Vitamin D, Iron, and B12 — Testing and Dosing Basics
Key Takeaways Vitamin D, Iron, and B12 deficiencies are common and directly impact ovulation, implantation, egg quality, sperm health, and energy levels. Testing is essential — symptoms alone are not reliable indicators. Correct dosing varies widely based on labs, absorption, diet, and medical history. Optimal ranges for fertility are often higher than basic “normal” ranges. […]
Legal & Privacy Concerns with Genetic Data
Genetic testing and carrier screening create highly sensitive data: information about your health risks, your biological relatives, and your future children. This data can help you make informed reproductive choices, but it also raises questions about who can access it, how it’s stored, what it can be used for, and how to ensure it isn’t […]
Myomectomy Options — Hysteroscopic, Laparoscopic, Robotic
Key Takeaways Not all fibroids require removal—only those that distort or impact the uterine cavity affect IVF success. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is ideal for cavity-distorting (FIGO 0–2) fibroids. Laparoscopic and robotic procedures are preferred for larger or deeper (FIGO 3–6) fibroids. Adequate healing time matters—typically 1–3 months after hysteroscopy and 3–6 months after laparoscopic/robotic surgery. Selecting […]
Financing & Benefits — HSA/FSA, Loans, Employer Coverage
This article explains Financing & Benefits — HSA/FSA, Loans, Employer Coverage within the Egg Freezing & Fertility Preservation pathway. Fertility care is both a medical journey and a financial one, and the right planning can significantly reduce stress, improve decision-making, and prevent surprise bills. Understanding how to use tax-advantaged accounts, employer benefits, and financing options […]
Ethics Boards and Best‑Practice Guidelines
Ethics Boards and Best-Practice Guidelines are the guardrails that keep surrogacy programs safe, fair, and medically appropriate.They determine who is medically cleared, which matching decisions are acceptable, and what agencies and clinics must do when risks or conflicts appear. This is where medical ethics, legal compliance, and practical, day-to-day surrogacy decisions intersect. Understanding how these […]
Pharmacy Cost Estimator — Generics and Programs
Key Takeaways Medication is a major part of surrogacy costs, and prices vary widely between generics and brand drugs. Pharmacy Cost Estimators help calculate expected expenses and explore savings options. Assistance programs, coupons, and insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Accurate planning minimizes stress and ensures surrogates and intended parents are financially prepared. Understanding […]
Vitrification & Warming — Survival Rates Explained
Vitrification is a rapid-freezing technique that turns eggs into a “glass-like” state almost instantly, preventing ice crystals that can damage delicate structures.Warming is the controlled, rapid rehydration process when eggs are thawed for fertilization. Key concepts: Eggs are fragile: they contain a lot of water and only one spindle (chromosome organizer). Vitrification avoids slow freezing, […]
Adhesions and Septum — Hysteroscopy Basics
Key Takeaways Hysteroscopy is the gold-standard procedure to diagnose and treat uterine adhesions and septum. Adhesions can block the uterine cavity, impair implantation, and cause miscarriage. A uterine septum is a congenital tissue divide that increases early pregnancy loss. Treatment through hysteroscopic surgery can significantly improve fertility outcomes. Recovery is quick, usually within 24–72 hours, […]
Thyroid Antibodies — What They Predict (and Don’t)
Key Takeaways Thyroid antibodies signal autoimmunity, even if thyroid hormone levels are normal. The most common antibodies are TPO, Tg, and TSI. Thyroid antibodies may increase miscarriage risk and lower implantation rates. Having antibodies does not guarantee thyroid disease. Treatment decisions depend on TSH, symptoms, fertility goals, and pregnancy plans. Surrogacy and IVF programs often […]
International Patients — Medication Equivalents
This article explains international patients — medication equivalents within the IVF Protocols & Medications pathway. It focuses on practical decisions that actually affect outcomes, budgets, and timelines—so you can move forward with confidence, even when receiving care across borders. What It Is International medication equivalents means understanding which fertility drugs in your home country match […]
