fertility clinics
How Do I Choose an Egg Freezing Clinic?
Egg freezing is an exciting and empowering option for those who want to take control of their fertility and pursue their life goals on their own timeline. But where should you start?
Egg freezing, formally known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a medical procedure that allows you to preserve your fertility by retrieving, freezing, and storing your eggs for future use.
Egg freezing is an exciting and empowering option for those who want to take control of their fertility and pursue their life goals on their own timeline. But where should you start? In this article, we’ll share some factors to consider when selecting an egg freezing clinic that will give you the confidence and support you need throughout the process.
Reputation
When it comes to choosing an egg freezing clinic, reputation is key. It’s not just about the clinic, it’s also about the doctor you will work with. There are a few ways to find out the reputation of a clinic and specific doctor. You can research online, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from your doctor or friends who have undergone the procedure.
If you work with Cofertility to freeze your eggs, we have a list of vetted fertility clinic partners we will share to help you make a confident choice.
Experience and outcomes
Now that you’ve narrowed down the list, you can use the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) website to look up data on specific fertility clinics. SART data provides detailed information on the number of cycles performed, age of patients, and success rates for various fertility treatments, including egg freezing. By reviewing the SART data, you can gain insight into a clinic's expertise and quality of care for egg freezing. Here’s how:
- Go to SART's website at www.sart.org.
- Click on "Clinic Data" in the top menu and select "National Summary Report."
- Choose the year for which you want to view the data.
- Use the search bar to find the clinic you are interested in.
- Click on the clinic's name to view their data.
- Look for the section titled "Egg Freezing Cycles" to see the clinic's success rates for egg freezing.
- Review the clinic's success rates for egg freezing and compare them to the national average.
Keep in mind that success rates alone may not give a complete picture of a clinic's quality. SART may also not be helpful when looking up newer clinics, as the data takes about two years to post. If you’re working with a newer clinic, you can look up the doctor’s previous clinic to learn more about their past track record.
Accreditation and certification
To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, look for clinics that are accredited and certified by respected organizations. These certifications demonstrate that the clinic has met rigorous standards for safety, quality, and performance. Specifically, look for:
- The Joint Commission (JCAHO) is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. A fertility clinic that is accredited by the Joint Commission has met rigorous standards for quality and safety.
- College of American Pathologists (CAP) is a professional organization that accredits laboratories and pathology services. A fertility clinic that is accredited by the CAP has demonstrated proficiency in laboratory techniques and quality control.
- Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) reporting, as described in the section above.
At Cofertility, we only partner with clinics that report outcomes to SART and have a CAP certified lab.
Technology and facilities
Egg freezing technology has come a long way in recent years, so it's important to choose a clinic that uses the latest equipment and facilities. By finding a clinic with state-of-the-art technology, you can be more confident that your eggs will be frozen and stored in the best possible conditions. Plus, a modern and comfortable clinic environment will help you feel relaxed and at ease during the process.
Here are some questions you can ask the clinic to get a better idea of their capabilities:
- What type of equipment do you use for egg freezing?
- How long have you been using this equipment, and how often do you update it?
- What is the success rate of your egg freezing procedure?
- Do you use vitrification or slow freezing? (You want a clinic that uses vitrification)
- What measures do you take to ensure the quality and safety of the eggs during the freezing process?
- Can you provide details about your laboratory and facilities for egg freezing, including any recent upgrades or renovations?
- Do you participate in research or clinical trials related to egg freezing?
By asking these questions, you can get a better sense of the clinic's commitment to using the latest technology and techniques for egg freezing, as well as their focus on quality and safety. A reputable and modern clinic will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information to help you make an informed decision about your egg freezing journey.
The team
The staff at an egg freezing clinic can make all the difference in your experience. Look for clinics that have a team of knowledgeable, caring professionals who will guide you through every step of the process. The best clinics offer ongoing support and counseling to ensure that you feel confident and empowered throughout your egg freezing journey. During a consult, you’ll get to meet with the doctor and see if you click before moving forward.
Plus, if you work with us, you’ll get access to our team to help you every step of the way.
Cost
And last, but definitely not least, cost is an important consideration when choosing an egg freezing clinic. There’s no way around it, egg freezing is expensive. The typical egg freezing cycle can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 plus the cost of storage. A few clinics list their pricing on the website, but for most clinics, you will need to ask. Keep in mind that the price from the clinic does not usually include medications or long-term storage.
Read more in How to Pay for Egg Freezing.
Cofertility can help
Freeze by Co offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. The cost of the entire process, including 10 years of cryopreservation, is fully covered.
Or, if you want to freeze and store your eggs for your own future use without donating, Freeze by Co offers lower prices on things like consultations and storage, along with access to our community of women going through the process at the same time.
Empowering Yourself: How to Discuss Your Fertility with Your Doctor
How to talk to your doctor about your fertility health (and how to advocate for yourself). Even if you’re years off from wanting children, discussing your fertility with your primary care physician or OBGYN is a good idea. Being proactive and addressing your fertility concerns can help you make informed decisions and confidently navigate this phase of your life.
Even if you’re years off from wanting children, discussing your fertility with your primary care physician or OBGYN is a good idea. Being proactive and addressing your fertility concerns can help you make informed decisions and confidently navigate this phase of your life.
In this article, we’ll share some tools and knowledge necessary to empower yourself when discussing fertility-related matters with your doctor. By asking the right questions and advocating for yourself, you can ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and receive the support and guidance you deserve.
Educate yourself
Before your doctor's appointment, take the time to educate yourself about fertility and reproductive health. Familiarize yourself with the basics of female reproductive anatomy, menstrual cycles, and fertility potential. You can start by checking out our Learn section, which offers comprehensive information on fertility-related topics, including egg freezing, hormones, and more.
Get some family history
You might also want to ask females in your family (your biological mother, older sisters, etc.) about their fertility experience. This will help you gain insight into any potential hereditary factors that could impact your own fertility. Their health history may be helpful for your provider to assess any genetic predispositions or conditions that may affect your fertility journey now or down the line.
Prepare ahead of time
Preparation is key to effective communication with your doctor. Make a list of questions or concerns you want to address during the appointment. This will help you stay focused and ensure that all important points are covered. Include specific questions about your fertility, potential testing or treatments, and the possibility of egg freezing. Think through your desired family-building timeline (if you have one) as this will play a role in determining the best next steps.
Here are some questions you can consider asking:
- Given my family-building timeline, what steps should I take now to give me the best chance of success down the line?
- Are there any potential factors that could be affecting my fertility?
- Are there any tests or evaluations that can help determine my fertility potential?
- Based on my medical history, are there any specific concerns or conditions that may impact my fertility?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to optimize my fertility?
- Are there any specific dietary recommendations or supplements that can support fertility?
- Can you provide me with a referral to a fertility specialist or clinic if needed?
- Are there any long-term contraceptive options that provide reliable protection while allowing flexibility for future plans?
- Are there any factors in my medical history that might affect the choice of contraception or impact fertility in the future?
- Can you provide guidance on resources or support groups for people who are planning to delay parenthood for a few years?
Seek a fertility specialist
If you feel like your OBGYN doesn’t have the necessary expertise in fertility, or you have a gut feeling you may have a fertility issue, consider seeking a referral to a fertility specialist. These specialists, often reproductive endocrinologists (REIs), have specialized knowledge and experience in diagnosing and treating fertility issues. They can provide you with a more thorough evaluation and personalized advice.
Establish open communication
When speaking to your doctor, establish a comfortable and open line of communication. Explain your concerns clearly and concisely, emphasizing the importance of the topic to you. Use "I" statements to express your feelings and personal motivations for seeking fertility guidance. This approach helps create a more collaborative relationship with your doctor.
Some examples of these statements might include:
- “I think I might want to have children someday, and I want to understand more about my fertility to make informed decisions about when to start trying to conceive.”
- “I have a medical condition that could affect my fertility, and I would like to discuss the potential impact and/or treatment.”
- “I am at an age where I feel a sense of urgency to explore my fertility options, because I don't want to experience challenges building my family down the line.”
- “I have a family history of reproductive issues, and I want to be proactive in understanding my own fertility health to prevent any potential complications in the future.”
- “I'm considering delaying pregnancy for a few years due to personal or career reasons, but I'm concerned about how that might affect my fertility. Can you provide information on fertility preservation options?”
- “I have irregular periods, and it's been challenging for me to track my ovulation. Can you help me understand my cycle better and provide advice on optimizing my fertility?”
- “I've always had a strong desire to become a parent, and understanding my fertility is essential to fulfilling that dream. Can we discuss tests or assessments that can give me a clearer picture of my reproductive health?”
Remember, these are just examples, you should personalize your questions and comments based on your specific situation and concerns. Your OBGYN will appreciate your openness and willingness to discuss your fertility goals and worries. If your OBGYN is dismissive of these questions or concerns, it may be time to consider talking to another doctor.
Share your medical history
Come prepared. Be ready to provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, including any previous or current reproductive health issues. What kind of birth control are you on? Have you had any STIs, miscarriages, or abortions? Knowing your cycle – if it’s regular or not – is vital information too. . The more information you provide the doctor, the better they will be able to understand your unique circumstances and tailor recommendations to suit your needs.
Discuss fertility testing
If you have concerns about your fertility, or are just curious about your ovarian reserve, ask about appropriate tests to assess your reproductive health. Understanding your fertility potential can help guide discussions about future family planning or the need for egg freezing.
Possible tests include:
- Hormone level assessments: These are blood tests that measure hormone levels related to fertility. They can include assessments of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones. These tests help evaluate ovarian function, the menstrual cycle, and potential hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility.
- Pelvic ultrasounds: A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the reproductive organs. It can help evaluate the health and condition of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This assessment can identify any structural abnormalities, such as fibroids, cysts, or polyps, that may impact fertility.
- Semen analysis: A semen analysis is a test performed on a male partner to assess the quantity, quality, and movement of sperm. The analysis involves collecting a semen sample, which is then examined under a microscope. It evaluates sperm count, motility (movement), morphology (shape), and other factors that can affect male fertility.
Ask your doctor which tests make sense now, and which ones can wait until you’re ready to start trying.
Inquire about egg freezing
If you are considering egg freezing, approach the topic directly with your doctor. Ask about the process, success rates, potential risks, and the ideal age to consider this option. If you’re already chatting with an REI, seek information on the specific protocols followed at the clinic, including the number of eggs typically recommended for optimal chances of future conception.
Read more in Questions to Ask Your Doctor at an Egg Freezing Consultation
If you’re curious to see if you qualify for Freeze by Co’s Split program — where you can freeze your eggs for free if you give half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive — you can take our quiz here. Additionally, our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use, with partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing and as access to our member community.
Request second opinions
If you feel your concerns are not adequately addressed or your doctor dismisses your fertility-related questions, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion. A different perspective may offer fresh insights and alternative treatment options that can better meet your needs.
Trust your gut
Lastly, trust your instincts. If you feel unheard, rushed, or dismissed during your appointment, it is crucial to advocate for yourself. Remember, you are an active participant in your own fertility journey, and your concerns and desires deserve attention and respect.
Summing it up
Remember, every individual's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to family planning. Your doctor is a valuable resource who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs. By opening up the lines of communication and actively participating in discussions about your fertility, you can embark on this phase of your life with confidence and peace of mind.
Taking control of your reproductive health and discussing fertility concerns or options like egg freezing with your doctor can be an empowering and transformative experience. With the right tools and a proactive mindset, you can ensure that your fertility journey is supported and guided by a healthcare professional who values your concerns and helps you make informed decisions about your reproductive future.
Read more:
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor at an Egg Freezing Consultation
- Can I Freeze My Eggs If…
- What Can I Expect From the FSH Blood Test?
Can You Actually Test Your Fertility At Home?
Whatever your reason for wanting to take an at-home fertility test, here’s what you need to know about what your options are, how they work, and what you can expect to learn.
Can you test your fertility from the comfort of your own home? The answer is a bit complicated. Isn’t it always when it comes to fertility? Yes, there are some tests that both men and women can take at home to get a better idea about some aspects of their fertility. But are they an acceptable substitute for an individualized appointment with a fertility specialist?
Unfortunately, no—while these tests are often fairly accurate, that’s not really the issue here, says Dr. Jaime Knopman, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. It’s all the medical expertise you’re missing out on when you test your fertility at home.
“The tests we run in our clinic are much more accurate because our job can’t be done completely by machine,” she explains. “It’s not just the tests, it’s the person interpreting them.”
But you still might not live close to a fertility clinic, have insurance that covers fertility appointments or testing, or even feel like you’re really at the point yet in your fertility journey where you need a formal eval from a specialist. We get that.
So whatever your reason for wanting to take an at-home fertility test, here’s what you need to know about what your options are, how they work, and what you can expect to learn.
How can I test my fertility at home: for women
When it comes to the ladies, there are two main varieties of tests you can do at home: you can check your ovarian reserve and you can do a broad panel screening for several different hormones that play a part in fertility health. Here’s the scoop.
Ovarian reserve tests measure the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood with a pinprick. Typically, you collect a sample yourself and mail it back to the company so they can read and deliver your results. Very high levels of FSH can be a sign that you don’t have a lot of eggs, that they’re poor quality, or both, because your body is working overtime to produce enough FSH to release a healthy egg.
- Taking this test feels like a typical finger prick. It hurts for a sec and then you’re over it. You will have to squeeze out some blood into designated spots on a testing card, though, so if you’re blood-averse be prepared.
- The tests themselves can accurately check your FSH level, but there’s more than one way to figure out what your ovarian reserve looks like. Only measuring FSH will give you a piece of the puzzle...but could also cause you to unnecessarily panic about your fertility. Try not to do that! Remember, these tests are useful, but not foolproof.
- FSH levels alone may not be a great way to assess your fertility in the first place. A 2017 JAMA study found that biomarkers like FSH aren’t the best predictors of future fertility in women with reduced versus normal ovarian reserves.
Fertility health screenings capture your FSH level but also a bunch of other hormones that impact your fertility in one way or another. The exact hormones measured in an OTC fertility test differ between companies, but you can usually find out your FSH level and any or all of the following:
- thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH a marker of thyroid health)
- estradiol (helps with ovulation)
- anti-mullerian hormone, or AMH (an indicator of egg reserve)
- prolactin (makes breast milk after birth)
- luteinizing hormone, or LH (regulates your cycle, especially ovulation)
- testosterone (helps make follicles, but too much may mess up your fertility)
These tests all work like the ovarian reserve test: you prick your finger, collect some blood samples, send the samples back to the company, and then wait for your results to come in. Usually, you’ll get factual data (like, “your TSH is off”) but also an explanation of what that might mean for your fertility.
Most companies allow you to see your results online and consult with an on-staff medical professional if you have questions or don’t understand your results. They’re pretty easy to order online, but many aren’t cheap—they’re usually about $150—and you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
How can I test my fertility: for men
The only kind of male fertility test that can be done at home is a sperm analysis. About half of all couples’ infertility problems can be caused by male infertility, so knowing if your swimmers are strong or not is a good place to start if you’ve been trying to conceive for a while.
There are actually several different kinds of sperm analysis kits; sometimes you collect a sample and send it through the mail for testing, sometimes you put some sperm on a slide and insert it into a testing device, and sometimes you can even use your smartphone (yes, for real!).
- Testing at home is private and confidential. You don’t have to worry about being unable to provide a sample at an unfamiliar clinic or doctor’s office.
- The kits you send off to labs via mail can be more accurate, but at the same time, there’s a lot that can go wrong here—like failure to keep the sperm stored at just the right temp, which can cause damage to the sample. At-home tests, while giving quicker results with no middle-man, have a lot of potential for both user and technology errors.
- Male fertility is about more than just the amount of sperm: there’s motility, shape, concentration...the list goes on. If your at-home kit is only looking at the number of sperm, your results may not be that helpful. Try to choose a test that looks at more than one type of factor—this will give you the most bang for your buck.
Don’t forget about ovulation!
While ovulation predictor kits only tell you if and when you’re ovulating, this can be very helpful if you’re actively TTC.
These kits work by detecting the presence of LH in the urine, says David Diaz, MD, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert. When your LH rises above a certain level, the test strip you’ve peed on will let you know that an ovary is just about to release an egg. This is a good time to get it on, since there’s a good chance that egg could become fertilized.
According to Dr. Diaz, these tests are about 85 percent accurate and available as digital and non-digital tests. If you have fairly regular menstrual cycles, an ovulation predictor kit can be a useful tool in identifying exactly when your fertile window is, but if your cycles are irregular (because of PCOS, pre-menopause, or even just your personal biology), it can be harder to rely on them unless you’re taking a test every day.
Next steps
Okay, you took an at-home test and got your results back...now what? Well, you might not like our answer, but here it is: you should probably still go see a fertility doctor. Yes, even if your results are “normal.” Why?
Because, like we told you upfront, a test you do at home gives you important data — but not the expertise and counsel of a doctor who has met you in person and knows your medical history. You’ll have the info, just not necessarily the context...and the context is super important when it comes to your fertility. At-home tests simply can’t paint the same kind of comprehensive picture that doctor-interpreted lab tests can.
But you’re here because you want to take an at-home fertility test...and TBH, we kinda don’t blame you! We’re curious, too! Just make sure you know what you’re buying, (Dr. Knopman says that you should make sure any OTC test you buy comes from a legit manufacturer with a fertility doctor on their medical review board), what the tests can tell you, and what you’re going to do with the results.
“Even if you don’t want to do fertility treatments [right now], there is no harm in coming in to talk to us about it,” says Dr. Knopman. “You can make better decisions when you have that information than when you don’t…[and] the worst thing to do is sit at home and ruminate, trying to interpret your own results or diagnose yourself.”
What’s the takeaway here? After taking an at-home fertility test, you might want to plan to make an appointment with a fertility specialist. It can be a simple introductory or informational appointment, and even a virtual one. But hopefully, it will give you peace of mind and — most importantly — answers.
Read more
Understanding the Risks of Zika in Egg Freezing and Donation
In this article, we will delve into what the Zika virus is, where you could contract it, and how it could impact the outcome of egg freezing cycles. Additionally, we will discuss the regulations and guidelines set forth by fertility clinics, as well as specific considerations for egg donation. The TLDR: we recommend proper planning, timing, and precautions when it comes to traveling to an area affected by Zika.
So, you want to freeze your eggs, but you also want to travel — potentially to an area reportedly affected by the Zika virus. You’ve heard a lot here and there about the serious risks of Zika, but does living your globetrotting dreams mean you need to put your egg freezing plans on hold?
In this article, we will delve into what the Zika virus is, where you could contract it, and how it could impact the outcome of egg freezing cycles. Additionally, we will discuss the regulations and guidelines set forth by fertility clinics, as well as specific considerations for egg donation. The TLDR: we recommend proper planning, timing, and precautions, (especially if you’re freezing your eggs for free when you donate half to another family who can’t conceive), when it comes to traveling to an area affected by Zika.
What is Zika and where is it found?
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. While Zika virus infection often presents with mild symptoms, such as fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, it poses a significant risk to pregnant individuals due to its association with congenital Zika syndrome, which can result in severe birth defects such as microcephaly.
The virus has been found to persist in bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal secretions, for an extended period, raising concerns about the potential transmission of Zika through reproductive tissues. So, even if you yourself did not travel to a Zika-affected area, if you had sex with someone who did, there still poses a risk. Unfortunately, there are currently no vaccines available to prevent contracting Zika.
Zika virus has been reported in various regions globally, with particular prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas. Countries with ongoing transmission of Zika virus include but are not limited to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It's important for individuals considering egg freezing to stay informed about current Zika-affected regions, as travel to these areas may impact their fertility treatment plans. The good news is that according to the CDC, since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika virus cases from US territories.
How Zika could impact your egg freezing cycle?
Research about Zika and egg freezing is scarce and ongoing. But if you’re considering undergoing egg freezing, exposure to Zika could have implications on the success of the procedure. Zika virus infection could potentially impact the quality and viability of eggs, leading to compromised outcomes in your egg-freezing cycle. And because Zika is a virus that may be able to be transmitted sexually, there is a concern that the risk of Zika can be transmitted through the fertilization process.
Fertility clinic regulations and guidelines
In response to the Zika virus outbreak, many fertility clinics have implemented strict regulations and guidelines to mitigate the risk of transmission and ensure the safety of patients undergoing assisted reproductive procedures. These regulations often include restrictions on travel to Zika-affected areas for individuals undergoing fertility treatments, including egg freezing.
We recommend notifying your fertility clinic as soon as possible of any upcoming travel to a Zika-affected area, and you can discuss with your doctor how this should (or shouldn’t) impact your cycle timeline.
Zika guidelines for egg donation
When it comes to egg donation in particular, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have provided guidance to fertility clinics regarding the handling of reproductive tissues in the context of Zika virus transmission. According to the latest guidance published in 2018, the use of sperm, eggs, and embryos from a donor is not recommended if he/she/they:
- Have had a diagnosis of Zika virus infection in the past 6 months
- Reside in or traveled to an area with active Zika virus transmission within the past 6 months
- Have had sex with a person if within the past six months that person was diagnosed with Zika, experienced an illness consistent with Zika, or traveled to an area with active Zika transmission
This guidance applies to both disclosed and undisclosed donations. However, in the case of a disclosed donation, many fertility clinics are willing to waive the six-month quarantine if both the donor and intended parents agree.
So, what should you do?
We get it — when there’s still so much to learn about Zika, understanding its potential impact upon your egg freezing cycle can feel confusing. If you’re planning an egg freezing or donation cycle, it’s crucial to stay informed about Zika-affected areas and adhere to the regulations and guidelines set forth by fertility clinics and regulatory bodies.
Again, when in doubt, consult with your reproductive endocrinologist for the latest guidance and recommendations. They’ll help you navigate how this may affect your egg freezing timeline and decision-making. By prioritizing safety and asking the right questions, you can make informed choices to protect your reproductive health and achieve your fertility goals.