Sleep Hygiene — Routines That Stick
Key Takeaways Sleep directly affects hormones, egg quality, sperm quality, metabolism, and mood. Simple routines—not perfection—drive long-term results. Consistency matters more than number of hours alone. Small environmental changes (light, temperature, timing) dramatically improve sleep quality. Screens, stress, and irregular schedules are the most common disruptors—and fixable. Better sleep enhances IVF outcomes, natural conception chances, […]
Intended Parent Requirements — Married, Single, LGBTQ+
Intended Parent (IP) requirements—marital status, sexual orientation, and family structure—vary across the United States. Because surrogacy is regulated state by state, the rules for who can become a legal parent differ based on: State statutes County-level judge interpretation Whether donor gametes are used Whether one or both intended parents are genetically related Whether intended parents […]
Male Factor After Chemo — DNA Fragmentation and Plans
Key Takeaways Chemotherapy can temporarily—or sometimes permanently—impact sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. DNA fragmentation tests are essential after cancer treatment because semen analysis alone may miss deeper sperm damage. Recovery timelines are highly individual: some men rebound in 12–24 months, while others need medical support or assisted reproduction. ICSI with tested sperm, sperm […]
IVF Cost Calculator — How to Use and What’s Included
Key Takeaways An IVF cost calculator helps estimate treatment expenses before starting your fertility journey. It includes essential and optional cost components such as medications, diagnostics, ICSI, embryo freezing, and genetic testing. Understanding each cost factor allows you to plan better, avoid surprises, and choose the right clinic. Real-life examples and testimonials show how calculators […]
Parental Karyotyping — When It’s Useful
Parental karyotyping is a blood test that maps each parent’s chromosomes to check for structural rearrangements such as balanced translocations, inversions, deletions, or duplications.In plain English: it shows whether something in the chromosome layout—not the genes themselves—could be causing infertility, miscarriages, or embryo abnormalities. Where it fits: Usually ordered after recurrent pregnancy loss, severely abnormal […]
Male Fertility Nutrition — Antioxidants and Lifestyle
Key Takeaways Sperm health is highly responsive to nutrition, antioxidants, and lifestyle habits. Oxidative stress is one of the top causes of low sperm count, poor motility, and DNA fragmentation. Key nutrients—zinc, selenium, CoQ10, vitamins C & E, and omega-3 fatty acids—directly improve sperm function. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, weight, and toxin exposure […]
Miscarriage Risk and Planning — Honest Numbers
Key Takeaways Miscarriage is primarily linked to chromosomal abnormalities — especially after age 35. Miscarriage risk rises sharply after 40 due to egg quality decline. IVF does not eliminate miscarriage but allows embryo selection, reducing risk with PGT-A. Prior miscarriages increase risk slightly but do not define long-term outcomes. Lifestyle, uterine factors, sperm DNA fragmentation, […]
Expanded Carrier Screening — Interpreting Results
Expanded carrier screening tests your DNA for hundreds of inherited conditions — usually recessive or X-linked disorders — that you could pass on to a future child. ECS helps answer three simple questions: Are you a carrier of any inherited condition? If you are, is your partner also a carrier of the same condition? If […]
Gestational Carrier Contracts — Key Clauses to Include
A Gestational Carrier Contract (GCC)—sometimes called a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement—is the legally binding document between the intended parents, gestational carrier (GC), and her partner/spouse (if applicable). It defines rights, responsibilities, medical expectations, compensation structure, decision-making, and parentage pathways. This is the contract that prevents misunderstandings, ensures everyone is protected, and lays the groundwork for smooth […]
Single and Solo Parents by Choice — Support Structures
Key Takeaways Single and solo parents by choice represent one of the fastest-growing groups in modern surrogacy. Emotional, legal, and financial support structures are essential for long-term stability. Solo parents benefit greatly from community networks, digital resources, and professional guidance. Careful planning—especially around caregiving, time management, and post-birth support—improves readiness. Mental and emotional resilience is […]
