IVF

Let's face it: infertility sucks. Whether you've always known you want to have children or have just recently embraced the idea, learning that it won't be easy—and may require months, or even years of invasive treatments—can cause a flood (and, to be honest, sometimes a fury) of infertility emotions.

According to Dr. Sheeva Talebian, M.D., a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at New York fertility clinic Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM), "the underlying infertility emotions come from having a complete lack of control over the process," which comes from the shock of failing at something that we've been led to believe will come so naturally.  

Lindsay Liben, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) explains that so many of the people she meets have been successful in most areas of their lives. This is the first time they're experiencing this level of adversity that's so far outside their control, so developing survival skills for this bumpy ride is essential. Don't worry, we're here to navigate.  

Don't ride alone

When dealing with infertility, the highs and lows of your emotions have a direct and immediate effect on your relationship with your partner. Carolyn Berger, LCSW, says she sees over and over again that this journey either "brings couples closer together or further apart." Keeping the latter from happening will require a lot of communication and honesty.

• Get real: If you're dealing with infertility, you might be trying to get through it as quickly and painlessly as possible. If you don't talk to anyone (especially your partner) much about it, maybe it will just go away. The hard truth is that this isn't normally how it goes: you could be in for months or even years of treatment. It's no fun, but accepting that will help you and your partner move on as a team.  
• Reclaim your body: sometimes it can feel like infertility emotions and treatments have hijacked your body. "Your areas that used to be private are no longer private. It's like Grand Central Station," says Liben. In order to feel like your body is your own, Liben advises taking a "pleasure inventory." These may include super-intimate time with your partner, taking walks and listening to your fave playlist, trying different face masks, or eating that cupcake. Bringing your partner into these experiences will help you remember that you're riding this roller coaster together—wherever it goes.

Protect yourself

Self-care is one thing, but what about when you're out in the real world? Emotional hazards come at you left and right, so here are some tips to weather the storm.

• Set your boundaries: It's ok to lie. Seriously. If sitting through a barrage of oohs and aahs at a friend's baby shower makes you want to run headfirst into a brick wall, tell your pal you have other plans. If you feel like you just have to be there, let the host know when you arrive that you have dinner plans and have to leave early. Then, reward yourself for surviving that triggering social experience: go out to dinner with your partner or take yourself to a movie.
• Tell others where to get off: Ugh—those intrusive questions from nosy friends, family members, co-workers and even complete strangers. Berger advises us to remember that "this is your information and you have a right to talk about it or not." If someone asks when you're going to start a family and you're feeling super awkward, one suggestion is to just say, "we're keeping our options open and we'll see if we get lucky." Then, change the subject as quickly as possible. Save your thoughts on how you really feel for your inner monologue.
• Stop, look and listen: Going through fertility treatments can be an all-consuming hamster wheel of thoughts. Berger advises couples to avoid talking about fertility throughout the day and instead set aside a total of ten minutes each evening. During this time, each partner takes five minutes to share all of his or her feelings about fertility, while the other simply listens, without judgment.
• Step away from the needles: Berger also recommends that time away from the process can be helpful. Beyond that, a weekend away in another city, in a yoga retreat, or a couple of good day hikes can give you the time you need to reconnect with your body and your partner.

Ask for help

It can be hard to make time and room in your budget for one more weekly appointment, but finding a therapist who specializes in infertility and pregnancy loss can be extremely beneficial. You can't have too many people in your corner. It can make all the difference between feeling isolated and feeling that you have people to turn to when you need them.  

Above all, be kind to yourself. "These are probably not going to be your best moments," advises Liben. "The goal is just to get through and just preserve your relationship and the things that are important to you, while also tolerating this acutely stressful time."

You can search Psychology Today's database and narrow your selections to therapists with infertility and pregnancy loss specialties. Take the time to carefully interview each therapist to make sure they have worked with several clients with similar struggles, and also feel free to ask if they've experienced their own personal losses or fertility challenges.

Complicated used to be the word you used to describe your relationship status — but if you're considering IVF and trying to figure out what the heck your health insurance will cover, complicated is probably a word you've been throwing around a lot lately.

Does insurance cover IVF? Are there going to be surprise bills popping up like a bad ex?

The truth is…well, it's complicated. Amanda Garcia, practice administrator at New York fertility clinic CCRM NY, estimates 90% of employers now offer plans with some form of fertility treatment coverage, but that doesn't always expand to IVF. And plans with IVF coverage often have criteria a prospective parent has to meet, such as an age limit or a certain number of other procedures tried before IVF will be covered.  

So how do you know if your insurance will cover IVF? And what can you do to convince them to cough up the funds to finance your fertility treatments?  

Making friends with your insurance company

First off, a little good news. If you've already been undergoing fertility treatments, you may already have found an in-network provider who takes your insurance. Maybe some (or even all) of your treatments have been covered by your health insurance company.

If that's the case, Garcia recommends turning to the billing office of your fertility treatment center for help negotiating with your insurance company to get the IVF process covered. That's what they're there for. The billing office staff can:

• Go line by line through your treatment plan to ask your insurer what is or isn't covered
• Advocate for coverage for different procedures or drugs
• Help you find loopholes in your plan, like billing ultrasounds under OB/GYN care instead of classifying them as part of fertility treatment
• Help you maximize your coverage—such as determining which procedures are best to have billed to insurance vs. paying out of pocket

Haven't found a clinic yet, or have a doctor you adore with a billing staff that makes Cruella De Vil seem warm and fuzzy? You've still got this; you'll just need to do a little more of the homework yourself. Caitlin Donovan, director of outreach and public affairs at the National Patient Advocate Foundation advises making your own calls to your insurance company to suss out what's covered.  

Some questions you ask will be specific to your area, your chosen clinic, and your situation, but Donovan says the following can really help you make your decision:

• Do I need a referral from my primary care physician or OB/GYN?
• Do I need prior authorization from the insurance company for IVF?
• Are diagnostics covered by my IVF coverage?
• What are my prescription drug benefits?
• Are there different coverages for oral medications vs. injectable medications?
• Are there different coverages if I receive medications in the office vs. at home?
• Is the anesthesiologist covered under my plan?
• Is the radiologist covered under my plan?

"Ask for their responses in writing after they talk to you," Donovan says. "If they end up reneging, that will be crucial in an [insurance claim] appeal."  

Get on the right side of the law

It always helps when you have the law on your side to get help, and in some parts of the United States, you might be able to use state mandates to your advantage.  

According to the National Conference of State Legislators, several states have laws on the books regarding health insurance coverage for fertility treatments:  Check the laws before you call your boss and demand better coverage. They might be offering exactly what your state requires (and nothing more).  

New Jersey, for example, requires insurers cover up to four egg retrieval procedures, while neighboring New York's legislation doesn't require much IVF treatment coverage at all. You'll also need to brush up on any age limits and any requirements that doctors try less invasive procedures before OKing IVF. Some insurers will deny IVF coverage until a woman is 30 or even 35, and some will require a certain number of intrauterine insemination attempts before providing authorization for IVF.  

Fight for your right to in vitro

After all that, what happens if your insurance company says no? Hold onto your wallet; you may still be able to get coverage.  

Insurers are required to give you up to three appeals for a denied claim. For your best chance, Donovan suggests you:

• Get your doctor on board: Many doctors will get on the phone with your insurance company's medical director to explain why they've chosen the treatment plan they have and why it's so necessary for you. Others will write letters to your insurance company, including details of your medical history that might be pertinent in changing the insurers' minds.
• Write your own appeal: This should be in addition to, not instead of your doctor's submission. For the best results, take emotion out of it, Donovan says. Review your plan's language and use similar language to back up your reasoning.

A little extra help

If every phone call with your health insurance company continues to make you break out in hives, you've still got options. There are other ways to cover your costs:

• Talk to the billing department. Yes, them again. They may be able to help you negotiate a self-pay rate if your insurance won't cover anything or secure an IVF grant to cover some of your costs.  
• Ask your doctor if they've got sample medications on hand to help reduce the number you have to buy.  
• Friends and family may want to help support your journey. It never hurts to ask.
• Apply for help from a fertility treatment charity.  

At the end of the day

It can feel like it would be easier to run a marathon without training than it is to get your health insurance company to pay for IVF. But don't be afraid to ask for help—whether it's asking the billing department to advocate for you or the person on the other end of the line at the health insurance company to answer your long list of questions.

If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss, there may be a hard-to-ignore question in the back of your mind: what, exactly, causes miscarriage?

You may know that it’s common—as many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and the real number is, unfortunately, even higher when you factor in unknown pregnancies—but as frequently as it happens, many prospective parents still don’t know what actually causes it.

That giant question mark can make the miscarriage experience even worse. Grieving over your pregnancy loss is hard enough, but when you don’t know where to place the blame, and wonder if it could happen to you again, you end up facing fear, anger, and frustration on top of grief.

When miscarriage happens, it’s crushing. But the thing to keep in mind is this: miscarriage is not your fault, and there’s nothing you could have done to prevent it or change it. The universe has a pretty messed up way of working, huh?

So...what are the causes of miscarriage, anyway? And why do they happen to so many women?

Here are some common reasons why miscarriage can occur, and what you should ask your doctor if it’s happened to you.

Possible miscarriage cause #1: abnormal chromosomes

Biology may be a science, but it kind of functions like a delicate musical instrument: one wrong note and the whole thing goes out of tune. Translated to genetics, this means that if one teensy piece of the babymaking chromosomal puzzle doesn’t fall perfectly into place, the embryo may not develop properly, potentially causing miscarriage.

According to OBGYN Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, an embryo that’s genetically abnormal is the most common cause of miscarriage. She says sometimes this abnormality occurs at the very start of the fertilization process and other times it happens a bit later.

Either way, you can’t control the genetic processing that happens when sperm meets egg (unless you did in vitro fertilization and your doctor tested the genes of your embryo before transferring it, which many do!).

You can, however, ask your doctor to do some detective work for you if you’ve had repeated miscarriages: placental and fetal tissue can be tested for chromosomal abnormalities, giving you a clearer picture of what’s going on in your body when a fertilized egg ends in miscarriage.

Possible miscarriage cause #2: advanced maternal age

You know what sucks? Because women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, those eggs age right along with us...and can increase your chances of those chromosomal abnormalities we mentioned.

In a 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal, the risk of miscarriage rose sharply in women over the age of 30, reaching as high as 53 percent by age 45.

Even men, who generate fresh sperm all the time, are subject to chromosomal aging, says Minkin: “Guys keep making new sperm, although there is data to show that older fathers do have more genetic issues, too.”

If you and your partner are concerned about your genetic health—whether it’s because of aging or not—you can ask your doctor for genetic screening, which may alert you to risk factors you otherwise wouldn't know about.

Possible miscarriage cause #3: infertility or hormonal issues

This is going to sound like a chicken vs. egg scenario, but hear us out: infertility issues may actually cause...more infertility issues? Basically, your miscarriage rate can be higher if you’ve struggled to conceive in the past, possibly because there’s something up with your hormones at the root of your infertility challenges.

“Occasionally, a woman might not be ovulating well enough, [meaning] she is ovulating enough to produce the egg, but not enough to make the progesterone needed from the ovary to maintain the pregnancy,” explains Minkin. This might apply to you if you experience anovulatory cycles, irregular cycles, or if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Possible miscarriage cause #4: infection or chronic illness

No, we’re not talking about colds or stomach bugs here—we’re talking about more severe infections, like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and pelvic inflammatory disease. We’re also talking about chronic conditions, many of which come with the one-two punch of increasing your risk of miscarriage and infertility issues.

Kecia Gaither, M.D., double board-certified physician in OB/GYN and maternal fetal medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, says maternal illnesses like diabetes, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and blood clotting disorders can contribute to the overall causes of miscarriage, too.

Possible miscarriage cause #5: reproductive or anatomical issues

There are a bunch of congenital abnormalities in the reproductive system that can a) make it harder for you to conceive and b) make it harder for a fertilized embryo to thrive after conception.

Some of these abnormalities include:

• a misshapen uterus (like a double- or half-uterus)
• uterine fibroids
• a uterus with a septum
• blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
• endometriosis scarring

You may know about these anomalies already if you’ve got ‘em; they may have affected your menstruation or caused other symptoms. Either way, many of them can be treated if they’re contributing to infertility, so talk to your doctor.

Possible miscarriage cause #6: substance abuse

According to Dr. Gaither, frequent drug and alcohol use may also increase your chance of miscarriage. No, we don’t mean the celebratory glass of champagne you had on your birthday before you knew you were pregnant. It’s the consistent consumption of alcohol—especially as you move past week five of pregnancy—that’s affiliated with miscarriage. (And any amount of drug use, at any point during pregnancy, is potentially a problem.)

Addiction is a debilitating mental health condition; if you’re struggling, consider seeking help—especially if you’re trying to have a baby.

What to ask your doctor

If this is your first miscarriage, it may not be necessary to ask your doctor anything just yet; Dr. Minkin says miscarriage is common enough that it doesn’t always mean there are overarching fertility issues that need to be addressed. On the other hand, if you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, have a known fertility issue, or received any kind of fertility treatment, you may want to investigate any underlying issues as soon as possible rather than wait.

It’s best to talk to your doctor about a miscarriage so they are aware it happened and can make a decision, based on your overall health, about how to proceed. If your doctor feels more evaluation is needed to determine what caused your miscarriage, Dr. Gaither says there are a few things your doctor can do in terms of getting your fertility prospects checked out. These may include:

• Having miscarriage tissue genetically evaluated
• Having diagnostic tests to look for uterine or cervical anomalies
• Managing any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your inability to maintain a pregnancy

If you’re grieving a pregnancy loss, we know this information is probably pretty overwhelming. You may not be eager to dig into the reason behind your miscarriage at this point — and that’s understandable. You should take the time you need to consider your options and move forward when you feel ready.

But you should also know that miscarriage doesn’t mean you can’t ever get pregnant. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after experiencing loss, sometimes naturally and sometimes with assistance from a fertility specialist. We’re rooting for you.

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Read more in Does Using Donor Eggs Decrease the Risk for Miscarriage?

This directory features Spanish-speaking fertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists across the United States. 

Many of these physicians bring multicultural perspectives to their practices, with training and experience from top medical institutions both in the U.S. and internationally. Beyond Spanish language skills, you'll find information about their specific areas of expertise, ranging from IVF and fertility preservation to specialized surgical procedures and genetic testing. Their combined experience represents thousands of successful fertility treatments and families helped. 

​​While having a Spanish-speaking provider may be your preference, we recognize not everyone will have access to one in their area. Building a supportive fertility care team that includes culturally responsive nurses, counselors, or patient coordinators who understand your needs and preferences can also help create a more comfortable treatment experience. 

We hope this is helpful on your journey!

Este directorio presenta especialistas en fertilidad y endocrinólogos reproductivos hispanohablantes en los Estados Unidos.

Muchos de estos médicos aportan perspectivas multiculturales a sus prácticas, con formación y experiencia de instituciones médicas prestigiosas tanto en EE.UU. como internacionalmente. Además de sus habilidades en español, encontrará información sobre sus áreas específicas de especialización, desde FIV y preservación de la fertilidad hasta procedimientos quirúrgicos especializados y pruebas genéticas. Su experiencia combinada representa miles de tratamientos de fertilidad exitosos y familias ayudadas.

Aunque tener un proveedor hispanohablante puede ser su preferencia, reconocemos que no todos tendrán acceso a uno en su área. Formar un equipo de atención de fertilidad que incluya enfermeras, consejeros o coordinadores de pacientes culturalmente sensibles que entiendan sus necesidades y preferencias también puede ayudar a crear una experiencia de tratamiento más cómoda.

¡Esperamos que esto sea útil en su camino!

Arizona

Dr. Vinay Gunnala (Southwest Fertility Center)

Dr. Vinay Gunnala was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his undergraduate degree in Mammalian Physiology and Neuroscience at University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine in Tucson. Following this, he went on to complete his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he received a medical student teaching award as a senior resident. He then completed his fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the world renown Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell. He has verbal and written fluency in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Gunnala nació y creció en Phoenix, Arizona. Recibió su título universitario en Fisiología de Mamíferos y Neurociencia en la Universidad de California, San Diego y su título de médico de la Universidad de Arizona, Facultad de Medicina en Tucson. Posteriormente, completó su residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología en el New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, donde recibió un premio de enseñanza como residente senior. Luego completó su formación de fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad en el mundialmente reconocido Centro de Medicina Reproductiva de Weill Cornell. Tiene fluidez verbal y escrita tanto en inglés como en español.

California

Dr. Carlos Sueldo (UCSF)

Dr. Sueldo founded the Community Fertility Center in 1984. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dr. Sueldo completed medical school at the University of Buenos Aires in 1970. He completed an internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Chicago Medical School in 1976. After two years as Faculty in Chicago, he joined the OB/GYN Department at the UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program as an Assistant Clinical Professor and pursued a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at the University of Southern California. Since 1994, he has been a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF-Fresno. He is currently the Chair for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF-Fresno. He has served as board director of the London-based World Endometriosis Research Foundation, former chairman of the International Membership Committee for the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Sueldo has been heavily published in multiple scientific journals and texts. He has also chaired many scientific conferences in the field of reproductive medicine.

Dr. Sueldo fundó el Centro Comunitario de Fertilidad en 1984. Nacido y criado en Buenos Aires, Argentina, el Dr. Sueldo completó la escuela de medicina en la Universidad de Buenos Aires en 1970. Completó su internado y residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología en la Escuela de Medicina de Chicago en 1976. Después de dos años como docente en Chicago, se unió al Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Programa de Educación Médica UCSF-Fresno como Profesor Clínico Asistente y realizó un fellowship en endocrinología reproductiva en la Universidad del Sur de California. Desde 1994, ha sido Profesor Clínico de Obstetricia y Ginecología en UCSF-Fresno. Actualmente es el Director del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología en UCSF-Fresno. Ha servido como director de la junta de la Fundación Mundial de Investigación de Endometriosis con sede en Londres, ex presidente del Comité de Membresía Internacional de la Sociedad Americana de Medicina Reproductiva. Dr. Sueldo ha sido ampliamente publicado en múltiples revistas y textos científicos. También ha presidido numerosas conferencias científicas en el campo de la medicina reproductiva.

Dr. Eduardo Hariton (Reproductive Science Center) 

Dr. Hariton received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He completed his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology & infertility at the University of California San Francisco. He also obtained a master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School. Dr. Hariton was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States over 20 years ago. When not practicing medicine, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two daughters and their dog. He also likes sightseeing in the beautiful Bay Area. He loves to travel, having visited over 70 countries and experiencing local cuisines and culture each city has to offer. He has a passion for watching and playing soccer (futbol) and is a dedicated fan of Real Madrid.

Dr. Hariton recibió su título de médico de la Facultad de Medicina de Harvard en Boston y completó su residencia en obstetricia y ginecología en el Hospital Brigham and Women's y el Hospital General de Massachusetts en Boston. Completó su fellowship en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad en la Universidad de California San Francisco. También obtuvo una maestría en administración de empresas de Harvard Business School. Dr. Hariton nació y creció en Caracas, Venezuela, y se mudó a los Estados Unidos hace más de 20 años. Cuando no ejerce la medicina, disfruta pasar tiempo con su esposa, sus dos hijas y su perro. También le gusta hacer turismo en el hermoso Área de la Bahía. Le encanta viajar, habiendo visitado más de 70 países y experimentado la cocina y cultura local que cada ciudad tiene para ofrecer. Tiene pasión por ver y jugar fútbol y es un dedicado fan del Real Madrid.

Dr. Said Daneshmand (San Diego Fertility Center)

Dr. Daneshmand is an internationally recognized fertility specialist with extensive experience in providing third-party reproductive services. Dr. Daneshmand completed his fellowship and residency at UCLA. He is specialty board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and sub specialty board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology. Dr. Daneshmand speaks French, Spanish and Farsi.

Dr. Daneshmand es un especialista en fertilidad reconocido internacionalmente con amplia experiencia en servicios reproductivos de terceros. Dr. Daneshmand completó su fellowship y residencia en UCLA. Está certificado por la junta en Obstetricia y Ginecología y subespecialidad certificada en Endocrinología Reproductiva. Dr. Daneshmand habla francés, español y farsi.

Lori L. Arnold, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (California Center for Reproductive Medicine)

In over two decades, Dr. Arnold has helped more than five thousand patients create their families. Many of her patients have had difficult and challenging reproductive issues. She gives all of them personalized care, performing all her own consults and fertility procedures. Dr. Arnold is devoted to her patients’ reproductive success and has achieved a 90% success rate for those who complete treatment. Accomplished in English and Spanish, Lori Arnold grew up in southern Europe, northern Africa, and South America.

En más de dos décadas, Dra. Arnold ha ayudado a más de cinco mil pacientes a crear sus familias. Muchos de sus pacientes han tenido problemas reproductivos difíciles y desafiantes. Les brinda a todos atención personalizada, realizando todas sus consultas y procedimientos de fertilidad. Dra. Arnold está dedicada al éxito reproductivo de sus pacientes y ha logrado una tasa de éxito del 90% para aquellos que completan el tratamiento. Con dominio del inglés y español, Lori Arnold creció en el sur de Europa, norte de África y Sudamérica.

Colorado

Cassandra Roeca, M.D. (Shady Grove Fertility)

Dr. Roeca earned her medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She then started her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital to complete residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. It was there that Dr. Roeca was awarded the Eman and Goldstein Pediatric Gynecology Award. A Colorado native, Dr. Roeca returned to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus where she completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). Dr. Roeca is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Roeca is passionate about fertility preservation in patients with cancer or medical diagnoses that place them at risk of infertility. Dr. Roeca is interested in researching solutions to help patients overcome infertility hurdles and fulfill their dreams of having a healthy baby. She is also an advocate for improving access to fertility services.

Dra. Roeca obtuvo su título de médico de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Colorado. Luego comenzó su formación postdoctoral en la Facultad de Medicina de Harvard, Hospital Brigham and Women's/Hospital General de Massachusetts para completar la residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología. Allí recibió el Premio Eman y Goldstein de Ginecología Pediátrica. Nativa de Colorado, Dra. Roeca regresó a la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Colorado, Campus Médico Anschutz, donde completó su fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad (REI). Está certificada por la junta en obstetricia y ginecología y endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad. Dra. Roeca está apasionada por la preservación de la fertilidad en pacientes con cáncer o diagnósticos médicos que los ponen en riesgo de infertilidad. Está interesada en investigar soluciones para ayudar a los pacientes a superar los obstáculos de la infertilidad y cumplir sus sueños de tener un bebé saludable. También es defensora de mejorar el acceso a los servicios de fertilidad.

Connecticut

Alexander M. Kucherov, MD (Illume Fertility) 

Dr. Kucherov is board-certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology. In his medical school days, Dr. Kucherov always felt that reproductive endocrinology was the greatest form of physician care, helping people build their families. His personal interests span sports, movies, and music, and he loves to be outdoors, hiking or going to a Yankees baseball game. As a person who loves the area, grew up close by, and has served the community for a number of years, he finds a personal connection with all of his patients and supports, guides, and leads them along this journey with expert care and compassion. Dr. Kucherov also speaks Spanish and enjoys working with our Spanish-speaking patients at Illume Fertility.

Dr. Kucherov está certificado por la junta en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad y Obstetricia y Ginecología. En sus días de escuela de medicina, Dr. Kucherov siempre sintió que la endocrinología reproductiva era la mejor forma de atención médica, ayudando a las personas a formar sus familias. Sus intereses personales abarcan deportes, películas y música, y le encanta estar al aire libre, hacer senderismo o ir a un juego de béisbol de los Yankees. Como persona que ama el área, creció cerca y ha servido a la comunidad durante varios años, encuentra una conexión personal con todos sus pacientes y los apoya, guía y lidera en este viaje con atención y compasión experta. Dr. Kucherov también habla español y disfruta trabajando con nuestros pacientes hispanohablantes en Illume Fertility.

Florida

Fernando M. Akerman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (Fertility Center of Miami)

Dr. Akerman graduated with honors from the Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he also completed his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1992. He completed an Internship in Pathology at Albert Einstein School of Medicine, New York, in 1993. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1997 in Missouri, and his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, in 1999.

Dr. Akerman se graduó con honores de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, donde también completó su Residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología en 1992. Completó un Internado en Patología en la Escuela de Medicina Albert Einstein, Nueva York, en 1993. Completó su residencia en Obstetricia y Ginecología en la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Saint Louis en 1997 en Missouri, y su fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad en la Universidad de Louisville, Kentucky, en 1999.

Dr. Fernando L. Gomez (Brown Fertility)

Dr. Gomez is dual board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology (REI) and has additional subspecialty training in infertility and genetics. Along with being a practicing physician, Dr. Gomez previously taught at the Medical College of Georgia. For more than 20 years, Dr. Gomez has had the privilege of helping women and couples achieve their dreams of having children. He continually receives high marks from patients for his knowledge and attention to detail. As one of two providers at Brown Fertility who is fluent in Spanish as well as English, Dr. Gomez welcomes the opportunity to provide fertility advice and treatment to families who speak either language.

Dr. Gomez está doblemente certificado en Obstetricia y Ginecología y Endocrinología Reproductiva (REI) y tiene formación subespecializada adicional en infertilidad y genética. Además de ser médico practicante, anteriormente enseñó en el Medical College of Georgia. Durante más de 20 años, ha tenido el privilegio de ayudar a mujeres y parejas a lograr sus sueños de tener hijos. Continuamente recibe altas calificaciones de los pacientes por su conocimiento y atención al detalle. Como uno de los dos proveedores en Brown Fertility que habla español e inglés con fluidez, Dr. Gomez agradece la oportunidad de brindar asesoramiento y tratamiento de fertilidad a familias que hablan cualquiera de los dos idiomas.

Enrique Soto, MD, FACOG (IVF MD)

Dr. Soto is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  As a fertility specialist, Dr. Soto’s areas of expertise include the medical and surgical treatment of infertility, IVF, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, congenital uterine anomalies, endometriosis and reproductive surgery. He performs tubal reversals and other surgeries using a minimally invasive approach that includes laparoscopy, micro-surgery, mini-laparotomy, hysteroscopy, and robotic surgery. Dr. Soto is fluent in English and Spanish and is delighted to live in Miami and care for patients of different cultural backgrounds.

Dr. Soto está certificado en Obstetricia y Ginecología y es miembro del Colegio Americano de Obstetras y Ginecólogos. Como especialista en fertilidad, sus áreas de experiencia incluyen el tratamiento médico y quirúrgico de la infertilidad, FIV, fibromas uterinos, síndrome de ovario poliquístico, anomalías uterinas congénitas, endometriosis y cirugía reproductiva. Realiza reversiones tubáricas y otras cirugías utilizando un enfoque mínimamente invasivo que incluye laparoscopia, microcirugía, mini-laparotomía, histeroscopia y cirugía robótica. Dr. Soto habla inglés y español con fluidez y está encantado de vivir en Miami y atender a pacientes de diferentes orígenes culturales.

Armando Hernandez-Rey, MD (Conceptions)

Dr. Hernandez-Rey is a board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist. He specializes in treating patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss (miscarriage), and severe endometriosis. He is especially interested in fertility preservation (egg freezing) for patients who must delay childbearing for personal or medical reasons, including cancer and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Dr. Hernandez-Rey es un especialista certificado en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad. Se especializa en el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP), pérdida recurrente del embarazo (aborto espontáneo) y endometriosis severa. Está especialmente interesado en la preservación de la fertilidad (congelación de óvulos) para pacientes que deben retrasar la maternidad por razones personales o médicas, incluyendo cáncer y lupus eritematoso sistémico.

Dr. Marcelo Barrionuevo, MD (IVF Florida)

Marcelo J. Barrionuevo, M.D., is subspecialty certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility with over 25 years experience in the diagnosis and treatment of female and male infertility. Before joining IVF FLORIDA Reproductive Associates in 1998, he served on the faculty of the University of South Florida, College of Medicine in Tampa, Florida, where he also completed his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Barrionuevo has served as president of the Miami Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (MOGS), president of the Fort Lauderdale Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (FLOGS), president of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (FSREI), Florida-District XII Section 6 chair in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), Residency Program Site Director in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the University of Miami in the Memorial Health System (MHS) of the South Broward Hospital District. Currently he is a Voluntary Clinical Professor at the University of Miami, Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University.

Dr. Marcelo J. Barrionuevo está certificado en subespecialidad en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad con más de 25 años de experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la infertilidad femenina y masculina. Antes de unirse a IVF FLORIDA Reproductive Associates en 1998, fue profesor en la Universidad del Sur de Florida, Facultad de Medicina en Tampa, Florida, donde también completó su fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad. Dr. Barrionuevo ha servido como presidente de la Sociedad de Obstetricia y Ginecología de Miami (MOGS), presidente de la Sociedad de Obstetricia y Ginecología de Fort Lauderdale (FLOGS), presidente de la Sociedad de Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad de Florida (FSREI), presidente de la Sección 6 del Distrito XII de Florida en el Colegio Americano de Obstetricia y Ginecología (ACOG), Director del Programa de Residencia en el Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología de la Universidad de Miami en el Sistema de Salud Memorial (MHS) del Distrito Hospitalario del Sur de Broward. Actualmente es Profesor Clínico Voluntario en la Universidad de Miami, Universidad Internacional de Florida y Universidad Atlántica de Florida.

Georgia

Dr. Valerie Libby (Shady Grove Fertility)

Valerie Libby, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin Honors Program studying Psychology and Spanish. She then earned a Masters in Global Public Health from George Washington University where she served as a fellow in Kenya for the Global Health Service. After finishing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Parkland Hospital, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, she completed a 3-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Libby is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome, male factor infertility, and ovarian aging. She is also accomplished in the areas of fertility preservation and elective egg freezing.

Dra. Libby obtuvo su título de médico del Centro de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Texas en San Antonio. Se graduó del Programa de Honores de la Universidad de Texas en Austin estudiando Psicología y Español. Luego obtuvo una Maestría en Salud Pública Global de la Universidad George Washington donde sirvió como becaria en Kenia para el Servicio de Salud Global. Después de terminar su residencia en obstetricia y ginecología en el Hospital Parkland, Centro Médico de la Universidad de Texas Southwestern, completó un fellowship de 3 años en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad en los Hospitales Universitarios Cleveland Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University. Está certificada en obstetricia y ginecología y endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad. Tiene experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la infertilidad, incluyendo síndrome de ovario poliquístico, factor masculino de infertilidad y envejecimiento ovárico. También está especializada en preservación de la fertilidad y congelación electiva de óvulos.

Illinois

Dr. Sigal Klipstein (InVia Fertility)

Dr. Klipstein is a graduate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She holds fellowships in infertility and medical ethics. After completing a year at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, she continued her studies with a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in Boston. She completed a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Boston IVF and Harvard, as well as a Fellowship in Medical Ethics at Harvard University.

Dra. Klipstein es graduada de la Escuela de Medicina Pritzker de la Universidad de Chicago. Está certificada en obstetricia y ginecología, así como en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad. Tiene fellowships en infertilidad y ética médica. Después de completar un año en el Hospital Northwestern Memorial, continuó sus estudios con una residencia en obstetricia y ginecología en el Centro Médico Beth Israel Deaconess y la Escuela de Medicina de Harvard en Boston. Completó un Fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad en Boston IVF y Harvard, así como un Fellowship en Ética Médica en la Universidad de Harvard.

Massachusetts

Dr. Pietro Bortoletto (Boston IVF)

Dr. Bortoletto specializes in all aspects of infertility care with a special interest in diminished ovarian reserve, recurrent pregnancy loss & implantation failure, Müllerian anomalies, fibroids, endometriosis, and Asherman’s syndrome. Dr. Bortoletto was born in São Paulo, Brasil, and raised in Miami, Florida, by Brazilian & Italian parents. He is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish. He attended the University of Miami for college and then moved to Chicago, Illinois, to attend the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Dr. Bortoletto se especializa en todos los aspectos de la atención de la infertilidad con un interés especial en la reserva ovárica disminuida, pérdida recurrente del embarazo y fallo de implantación, anomalías müllerianas, fibromas, endometriosis y síndrome de Asherman. Dr. Bortoletto nació en São Paulo, Brasil, y creció en Miami, Florida, con padres brasileños e italianos. Habla portugués y español con fluidez. Asistió a la Universidad de Miami y luego se mudó a Chicago, Illinois, para asistir a la Escuela de Medicina Feinberg de la Universidad Northwestern.

Antonio Gargiulo, M.D. (Fertility Centers of New England)

Dr. Gargiulo has been a Harvard Medical School full-time faculty in reproductive endocrinology and infertility for almost three decades and is nationally and internationally recognized for his pioneering scientific and clinical work in the field of robotic reproductive surgery. Dr. Gargiulo’s mastery extends beyond the operating room; he has lent his expertise as a technical consultant to top engineering teams, contributing to advancements in surgical lasers and robotic construction. Fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, his multicultural background enriches his practice, fostering a heightened sense of cultural awareness and inclusivity. Dr. Gargiulo has been a long-time advocate for reproductive health equity for the Latino communities of New England.

Dr. Gargiulo ha sido profesor de tiempo completo de Harvard Medical School en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad durante casi tres décadas y es reconocido nacional e internacionalmente por su trabajo científico y clínico pionero en el campo de la cirugía reproductiva robótica. La maestría del Dr. Gargiulo se extiende más allá del quirófano; ha prestado su experiencia como consultor técnico a equipos de ingeniería de primer nivel, contribuyendo a avances en láseres quirúrgicos y construcción robótica. Con fluidez en inglés, italiano y español, su origen multicultural enriquece su práctica, fomentando un elevado sentido de conciencia cultural e inclusividad. Dr. Gargiulo ha sido un defensor de larga data de la equidad en salud reproductiva para las comunidades latinas de Nueva Inglaterra.

New Jersey

Dr. Jessica Salas Mann (IRMS)

Dr. Mann specializes in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility, with a special focus on Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Fertility Preservation. She practices primarily in Old Bridge, NJ, and is affiliated with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. Dr. Mann graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 2003, and completed her training at NYU Medical Center and University of Connecticut Health Center. She is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dra. Mann se especializa en Endocrinología Reproductiva/Infertilidad, con un enfoque especial en Infertilidad, Fertilización In Vitro (FIV) y Preservación de la Fertilidad. Ejerce principalmente en Old Bridge, NJ, y está afiliada al Centro Médico Cooperman Barnabas. Dra. Mann se graduó de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Florida en 2003, y completó su formación en el Centro Médico NYU y el Centro de Salud de la Universidad de Connecticut. Está certificada en Endocrinología Reproductiva/Infertilidad y Obstetricia y Ginecología.

Dr. Alan Martinez (Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey)
Dr. Martinez is a board certified specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He was drawn to this specialty because it is an ever-evolving field of medicine that allows him to partner with patients and provide personalized treatment plans. His goal is to provide care and emotional support to those undergoing fertility treatment and help patients achieve their goal of starting or growing their family. After graduating with distinction with a B.S. in biology and B.A. in psychology from San Diego State University, Dr. Martinez received his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency training at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, an affiliate teaching institution with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Martinez completed his fellowship training at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Dr. Martinez es un especialista certificado en endocrinología reproductiva e infertilidad. Se sintió atraído por esta especialidad porque es un campo de la medicina en constante evolución que le permite asociarse con los pacientes y proporcionar planes de tratamiento personalizados. Su objetivo es brindar atención y apoyo emocional a quienes se someten a tratamientos de fertilidad y ayudar a los pacientes a lograr su objetivo de comenzar o hacer crecer su familia. Después de graduarse con distinción con una licenciatura en biología y una licenciatura en psicología de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, Dr. Martinez recibió su título de médico de la Escuela de Medicina David Geffen de la Universidad de California, Los Ángeles. Completó su residencia en obstetricia y ginecología en el Centro Médico Saint Barnabas, una institución de enseñanza afiliada a la Escuela de Medicina de Rutgers New Jersey. Dr. Martinez completó su formación de fellowship en el Centro Médico de la Universidad de Cincinnati.

New York

Dr. Erkan Buyuk (RMA New York)

Dr. Erkan Buyuk is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist and obstetrician and gynecologist who practices at RMA of New York’s Eastside office. He is currently the Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship Program and examiner for the REI Division of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Prior to joining RMA of New York in 2019, Dr. Buyuk served as the Director of the Fertility Preservation Program and Reproductive Tissue Bank and the Director of the REI Fellowship Program at Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center. He speaks English, Turkish, French, and Spanish fluently.

Dr. Erkan Buyuk es un endocrinólogo reproductivo certificado y especialista en infertilidad y obstetra y ginecólogo que ejerce en la oficina del lado este de RMA de Nueva York. Actualmente es el Director del Programa de Fellowship de Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad (REI) y examinador de la División REI de la Junta Americana de Obstetricia y Ginecología. Antes de unirse a RMA de Nueva York en 2019, Dr. Buyuk se desempeñó como Director del Programa de Preservación de la Fertilidad y Banco de Tejidos Reproductivos y Director del Programa de Fellowship REI en el Centro Médico Einstein/Montefiore. Habla inglés, turco, francés y español con fluidez.

Dr. Martha Luna (RMA New York)

Dr. Martha Luna is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist and a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. She joined RMA of New York in 2005 and is currently Co-Director of RMA New York International located in Mexico City. Dr. Luna is a clinical professor of the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at the American British Cowdray (ABC) Hospital in Mexico City.

Dra. Martha Luna es una endocrinóloga reproductiva certificada y especialista en infertilidad y obstetra y ginecóloga certificada. Se unió a RMA de Nueva York en 2005 y actualmente es Codirectora de RMA New York International ubicada en la Ciudad de México. Dra. Luna es profesora clínica del programa de residencia de Obstetricia y Ginecología en el Hospital American British Cowdray (ABC) en la Ciudad de México.

Vasilios T. Goudas, MD (NYU)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the complexity of the human body. It was only natural that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical sciences. I was in high school when the whole world became amazed by the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy. This inspired me to become a reproductive endocrinologist. I see and treat couples who have difficulty conceiving for many different reasons. I trained in a large surgical facility, so I have a special interest in patients who have infertility-related conditions that require surgery. I perform hysteroscopic myomectomies as well as laparoscopic fallopian tube repairs, such as neosalpingostomy and fimbrioplasty, among other procedures.

Desde que tengo memoria, me ha fascinado la complejidad del cuerpo humano. Era natural que quisiera seguir una carrera en las ciencias médicas. Estaba en la escuela secundaria cuando todo el mundo se asombró con el primer embarazo por fertilización in vitro (FIV). Esto me inspiró a convertirme en endocrinólogo reproductivo. Veo y trato a parejas que tienen dificultades para concebir por muchas razones diferentes. Me formé en un centro quirúrgico grande, por lo que tengo un interés especial en pacientes que tienen condiciones relacionadas con la infertilidad que requieren cirugía. Realizo miomectomías histeroscópicas así como reparaciones de trompas de Falopio laparoscópicas, como neosalpingostomía y fimbrioplastia, entre otros procedimientos.

Ohio

Dr. Laura Londra (Ohio Reproductive Medicine)

Dr. Laura Londra has expertise in all currently available treatments for infertility, including intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and preimplantation genetic testing. She completed her subspecialty fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University, where her clinical research has focused on factors affecting pregnancy outcomes after IVF, as well as ethical issues related to reproductive medicine. Prior to her fellowship, she attended Wayne State University in Detroit to complete her residency. She is Board-certified in both OB-GYN and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and fluent in Spanish.

Dra. Laura Londra tiene experiencia en todos los tratamientos actualmente disponibles para la infertilidad, incluyendo inseminación intrauterina, fertilización in vitro, inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides y pruebas genéticas preimplantacionales. Completó su formación de subespecialidad en la Universidad Johns Hopkins, donde su investigación clínica se ha centrado en factores que afectan los resultados del embarazo después de la FIV, así como en cuestiones éticas relacionadas con la medicina reproductiva. Antes de su fellowship, asistió a la Universidad Wayne State en Detroit para completar su residencia. Está certificada tanto en Obstetricia y Ginecología como en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad y habla español con fluidez.

Pennsylvania

Clarisa R. Gracia, MD, MSCE (Penn Medicine)

Dr. Gracia is an NIH-funded clinical investigator in the area of reproductive aging. Her interests include the study of hormonal and symptomatic changes during the natural menopausal transition in female cancer patients. Dr. Gracia was recognized by America's Top Doctors from 2012 through 2018, and recognized in Philadelphia magazine's annual Top Docs issues for 2011, and 2018 through 2021.

Dra. Gracia es una investigadora clínica financiada por los NIH en el área del envejecimiento reproductivo. Sus intereses incluyen el estudio de los cambios hormonales y sintomáticos durante la transición natural a la menopausia en pacientes con cáncer femenino. Dra. Gracia fue reconocida por America's Top Doctors desde 2012 hasta 2018, y reconocida en la revista Philadelphia en sus ediciones anuales de Top Docs para 2011, y 2018 hasta 2021.

Texas

Dr. Julian Escobar (Concieve Fertility Center)

Dr. Julian Escobar is board certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and Obstetrics & Gynecology. After attending high school in the DFW, he graduated with high honors in Genetics from the University of Georgia and was subsequently awarded prestigious research fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and Harvard Medical School. He then obtained his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed his OBGYN residency at Northwestern University in Chicago. He later relocated back to Dallas to pursue fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He has lived in several Latin American countries and is completely fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Julian Escobar está certificado tanto en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad como en Obstetricia y Ginecología. Después de asistir a la escuela secundaria en DFW, se graduó con altos honores en Genética de la Universidad de Georgia y posteriormente recibió prestigiosas becas de investigación en los Institutos Nacionales de Salud y la Escuela de Medicina de Harvard. Luego obtuvo su título de médico de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Pittsburgh y completó su residencia en OBGYN en la Universidad Northwestern en Chicago. Posteriormente se trasladó de regreso a Dallas para realizar su fellowship en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad en el Centro Médico UT Southwestern. Ha vivido en varios países latinoamericanos y habla español con total fluidez.

Daniel A. Skora, M.D. (Fertility Specialists of Texas)

Daniel A. Skora, M.D., is a physician at Fertility Specialists of Texas and serves as medical director of third-party and LGBTQ+ services. He is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Skora graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a certificate in neuroscience from Princeton University. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Skora completed his residency at George Washington University Hospital and his fellowship at The Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Skora is passionate about all aspects of infertility. He is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of the whole patient and calls upon his education and experience in psychology to help each one overcome the emotional challenges of trying to conceive. Dr. Skora is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his husband, loves to travel (se habla Espanol) and spoils his two nephews whenever possible.

Dr. Daniel A. Skora es médico en Fertility Specialists of Texas y se desempeña como director médico de servicios de terceros y LGBTQ+. Está certificado tanto en Obstetricia y Ginecología como en Endocrinología Reproductiva e Infertilidad. Dr. Skora se graduó cum laude con su licenciatura en psicología con un certificado en neurociencia de la Universidad de Princeton. Recibió su título de médico de la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Minnesota. Dr. Skora completó su residencia en el Hospital de la Universidad George Washington y su fellowship en el Colegio de Medicina Larner de la Universidad de Vermont. Dr. Skora está apasionado por todos los aspectos de la infertilidad. Está dedicado a abordar las necesidades únicas del paciente en su totalidad y recurre a su educación y experiencia en psicología para ayudar a cada uno a superar los desafíos emocionales de tratar de concebir. Dr. Skora es miembro del Colegio Americano de Obstetricia y Ginecología. Vive en Dallas, Texas con su esposo, le encanta viajar (se habla Español) y mima a sus dos sobrinos siempre que es posible.

Dr. Esteban Brown (The Valley’s Fertility Center)

Dr. Brown is a Valley native who graduated valedictorian in 1975 from PSJA High School. From there he attended Stanford University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He continued his education at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where he received his MD. After, Dr. Brown interned, completed a residency & fellowship, further studying infertility and reproductive system. He started the Reproductive Institute of South Texas in 1992 and has helped over 1,500 couples conceive a baby.

Dr. Brown es nativo del Valle quien se graduó como mejor estudiante en 1975 de PSJA High School. De allí asistió a la Universidad de Stanford, recibiendo una licenciatura en Economía. Continuó su educación en el Baylor College of Medicine en Houston, donde recibió su MD. Después, Dr. Brown hizo su internado, completó una residencia y fellowship, estudiando más a fondo la infertilidad y el sistema reproductivo. Comenzó el Instituto Reproductivo del Sur de Texas en 1992 y ha ayudado a más de 1,500 parejas a concebir un bebé.

Washington

Amy R. Criniti, MD (Pinnacle Fertility)

Family is extremely important to Dr. Amy R. Criniti, and she feels privileged and honored to help others achieve their family dreams. She strives to provide comprehensive and personalized fertility care to all of her patients, and believes there are many ways to build a family. Recognizing that the fertility journey can be difficult, Dr. Criniti is committed to supporting her patients emotionally every step of the way. Dr. Criniti is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke University, with a bachelor’s degree in English and minor degrees in both chemistry and Spanish. She completed medical school at Indiana University where she earned the clinical award for excellence in both Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics. She completed her residency and fellowship at the University of Washington where she received multiple clinical and teaching awards, including the Harborview Resident of the Year award. She has lived abroad in Kenya and Spain and is proficient in speaking Spanish.

La familia es extremadamente importante para Dra. Amy R. Criniti, y se siente privilegiada y honrada de ayudar a otros a lograr sus sueños familiares. Se esfuerza por proporcionar atención de fertilidad integral y personalizada a todos sus pacientes, y cree que hay muchas maneras de formar una familia. Reconociendo que el viaje de la fertilidad puede ser difícil, Dra. Criniti está comprometida a apoyar emocionalmente a sus pacientes en cada paso del camino. Dra. Criniti se graduó magna cum laude de la Universidad Duke, con una licenciatura en inglés y títulos menores tanto en química como en español. Completó la escuela de medicina en la Universidad de Indiana donde ganó el premio clínico por excelencia tanto en Obstetricia y Ginecología como en Pediatría. Completó su residencia y fellowship en la Universidad de Washington donde recibió múltiples premios clínicos y de enseñanza, incluyendo el premio Residente del Año de Harborview. Ha vivido en el extranjero en Kenia y España y habla español con competencia.

Navigating fertility treatment and family building can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. We've curated the best fertility podcasts across different categories—from general IVF and trying to conceive to third-party reproduction and LGBTQ+ family building. Whether you're looking for expert advice, emotional support, or just want to hear from others on similar journeys, there's a podcast for you.

In this guide, we'll share our top picks, what makes each show unique, and who it's best suited for. All shows are currently active as of 2025 and are free to listen to on major podcast platforms.

Best IVF Podcasts

Fertility Docs Uncensored
Hosted by: Dr. Carrie Bedient
About: We all know it’s wrong, but when you see one big fat negative after another, it’s tempting to turn to Dr. Google for answers. But don’t you hit that search button. You have another option: Fertility Docs Uncensored. The nation’s leading fertility doctors have joined forces to separate fertility fact from fiction. It’s the only place you can hear fertility docs from around the country diving into the nitty-gritty of infertility. From their personal experiences as infertility patients, to what you can really expect from IVF, these doctors are covering it all (and they aren’t holding back).

IVF This
Hosted by: Emily Ginn
About: The IVF This Podcast offers practical and empowering strategies for individuals on a journey of infertility and fertility treatments who believe in the possibility of loving life despite the journey they are on. If you are seeking more than what traditional therapy andsupport groups can offer, if you’re stuck in an emotional pattern and feel like you can’t break out of, if you want help navigating the unique challenges of infertility and fertility treatments, with support that is uplifting and honest, this is the podcast for you.

Infertile AF
Hosted by: Alison Prato
About: In this raw, unfiltered podcast about infertility, journalist and mom-of-two Ali Prato, who went through secondary infertility and IVF herself, talks to women—and some men—about the messy, frustrating, painful, heartbreaking, absurd and sometimes humorous journey to have a baby. Or in some cases, to not have a baby. Each episode tells a different story about family building, getting real about miscarriages, egg freezing, sperm and egg donation, IUIs, endometriosis, male factor infertility, adoption, surrogacy, genetic testing, single parenting by choice, LGBTQ+ fertility, living childless not by choice, depression, relationship issues, money issues, jealousy, PTSD, and so much more. Ali covers all of the outcomes in this safe, non-judgement zone: the happy endings, the soul-crushingly sad ones, and the ones still in limbo.

Unexpecting
Hosted by: Tara Lipinski
About: Unexpecting takes listeners through the Olympic figure skating champions’ tumultuous, on-going, five-year quest to become a mother. Her journey began in 2018, and since then, the normally open and public athlete-turned-broadcaster has kept this often-devastating roller-coaster ride a secret. Until now. Listeners will be shocked at the vulnerability and honesty of the conversations. Unexpecting tackles uncomfortable and taboo subjects and takes on the complicated issues surrounding IVF and infertility with sincerity and humor. Tara certainly didn’t predict she would be thrust into this world. But as the cliché goes, expect the unexpected.

Best podcasts about third-party reproduction

Three Makes Baby
Hosted by: Jana Rupnow
About: Fertility psychotherapist, Jana Rupnow, interviews parents, donor conceived individuals, and professionals about the challenges and dilemmas of assisted reproductive technology baby-making and the expect-able tensions between positive and negative feelings that come along the way when, instead of baby makes three; three makes baby.

Refamulating
Hosted by: Julia Winston
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When Black families pursue fertility treatments, they often face unique challenges - from delayed diagnoses to lower IVF success rates. In fact, research shows Black women have 30% lower odds of achieving a live birth through IVF compared to white women, even when controlling for factors like age and income.

These disparities stem from multiple factors: delayed diagnosis of reproductive conditions, less access to specialized care, and medical bias. However, being informed about these challenges is the first step to getting better care and outcomes.

This article looks at the research on Black IVF outcomes and, more importantly, what you can do to improve your chances of success. We'll look at how to choose the right clinic, advocate for comprehensive testing, and access support resources designed specifically for Black women undergoing fertility treatment.

Black women face higher rates of infertility

Most research on racial fertility disparities in fertility comes from studying women already at fertility clinics, not the general population. These studies show that Black women seeking treatment often face a distinct set of fertility challenges, including higher rates of uterine fibroids and tubal disease that can affect fertility outcomes.

However, focusing only on women who make it to fertility clinics gives us an incomplete picture. We know less about how these factors affect Black women's fertility in the broader population, particularly among those who haven't sought or accessed fertility care. Understanding these broader patterns is important for addressing racial disparities in reproductive health.

A landmark study called the CARDIA Women's Study found that Black women had twice the odds of experiencing infertility compared to white women, even after accounting for factors like education, income, and medical conditions. This higher rate of infertility persisted across different groups - married women, unmarried women, and women not using contraception.

The study is particularly valuable because it:

• Used a population-based sample rather than just clinic patients (which tend to be wealthier given the high cost of IVF)
• Included both married and unmarried women
• Examined multiple potential causes of infertility
• Followed women over time
• Had a large enough sample size to draw meaningful conclusions

This research highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care for Black women experiencing fertility challenges.

Reasons Black women face infertility

About 30% of the cases of infertility can be attributed solely to the female, 30% solely to the male, 30% a combination of both male and female partners, and in 10% of cases the cause is unknown.

The most common overall cause of female infertility is due to not ovulating, which occurs in 40% of women with infertility issues. While there is not a statistically significant difference in anovulation between Black and white women, Black women do have higher rates of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) infertility. DOR is a reduction in the quantity of your remaining eggs. Every female is born with all the eggs she'll ever have, and this number naturally declines with age. However, some experience a faster decline than expected for their age, leading to a diagnosis of DOR.

Tubal factor infertility is also a relatively common cause of female infertility, accounting for approximately 25-35% of all infertility cases. Research indicates higher rates of tubal factor infertility among Black women, often due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Fibroids are also a common reason for infertility, and found in 5% to 10% of infertile women. Black women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids, which can affect implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes. Studies show that 80% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 50, compared to 70% of white women. The fibroids also tend to appear earlier and grow larger.

Black women are less likely to seek fertility care

Research shows significant disparities in who seeks fertility care and when they seek it. A key finding from the FUCHSIA Women's Study was that Black women are 43% less likely to visit a doctor for fertility help compared to white women, even when experiencing the same fertility challenges. The study also revealed that among women who did seek care, Black women waited twice as long after experiencing infertility before seeing a doctor - a median of two years compared to one year for white women.These differences persisted even after accounting for factors like education, income levels, insurance coverage, location, and the presence of conditions like fibroids of PCOS.Based on the research findings from FUCHSIA and other studies, a few key factors contribute to these delays in seeking care:

• Social stigma: Black women report more concerns about stigmatization and disappointment from spouses regarding their fertility challenges.
• Limited social support: Studies show Black women are more likely to self-refer for fertility care and less likely to share fertility challenges with friends and family, suggesting less community support for seeking treatment.
• Cultural differences in pregnancy planning: Research indicates Black women are less likely to report they were "actively trying" to conceive during infertile periods, which can delay recognition of fertility issues.
• Healthcare experiences: Previous negative experiences with the medical system and lack of culturally competent care can create hesitation in seeking specialized treatment.
• Information gaps: Black women are less likely to access fertility information through traditional social networks, affecting awareness of treatment options and timing of care.

Notably, the study does not examine the role of insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, or the availability of fertility benefits, which are known barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare, especially for marginalized populations. The study also does not deeply explore how socioeconomic status, including income, education, and employment, or geographic factors like urban-rural location and proximity to fertility clinics, impact delays in seeking fertility care. That said, the disparity in time to seeking care is concerning since fertility treatment success rates decline with age, making early intervention an important factor in outcomes.

Black women face delays in diagnoses and care of reproductive conditions

Research shows that Black women often face significant delays in receiving diagnoses and treatment for reproductive health conditions compared to white women. These delays stem from several factors:

• Symptoms being dismissed or not taken seriously by healthcare providers
• Limited access to specialists who can accurately diagnose conditions
• The misconception that Black women have higher pain tolerance
• Different presentation of symptoms that may not match textbook descriptions
• Limited research on how conditions manifest in Black women

This pattern of delayed diagnosis directly impacts fertility outcomes, as untreated conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids can affect fertility and complicate treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve fertility outcomes.

Black men face infertility, too

When heterosexual couples struggle to conceive, attention often focuses primarily on female fertility. But sperm is half of the equation in conception, making male reproductive health equally important in family building. For Black men, this reality comes with additional challenges that the medical system is only beginning to understand.

A comprehensive study of over 6,400 men seeking fertility treatment and found that Black men often waited longer to seek fertility care compared to white patients. At the same time, a study from a major tertiary care facility found huge differences in semen analysis results - Black men had a 54% rate of abnormal results, significantly higher than other groups. This was true across many semen parameters including reduced semen volume, decreased sperm concentration, lower total sperm count, reduced motile sperm percentage, and diminished total motile sperm.

These findings matter because they point to two separate but related issues affecting Black men's reproductive health. First, there are barriers to accessing care - from insurance coverage to relationships with healthcare providers. Second, there may be biological variations that the medical field needs to better understand and account for when evaluating fertility. Together, these factors can create real challenges for Black men trying to build families.

When Black families undergo IVF, they have worse outcomes

‍Multiple studies have documented that Black patients face poorer IVF outcomes. This includes:

• Higher miscarriage rates: Black women have significantly more miscarriages than white women.
• Lower live birth rates per cycle: Black women undergoing IVF have 30% lower odds of achieving a live birth compared to white women. 

These differences persist even when controlling for factors like age, BMI, and income level. Understanding why these disparities exist is key to addressing them.

Experts have suggested that traditional IVF medication protocols may need modification to better serve Black patients. While there are documented outcome disparities in IVF, research has not conclusively shown that different protocols would improve results.This combination of medical and healthcare delivery factors creates compounded challenges that contribute to lower success rates. Addressing these disparities requires both clinical research to optimize treatment protocols and systemic changes to improve access to high-quality care.

What can patients do?

While systemic changes are needed, there are steps individuals can take to improve their chances of success:

Choose experienced providers

Look for clinics and doctors with experience treating Black patients and strong success rates with diverse populations. Consider asking about:

• Their experience with patients of your background
• Success rates broken down by race
• Culturally competent care practices

‍Check out our Directory of Black Fertility Doctors

‍Advocate for yourself

• Request comprehensive fertility testing early in the process, including hormone tests, genetic screening, and testing for common conditions like fibroids.
• Write everything down. Record test results, medication instructions, and doctor recommendations. Write down questions beforehand and their answers during the visit.
• Don’t downplay your symptoms. When discussing fertility concerns with doctors, use clear, urgent language. Instead of "My periods are a bit irregular," say "I'm very concerned about my significantly irregular cycles." Don't minimize symptoms like spotting, pain, or changes in menstruation - being direct helps doctors better assess fertility issues and provide appropriate care.
• Ask for your records. You have a right to your medical records. Don’t be afraid to ask for them and ask for clarity on anything you don’t understand. 
• Set clear timelines. Ask and establish when you should expect to see results or move to next steps in your treatment plan.

Seek support early

Connect with support resources before starting treatment:

• Find a culturally competent fertility counselor.
• Join support groups for Black women undergoing fertility treatment.
• Research financial assistance programs.

Summing it up

While disparities in IVF outcomes persist, increased awareness and research are driving positive changes. More fertility clinics now track success rates by race and are working to implement protocols that better serve diverse patient populations. Additionally, advocacy efforts are helping expand insurance coverage and access to care.

Improving IVF outcomes for Black patients requires action at multiple levels - from individual patient care to systemic changes in healthcare delivery. While disparities persist, understanding these differences helps patients make informed decisions about their care and allows healthcare providers to better serve all patients.

Despite the challenges, many Black families achieve their dreams of having a baby through IVF. We wish you all the best on your journey! 

‍For more information about finding a fertility specialist, see our Directory of Black Fertility Doctors, which can help you locate experienced providers in your area.‍

‍Read more:

• Resources for Black Families Undergoing IVF
• Directory of Black Fertility Doctors in the US and Canada
• 10 Facts You Need To Know About Using Donor Eggs

Building a strong support system can make a significant difference during fertility treatment. For Black families undergoing IVF, there are specific organizations, communities, and resources designed to provide both practical and emotional support throughout the process. Whether you need financial assistance, want to connect with others who understand your experience, or are looking for educational materials, this guide will help you find the right resources.

This article covers key support organizations like The Broken Brown Egg and Fertility for Colored Girls, financial assistance programs offering grants up to $10,000, and mental health resources specifically for the Black community. You'll also find information about support groups, educational materials, podcasts, and social media communities created by and for Black families. For families who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, we've included dedicated resources that address the unique aspects of queer family-building.

We've organized these verified resources into clear categories so you can easily find what you need at each stage of your fertility treatment. Each listing includes basic information about the organization and the types of support they offer. And if you're still searching for a fertility doctor, our Directory of Black Fertility Doctors in the US and Canada can help you find a provider in your area.

Support organizations for Black women facing infertility

These incredible organizations focus specifically on supporting and advocating for Black women and families through their fertility experiences: 

• The Broken Brown Egg provides support and resources for people in the Black community experiencing infertility.
• The Resilient Sisterhood Project’s mission is to educate and empower women of African descent regarding common yet rarely discussed diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them.
• Fertility for Colored Girls provides education, encouragement, and support to Black women and other women of color experiencing infertility and seeking to grow their families. They aim to empower Black women to take charge of their fertility and reproductive health and provide grants to help ease the financial burden of fertility treatments or domestic adoption.
• The Sister Girl Foundation is a non-profit organization geared towards providing awareness, education, support, and advocacy for individuals with Endometriosis, Infertility, Breast and Ovarian Cancers.
• Black Fertility Matters (part of CCRM) is dedicated to providing impactful resources that will increase access and advocacy for Black women and families navigating their fertility journeys.
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a national network of Black women-led and Black-led, birth and reproductive justice organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals, working across the full spectrum of maternal and reproductive health.
• SisterSong’s mission is to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights. 

Educational resources

Key resources to help you understand fertility treatment from a Black perspective: 

• Infertility and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) Women (American Psychological Association)
• What Black Women Need to Know Before Seeking Fertility Treatment (Self Magazine)
• Racial disparities and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes: time to close the gap (Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology)
• Factors associated with disparate outcomes among Black women undergoing in vitro fertilization (Fertility & Sterility)
• Black women are more likely to experience infertility than white women. They’re less likely to get help, too (The Guardian)
• Are Black women being failed by IVF? (Women’s Health)

Podcasts & films

Stay informed and connected with these shows focused on Black fertility experiences: 

• Black Women and Infertility is a podcast to provide women of color and all women the love, support, and resources needed while experiencing #infertility. 
• In Black Girls Guide To Fertility podcast, Sonhara Eastman gives you an in-depth look into the anger, shame, envy, and hope of someone battling infertility by sharing her own experiences.
• The Infertility and Me podcast is a Black woman-hosted show covering reproductive justice, pregnancy loss/miscarriage, and infertility.
• Sisters in Loss podcast spotlights faith-filled black women who share their grief and loss stories and testimonies.
• Eggs over Easy is a documentary film about Black women and fertility.
• Hollow: The Unheard Cry of Black Women and Infertility is a documentary film giving an intimate glimpse into the experiences of 6 black women struggling with infertility.

Financial support organizations

These organizations provide grants and financial assistance for fertility treatments: 

• The Tinina Q. Cade Foundation offers grants up to $10,000 through their Family Building Grant.
• The Hope for Fertility Foundation provides financial grants to help cover fertility treatment costs
• Baby Quest Foundation awards financial grants biannually to families needing fertility treatments.

‍Learn more about grant options in 25 Donor Egg IVF Grants

‍Mental health support

Licensed professionals and organizations providing culturally competent mental health support: 

• Sisters in Loss holds space to present loss and infertility stories in a resourceful culturally acceptable way to assure black women they are not alone on this journey.   Sisters in Loss provides educational and doula services in pregnancy, birth, postpartum, bereavement, and grief support to help women step beyond anxiety and fear and into trust and peace after loss.
• The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color is bridging the gap in perinatal mental health support services for birthing persons, providers, and communities of color.
• “What to do if you — or someone you love — is going through pregnancy loss” - Life Kit teamed up with the hosts of the podcast docuseries NATAL to share this story about coping with pregnancy loss
• Therapy for Black Girls Directory can help you find therapists specializing in fertility counseling.
• Oaktown Therapy-Tracy Jones, LSCW, founder of Oaktown Therapy for Black and Brown people. Her areas of expertise include Infertility and IVF Struggles, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, Single Mother’s By Choice, and Black Maternal Mental Health & Racial Trauma.
• Dr. Wiyatta Fahnbulleh is a reproductive mental health expert offerling fertility counseling.
• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation is dedicated to creating innovative healing approaches in BIPOC and underrepresented communities, illuminating paths for the these communities to envision a life full of hope and joy.

Support groups

Connect with others who understand your experience through these communities: 

• Black Women's Fertility Group (on Facebook) is for Black women experiencing fertility issues and looking to connect and gain peer support.
• Resolve hosts multiple support groups, including those geared towards BIPOC women.
• Black Moms in Loss Support Group provides connections for individuals that identify as Black mothers grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant.
• Fertility for Colored Girls offers expert-led support groups, where you can share with others in a safe as well as confidential space.
• The Sister Girl Foundation hosts multiple support groups, including one for people with endometriosis.

Resources for Black queer family-building

Resources specifically for Black LGBTQ+ individuals and families: 

• xHood is a community of Black queer people who feel empowered in their ability to build and nurture healthy families and parent happy children. They support the Black LGBTQ+ community to navigate the impacts of the Black reproductive health crisis, systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia on family building and nurturing journeys.
• Our Family Coalition hosts a group by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color parents, co-parents, and caregivers who identify as queer, trans, &/or same gender-loving people. Issues and ages of kids range widely, brought to the group each time by participants, but the baseline is a space where we BIPOC families are centered.
• Black Gay Dads Global (Facebook group) is a destination for black/biracial gay/bi fathers around the world to share unique experiences and offer support.

‍Read more in LGBTQ+ Family-Building Resources

‍Social media communities

Follow these Instagram accounts for ongoing support and information: 

• Kamaria Cayton Vaught, MD (@kamariacaytonvaughtmd)
• Matrika Johnson, MD (@DrMatrika)
• Dr. Danielle Lane (@DrDanielleLane)
• Regina Townsend (@BrokenBrownEgg)
• Dani Wade (@dwbella)
• Fertility for Colored Girls (@ffcghope)
• Ashley Blaine (@ashleyblaine)
• Black CHIC IVF (@BlackCHICIVF)
• Black Girl IVF (@BlackGirlIVF)
• Resilient Sisterhood Project (@resilientsisterhoodproject)
• Black Women and Infertility (@blackwomenandinfertility)
• Dr. Temeka Zore (@TemekaZoreMD)
• Doc Jones Fertility & Fibroids (@tjonesivfmd)

Being as prepared as possible and having support during fertility treatment can make a meaningful difference in your experience and outcomes. While we've listed many resources here, your needs may change throughout your fertility journey. Don't hesitate to reach out to multiple organizations or try different support groups until you find the right fit. We’re also here for you if you need to match with an egg donor.

Keep this guide bookmarked and check back, as many of these organizations regularly update their offerings and programs. And if you're still looking for a fertility specialist, review our Directory of Black Fertility Doctors to find a provider who can help guide your care. 

Read more:

• Understanding Black IVF Outcomes: Research, Disparities, And Progress
• Directory of Black Fertility Doctors in the US and Canada
• Family-Building Resources for All

Finding a Black fertility doctor was incredibly important to me for my fertility care and I know I am not alone. I could not believe a directory like this did not exist, so our team here at Cofertility put together this directory to help other families. We hope you find it helpful!

Mounting evidence suggests that Black patients achieve better health outcomes when treated by Black doctors. Studies have found that racial concordance between doctors and patients leads to improved communication, greater trust, and more personalized care. When it comes to fertility treatment, having a doctor who understands your lived experiences, cultural nuances, and unique health concerns can make all the difference. 

Yet, Black reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists (REIs) remain underrepresented in the field, making it difficult for patients to find a provider who truly understands their needs. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive directory of Black REIs across North America, organized by geography. This resource includes:

• Detailed profiles with education, expertise, and current practice location
• Specialized areas of focus, including LGBTQ+ family building, PCOS, fibroids, and recurrent pregnancy loss
• Listings across major U.S. and Canadian cities to help you find experienced Black fertility specialists near you 

Whether you're exploring IVF, donor egg IVF, or other fertility treatments, we hope this guide can help you find a qualified REI specialist in your area. The listings cover major cities across the United States and Canada, making it easier to locate experienced Black fertility doctors near you. The ultimate goal is to achieve the best possible health outcomes for everyone, regardless of patients' or doctors' race or ethnicity. Representation matters in reproductive healthcare, and access to culturally competent fertility specialists can improve both your experience and your outcomes. We recognize that not everyone will have access to a Black REI in their area. If that’s the case, another way to enhance patient-provider racial and cultural concordance is by looking at your broader fertility care team. Seeking out a culturally responsive fertility therapist, nurse practitioner, doula, or midwife who understands your experiences and advocates for your needs can help provide the support, advocacy, and understanding essential for a positive fertility journey.

California

Fresno

Luis Murrain, DO,FACOG (Kern Medical)

Dr. Murrain received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University. He attended medical school at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Summa Health Systems -Akron City Hospital in Ohio, where he served as Chief Resident, and received the Summa Health System Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Research Award for Outstanding Research Achievement. Additionally, he received the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists award for Special Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures. He completed his Fellowship in Reproductive Genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Montefiore Medical Center in NY.

Los Angeles

Dr. Semara Thomas (Beverly Hills Fertility)

Dr. Semara Thomas completed her residency training in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Virginia, where she served as administrative chief resident. This was followed by a three-year fellowship, specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the University of Southern California.  Dr. Thomas earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh and completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Columbia University. She additionally earned a Masters in Science degree, with a focus in epidemiology, from USC Keck School of Medicine.

Marsha Bievre Baker, MD (Kaiser)

Marsha Baker (Bievre) is an obstetrician-gynecologist in Arvin, California and is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. She received her medical degree from University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

San Francisco Bay Area

Ijeoma Okeigwe, MD, MPH, FACOG (Spring Fertility)

Dr. Okeigwe is a double board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and obstetrician gynecologist with a deep commitment to achieving exceptional patient outcomes. She is a Bay Area native and completed her undergraduate degree and Masters in Public Health at UC Berkeley. She attended medical school at UCSF before advancing to her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Boston University Medical Center. Dr. Okeigwe then completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwestern University. Dr. Okeigwe joins Spring from the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group and is looking forward to continuing to provide exceptional, patient-centered fertility care in the East Bay.

Dr. Geraldine Ekpo (Kindbody)

Dr. Ekpo  is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Specialist with years of experience providing compassionate fertility care in the San Francisco Bay Area and the California Central Valley. After graduating summa cum laude from Georgia Tech with a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering, she went on to obtain her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. She then completed her Ob/Gyn residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, and a REI fellowship at UCSF. She is an inducted member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society and is board certified in both Ob/Gyn and REI.

Temeka Zore, MD, FACOG (Spring Fertility)

Dr. Zore is a board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist as well as a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. She was raised in Indiana, and graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also received high honors for her academic excellence as well as her athletic achievements in Track and Field. She was then awarded a full merit scholarship to medical school and returned to her home state, where she graduated from Indiana University School of Medicine.

Collin B. Smikle (Laurel Fertility)

Dr. Collin Smikle is the founder and Medical Director of Laurel Fertility Care. Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility, he has extensive experience in IVF, all assisted reproductive technologies and advanced laparoscopic surgery. He is a highly respected physician, researcher, teacher and medical author. He graduated Yale Medical School (1985) and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School (1989). He received specialty training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the University of California San Francisco where he did extensive research in oocyte and follicular development and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Isiah Harris, MD (Reproductive Science Center)

Dr. Isiah Harris earned his Bachelor of Science at Duke University and his Master of Science in clinical science at University of Colorado Denver. He attended medical school at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where he served as chairman for Women’s Health Interest Group and co-chairman for Medical Students for Choice. He completed his clinical fellowship in obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was a fellow in reproductive endocrinology & infertility at University of Colorado Hospital in Denver.

Florida

Jacksonville

Dr. Suny Caminero (Brown Fertility)

Dr. Suny Caminero is a native of New York City born to Dominican parents who moved the family to the Dominican Republic where she spent most of her childhood. Being fluent in both written and spoken Spanish, she is able to connect and serve a diverse patient population, ensuring that everyone receives personalized care and understanding. Her medical career began as a student at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Pre-Medicine. After graduation, she worked as an Intensive Care Nurse in Connecticut, Georgia and Michigan before starting Medical School at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 2005. Dr. Caminero embarked on her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. During her residency, she displayed exceptional dedication and clinical acumen, which earned her the position of Chief Resident. Throughout her time at the University of Florida, Dr. Caminero received numerous teaching awards, showcasing her commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of medical professionals.

Orlando

Albert Asante, MD, MPH (Center for Reproductive Medicine)

Albert Asante, MD, MPH, is a fertility specialist who is double Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He sees patients at the Center for Reproductive Medicine in Winter Park, Florida. His clinical practice covers a wide range of general infertility and reproductive endocrine conditions, with a particular focus on polycystic ovary syndrome, recurrent pregnancy loss, fertility treatment for advanced reproductive-aged women, and in vitro fertilization.

Dr. Milton McNichol (Fertility Center of Orlando)

Dr. Milton McNichol, MD is a reproductive & infertility endocrinologist in Longwood, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Loma Linda University in 1988. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center.

Tampa

Anthony Imudia, M.D (Shady Grove Fertility)

Anthony Imudia, M.D., earned his medical degree from the Universidad Latina De Panama before completing his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, MI. He then completed a 3-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility from Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, where he also served as an instructor in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology.

Georgia

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H. (Shady Grove Fertility)

Dr. McCarthy-Keith earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and also a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training at Duke University Medical Center and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During her fellowship, Dr. McCarthy-Keith’s research focused on the molecular mechanisms of uterine fibroid regulation and reproductive health disparities. She has special interests in male and female infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, and in vitro fertilization. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications on reproductive and infertility topics and has presented her research nationally.

Dr. Monica Best (Reproductive Biology Associates)

Monica W. Best, MD, joined Reproductive Biology Associates in the fall of 2013 after completing her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Best earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Michigan where she graduated with honors and multiple academic awards to her credit. Dr. Best is a native of St. Louis and returned to Missouri for medical school where she was awarded a full academic scholarship to attend the University of Missouri School of Medicine. It was during medical school that Dr. Best became interested in research in reproductive medicine. 

Dr. Karenne Fru, MD, PHD, FACOG (Muna Fertility)

Dr. Karenne Fru is double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is based in Atlanta, GA, with over 10 years of experience in the field. She is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to her patients and helping them achieve their reproductive goals.

Dr Obehi Asemota (Hope Fertility)

Dr. Obehi Asemota specializes in all aspects of reproductive medicine, including fertility preservation (egg and embryo freezing), in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, LGBTQ+ reproduction, ovulation induction, third party reproduction, and recurrent pregnancy loss.. Her practice is focused on working with couples who are struggling with infertility, to assist them in building a healthy family by empowering and educating them on all available fertility treatment options. She considers providing compassionate, personalized infertility care to patients of all walks of life her calling.

Dr. Sicily E. Garvin (Hope Fertility)

Dr. Sicily E. Garvin is a dual board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Reproductive Endocrinologist specializing in women’s health and fertility. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and an MD from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Johns Hopkins and her REI fellowship at Wayne State University. Dr. Garvin offers comprehensive reproductive services with a focus on innovative research and early pregnancy outcomes.

Illinois

Chicago

Amanda Adeleye, MD (CCRM Fertility of Chicago)

Amanda Adeleye, MD is the founding partner and Medical Director of CCRM Fertility of Chicago, opening in 2025. She is a distinguished reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialist, double-board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and REI. Dr. Adeleye is dedicated to supporting women and individuals facing fertility and family building challenges, offering a comprehensive range of services including intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and egg freezing.

Erica Louden, MD (KindBody)

Erica Louden, MD, PhD is a highly-skilled scientist and reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist focusing on all areas of reproductive health. Dr. Louden’s research efforts focus on access to care for cancer and infertile patients as well as the novel mechanism to preserve primordial oocytes during chemo and radiation therapy. Dr. Louden, a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Augusta University. During her medical training, Dr. Louden received numerous awards and presented Grand Rounds on Mullerian Anomalies, a topic on which she has been published. In addition, she authored articles for several medical journals and textbooks, clinical studies, and has had her research covered in peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Louden is an active member of many medical associations.

Sana Salih, MD, MS, HCLD (U Chicago Medicine)

Dr. Salih is double board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and she is credentialed as a high-complexity laboratory director. Dr. Salih provides compassionate and comprehensive care to patients who dream of building a family but are struggling with infertility issues or recurrent pregnancy loss. Her practice is rooted in a patient-centric approach to care where Dr. Salih works with each patient/couple individually to customize a treatment plan for each woman’s or family’s unique reproductive goals. Her expertise in infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss promotes comprehensive evaluation and management, including advanced reproductive technology such as in-vitro fertilization, fertility preservation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

Channing Burks Chatmon, M.D. (Fertility Centers of Ilinois)

Dr. Burks Chatmon earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, followed by an internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Rush University Medical Center. After completing a Recurrent Pregnancy Loss fellowship at University of Illinois at Chicago, she went on to fulfill a Reproductive Endocrinology fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Her training and medical research around recurrent pregnancy loss affords her unique insight into the most cutting-edge treatment solutions in the field. She has also presented data to the medical community around evaluating ovarian supply, assessing oocyte (egg) health and viability, and analyzing success rates with frozen embryos, single embryo transfers and genetic screening of embryos prior to transfer.

Dr. Olutunmike Kuyoro (Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago)

Dr. Olutunmike Kuyoro, also known as Dr. Tumi, is a distinguished reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree magna cum laude from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada in 2017. Prior to that, she completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at the Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine in the United Kingdom, where she earned a BSc and ARCS in 2011. Dr. Kuyoro completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra / Northwell Health in New York. She previously completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Maimonides Medical Center in New York from 2017 to 2021.

Indiana

Indianapolis

Dr. Zachary Walker (Midwest Fertility)

Dr. Zachary Walker is a board-certified physician specializing in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Walker attended Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Alabama at Birmingham OBGYN residency prior to his fertility training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Maryland

Baltimore

Chantel Cross, MD (Johns Hopkins)

Dr. Cross is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist whose clinical practice is centered on the evaluation and treatment of women facing infertility and those with reproductive endocrinopathies affecting their fertility. She sees patients with a wide range of conditions including polycystic ovarian syndrome, recurrent ovulatory dysfunction, tubal disease, pelvic mass and pelvic adhesions as well as fertility complications related to endometriosis, fibroids and ovarian cysts. Additionally, Dr. Cross sees patients who seek fertility preservation such as embryo, egg and ovarian cryopreservation due to cancer treatment and/or other medical complications.

Dr. Jerrine R. Morris (Shady Grove Fertility)

Jerrine R. Morris, MD, MPH, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and board eligible in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Morris earned her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. She then continued her studies at Emory University for her residency in OB/GYN, where she was recognized for her excellence in research. From there, Dr. Morris trained in REI at the University of California, in San Francisco, California.

Kamaria C. Cayton Vaught, MD (Johns Hopkins)

Kamaria C. Cayton Vaught, M.D. is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist in the Baltimore area who specializes in the management of disorders related to infertility and the endocrinopathy of female reproductive stages. She has undergone training in the management and evaluation of reproductive disorders such as male and female infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced surgical techniques in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. In addition, her unique training also includes genetic counseling, genetic data analysis and interpretation, and preimplantation genetic testing. Dr. Cayton Vaught treats patients with a wide range of conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss at the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center.

Frederick

Alexis Gadson, M.D. (Shady Grove Fertility)

Alexis Gadson, M.D., is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and board eligible in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Gadson completed her residency in OB/GYN at Boston University School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center. From there, she trained in REI at Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital, in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Gadson is passionate about finding the best ways she can care for patients who may experience challenges in achieving their family-building goals. Her research interests include healthcare disparities in fertility treatment, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and fertility preservation. Dr. Gadson is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (SREI). 

Rockville

Dr. Oluyemisi (Yemi) Famuyiwa (Montgomery Fertility Center) 

Dr. Famuyiwa is the founder of the Montgomery Fertility Center in Rockville, MD. Dr. Famuyiwa is also the Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at George Washington University School of Medicine and an attending physician at Holy Cross Hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Silver Spring, MD. She is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, obstetrics, and gynecology. Dr. Famuyiwa is at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art care based on emergent and ongoing new technologies and research. This is based on a philosophy to provide exceptional care in the most compassionate manner in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for her patients. Her work has been recognized by numerous awards. She received the Women in Endocrinology Travel Award in 1996 during the 10th international Congress of Endocrinology.

Massachusetts

Boston

Kim Thornton, MD (Boston IVF)

Dr. Kim Thornton is a board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at Boston IVF and an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. She specializes in all aspects of fertility care.

Josette Dawkins, MD (Boston IVF)

Josette Dawkins, MD (she/her) is a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Boston IVF. Double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology/Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, she specializes in all aspects of infertility treatment and family building care. Prior to joining Boston IVF, she served as the medical director for Baystate Reproductive Medicine in Springfield, MA. Her special interest is in onco-fertility.

Michigan

Ann Arbor

Erica E. Marsh, M.D., M.S.C.I., F.A.C.O.G. (University of Michigan)

Dr. Marsh is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She attended Harvard College where she graduated magna cum laude followed by Harvard Medical School where she graduated cum laude in 2001. She then completed her residency at the Integrated OBGYN Residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in 2005. After residency, Dr. Marsh completed a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Northwestern University. During this time, Dr. Marsh also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) from Northwestern University. After completing fellowship in 2008, Dr. Marsh joined the faculty at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

Detroit

Dr. Awoniyi Awonuga MD, FRCOG, FACOG (Wayne State / Kindbody)

Dr. Awonuga is a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). He is the Kamran S. Moghissi, MD, Endowed Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology in REI. He received his medical degree from the University of Ibadan Medical School in Nigeria in 1979. He later completed residency in Ob/Gyn at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and a residency (Ob/Gyn) and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) in the United Kingdom. He is an accredited Specialist in Ob/Gyn in the United Kingdom and he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Dr. Awonuga completed residency in Ob/Gyn at Maimonides Medical Center in New York and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Wayne State University. 

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Fabiola Balmir, MD, FACOG (Kindbody)

Originally from New York, Dr. Balmir is a graduate of Columbia University. She earned her medical degree at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Her residency was at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York where she trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology and was also inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her training with fellowship at Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Balmir was Director of Medical Education and Outreach at an academic practice in Pittsburgh, PA. Her dedication to excellent patient experience is driven by the connections she forms with patients over the course of their care. She is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge of all their reproductive options. In her free time, Dr. Balmir enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs. She is fluent in French.

Nevada

Las Vegas

Dr. Cindy M. Duke, M.D.,Ph.D., FACOG (Nevada Fertility Institute)

Dr. Duke is the Founder + Chief Executive Officer of the Nevada Fertility Institute. She is a physician-scientist who is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and fellowship- trained in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In addition to fostering hope with her clinical family-building expertise, she is empowering her global village by promoting fertility awareness through social media and community outreach.

Eva Littman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. (Red Rock Fertility)

As the Founder and Practice Director of Red Rock Fertility Center, Dr. Eva Littman has successfully guided the center to produce many successful pregnancies. Dr. Littman also specializes in challenging cases where the patient has less than a five percent chance of pregnancy and helps them welcome new lives into their families. Dr. Littman offers an outstanding level of empathy and a broader amount of compassion for her patients given that she has personally undergone some of the procedures involved with fertility treatment. Dr. Littman has three children of her own and she understands the desires of her patients to conceive.

New Jersey

Jersey City

Stephanie Marshall Thompson, MD (IRMS)

Stephanie M. Thompson, MD is a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist at The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS). She is an attending physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, and Board Certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Thompson received her undergraduate degree in Spanish from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC and her medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University Medical Center and completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School.

Dr. Jasmine Aly, MD, FACOG (CCRM | IRMS)

Dr. Aly holds the rare distinction of being a triple-specialized physician as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, and Medical Geneticist. She joined CCRM | IRMS in 2024 as Regional Director of Clinical Reproductive Genetics and is located in Jersey City, NJ. Upon earning her medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Aly went on to complete her residency at the Cooper University Hospital, where she was honored as Resident of the Year and served as Chief Resident. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Aly completed a Research Fellowship in advanced basic science techniques at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). Her primary focus centered on fibroids, culminating in the identification and publication of a novel tumor suppressor gene.

Marlton / Princeton

Michael Simoni, M.D. (Reproductive Medicine Associates)

Dr. Michael Simoni, who completed his medical school training at Harvard Medical School, his OB/GYN residency at the Yale School of Medicine and his REI fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, is passionate about translational research and authentic patient care. Practicing out of RMA New Jersey’s Marlton  and Princeton offices, Dr. Simoni provides RMA patients the full spectrum of fertility care, specializing in embryo implantation issues such as Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF).

New York

Ghoshen

Ndidiamaka Onwubalili, MD (University Reproductive Associates)

Ndidiamaka Onwubalili, MD, is a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, and an essential team member at University Reproductive Associates. Dr. Onwubalili works with patients through the Millburn, Denville, New Jersey, and Goshen, New York offices, providing personalized care in a warm and welcoming manner. 

New York City

Dr. Melvin Thornton (Global Fertility)

Dr. Melvin Thornton has over 25  years of experience in the fertility field, including 15 years with the Columbia University IVF program as Medical Director and as Director of their donor egg program. He has helped many intended parents throughout the world build their families. His patients describe him as a reassuring, caring, and a personable physician. 

Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH (RMA of New York)

Tia Jackson-Bey MD, MPH is a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist and obstetrician gynecologist who cares for patients at RMA of New York's Brooklyn office. Dr. Jackson-Bey is passionate about reproductive justice and increasing access to fertility care for all.

Ashley Wiltshire, MD (Columbia University)

Ashley Wiltshire, MD is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist and a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. She earned her medical degree at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Conn. and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. Prior to joining Columbia University Fertility Center, she completed her subspecialty training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at NYU Langone Health in New York City.

Nataki C. Douglas, MD, PhD (URA)

Dr. Douglas is a graduate of the Yale School of Medicine MD/PhD program. She completed her OBGYN residency and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Columbia University Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Douglas entered the world of REI while conducting research for her PhD thesis at Yale.  With the combination of her thesis work in the field of  immunology and her role as a teaching assistant for a course entitled “Biology of Reproduction”, Dr. Douglas became fascinated with all the unanswered questions about the science of female reproduction. Her clinical rotations convinced her that women’s health and more specifically, women’s infertility was to be her focus.  She is a board-certified REI subspecialist with over 10 years of clinical experience.

North Carolina

Charlotte

Dr. Matrika Johnson, M.D. (Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas)

Dr. Matrika D. Johnson, M.D. is the founding physician of Reproductive Specialists of the Carolinas. Dr. Johnson is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Johnson completed her undergraduate training at Davidson College and was recognized as a Davidson scholar. She later earned her medical degree from Wright State University and received the Janet C. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Award for her academic achievements.

Luwam Ghidei, MD (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Center for Fertility and Reproductive Surgery)‍

Dr. Ghidei has the training and experience to diagnose and treat all infertility causes, with a specific interest in recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, fertility preservation, third-party reproduction, and resolving healthcare disparities. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School before completing an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as a Master of Science in clinical investigation at Baylor College of Medicine.

Raleigh / Durham

Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry (UNC Fertility)

Dr. Genevieve Neal-Perry has more than 20 years of experience in women’s health and reproduction. Dr. Neal-Perry is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology, as well as Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She completed her residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center and attended Yeshiva University for her fellowship program. Dr. Neal-Perry currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNC. During her time as a resident and fellow, Dr. Neal-Perry was the recipient of numerous honors and awards in both areas of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Neal-Perry has also published numerous articles on women’s health and reproduction.

Ohio

Michael Thomas, MD (University of Cincinnati College of Medicine)

Michael A. Thomas, MD, is Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Thomas has been named one of the Best Doctors in America for nine consecutive years, an honor bestowed on 4 percent of physicians in the United States. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and was a resident at Wayne State University in Detroit. Dr. Thomas completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and is board certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Pennsylvania

Allentown

Ndeye-Aicha Gueye (RMA)

Dr. Ndeye-Aicha Gueye is board-certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and lead physician at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Pennsylvania. She earned her Doctor of Medicine and completed her residency at Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, NJ.  During her residency she received numerous research and teaching awards, such as the Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award in Recognition for Excellence and Compassion in Patient Care and Commitment to Teaching.  She was also recognized for her surgical skills and received the award for minimally invasive surgery from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopy (AAGL).  She stayed on staff after her completion of residency and was presented with the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO). Dr. Gueye is also a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society.

Hershey

Samantha Butts, MD MSCE (Penn State Health)

Samantha Butts, MD MSCE is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In this role, she specializes in treating individuals and couples who require fertility treatments in order to achieve pregnancy. She has extensive experience providing the full spectrum of state-of-the art infertility treatment services to meet the needs of those seeking care who are single, coupled, LGBTQ, and those whose complex medical histories impact their reproductive health. These treatments include ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing and egg and embryo cryopreservation. As a reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Butts also has expertise in managing conditions such as amenorrhea, premature ovarian failure, surgical menopause, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine fibroids. Prior to joining the team at Hershey Medical Center, Dr. Butts spent 15 years as a member of the University of Pennsylvania Reproductive Endocrinology faculty group where she established a busy clinical practice and a successful research program studying factors that influence fertility, early pregnancy and reproductive aging.

Pittsburgh

Terrence D Lewis, MD (AHN)

Terrence D. Lewis, MD, PhD, FACOG is the medical director for the AHN Center for Reproductive Medicine and a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. His special clinical interests include polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and implantation failure. He is skilled at female/male infertility, artificial insemination, IVF, and donor oocytes/sperm. Dr. Lewis received his PhD in pathology and laboratory medicine from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his MD at The George Washington University School of Medicine. He did his residency at The Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Breonna Nicolette Slocum, MD (UPMC)

Breonna Slocum, MD, specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She practices at UPMC Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology and is affiliated with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC East and UPMC Altoona. Dr. Slocum received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed her residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, followed by a fellowship at the University of Michigan Health System.

Robert Collins, MD (UPMC)

Dr. Collins specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and is board-certified in reproductive endocrinology/infertility and obstetrics and gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He practices at UPMC Magee-Womens Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology and UPMC Center for Fertility & Reproductive Endocrinology and is affiliated with UPMC Altoona, UPMC Horizon and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Dr. Collins completed his fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center - National Capital Consortium.

Philadelphia

Selina Davis, MD (Jefferson Health)

Dr. Davis specializes in providing full spectrum obstetrics and gynecological care. She is passionate about equal care for Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. Dr. Davis’ practice areas and interests include: menopause, sexual health and LGBTQ+ health care. She teaches residents and medical students at the Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia campus. Dr. Davis takes a trauma-informed approach, and is sensitive to the needs of her general and high-risk OB/GYN patients. She feels a patient’s background and beliefs are important considerations when discussing their health and treatment options.

South Carolina

Greenville

Dr. Lisa Green (Fertility Center of the Carolinas)

Dr. Lisa Green is an infertility specialist who offers patients a combination of excellent clinical expertise, strong research experience, and warm personal care. She is Board-Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology as a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist. Dr. Green takes pride in offering comprehensive fertility care, with a particular interest in LGBTQIA+ family building and fertility preservation. She currently serves as one of the Associate Program Directors for the Prima Health- Upstate OBGYN program and the Chair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Sub-committee​ of Prisma-Upstate Graduate Medical Education Committee.

Texas

Austin

Deborah Ikhena-Abel, MD (Aspire Fertility)

Dr. Ikhena-Abel earned her medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, followed by her Ob/Gyn residency at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine in Worcester, MA. She further honed her expertise with a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwestern University. Dr. Ikhena-Abel is deeply committed to assisting her patients in growing their families, destigmatizing infertility and pregnancy loss, and providing comprehensive education on the medical and mental health aspects of these journeys.

Dallas

Tiffanny Jones, MD (Concieve Fertility Center)

Tiffanny Jones, MD FACOG, is a board-certified and distinguished physician and reproductive specialist with a passion for women’s health. Her expertise in Obstetrics & Gynecology, coupled with her specialization in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, has made her a leading figure in the field of reproductive medicine. With a commitment to providing the highest quality care, Dr. Jones has dedicated her career to helping individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Tolulope Bakare, MD (Posterity Health)

Tolu Bakare, MD, is a reproductive urologist (men’s fertility specialist) who graduated from Penn State College of Medicine and completed her urology residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Bakare did her fellowship at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, where she received expert training in andrology, male infertility, microsurgery, and men’s health. She is passionate about treating males and helping them fulfill their family goals.

Houston

S. Kemi Nurudeen, MD (Aspire Fertility)

Dr. Nurudeen graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University and earned her medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine. She completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. where she was selected Chief Resident. Dr. Nurudeen went on to complete a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the New York Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

Janet Bruno-Gaston, M.D., MSCI (Shady Grove Fertility)

Janet Bruno-Gaston, M.D., MSCI, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Bruno-Gaston received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, where she was recognized as a Community Health Honors Scholar for her work with health care disparities. She then pursued her residency in OB/GYN at the University of Southern California where she completed training at the LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. While there, Dr. Bruno-Gaston earned numerous teaching and leadership awards and was elected Chief Resident. Dr. Bruno-Gaston completed her fellowship in REI while earning her Master of Science in Clinical Investigation degree at Baylor College of Medicine.

Terri Lynn Woodard, MD (Texas Children’s)

Dr. Terri L. Woodard holds a joint appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Baylor College of Medicine and the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center. As a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, she has a specific interest in fertility preservation for reproductive age individuals diagnosed with cancer. She offers fertility counseling prior to cancer treatment, as well as comprehensive fertility preservation and family-building services for men and women whose reproductive potential may or may have been impacted by cancer or its treatment.

San Antonio

Aimee Browne, MD (Aspire Fertility)

Dr. Browne received both a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Medical Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Motivated by her interest in reproductive medicine, Dr. Browne completed her four-year Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Emory University in Atlanta. During her Fellowship she received excellent clinical training in in-vitro fertilization, minimally invasive surgery, and endocrine disorders. She is Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and also in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Utah

Salt Lake City‍

Yetunde Ibrahim, MD (Utah Fertility)

Dr. Ibrahim is passionate about the rapidly evolving field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has special clinical interests in assisted reproductive technology, fertility preservation and advanced hysteroscopy. Her philosophy of practice is patient-centric and enhancing the patient experience while they undergo their individualized journey towards parenthood.

Washington

Seattle

Dr. Gloria Richard-Davis (UAMS Medical Center)

Dr. Richard-Davis is a native of south Louisiana, born in Opelousas and grew up in Baton Rouge. She is the Executive Director for the UAMS Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is also a tenured Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, as well as Medical Director for the Physician Assistants program. She joined the UAMS faculty in January 2013. She is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology. She previously served as Professor and Chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Meharry Medical College and Executive Director for Center for Women Health Research (CWHR) from January 2007 – 2012. The CWHR was and remains the only center fully focused on conditions affecting women of color. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Richard-Davis served as the Section Head of Reproductive Health Services for Ochsner Clinic Foundation and the Medical Director of the Fertility Center at Ochsner from 2000-2007 in New Orleans. She was Assistant Dean in Student Affairs and Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tulane University School of Medicine from 1994 – 1998.

Washington D.C.

Army Lt. Col. Torie Comeaux  Plowden, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.O.G. (Walter Reed Medical Center)

Torie Comeaux Plowden, MD/MPH, FACOG is double board certified in obstetrics/gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). She has clinical interests in fibroids, infertility and sexual health and is active in clinical and epidemiological research. She completed residency at Tripler Army Medical Center and an REI fellowship at NIH. Dr. Plowden has over 40 publications in peer reviewed journals and is an Associate Professor in Ob/Gyn at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. In June 2021, she completed her tenure as Chief of the Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics Department at Womack Army Medical Center in North Carolina transitioned back to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where she serves as the Director of the REI Division and Deputy Department Chief. In July 2022 she took over as the Interim Fellowship Director of the NIH's REI program, which is the largest REI fellowship in the country.

Canada

Toronto

Dr. Marjorie Dixon (Anova Fertility)

Dr. Marjorie Dixon is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist with an Accredited Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. In 2016, Dr. Dixon founded Anova Fertility & Reproductive Health, the leading fertility and IVF center in Canada. As Founder, CEO, and Medical Director, she propelled Anova to the forefront of innovative reproductive care. She was honored to receive and be recognized with the Mathias Gysler Award in 2022 for improving access to reproductive care for all Canadians. In 2017, Dr. Dixon was recognized as the YMCA Woman of Distinction. She was also awarded with the Globe & Mail’s Quantum Shift Class of 2019, RBC’s Canadian Women of Influence Momentum Award in 2018, the Top 100 Most Powerful Women 2023, the Compass Rose Entrepreneur award in 2024 and recently the Women of Inspiration award for excellence in Entrepreneurship, in 2024.

Dr. Tanya Williams (Dr. Tanya Williams Fertility Centre)

Dr. Williams has been practicing Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology in Toronto since 1993. Recognizing the needs of couples in Toronto and Durham, she has expanded her training and practice to focus on treatment of patients with infertility and related issues. Dr. Williams offers patients thorough investigation and the most up-to-date treatments using a caring and sensitive approach.

Dr. Alice Buwembo (Twig Fertility)

Dr. Buwembo is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist (REI) with a passion for helping people achieve their dream of conceiving. Her gentle approach focuses on empowering patients along their journey, using evidence-based medicine to provide compassionate, personalized fertility care. Originally from Saskatchewan, Dr. Buwembo pursued her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa. She then completed a Master’s in Neuroscience at McGill University before attending medical school in Cork, Ireland. Her medical training continued with a residency in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and a fellowship in Gynaecologic Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, both at McMaster University.

Vancouver

Shannel Adams, MD (PNW Fertility)

Shannel R. Adams, MD, FACOG is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Highly skilled in all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Adams has a particular expertise and interest in third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, male fertility, and holistic care of both mind and body. Dr. Adams graduated from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in Ethics and went on to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed residency at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine and her REI fellowship at the University of Cincinnati.

Waterloo

Victor Shola Akinsooto, MBBS, FCOG, FRCSC (ONE Fertility)

Dr Victor Shola Akinsooto is a Royal College of Physician & Surgeons of Canada certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist. He started his medical education at University of Ilorin where he obtained the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree. After his residency at University of Natal, he was admitted as a Fellow of the South African College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Following his Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada certification in Obstetrics & Gynecology, he had a 2 year subspecialty fellowship in Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at McMaster University.

Read more:

• Understanding Black IVF Outcomes: Research, Disparities, And Progress
• Resources for Black Families Undergoing IVF
• ​​How Do You Know if an IVF Clinic's Lab is Good? Here Are The Questions to Ask

If you're exploring IVF, you may have heard about karyotype testing. This chromosomal analysis provides valuable information about genetic health, but many people aren't sure what it involves or how it differs from other genetic screening options.

This article explains what karyotype testing is, how it's performed, and its role in fertility treatment. We'll cover how it differs from genetic carrier screening, why some clinics require it for egg donors, and what the results can tell you about your genetic health.

What is karyotype testing?

Karyotype testing is a type of genetic test that examines the number and structure of chromosomes in your cells. These thread-like structures carry your genetic information, with normal human cells containing 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. Half of each pair comes from the egg, and half from the sperm.

During the test, a medical professional takes a small blood sample. Lab technicians then culture these cells, arrest them during cell division when chromosomes are visible, and arrange photographs of the chromosomes in pairs. This arranged display of chromosomes is called a karyotype.

The process reveals several key pieces of information:

• The total number of chromosomes
• The size and shape of each chromosome
• The arrangement of bands or patterns on the chromosomes
• Any structural changes or abnormalities

Sometimes karyotype testing is called genetic testing, chromosome testing, chromosome studies, or cytogenetic analysis.

What abnormalities can karyotype testing detect?

Karyotype testing can identify several types of chromosomal changes:

• Aneuploidy: Having extra or missing chromosomes. For example, an individual with a third copy of chromosome 21 would have Down syndrome (also known as Trisomy 21). A female with only one X chromosome would have Turner syndrome (also known as Monosomy X).. 
• Structural changes: These include broken, missing, or extra parts, known as deletions or translocations. They can cause a variety of problems depending on which chromosome is affected. These changes can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and child development.

The purpose of the test is to rule out these abnormalities to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy child. 

How karyotype testing differs from genetic carrier screening 

While both karyotype testing and genetic carrier screening evaluate genetic health, they look at different aspects.

Karyotype testing examines the big picture - the number and structure of entire chromosomes. It can identify major changes like missing or extra chromosomes, or structural rearrangements that affect large segments of genetic material.

Genetic carrier screening, on the other hand, looks for specific mutations within individual genes. These mutations might be very small changes in DNA sequence that could cause inherited conditions, even if the chromosome structure appears normal. A carrier screen will either be targeted (looking for a specific specific gene for a particular disease) or a broader panel of a few dozen to hundreds of genetic conditions.

Think of it this way: karyotype testing is like checking if you have the right number of books (chromosomes) on your shelf and if they're all intact. Genetic carrier screening is like checking specific pages within those books for typos (mutations) that could affect how the genetic information is read.

Why clinics might require karyotype testing

Some fertility clinics require karyotype testing for egg donors, while others consider it optional. Here's why it can be valuable:

• Preventing genetic disorders: Some chromosomal abnormalities can lead to serious developmental conditions. Karyotype testing helps ensure donors don't carry these abnormalities.
• Reducing miscarriage risk: Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of early pregnancy loss. By screening donors' chromosomes, clinics can reduce the risk of miscarriage due to chromosomal issues.
• Complementing carrier screening: While karyotype testing identifies large chromosomal abnormalities, genetic carrier screening helps detect recessive genetic disorders. When used together, these two types of screening combine to provide more comprehensive genetic evaluation to increase the odds of achieving a viable pregnancy and healthy child.
• Supporting informed decisions: Results help intended parents and donors make informed choices about fertility treatment.

Obtaining both female and male karyotypes is generally advised. By testing both partners (or donors), intended parents can get the information they need to make informed decisions about their fertility and their future.

Who needs a karyotype test performed?

Several groups of people may benefit from karyotype testing:

• Egg donors: Many clinics require karyotype testing for donors to screen for chromosomal abnormalities that could affect embryo development.
• People experiencing infertility: Doctors may recommend karyotype testing to determine if chromosomal factors are contributing to difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss.
• People with family history: Those with a family history of chromosomal conditions or genetic disorders may want testing before starting fertility treatment.
• Children with developmental concerns: Healthcare providers might recommend karyotype testing to identify potential chromosomal causes of developmental delays or other medical conditions.

The testing process

Getting a karyotype test is straightforward:

1. A healthcare provider draws a small blood sample

2. The lab cultures blood cells for about 1-2 weeks

3. Technicians examine cells under a microscope during cell division

4. They photograph and analyze the chromosomes

5. A genetics specialist interprets the results

Results typically take 2-3 weeks. Your healthcare provider will explain what any findings mean for your fertility treatment plans.

Understanding results

Normal results show 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs, written as 46,XX for females or 46,XY for males. Abnormal results indicate variations in chromosome number or structure.

Some variations may not cause health problems, while others might affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes. A genetic counselor can help explain the significance of any abnormal findings.

Limitations of karyotype testing

While valuable, karyotype testing has some limitations. For example, It can't detect small genetic changes that genetic carrier screening might find. Some genetic conditions occur due to tiny DNA changes invisible at the chromosome level.

Plus, results aren't always black and white. Some chromosomal variations have unclear effects on health or fertility.

The test may also miss some mosaic conditions, where some cells have normal chromosomes while others don't.

Making informed decisions

Remember that karyotype testing is just one tool in genetic screening. Used alongside other tests like genetic carrier screening, it helps provide a clearer picture of genetic health and supports informed fertility decisions.

Find out more about donor egg IVF with Cofertility by taking our quick quiz. Our team can help you understand your options and connect you with qualified healthcare providers.

Making sense of fertility statistics can feel overwhelming, but numbers help tell the story of donor egg IVF in the United States. From success rates to costs, demographic trends to treatment guidelines, data provides valuable insights for those considering this path to parenthood. Let’s look at the numbers that shape donor egg IVF today.

10,000: Annual births from donor eggs

In 2021, nearly 10,000 babies were born in the United States through donor egg IVF. This represents approximately 1 in 373 births nationwide, highlighting how this treatment has become an established family-building option.

25%: Percent of IVF moms over 40 who used donor eggs

For women over 40 pursuing IVF, donor eggs often provide the best chance of success. Data shows that 25% of women in this age group who succeeded with IVF did so using donor eggs. This statistic reflects the significant impact of egg quality on treatment outcomes.

6: Components of medical screening

Comprehensive medical screening forms the foundation of successful donor egg IVF, typically requiring hours of medical appointments and evaluations spread over several weeks or months. This thorough process protects both donors and recipients while optimizing treatment success rates. Medical screening includes:

• Genetic testing
• Infectious disease screening
• Psychological evaluation
• Physical examination
• Family medical history review
• Fertility assessment

Read more in How Does Cofertility Screen Egg Donors?

54%: Live birth rates with fresh donor egg

This may sound low, but donor egg IVF has the highest success rate of any fertility treatment. For an average woman with diminished ovarian reserve, the chances of live birth after one donor egg cycle is 54% for recipients under 40. Rates of pregnancy with donor eggs are higher at every age. Several factors influence success:

• Donor age and health status
• Sperm quality
• Recipient uterine health
• Clinic protocols and expertise
• Number of embryos transferred
• Embryo quality

21-34: Age requirements for egg donors

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) sets clear age guidelines for egg donors:

• Minimum age: 21 years old
• Maximum age: 34 years old

These parameters aim to optimize success rates while protecting donor health and autonomy. The minimum age ensures donors can make informed decisions about participation, while the maximum age increases the chances there will be enough high quality eggs.

Read more in Why Egg Donor Age Matters (And Why It Doesn't)

6: Maximum number of egg donation cycles a donor should go through

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends limiting donors to six egg retrieval cycles in their lifetime. This guideline stems from medical concerns about the cumulative effects of ovarian stimulation and retrieval procedures. 

Most donors at Cofertility complete two cycles, well within these safety parameters. This also limits the number of biological half siblings that your donor conceived children may have, a fact that’s important to many of our intended parents and donors alike. 

84.2%: Percent of donor egg embryos that are chromosomally normal

Research shows that 84.2% of donor egg blastocysts are chromosomally normal (euploid), while 15.8% are abnormal (aneuploid). Breaking down the numbers:

• 97.1% egg survival rate after thaw
• 59.1% of embryos reach the blastocyst stage
• On average, 9 donor eggs yield about 4-5 chromosomally normal embryos

83.3%: Egg sharing donors who would donate again

Research on egg share donors' experiences reveals high satisfaction levels: 83.3% would donate again, while only 2.1% reported regret about their decision to participate. These numbers suggest that with proper screening and support, most egg share donors feel positive about their choice to help others build families.

62%: Portion of donor-conceived people who feel the exchange of money for donor gametes is wrong

A 2021 Harvard study found that 62% of donor-conceived adults felt the exchange of money for donor gametes was wrong, and 41% were troubled by the fact that money was exchanged around their conception. 

This is why we created our Split program.  This unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

$5,000: Recommended compensation guidelines

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests donor compensation should not exceed $5,000 per cycle in the United States. This contrasts sharply with European guidelines, where compensation averages around 900 euros per cycle. These differences reflect varying approaches to egg donation globally, from more commercial U.S. models to altruistic European frameworks. Despite this, compensation for egg donation has been steadily rising and can vary based on a donor’s education or heritage. 

At Cofertility, our program is unique in that our donors do not receive cash compensation. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing. By allowing our donors to freeze their eggs as part of the process, our unique model honors everyone involved. Plus, the process with Cofertility will never cost more based on the donor’s background. 

12: Average number of mature eggs a Cofertility family receives in our fresh Split program

In Cofertility’s fresh program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. Some intended parents want to do two egg retrievals with the donor which is definitely possible. We also ask each of our donors whether they are open to a second cycle as part of the initial application — many report that they are!

While you can agree to complete two cycles upfront, many matches who are interested in two cycles choose to see how many eggs are retrieved in the first cycle and go from there. If, for any reason, the eggs retrieved in that round do not lead to a live birth, our Baby Guarantee will kick in and we’ll re-match you at no additional Cofertility coordination fee.

Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility

At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.

Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

We aim to be the best egg-sharing program, providing an experience that honors, respects, and uplifts everyone involved. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Human-centered. We didn’t like the status quo in egg donation. So we’re doing things differently, starting with our human-centered matching platform.
• Donor empowerment. Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.
• Diversity: We’re proud of the fact that the donors on our platform are as diverse as the intended parents seeking to match with them. We work with intended parents to understand their own cultural values — including regional nuances — in hopes of finding them the perfect match.
• Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
• Lifetime support: Historically, other egg donation options have treated egg donor matching as a one-and-done experience. Beyond matching, beyond a pregnancy, beyond a birth…we believe in supporting the donor-conceived family for life. Our resources and education provide intended parents with the guidance they need to raise happy, healthy kids and celebrate their origin stories.

We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account to get started today!

The choice between fresh and frozen embryo transfer is a key decision in the IVF process. While both approaches have proven successful, recent research shows shifting success rates and evolving recommendations. This article looks at the differences between fresh and frozen transfers, their respective benefits and limitations, and how to determine which option might be right for you.

What's the difference between a fresh and frozen embryo transfer?

During IVF, fertility medications help the ovaries produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. Over several days, these fertilized eggs develop into embryos, growing from a single cell to a complex structure of hundreds of cells called a blastocyst. At this point, your doctor will either proceed with a fresh transfer of the embryo to your uterus (or the uterus of a gestational carrier) or freeze the embryos for a later transfer.

In a fresh embryo transfer, the embryo is transferred to the uterus immediately after fertilization and development in the lab, typically 3-5 days after egg retrieval. The process aligns with your natural cycle and the hormonal stimulation used for egg retrieval.

Frozen embryo transfer (FET), on the other hand, involves freezing embryos immediately after they reach the blastocyst stage. They're then thawed and transferred in a subsequent cycle, which can be weeks or years later. This allows families the chance to do genetic testing on the embryos. 

Can you do a fresh embryo transfer from frozen eggs?

Yes, you can do a fresh embryo transfer using frozen eggs. This is common when working with frozen donor eggs or when using your own previously frozen eggs. In this scenario, the frozen eggs are thawed and fertilized with sperm. The resulting embryos are cultured in the lab and transferred to the uterus without ever being frozen. This is considered a fresh embryo transfer because the embryo itself was never frozen, even though the eggs started out frozen.

How we define “fresh” vs. “frozen” transfers can be confusing. The "fresh vs. frozen" designation refers specifically to whether the embryo was frozen, not the eggs or sperm used to create it. 

Here's a simple way to think about it:

• If the embryo was frozen at any point before transfer = Frozen embryo transfer
• If the embryo was never frozen before transfer = Fresh embryo transfer

This classification stays the same whether you're using fresh or frozen eggs, donor or own eggs, or fresh or frozen sperm. The key factor is whether the embryo itself was frozen.

When using frozen eggs, you have two main options:

1. Thaw the eggs, create embryos, freeze them, and transfer in a subsequent cycle
2. Synchronize the egg thawing with either a natural or medicated cycle, allowing embryo transfer without an additional freeze

The key factor in determining your approach will be the synchronization of embryo development with optimal endometrial receptivity, which your clinic will carefully plan based on your specific circumstances.

Success rates between fresh and frozen embryo transfers

A clinical study from 2024 looked at whether there's any real difference between doing a fresh embryo transfer versus freezing all embryos and doing a frozen transfer later. They specifically looked at cases where genetic testing (PGT-A) of the embryos wasn't done, studying over 8,000 patients having their first IVF transfer.

The key finding was simple: both approaches worked equally well. Live birth rates were about the same - 44% for fresh transfers and 46% for frozen transfers. This held true across different age groups and even when patients had different levels of estrogen during their IVF cycles.

The researchers concluded that doctors and patients can choose either approach for a first IVF cycle. However, they note that certain situations might still favor freezing all embryos, like when there's a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or when hormone levels aren't optimal. The choice should be based on each patient's specific situation after a thorough discussion with their doctor.

An interesting point about cost was mentioned too - different healthcare systems saw different cost implications. In some places, fresh transfers were more economical, while in others, the frozen approach made more financial sense.

However, ethnicity may play a role in outcomes. In 2016, I wrote a paper comparing South Asian and Caucasian women undergoing frozen embryo transfers and found interesting differences. While first-time frozen transfer cycles showed similar success rates (43% live birth rate for both groups), South Asian women who had previously undergone fresh transfers had significantly lower live birth rates compared to Caucasian women (21% vs. 37%). The study included 196 Caucasian and 117 South Asian women, with South Asian women being generally younger (34.9 vs. 37.1 years) and more likely to be nulliparous (59% vs. 43%).

Benefits of frozen embryo transfer

• Time for genetic testing: A frozen transfer allows time for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), which can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
• Lower risk of OHSS: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a potential complication of fertility medications. Although today the overall risk is very low, if you are both the one retrieving eggs and having embryos transferred to your uterus, doing a FET can reduce this risk.
• Scheduling flexibility: You can plan the transfer around your schedule, and take time to prepare your body optimally for pregnancy.
• Storage for future family building: Extra embryos can be stored for future transfers if you want more children later.

Benefits of fresh embryo transfer

• Faster timeline: Since there's no waiting period between egg retrieval and transfer, you could potentially achieve pregnancy sooner.
• Lower initial costs: Without freezing and storage fees, the upfront costs are typically lower.
• Fewer procedures: The embryo doesn't go through the freeze-thaw process, which some patients prefer.
• Slightly better outcomes: Research has shown that for some people with diminished ovarian reserve, fresh embryo transfer may be beneficial. However, for most people, frozen embryo transfer outcomes are better.

Questions to ask your doctor

This decision shouldn't be made alone. Your doctor knows your specific medical history, test results, and circumstances. They can help guide you toward the option that makes the most sense for your situation. What works best for one patient might not be ideal for another, which is why it's important to have an open discussion with your healthcare team about your specific case.

To make an informed decision, consider asking:

• Based on my age and health history, which approach do you recommend?
• What are my personal success rates likely to be with each method?
• How might my hormone levels affect success rates?
• What are the cost differences for my specific situation?
• If we choose fresh transfer, can we freeze any remaining embryos?
• What's your clinic's success rate with each method?

Making your decision

While we outlined various factors that might influence the choice between fresh and frozen transfer, it's important to remember one key point: The research shows that both approaches work well, with very similar success rates. This means that of all the many decisions you'll face during your fertility journey, this isn't one you need to stress about - both paths can lead to success.

The decision between the two approaches should be based on medical evidence, personal circumstances, and careful consultation with your fertility clinic. As technology advances and success rates continue to improve, both options remain valid paths to building your family.

The use of donor eggs has become increasingly common in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), donor egg IVF accounts for approximately 12% of all IVF cycles in the United States. This percentage has been steadily rising, reflecting both advancements in medical technology and changing societal norms around family building.

As the CEO of Cofertility, every day I talk to individuals and couples seeking information about donor egg IVF. This guide aims to demystify the process and answer the top questions I get about this increasingly common fertility treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donor Egg IVF

Q1 What is donor egg IVF?!

Donor egg IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a fertility treatment where eggs from a donor are combined with sperm to create embryos, which are then transferred to the intended mother's uterus or a gestational carrier. This process offers hope to those who cannot use their own eggs due to various factors such as advanced maternal age, diminished ovarian reserve, or genetic concerns. It's also a vital option for same-sex male couples and single men who wish to become parents, as well as for women who are unable to produce their own eggs for medical reasons.

Q2 Who might consider donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF can be an option for:

• Women over 40 with reduced egg quality or quantity
• Women with premature ovarian failure or early menopause
• Same-sex male couples 
• Individuals with a history of unsuccessful IVF cycles using their own eggs
• Those with certain genetic conditions they wish to avoid passing on
• Single men 

Q3: How much does donor egg IVF cost?

The cost of donor egg IVF can vary widely depending on factors such as location, clinic, and whether you're using a fresh or frozen donor egg cycle. For a detailed breakdown of pricing at Cofertility, view our pricing page.

Unlike other agencies, Cofertility offers a baby guarantee. If at any point along your egg donation journey, something out of your control prevents you from bringing your baby home, we’ll re-match you for free or we’ll offer you a full or partial refund if you do not move forward with another donor.

To read more about Cofertility’s Baby Guarantee, including how it applies to our fresh and frozen egg donation programs, click here.

Q4: How are egg donors screened?

Egg donors undergo extensive screening, including:

• Medical history review
• Physical examination
• Infectious disease testing
• Genetic carrier screening
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug screening

At Cofertility, we ensure all our donors meet the highest standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Q5: Can I choose the characteristics of my egg donor?

Yes, to varying degrees. You can typically select donors based on physical characteristics, educational background, personal interests, and more. However, it's important to remember that genetics is complex, and a child may or may not inherit specific traits from a donor. Sometimes even biological children look NOTHING like their parents. 

Q6: Will the baby be genetically related to me?

If you're the egg recipient, the baby will not be genetically related to you but will be genetically related to the egg donor and the sperm provider. However, if you carry the pregnancy, you'll still have a biological connection through epigenetics and the gestational bond.

Q7: What's the difference between fresh and frozen donor eggs?

Fresh donor eggs are retrieved and fertilized immediately, requiring synchronization between the donor and recipient's cycles. Frozen donor eggs are eggs that have been previously retrieved, frozen, and stored. Frozen eggs offer more flexibility in timing and can be more cost-effective, while fresh cycles may have slightly higher success rates.

Read more: Cofertility’s Fresh Vs. Frozen Egg Donation Program: Which is Right for Me?

Q8: How many eggs does a donor typically provide?

In Cofertility’s fresh program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. Some intended parents want to do two egg retrievals with the donor which is definitely possible. We also ask each of our donors whether they are open to a second cycle as part of the initial application — many report that they are!

In Cofertility’s frozen program, you will know how many eggs there are available in advance, with the minimum being 6. 

Q9: Can I meet my egg donor?

At most egg donation agencies, no. But at Cofertility, we believe in the importance of openness and offer options for various levels of contact between donors and recipients, always prioritizing the comfort levels of all parties involved.

You and the donor may choose to meet as part of the match process. Most our match meetings happen over Zoom, with a Member Advocate in the meeting to help facilitate. Other match meetings happen on the phone. Either way, the meeting can be facilitated with or without sharing contact information. Some intended parents choose not to meet but to instead share information about themselves via a letter, slides, or video to their donor. 

Q10: What are the risks of donor egg IVF?

For egg donors, risks are similar to those of standard IVF, including potential side effects from fertility medications and minor risks associated with the egg retrieval procedure. For recipients, risks are primarily related to the embryo transfer and pregnancy itself. Your fertility doctor will discuss all potential risks in detail.

Q11: What are the success rates of donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF generally has higher success rates compared to IVF using a woman's own eggs, especially for older women. Success rates can vary but are often around 50-60% per transfer, regardless of the recipient parent’s age.

Read more in IVF Success Rates by Age

The Cofertility difference

At Cofertility, we're committed to making donor egg IVF more accessible and human-centered. Our unique egg sharing program allows women to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the retrieved eggs to an intended parent. This approach not only makes egg freezing more accessible for our donors but also provides high-quality eggs to those who need them.

We prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and support for all parties involved in the donor egg process. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from selecting a donor to navigating the medical procedures and beyond.

If you have more questions about donor egg IVF or want to explore your options, don't hesitate to reach out. Your path to parenthood is important to us, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence and care.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often seen as a beacon of hope for those struggling with infertility. However, the journey to parenthood through IVF isn't always straightforward, and for many, it can end in disappointment. If you're reading this because your IVF treatment didn't result in a successful pregnancy, know that you're not alone. At Cofertility, we understand the emotional toll this can take, and we're here to support you through this challenging time.

In this article, we'll explore the reality of IVF success rates, reasons why IVF might not work, and most importantly, what steps you can take moving forward. We'll discuss how to process your emotions, decide whether to continue treatment, and understand your options, including egg donation. We'll also walk you through what to expect after a failed IVF cycle and provide guidance on making the difficult decision to try again or explore other paths to parenthood. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive, compassionate information to help you navigate this challenging phase of your fertility journey.

The reality of IVF success rates

Before we dive into next steps, it's important to understand that IVF failure is more common than many people realize. According to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), the average live birth rate for IVF across all age groups is around 30% per egg retrieval. This means that for about 70% of cycles, IVF doesn't result in a live birth.

These statistics aren't meant to discourage you, but to help you understand that if IVF didn't work for you, you're in the company of many others who have faced similar challenges. It's a difficult reality, but it's also an opportunity to reassess, regroup, and consider your options moving forward.

Reasons IVF doesn't work

Understanding why IVF might not have been successful can be crucial in deciding your next steps. While every situation is unique, here are some common reasons why IVF cycles may not result in pregnancy:

• Age factor: As women age, both the quantity and quality of eggs decrease, making the number of viable embryos per cycle fewer.
• Embryo quality: Sometimes, even if fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos may not be of high enough quality to implant successfully.
• Implantation issues: In some cases, the uterine environment may not be receptive to embryo implantation.
• Genetic factors: Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos can prevent successful implantation or lead to early miscarriage.
• Underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis or autoimmune disorders, can affect IVF success rates.
• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being significantly overweight or underweight can all impact IVF success.
• Unexplained factors: Often, despite everything appearing to be optimal, IVF still doesn't result in pregnancy for reasons that aren't fully understood.

What to do when IVF doesn't work?

1. First, process and give yourself time to grieve

The emotional impact of a failed IVF cycle shouldn't be underestimated. It's completely normal and valid to feel a range of emotions - disappointment, anger, sadness, or even a sense of loss. It is so important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to process them.

Consider the following steps:

• Allow yourself to feel: Don't try to suppress your emotions. It's okay to cry, to be angry, or to feel whatever you're feeling.
• Seek support: Talk to your partner, friends, or family. Consider joining support groups or speaking with a therapist who specializes in fertility issues.
• Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy. This might be anything from reading a book to taking a relaxing bath or going for a walk in nature.
• Take time off if needed: If possible, take some time off work or reduce your commitments to focus on your emotional wellbeing.

Remember, there's no set timeline for grieving. Be patient with yourself and take the time you need.

2. Then decide if you want to keep trying with IVF

After you've had time to process your emotions, the next step is to consider whether you want to continue pursuing fertility treatments. This is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including:

• Your emotional readiness
• Your financial situation
• Your age and overall health
• Your doctor's recommendations
• Your personal values and beliefs

It's important to have open and honest conversations with your partner (if applicable) about your feelings and expectations moving forward. Remember, it's okay if you're not on the same page immediately - these discussions often take time.

3. Know your options, including egg donation

If you decide to continue your fertility journey, it's important to understand all your options. These may include:

• Trying another round of IVF
• Exploring egg donation
• Looking into embryo adoption
• Considering traditional adoption
• Choosing to live child-free

At Cofertility, we specialize in egg donation and believe it can be a wonderful option for many individuals and couples. Egg donation can significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, especially for those who have had multiple failed IVF cycles or who are of advanced maternal age.

Our unique Split program allows intended parents to receive half of the eggs retrieved from a donor, while the donor keeps the other half for her own family-building journey. This approach not only makes egg donation more accessible but also creates a special connection between donors and recipients.

What is the process after a failed IVF?

If you decide to pursue further treatment after a failed IVF cycle, the process typically involves the following steps:

1. Follow-up consultation: Your fertility doctor will review your cycle in detail, discussing what went well and what could be improved.
2. Additional testing: Your doctor may recommend further tests to identify any issues that might have contributed to the unsuccessful cycle.
3. Treatment plan adjustment: Based on the review and any new test results, your doctor may suggest modifications to your treatment plan. This could involve changes in medication, different timing, or alternative options like egg donation.
4. Mental health support: Some clinics offer counseling services or can refer you to mental health professionals specializing in fertility issues.
5. Physical preparation: If you decide to try again, you may choose to wait for a certain period to allow your body (and mind) to recover. Use this time to focus on your overall health and wellness.

Looking ahead with hope

Regardless of the path you choose, know that there is hope. At Cofertility, we've seen many individuals and couples find their way to parenthood through various means, including egg donation. We've also supported those who have chosen to embrace a child-free life and find fulfillment in other ways.

If you're considering egg donation as your next step, we're here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Our team understands the challenges you've faced and is committed to providing you with the support and information you need to make the best decision for your family.

Remember, your worth is not defined by your fertility journey. You are strong, resilient, and deserving of support and love, regardless of the outcome of your IVF treatment. Whatever you decide, we at Cofertility are here to support you every step of the way.

Starting with a fertilized egg, embryo development is a complex biological phenomenon that has fascinated scientists for centuries. With advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), our understanding of embryo development has expanded dramatically — contributing to the birth of 91,771 ART-conceived babies in 2022! 

This article walks through the step-by-step processes involved in unassisted and assisted embryo development, highlighting underlying biological events, how IVF works, and the factors influencing fertilization success. Let’s jump in.

It starts with the egg 

Ovulation is the starting point of embryo development. It is the part of the menstrual cycle when one ovary releases a mature egg. Once it is released, the egg moves down into one of the fallopian tubes, where it can survive for about 24 hours. This can result in pregnancy if the egg gets fertilized by sperm during that time – if it doesn’t get fertilized, the egg will break down and eventually will shed along with the lining of the uterus when you have your period.  This typically occurs around the 14th day in a 28-day cycle, though not for everyone. The day of ovulation varies based on cycle length, anything ranging 21 - 35 days is considered normal. Hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play critical roles in inducing ovulation. These hormones are always in your body, but your FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, typically peaking just before LH levels peak to trigger ovulation.

During an egg freezing / IVF cycle, understanding the timing of your menstrual cycle is important as it influences the scheduling of your treatment. Ovulation is carefully controlled through the administration of hormonal drugs that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs and bring them to peak maturity. The development of these eggs is monitored through regular ultrasounds and blood tests, which are crucial to ensure the specific medication protocol you are given is personalized to you. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved surgically under anesthesia.

Then, the eggs are fertilized 

Fertilization marks a pivotal stage of embryo development. During unassisted embryo fertilization, it occurs in the fallopian tubes and begins when a sperm cell breaks through the outer layer of the egg, the zona pellucida. This penetration triggers reactions that prevent other sperm from entering the egg. Then, the nuclei of the sperm merge with the nuclei of the egg, combining their genetic material to form a zygote, the earliest stage of the embryo.

During IVF, fertilization takes place in a lab setting, using the retrieved eggs and sperm. An embryologist combines each egg with sperm, under a controlled, microscopic watch to monitor daily development. Ideally, the same response occurs as during an unassisted fertilization process. To enhance success rates, especially in cases of male factor infertility and low sperm counts, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg using a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). 

The early embryo develops through cleavage 

Once the fertilized egg has created a zygote, it then begins a series of rapid divisions in a process known as cleavage. This stage of embryo development involves the embryo splitting without growing in size, essentially forming a compact ball of cells. Cleavage is vital as it transforms the single-cell zygote into a multicellular entity, setting the foundation for further differentiation and growth. Both in unassisted conception and IVF, studies have shown the quality and speed of these divisions can be an early indicator of the embryo's health and viability.

The blastocyst forms 

About five days after fertilization, the developing embryo hopefully(!) reaches the blastocyst stage. This is when the embryo is made up of two parts: a cluster of cells inside that will develop into the baby (called the inner cell mass) and a shell on the outside that will help form the placenta (called the trophoblast). 

During unassisted conception, the blastocyst travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus throughout this five day period. During IVF, however, the blastocyst first develops within the lab and then is frozen. At this point, many families opt for genetic testing of the embryo. 

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) allows families to know whether embryos possess the right number of chromosomes. A “euploid” embryo is genetically healthy enough to transfer. Embryos with chromosomal additions or deletions are considered aneuploid. Mosaics are somewhere in between and we’re still learning more about their potential. 

PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders), on the other hand, takes place if there is a specific genetic diagnosis for which both reproductive partners are carriers. This technology allows embryologists to identify embryos possessing those specific genetic abnormalities. That way, parents can choose to avoid transferring one of these embryos if it would put the future child at risk. 

A healthy embryo is transferred and grows in the uterus

Your PGT results (should you choose to pursue that testing), combined with the grades given to each of your blastocyst embryos, will both factor into your and your doctor’s decision on which embryo would be best suited for transfer. 

During IVF, an embryo transfer procedure is done with great care under ultrasound guidance to optimize the placement of the embryo(s) within the uterine cavity, enhancing the chances of successful implantation. The timing of this transfer is crucial and is carefully synchronized with the recipient's menstrual cycle to ensure the uterine lining is optimally receptive. 

Implantation and fetal development

Ideally, the hope is that the transferred blastocyst will attach itself to the uterine wall— a process known as implantation. During implantation, the outer layer of the blastocyst, known as the trophoblast, connects itself to the uterine lining. As we mentioned, timing is everything — implantation success is influenced by the hormonal balance of the body and the receptivity of the uterine lining, which needs to be thick enough to “accept” the embryo. This will eventually grow into placenta, and will be an essential connection for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo as it develops into a fetus and, ultimately, a baby. 

The heart is the first organ to develop within an embryo — by the sixth week of pregnancy, the embryo may have developed an actual heartbeat, which can be measured on ultrasound.

Factors influencing embryo development success

Several factors affect the success of both unassisted and assisted embryo development:

1. Age and quality of eggs: Older women tend to have fewer eggs, and the quality of eggs decreases with age, affecting fertilization rates and embryo development. Utilizing donor eggs can significantly improve outcomes in IVF treatments.
2. Sperm quality: Parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology are crucial in both unassisted and assisted fertilization processes.
3. Clinic and lab quality: Not all fertility clinics are created equal, and the same goes for labs. If you have not yet begun the IVF process, ask your clinic about their blastocyst development success rates (it’s key to use this language, as opposed to fertilization rate, for example) and feel free to call other local clinics and do the same. 
4. Embryonic development: The ability of an embryo to reach the blastocyst stage is a key indicator of its viability and potential for successful pregnancy.

A recent study examined a few reasons why embryo growth may stall — in summary, this is largely due to chromosomal fragility and abnormalities. If possible, we recommend undergoing genetic carrier screening before pursuing IVF so as to make the experience as successful as possible and ideally provide a healthy pregnancy. 

Summing it up

In conclusion, the path from egg to blastocyst formation is pretty incredible and requires the completion of several successful steps even before a transfer attempt. As technological capabilities expand within the field of embryology, so too does the potential to assist those facing challenges in unassisted conception. 

If you’re interested in working with an egg donor to help create embryos and start or grow your family, click here to browse our platform with tons of egg donors eager to help. 

FAQs about embryo development

What percentage of fertilized embryos make it to day 5?

About one-half of fertilized embryos continue developing to become a day 5 blastocyst. When an embryo is created using donor eggs, this stat jumps to 60%. 

How long does it take for an embryo to develop after IVF?

In IVF, embryos are typically cultured in the laboratory for 5-6 days to reach the blastocyst stage, which is considered optimal for transfer. However, occasionally embryos may be transferred earlier, at the cleavage stage (day 3). 

Where does the embryo develop?

In unassisted conception, the embryo develops in the uterus. After fertilization, the embryo travels down the fallopian tube and reaches the uterus, where it undergoes several stages of development starting from a zygote to a blastocyst. Successful implantation into the uterine wall is essential for the continued growth and development of the embryo.

While the implantation process remains the same for an embryo’s development during IVF, the actual fertilization process for assisted conception takes place within a lab, where an embryologist combines an egg with sperm under close watch. Only once the embryo has spent 5 days developing into a blastocyst is it transferred into the recipient’s uterus, or may be frozen for a future embryo transfer cycle. 

What is the first organ to develop in the embryo?

The first organ to develop in the embryo is the heart. The heart begins as a simple tube-like structure and starts beating and pumping blood by around the 22nd day after conception, which is essential for the circulation of nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo.

When does an embryo develop a heartbeat?

An embryo typically develops a heartbeat by the end of the fifth week of pregnancy, which is about three weeks after fertilization. This milestone can often be seen during an early ultrasound scan, and is a crucial indicator of the embryo's viability.

What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?

PGT is a process that screens embryos created through IVF for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. This can help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Read more about PGT testing here.

Does using frozen eggs affect embryo development?

Research suggests that eggs frozen through vitrification have similar success rates to fresh eggs in IVF. However, the success rates of utilizing frozen eggs still depends on the age of the egg when it was frozen. The younger the egg(s), the greater its potential for successful fertilization and development into a healthy embryo.

Genetic carrier screening is an important part of family building with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly donor egg IVF.  It provides essential information about the genetic makeup of both donors and recipients (the person receiving the eggs), enabling them to make informed decisions about their family-building journey and increasing the chances of a healthy baby. 

Carrier screening helps assess the risk of passing on inherited genetic conditions to future offspring. It empowers intended parents to understand their risks and make proactive choices about their reproductive health. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what carrier screening is, its significance in donor egg IVF, and the different options available.

What is carrier screening?

Carrier screening is a type of genetic testing that reveals whether an individual "carries" a gene linked to a particular genetic disorder. Being a carrier doesn't mean a person has the disease themselves, but they have the potential to pass the gene to their offspring. This type of screening originally emerged in the 1970s to prevent the transmission of certain diseases, focusing mainly on high-risk ethnic groups with known elevated chances of carrying specific disorders, such as Tay–Sachs disease in the Ashkenazi Jewish populations.¹

Over time, carrier screening has evolved and advanced. In 2010, expanded carrier screening (ECS) emerged as a more affordable and comprehensive option². This allows for testing hundreds of genes, not just the handful targeted in older methods. ECS is offered regardless of a person's ancestry or ethnicity, as it aims to identify carriers for a wider array of genetic conditions. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) now recommends a standardized panel for carrier screening, including a list of 113 conditions.³

Most carrier screening today focuses on recessive disorders. These conditions only manifest when a child inherits two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent. If only one copy is inherited, the person is considered a carrier. Carriers typically don't experience any symptoms of the disorder, or might have very mild ones, and often remain unaware of their carrier status.⁶

ASRM recommendations

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) strongly recommends that all egg donors be screened for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease.⁴ Additionally, screening for fragile X syndrome is recommended for donors with a family history of related disorders, and may be considered for all donors regardless of their history. 

The ASRM also suggests that expanded carrier screening (ECS), which looks at a wider range of genetic conditions, should be considered, ideally using the same panel for both the egg donor and the intended parent.⁴ While this isn't always mandatory, it's the most effective way to assess potential risks to future children. These recommendations are meant to guide decision-making, not create rigid rules. You’ll want to talk to your fertility doctor about tailoring these recommendations to your specific situation.

How is carrier screening done? 

Genetic carrier screening for both egg donors and recipients typically involves a simple blood test or saliva sample. The lab then analyzes the DNA within the sample for specific gene variants or mutations that might increase the risk of certain genetic conditions. The results are usually ready within 3-4 weeks and are discussed with a genetic counselor and/or your fertility doctor.

What does a positive carrier screen mean?

A positive result means that the person tested carries one copy of a gene mutation associated with a specific condition. Research suggests that all individuals carry at least one genetic variant that could lead to a severe recessive childhood disease. Therefore, as expanded carrier screening panels test for a greater number of genes and associated conditions, the likelihood of a positive carrier screen also increases.⁷ 

Remember, being a carrier doesn't mean you have the condition yourself. However, if both you and the donor (or your partner in the case of autologous IVF) are carriers of the same recessive condition, there is a higher risk of your child inheriting the condition.

What does a negative carrier screen mean?

A negative result means that no mutations were detected for the conditions tested. While a negative carrier screening result is reassuring, it's important to understand it doesn't completely eliminate the risk of passing on a genetic condition. Current technology allows us to test for a wide range of known genetic mutations, but it's impossible to screen for every possible one.⁵

Are genetic carrier screens accurate?

While carrier screening is generally reliable, it's important to understand that, like any medical test, there is a small chance of receiving inaccurate results.⁶

• False negative: This occurs when the test indicates a negative result, suggesting the absence of a gene variant, even though the individual is actually a carrier for the condition.
• False positive: This happens when the test indicates a positive result, indicating the presence of a gene variant, even though the individual does not actually carry it.

While false-positive results can lead to anxiety and further testing, false-negative results can be more concerning as they may provide false reassurance about the risk of passing on a genetic condition. That being said, these tests are considered safe and reliable. 

How is carrier screening different from PGS testing?

If you plan to do preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of embryos, do you also have to do carrier screening? And if you do carrier screening, do you still have to do PGS testing of embryos? It's important to understand that carrier screening and PGS are not the same thing:

• Carrier screening: This tests the egg donor's genes as well as the intended father’s (or sperm donor’s) genes to assess the risk of passing on certain genetic conditions. Your future child could inherit a condition if both parties carry the same recessive gene.
• PGS (also called PGT-A): This tests embryos created during IVF for chromosomal abnormalities. This can help identify embryos with the highest chance of leading to a healthy pregnancy.

While both carrier screening and PGS testing play important roles in IVF, they serve different purposes. Carrier screening identifies potential risks carried in the DNA of the intended mother (or egg donor) and intended father (or sperm donor), while PGS assesses the chromosomal health of embryos after they've been created. 

Most families choose to undergo both carrier screening and PGS. Carrier screening helps you understand if you or the potential donor carry recessive genes, which helps during the donor matching process. Most clinics would not recommend a recipient move forward with a particular donor if both the sperm source and the donor are carriers for the same gene. With Cofertility, we’d offer a free rematch in this scenario. PGS, on the other hand, ensures the embryos being transferred are chromosomally normal, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Even if you have a normal carrier screen with no known genetic risks, eggs can still carry an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy. Aneuploidy increases with age and affects ~10–25% of eggs in women in their early 30s, and more than 50% of eggs from women over 40. This is why the use of donor eggs is so common for women over 40. 

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue either or both types of testing is up to you, best made in consultation with your fertility doctor and a genetic counselor. They can help you weigh the benefits and limitations of each test based on your individual circumstances and family history.

Why is carrier screening important in donor egg IVF?

Carrier screening is important when using donor eggs because it allows both the egg donor and the intended father (or sperm donor) to be tested for the same set of genetic conditions. If both the donor and the intended father (or sperm donor) are carriers for the same condition, the risk of passing that condition to their child increases significantly. By knowing this information beforehand, you and your doctor can make informed decisions about which donor to match with. 

What do different panels mean?

Carrier screening panels can vary in the number and types of conditions they test for. There are smaller panels that focus on common recessive disorders and larger, expanded carrier screening (ECS) panels that look at a broader range of conditions. Many clinics recommend donors complete a panel around 275 genes, but  there isn't one "right" panel for everyone.  Your fertility doctor will be able to help recommend a test that aligns with your individual risk factors and family history.

Do we need to use the same carrier screening test as the donor?

There are several genetic testing companies, including Natera, Fulgent, Myriad, and each has panels of varying sizes. When you’re working with a donor, the testing company doesn’t have to be the same, but you will want to make sure the panel looks at the same set of conditions. This ensures that you are both screened for the same things, allowing for accurate risk assessment. If you’ve already completed testing, you can share the panel you completed ahead of time to ensure that your donor is tested for the same genes.

What's the difference between carrier screening and genetic counseling?

Genetic counseling is a process where a trained healthcare professional, called a genetic counselor, guides individuals or families through complex information about genetic health. They provide support and education about how inherited conditions might affect them or their children, interpret genetic test results, and help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Carrier screening is best done in conjunction with genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can help you understand your results, discuss the implications, and navigate any decisions about family planning.

What is PGT-M and how does it differ from PGT-A?

PGT-M testing (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic disorders) is a form of genetic testing used to screen embryos for specific inherited genetic conditions. When the sperm source and egg donor are known to be carriers of the same condition, this test can be helpful in identifying which embryos have the genetic mutation associated with that condition and which do not.

Much like the PGT-A testing mentioned above, PGT-M works by testing embryos prior to embryo transfer. A small biopsy is taken from the embryo, and its DNA is analyzed. The difference between the two is that PGT-A testing looks for chromosomal abnormalities while PGT-M testing looks for the presence of the specific genetic mutation associated with the condition in question. 

While PGT-M provides invaluable information, it’s important to note that it only tests for specific known mutations. It cannot detect all genetic conditions, nor does it guarantee that a child will be free from all forms of genetic disease. Despite this, PGT-M testing can help in making informed decisions about embryo selection in preparation for embryo transfer.

The bottom line

Carrier screening is an important tool in the donor egg IVF journey, offering a window into the genetic health of both donors and recipients. By proactively understanding your genetic risks, you gain the power to make informed decisions about your family-building options. While a positive result may seem daunting, it doesn't automatically rule out certain paths. With guidance from your doctor and a genetic counselor, you can explore various possibilities to ensure the best possible outcome for your future child.

Remember, genetic carrier screening is not about eliminating all risk, as no test is perfect. It's about empowering you with knowledge and enabling you to navigate this process with more confidence. If you're considering egg donation, don't hesitate to talk to your fertility doctor about carrier screening. It's an important step towards building a healthy and happy family.

References

1. Kraft, S.A., Duenas, D., Wilfond, B.S. et al. The evolving landscape of expanded carrier screening: challenges and opportunities. Genet Med 21, 790–797 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-018-0273-4
2. Srinivasan BS, Evans EA, Flannick J, et al. A universal carrier test for the long tail of Mendelian disease. Reprod Biomed Online. 2010;21(4):537-551. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.05.012
3. Crockin S, Gibbons W. Genetic carrier screening in donors: a challenging frontier. F S Rep. 2023;4(1):20-21. Published 2023 Feb 8. doi:10.1016/j.xfre.2023.02.003
4. ASRM. “Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation”.  2021. URL.
5. CDC. “Genetic Testing”. 2022. URL. 
6. ACOG. “Carrier Screening”. 2022. URL. 
7. Payne MR, Skytte AB, Harper JC. The use of expanded carrier screening of gamete donors. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(6):1702-1710. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab067