Managing Side Effects — Headaches, Bloating, Mood
This article explains managing side effects—headaches, bloating, and mood changes within the IVF Protocols & Medications pathway. It focuses on simple, practical choices that actually improve comfort, reduce stress, and help you move through treatment with more confidence and control. What It Is Managing Side Effects — Headaches, Bloating, Mood in plain English:A guide to […]
Donor Selection with Carrier Status in Mind
how to choose an egg, sperm, or embryo donor whose genetic profile meaningfully reduces risk. Where this decision fits in the pathway, what it changes, and how upstream testing influences downstream results like embryo health, testing needs, and timelines. Who It Helps Signals this approach is a good fit: You or your partner are carriers […]
Ovarian Rejuvenation: Exosomes & ADSC — Dual Guide
Key Takeaways Ovarian rejuvenation aims to improve ovarian reserve and egg quality Exosomes and ADSC (adipose-derived stem cells) are emerging therapies May enhance IVF outcomes for women with diminished ovarian reserve Supports safer and more effective surrogacy cycles Still considered experimental and requires expert guidance Female fertility declines with age or ovarian damage, creating challenges […]
Refund Program Break‑Even Tool — When It Pays
Key Takeaways Refund programs reduce financial risk for intended parents if a cycle fails. Surrogates can use a break-even tool to understand how payouts align with effort and timing. Understanding assumptions such as cycle success rates and agency fees is critical. The break-even point shows when costs equal expected refund protection benefits. Using the tool […]
Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) — When to Consider
Key Takeaways Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation (OTC) is the only fertility-preservation technique that works for pre-pubertal girls and patients who cannot delay treatment. OTC can be done within 24–48 hours, making it ideal for urgent medical situations. It preserves not just eggs—but hundreds to thousands of potential follicles. Transplanted ovarian tissue can restore hormones, restart cycles, […]
Grants and Scholarships — Where to Look
These are non-repayable financial supports that reduce the cost of fertility care—IVF, donor cycles, surrogacy steps, medications, or travel. They matter because they can: Lower out-of-pocket costs Change treatment sequencing Reduce delays Make more effective options affordable (e.g., PGT-A, donor gametes) Upstream decisions—accurate diagnosis, correct coding, and clinic choice—directly shape your eligibility and application success. […]
Protein, Fats, and Carbs — Macro Targets During IVF
Key Takeaways Your macro balance directly affects hormone production, egg quality, and metabolic stability during IVF. Most patients benefit from: 30–35% protein, 30–35% healthy fats, and 30–40% slow-burning carbs. Protein is essential for follicle development, embryo quality, and stable blood sugar. Healthy fats fuel hormone synthesis and reduce inflammation (crucial for IVF). Carbs should be […]
Travel and Relocation Clauses — What to Watch
These are contract sections that define where the gestational carrier (GC) can travel and whether she can relocate—temporarily or permanently—during the pregnancy. They exist because any change in physical location can change: Which state laws apply (parentage orders, birth certificates) Which insurance rules apply (in-network vs out-of-network) Hospital options, NICU access, and delivery costs The […]
Miscarriage Risk Estimator — Age and Embryo Factors
Key Takeaways Miscarriage risk increases with age primarily due to genetic abnormalities in embryos. Embryo quality, morphology, and PGT-A testing significantly influence miscarriage probability. A miscarriage estimator uses population data, IVF registries, chromosomal abnormality rates, and age-specific outcomes. The tool predicts probability, not certainty—each pregnancy is unique. Understanding the inputs helps intended parents make informed […]
Both Partners Are Carriers — Options
When expanded carrier screening shows that both partners carry a variant for the same recessive condition, it can feel overwhelming—but this is exactly the stage where clear pathways and thoughtful planning make the biggest difference. This article focuses on options that truly change outcomes, budgets, and timelines, so you can move forward with confidence. What […]
