Clinic Comparison Scorecard — Weighted Factors
Key Takeaways A weighted scorecard helps intended parents and surrogates compare clinics objectively. Critical factors include success rates, medical expertise, transparency, patient experience, cost structure, compliance, and support. Weighting ensures that high-impact factors influence the final clinic score appropriately. A structured scoring tool prevents emotional or biased decision-making. Real-life case studies show how scorecards reduce […]
Bundled Packages — Pros, Cons, and Comparisons
A bundled package is a pre-set combination of services (e.g., retrieval + transfer + monitoring + meds + storage) purchased at one price. Some bundles reduce financial uncertainty, while others simply repackage the same care in a different billing format. Where it fits: When you want simplified billing or cost certainty When comparing self-pay, insurance, […]
Reducing Endocrine Disruptors — Simple Swaps
Key Takeaways Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) like BPA, phthalates, PFAS, and parabens can interfere with hormones involved in ovulation, sperm quality, implantation, and thyroid function. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can meaningfully reduce daily exposure. Swapping plastics, fragrances, canned foods, and conventional cosmetics can significantly cut intake of harmful chemicals. Reducing EDCs supports fertility, egg/sperm health, and […]
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) — Diagnosis and Care
Key Takeaways APS is an autoimmune condition that increases blood-clot risk and can cause miscarriages, preeclampsia, and implantation issues. Diagnosis requires both clinical history and specific antibody testing performed twice, 12 weeks apart. Treatment often combines low-dose aspirin, heparin, and monitoring, which dramatically improves pregnancy outcomes. Surrogates and intended parents can succeed with APS when […]
Miscarriage Risk and Autoimmunity — Honest Numbers
Key Takeaways Autoimmune issues increase miscarriage risk only in specific conditions — not all immune markers are harmful. The strongest evidence exists for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), which raises miscarriage risk significantly. Thyroid antibodies can modestly elevate risk, but most cases lead to healthy pregnancies with proper management. ANA, NK cells, and many popular immune tests […]
Cost Predictability — Refund and Assurance Programs
These programs package multiple IVF cycles into one upfront fee and offer either: A refund if you don’t take home a baby, or Assurance (guaranteed cycles or services) until a defined outcome is reached. They exist to remove financial uncertainty, protect patients from multiple unplanned payments, and align costs with results—not attempts.Upstream decisions like diagnosis […]
Case Studies — Smooth Journeys vs Avoidable Pitfalls
Case Studies — Smooth Journeys vs Avoidable Pitfalls breaks down real-world surrogacy scenarios to show how early decisions ripple downstream into legal timelines, costs, and emotional stress. Instead of textbook theory, you see how preparation, communication, and state-specific choices meaningfully change outcomes. You learn: What smooth journeys tend to have in common Where avoidable problems […]
Sperm DNA Fragmentation — Tests, Thresholds, Actions
Sperm DNA fragmentation measures how much damage exists in the genetic material inside sperm cells. Even when a semen analysis looks normal, high DNA fragmentation can affect fertilization, embryo quality, implantation, and miscarriage risk. We explain this in plain English—where DNA fragmentation fits in your fertility journey, what it changes, and how early decisions affect […]
Sleep and Stress — The Quiet Fertility Boosters
Key Takeaways Sleep and stress have direct, measurable effects on hormones, egg quality, sperm health, and IVF success. Improving sleep hygiene can enhance reproductive balance within weeks—not months. Chronic stress disrupts ovulation, menstrual regularity, and embryo implantation. Simple, daily lifestyle changes can significantly boost fertility pathways. A healthier sleep–stress cycle helps individuals and couples feel […]
Storage Fee Calculator — Eggs, Embryos, Sperm
Key Takeaways Storage fees vary by region, technology, and clinic but usually fall between $300–$1,200 per year. Embryos often cost slightly more to store due to stricter regulations and monitoring. Long-term storage packages (3–10 years) often provide significant discounts. Choosing the right facility affects safety, access, and long-term flexibility. Planning ahead helps intended parents reduce […]
