fertility and reproductive health and covers fertility treatments, egg freezing, and other paths to parenthood.

 

IVFMD’s partnership with Maven enables us to offer benefits and discounts to Maven members while providing patients with the highest quality of fertility care.

 

IVFMD is a part of Progyny’s Premier Provider Network. Progyny’s all-inclusive benefit includes access to the highest quality fertility specialists, the latest medical technologies, and dedicated support for each member.

 

The WINFertility Treatment Program is offered exclusively to IVFMD patients in South Florida who have exhausted their benefits or have no fertility coverage. In addition, IVFMD is participating with the WINFertility Premier employer benefits network.

 

Check with your employer to see if they offer coverage for fertility care through the companies like those listed above.

 

3.   Grants

Grants are a wonderful resource when financing fertility treatments. There are many grant programs available to patients that provide significant financial assistance for fertility treatments. Here are just a few to help you on your journey:

 

The Cade Foundation will provide up to $10,000 for infertility treatment or adoption.

 

Livestrong Fertility program provides reproductive information, fertility preservation options, and financial support to cancer survivors.

 

BabyQuest Foundation provides fertility grants for procedures such as IVF, gestational surrogacy, egg freezing and more.

 

4.   Financing Options

IVFMD partners with some of the top financing companies to offer our patients flexible payment plans to cover the cost of fertility treatment.  If you’re interested, please speak with your Financial Counselor, who can provide guidance based on your specific needs.

Prosper

Lending Club

CapexMD

FutureFamily

Advanced Reproductive Care, Inc (ARC)

 

5.   IVFMD Programs

Financial Freedom IVF Package

IVFMD’s Financial Freedom IVF Package is designed to reduce the financial stress that many infertility patients face and offers very generous patient inclusion criteria** unique from other financial programs. Patients who are eligible may receive assistance on the following procedures:

  1. IVF (up to 3 fresh stimulation cycles)
  2. Cycle day-three preparation to restart any attempts within the package
  3. FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) (as available and until successful within the package)
  4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
  5. Embryo Cryopreservation and storage for the initial 3-months at an IVFMD facility
  6. IVF cycle monitoring

 

Your IVF coordinator will work with you to help determine your eligibility based on clinical and other criteria reviewed and addressed in your consultation with your physician.

 

Inclusion and exclusion criteria apply.** To find out the full details please contact us.

 

Money Back Guarantee Option

IVFMD offers a money back guarantee option on both Fresh and Frozen transfer cycles. Think of this as insurance or peace of mind for your treatment plan. If results are not positive with your initial attempt, you can receive your money back or proceed with an additional care plan.

 

Price Assurance Program**

We are committed to making treatment and procedures accessible to all. If you obtain a better price from a comparable facility located within 50 miles of any of our facilities, we will beat that verifiable price by 10%. Visit our website to learn more.

 

Complimentary Second Opinions for Prospective Patients

While you are seeking fertility treatment, it’s normal to wonder if another doctor could offer more information or a different treatment option. We offer complimentary second opinions to review treatment options and discuss financials if you bring records from another US Reproductive Endocrinologist that are a year old or less. We are here for you so you can begin your treatment plan with confidence.

 

Military Members

We honor those who serve. Please ask your financial counselor for details.

 

6.   Medication Discounts

Medication discount programs such as First Steps Program and Compassionate Care Discount Fertility Medication Program are great ways to save money on the cost of medications. Medication discounts range from 10%-75% depending on certain financial factors. The requirements and criteria differ for each program, and it is recommended to apply to both programs before buying medication. Ask your IVFMD financial counselor for more information.

 

Conclusion

Navigating the financial aspects of fertility treatments can be challenging, but numerous resources are available to help ease the burden. By exploring different financing options and grants, you can find a solution that fits your financial situation and brings you one step closer to achieving your dream of parenthood. Remember, each journey is unique, and with the right support and resources, you can make informed decisions that best meet your needs.

 

Your IVFMD team is committed to helping you navigate this process. By maintaining partnerships with the industry’s leading providers to create accessible treatment packages and offer services that other centers do not, we guarantee our prices will always be competitive and reasonable.

 

When scheduling your initial consultation with one of our award-winning fertility experts, you can rest assured that your financial team will do everything in their power to help you on your path to parenthood.

Meet the Team: Joelle Taylor, MD, FACOG

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“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

Joelle Taylor, MD, FACOG is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and a Diplomate with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has been a leading fertility expert at IVFMD since 2017.

We spoke with Dr. Taylor to get a better understanding of who she is and what drives her to help so many people achieve their family-building goals.

How do you approach patient care?

“I treat each patient as if they are my friend or family member.  Each patient is unique and so is the care I provide. I practice individualized medical care and try to meet the patient where they are physically and mentally.”

“I keep the work up simple, concise and we devise a treatment plan together.  I am very transparent and try not to be misleading in any way.  I believe being upfront and honest about the prognosis is the key to establishing a good patient-physician relationship.”

“While I can’t guarantee 100% success every time, I can guarantee I will always give 100% to trying.”

What is one thing you recommend to people trying to conceive?

Dr. Taylor is keenly interested in longevity medicine and spends a great deal of time discussing ways to optimize overall health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep.

“I spend a lot of time discussing these 3 pillars of good health with my patients.  I encourage a healthy whole food diet focused on consuming adequate protein, daily exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) and good sleep (7-8 hours).  I think this trifecta improves overall health, decreases inflammation and stress which promotes fertility.”

Why did you become a REI?

“I feel the field of reproductive endocrinology affords a lot of diversity in my workday including procedures, consultations, and surgeries. I love the intimate relationships established with patients and the opportunity to provide hope through medicine and counselling.”

“Patients are super motivated to make big lifestyle changes to achieve their goals.  It’s exciting to watch patients embrace a healthy lifestyle and improve their longevity while on their fertility journey.”

What would you say to someone that is struggling to get pregnant to encourage them to take the first step?

“Come in for a conversation and a basic evaluation.  Being informed provides a patient with more control and power.  A workup isn’t a commitment to any specific type of treatment but equips them with options.”

What is your favorite specialty?

“I love to work with my hands so diagnostic procedures, transvaginal ultrasounds, performing egg retrievals and transfers are my favorite way to spend a day.  I love discussing lifestyle modifications and ways to improve health span in the context of fertility.”

Scientific Societies

Dr. Taylor is member of numerous scientific societies, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI), the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

Education

Dr. Taylor earned her medical degree at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2006. She was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar award recipient and spent a year doing research at the National Institutes of Health during her training.

Dr. Taylor completed a four-year residency at Wake Forest University in 2010 in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She pursued fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the prestigious Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine in Norfolk, Virginia, the site of the first IVF baby in the United States. During her training, she was awarded several research grants, published numerous articles, and presented her research at national meetings.

Dr. Taylor resides in Jupiter with her family and Australian Labradoodle. When she is not in the office, she enjoys weightlifting, yoga, pickleball and cooking for family and friends. She has completed 7 marathons and at least 10 half marathons. Today, Dr. Taylor’s favorite form of exercise is weightlifting, and she even competed in a body building competition in 2022.

Whether you are ready to begin treatment, looking to explore fertility preservation options, or just have questions about your reproductive health, Dr. Taylor is here to help. Schedule a consultation and take the first step on your fertility journey.

Hear what Dr. Taylor’s patients say:

“Dr. Taylor listened to my fertility goals and provided incredible insight of options. She took the time to understand and listen to my story and together we came up with a solid plan. I walked in feeling lost and hopeless but left feeling like I knew what to do next.”

– Google Review

“Infertility treatment is a very difficult journey for any couple. Dr. Taylor and her team will provide you with your absolute best chances of success! We are beyond grateful to her and wanted to share our positive experience. Dr. Taylor is highly competent, extremely knowledgeable, and a very skilled surgeon if any procedures are needed. She individualizes her approach to treatment based on the specific details of each case. She is confident in her decision making and guides you through each step of the process, which is highly appreciated since treatment is stressful by nature. I highly recommend Dr. Taylor.”

– Google Review

How Does IVF Work? A Comprehensive Guide

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Overview of How IVF Works

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to assist with the conception of a child. The duration of an IVF cycle varies, but generally, it takes about 8 weeks from the start of initial preparation and ovarian stimulation to the pregnancy test when doing a fresh embryo transfer or creating embryos. If the embryos have been cryopreserved, then it is an additional 8 weeks to prepare for the embryo transfer. Below are several key steps during IVF Treatment.

Initial Consultation and Pre-Treatment

This includes initial consultations, blood tests, ultrasounds, and possibly other preliminary exams to plan the IVF protocol.

At IVFMD, you will discuss your family goals and collaborate with your fertility specialist to plan treatment and undergo preliminary exams. We are happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure you are educated and confident before you start treatment.

Ovarian Stimulation

The process begins with hormone injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Typically, a woman naturally produces one egg per cycle, but IVF aims to collect multiple eggs to increase the chances of success. Regular monitoring through blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of the follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing the eggs).

Before starting any medications, your team at IVFMD will conduct an ultrasound and blood test to verify you are ready to start stimulation. We will also closely monitor follicular development and hormone levels to ensure your safety throughout the ovarian stimulation process.

Trigger Shot and Egg Retrieval

When the follicles are ready, a trigger shot of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) or a GnRH agonist (Lupron) will be administered to release your eggs in preparation for retrieval. Your IVFMD physician will work closely with you to assess the best time for the trigger shot to be administered.

Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries in a minor surgical procedure approximately 35-36 hours after  the trigger shot.

This is usually done under sedation using a thin needle inserted through the vaginal wall to reach the ovaries. The procedure itself takes about 10-20 minutes  and is done under sedation.

Fertilization and Embryo Culture

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in the lab. This can be done through conventional insemination or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Conventional insemination: mature eggs can be transferred to the incubator, where sperm is combined with the eggs and fertilization occurs naturally.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): a single sperm is injected directly into each egg. We typically recommend this approach when there is a known male factor or unexplained infertility. Speak with your IVFMD physician about the correct approach for you.

Prior to fertilization, sperm from the male partner or sperm donor is processed and prepared.

The fertilized eggs, now called embryos, are cultured in the lab for 5 to 7 days to develop.

Fresh Embryo Transfer (ET)

You will be instructed to take medications in preparation for your embryo transfer. Typically, one embryo is selected for transfer and is transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is quick, does not require anesthesia, and you will be able to return home the same day. After your transfer, it is recommended to take it easy for the next few days and limit rigorous physical activity.

Any remaining viable embryos may be frozen for future use.

Pregnancy Test

A blood test is done to determine if the embryo has implanted successfully and if pregnancy has been achieved.

Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) with PGT

Your embryo has reached the blastocyst stage after roughly 5-7 days of development and can be safely biopsied to perform preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): a process in which a small number of cells are removed from the trophoblast (what becomes the placenta) and sent to a genetic testing lab to perform PGT analysis.

After your embryos have been biopsied your embryos are vitrified (frozen) and stored on site at the clinic. Consult with your IVFMD physician about long term storage options.

The results from the PGT analysis are usually ready within 2-3 weeks. At that time, you will discuss with your physician to plan for your embryo transfer.

To prepare for your embryo transfer, you will visit the clinic for an ultrasound and blood work to verify you are ready for your embryo transfer. After your test results are approved, you will start at home medications and progesterone injections may be prescribed. Similarly to a fresh embryo transfer, you will visit the clinic for monitoring to ensure you are ready for your transfer.

Frozen embryo transfer is conducted similarly to a fresh embryo transfer. The procedure is relatively quick and rarely requires anesthesia. After your transfer, relax, catch up on Netflix, and do not perform any intense physical activity.

Summary

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped thousands of women achieve their family building dream. It involves the use of medications, close monitoring, and is most successful when you have an experienced team of fertility experts working to help you. It’s important to work closely with a fertility specialist to understand your specific chances and to take steps to improve your overall health and readiness for pregnancy.

At IVFMD, our fertility specialists have been conducting IVF procedures since 1991 and take pride in providing individualized care plans specific to your needs. Schedule your consultation today and the first step to achieving your dream of parenthood.

 

Is it time to see a fertility doctor?

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Seeing a fertility specialist can be a critical step if you’re facing challenges trying to conceive. This blog will dive into when it might be time to consult a specialist and how to choose the right fertility clinic.

For Women

Under 35: If you have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.

35 and Over: If you have been trying to conceive for 6 months without success.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: If your periods are irregular, infrequent, or absent, it may indicate ovulatory issues that a specialist can help diagnose and treat.

Known Fertility Issues: If you have been diagnosed with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or if you have a history of pelvic infections or surgeries.

Multiple Miscarriages: If you have experienced two or more consecutive miscarriages, a fertility specialist can help determine if there is an underlying issue.

Other Health Conditions: If you have a history of cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, thyroid issues, or genetic conditions that might affect fertility.

Personal Curiosity and Family Planning: You want to learn more about your reproductive health or plan for the future. IVFMD’s fertility specialists empower women by enabling them to start a family, when the time is right for them. There are endless factors that contribute to when a person may be ready to start their family. Career growth, higher education, health management, and finding the right partner are just a few reason women choose to freeze their eggs. If you are considering having children in the future, egg freezing is a great way to preserve your family-building options.

For Men

Semen Analysis Results: If a basic semen analysis shows low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.

History of Urological Issues: If you have a history of varicocele, undescended testicles, or other conditions affecting the reproductive organs.

Medical Conditions: If you have a history of cancer treatment, significant health issues, or genetic conditions.

Erectile or Ejaculatory Problems: If you experience difficulties with erections or ejaculation that might affect the ability to conceive.

Hormonal Problems: If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone or are taking any testosterone or steroid supplements.

For Both Partners

Failed Attempts with Timed Intercourse: If you have been using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature charting, or other methods to time intercourse for several cycles without success.

Family History: If there is a known family history of genetic disorders or infertility issues that could be impacting your chances of conception.

Lifestyle Factors: If either partner has significant lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, or high stress levels, which can impact fertility.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Severe Menstrual Pain: If menstrual pain is severe and disruptive, it may indicate endometriosis or other conditions needing specialist care.

Absence of Menstruation: If a woman has never had a period (primary amenorrhea) or if periods have stopped for an extended time (secondary amenorrhea).

Pelvic or Abdominal Surgery: Past surgeries, especially those involving the reproductive organs, can affect fertility and warrant specialist evaluation.

How to Choose the Right Fertility Clinic

Choosing the right fertility clinic is an extremely personal and important decision. Some of the most important factors to consider include expertise and credentials, state-of-the-art technology, high success rate, and personalized treatment plans.

At IVFMD, you can be assured your fertility treatment is in the hands of some of the best reproductive endocrinologists in the country.

Expertise and Credentials: Our group’s collective knowledge and collaborative environment ensures you are receiving the best care possible, not just the opinion of one doctor. All the fertility specialists at IVFMD are board certified in OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinology.

State-of-the-art Technology: You will benefit from the industry’s most advanced technology and groundbreaking methodologies.

Accreditations and Success Rate: A good fertility clinic will be accredited from reputable organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). It is very important to research your fertility clinic and ensure they adhere to the strict standards of care and ethics outlined by these organizations. We are proud of our success rates and to be a partner of both ASRM and SART.

Personalized Care: At IVFMD you are not just a number. We strongly believe every patient’s journey is unique and your treatment plan is customized to consider your unique circumstances and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Early consultation with a fertility specialist can help identify potential issues and improve the chances of successful conception. If you fall into any of the above categories, it might be beneficial to seek professional guidance sooner rather than later.

IVFMD has helped over 10,000 couples from all over the world achieve their dreams of having a baby. We understand what you are going through because many of us have been through it as well. Schedule your initial consultation and take the first step in your fertility journey.

 

 

 

 

IVFMD Did Not Use The Recalled Embryo Culture Medium Named in Recent Lawsuits

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We can confirm that our labs did not use the recalled CooperSurgical media culture in the development of embryos. Your safety and trust are our top priorities.
Am I affected by the press I see regarding CooperSurgical?
IVFMD can confirm that our lab did not use the recalled CooperSurgical media culture.
What is CooperSurgical?
CooperSurgical is a fertility technology company that provides healthcare providers with a range of medical solutions, including an embryo culture medium used to grow embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Why are they being sued?
The Lawsuits allege that three lots of CooperSurgical embryo media were missing a key nutrient, magnesium, that allegedly compromised embryo development. The recalled lots of media were used by clinics across North America in November and December. The Food and Drug Administration posted a public recall notice on Wednesday 2/14.
What are “culture media”?
Culture media are substances that supply vital nutrients and minerals to support the growth of microorganisms. In the context of IVF, once an egg and sperm have been combined to create an embryo, that embryo is grown in a culture medium before implantation in the uterus.
What culture media do you use?
All clinics use culture media from various manufactures, all of which are leaders in IVF and reproductive genetics, providing innovative products and services for every step in the ART journey. We can assure you that the three affected lots in question were not in use by our clinic for developing embryos.
Do you work with CooperSurgical?
They are an industry partner, and a global leader in IVF and reproductive genetics. Most clinics work with CooperSurgical in some capacity. We have done our diligence and know that the recalled CooperSurgical lots were not used in the development of embryos.
Should I have any concerns about my embryos?
Patients should feel safe and secure growing their families with our team. Our state-of-the-art IVF laboratories have sophisticated processes in place to protect all embryos, eggs, and sperm.