Reviews vs Data — Building a Balanced View
This article explains reviews vs data — building a balanced view within the Clinic Selection & Success Rates pathway. It focuses on the choices that actually change outcomes, budgets, and timelines—so you can move forward with confidence. What It Is Reviews vs Data — Building a Balanced View in plain English: a framework for weighing […]
Acupuncture — What the Data Shows
Key Takeaways Acupuncture may support stress reduction, blood flow, and improved wellbeing, which indirectly support fertility. Evidence on acupuncture directly improving IVF success is mixed but promising. Benefits appear strongest when acupuncture is done consistently, not just on embryo transfer day. It is safe for most people, but choosing a licensed, fertility-experienced provider matters. Acupuncture […]
Radiation and Shielding — Practical Issues
Key Takeaways Radiation exposure to the ovaries or testes can significantly reduce future fertility—shielding strategies can sharply lower the risk. Even “low-dose scatter radiation” can impact egg or sperm quality depending on treatment field and age. Proactive planning—shielding, ovarian transposition, sperm banking, and embryo/egg freezing—should be completed before radiation begins. Oncology and fertility teams must […]
Pain vs Fertility — Different Problems, Different Plans
Key Takeaways Pelvic pain and infertility can be related, but they are not always caused by the same condition. Treating pain does not automatically improve fertility—and vice-versa. Endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, and ovulatory disorders may present differently. IVF may bypass some fertility barriers but does not resolve pain. A customized evaluation helps determine whether you need […]
Tax Documentation — What to Save and How to File
This is the system of tracking, storing, and organizing all fertility-related expenses so you can: Claim eligible deductions File correctly for the IRS or your country’s tax authority Support applications for employer reimbursement and insurance benefits Keep clean records for escrow audits and legal compliance It matters because the way you document expenses upstream influences […]
When to Bank Embryos Instead of Eggs
Deciding whether to freeze eggs or create embryos is one of the most important choices in fertility preservation. This guide explains when embryo banking offers advantages, what it changes, and how to make a clear, confident plan based on your biology, goals, and timeline. What It Is Embryo banking in plain English:Instead of freezing unfertilized […]
Immunology ‘Add‑Ons’ — Evidence vs Hype
Key Takeaways Most immunology “add-ons” are not universally proven and should be used only with clear medical indications. NK cell tests, Intralipids, IVIG, LIT, and steroids can be beneficial only in rare, specific cases. The majority of patients and surrogates do not need immune therapy for successful pregnancy outcomes. Evidence remains mixed, and many treatments […]
Second‑Child Planning — Banking Now vs Later
Key Takeaways Banking embryos now can secure future family‑building options with more certainty. Waiting to bank later may risk fewer viable embryos due to age‑related fertility decline. Effective planning blends medical, emotional, and financial considerations. Strategic embryo banking is a growing trend for second children within surrogacy paths. Deciding whether to bank embryos now or […]
Social Media and Triggers — Building a Healthier Feed
Key Takeaways Social media algorithms are not designed to protect your mental health — but you can train them. Fertility and pregnancy-related content can trigger anxiety, grief, comparison, and emotional overwhelm. Simple tools like muting, keyword filters, curated follows, and time limits can dramatically reduce distress. A “healthy feed plan” protects your mood, especially during […]
Agency vs Attorney Roles — Who Does What
A practical guide to understanding the distinct roles, handoffs, and decision points that actually shape outcomes, budgets, and timelines—so you can move forward with confidence. What It Is Agency vs Attorney Roles — Who Does What explains, in plain English, how agencies and attorneys divide responsibilities throughout a US surrogacy journey. It clarifies which tasks […]
