Stimulating the Ovaries and Monitoring
Once your physician determines it an optimal time to begin your IVF treatment you will enter the “stimming and monitoring” phase of treatment. This will be 10 to 14 days of self-administering injectable medications, and early morning doctor visits for monitoring.
Stimulating the Ovaries
and Monitoring
“You’re seeing these syringes and sharps containers and it really kind of hits you... but then the shots weren’t as bad as I thought.”
Hillary F., Progyny Member
The brands can be different, but in general your doctor will place you on medications containing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG).
Stimulating the Ovaries
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Introduction
While FSH and hMG are working on your ovaries to support
follicular growth, your doctor may also prescribe medications that are considered antagonists to help keep you from ovulating prematurely.
Preventing Ovulation
If you have any questions or concerns during the stimulation phase of your IVF cycle you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to your PCA. They are here to not only help you with questions about your coverage and treatment plan, but to also provide emotional support throughout your treatment.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone &
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Breakdown
Medications to Stimulate the Ovaries - FSH & hMG
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG):
• Gonal-f
• Follistim
• Bravelle (less common)
These are both self-administered subcutaneous injections. You will inject a small needle under the skin daily either in the abdomin or thigh.
The dose is personalized to your age, hormone levels, and the goal for this IVF cycle.
• mood swings
• headaches
• nausea
• mild abdominal pain
• bloating
• breast tenderness
• pain at the injection site
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Menopur
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Dosage:
Dr. Brian Levine from CCRM NY explains the role of the most common fertility medications utilized during an IVF cycle.
“My mantra is inhale, exhale, and commit. Because the first couple of times, I did not push hard enough with the needle. I was not committed. And that always makes it more painful.”
Another medication that you will encounter during this phase of treatment is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), this is often refered to as the “trigger” shot.
Chrissy & Lindsey C., Progyny Members
“I do remember the trigger shot being mentally stressful... I set like 10 alarms, an alarm for every 15 minutes leading up.”
While you are administering injections at home, your physician will need you to come into the fertility clinic for monitoring to evaluate how your body is reacting to the medications.
Morning Monitoring
The Trigger Shot
The importance of timing
Stimulating the Ovaries
Preventing Ovulation
Morning Monitoring
The Trigger Shot
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It’s easy to get swept up in the news, especially with everything evolving in real-time, so schedule when you check it.
Choose and Limit News Consumption
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Learning About Medications
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Understanding Financial Responsibility
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Determining the Start of Treatment
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Understanding the Risks
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The Care Team
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Patients with conventional coverage can often find it difficult to understand what treatments are and aren’t included in their coverage.
Most clinics schedule a conversation with a billing specialist or financial advisor for their patients before treatment begins. This is often called a financial consultation. The financial consultation is where they’ll break down how your treatment protocol and medications can translate into bills you should expect along the way.
Understanding Financial Responsibility
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Lab Work
You will have your blood drawn at each monitoring appointment. The hormones evaluated during your IVF cycle generally include estrogen, progesterone, and LH. During the IVF cycle, your estrogen level should increase, and progesterone level would normally remain low. LH may or may not be checked (dependent on medication protocol). If any of these levels are not where your doctor expected them, they may adjust your medications, and in rare cases, cancel your cycle.
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Intravaginal Ultrasound
An intravaginal ultrasound will be completed at each monitoring appointment. This allows your physician to visually see and monitor your ovaries. They are checking the status of follicle growth in response to your stimulation medication. On average, a follicle is expected to increase in size by approximately 1–2mm a day.
Some patients respond more strongly to the medications than expected, so a physician may switch to a lower dosage of medication to avoid complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). While other patients might not be responding as well as hoped, so a physician may elect to increase the dosage to try to jumpstart the stimulation for retrieval.
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Determining the Start
of Treatment
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In the weeks leading up to the beginning of your IVF cycle, there likely will be conversations with physicians, and coordinators about the risks associated with treatment. Many clinics offer in-person classes with a nurse, and others are now offering online courses to prepare you for your cycle.
Once the decision has been made to proceed with IVF, the first thing most clinics will do is to make sure that you are fully informed about the risks and benefits of the IVF process.
Understanding the Risks
See common risks associated with IVF
Common risks associated with IVF
See rare risks associated with IVF
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Get to Know Your Care Team
It takes a team to properly manage an IVF journey. Depending
on the clinic size and their treatment style, you may interact
with anywhere from four to 10+ people at the fertility clinic.
Progyny Patient Care Advocate
Physician
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Preparing for IVF
IVF Nurse
Financial Coordinator
Patient
Headaches, cramping, mood swings, mild bruising and soreness at injection site.
Rare risks associated with IVF
Demo Navigation
Phillip S., Progyny Member
“Oh, you got Progyny. And she put a line through everything and a zero. My heart just dropped... Then all the stress just left like any of that was just gone.”
For Progyny members, your PCA will coordinate with the clinic’s billing specialist. Progyny’s comprehensive coverage allows you and your physician can focus on the best treatment plan, without having to weigh everything against your coverage. Reach out to your PCA for a detailed overview of your financial responsibility.
Your doctor will work with you to determine which fertility drugs, and at what dosage, will be used for your treatment.
Learning About Medications
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Amanda L., Progyny Member
“Today we got my medications in order. I'm going into tomorrow being cautiously optimistic and hopeful.”
Follicle Stimulating Hormone &
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Breakdown
Antagonist medication breakdown
Human chorionic gonadotropin breakdown
Progesterone
This is where all the tests and conversations you had during the initial consultation first come into play.
While there are many different brands of medications that can be used during an IVF cycle, there are just a handful of medication types that patients encounter in most IVF cycles.
Unlike most prescriptions you’ll receive from a doctor, most fertility medications are ordered through a mail order specialty pharmacy and some may require a prior authorization. Your clinic will work closely with the pharmacy to ensure you receive all your medication in a timely manner.
Obtaining Medications
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Obtaining Medications
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When you receive your medications, it’s important that you open the box immediately and pay close attention to storage requirements, as some medications may require refrigeration.
If you have questions about the medication that is being ordered for you speak to your physician or nurse, and remember, your PCA is always available to guide you through the process.
Progyny Rx
If you have Progyny Rx, your medication coverage is rolled into your overall Progyny coverage. Ask your PCA about your medication coverage today.
The suppression check, sometimes called your baseline morning monitoring appointment, is the final step before you can begin the stimulation process.
The suppression check entails both blood work and an
intravaginal ultrasound. If all goes well at your suppression check appointment, you will start fertility medications that day or the following day.
Suppression Check
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Suppression Check
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Your doctor is checking the following things at the
suppression check:
Confirm that there is no current pregnancy
Ensure the patient's estradial level is low
Ensure the patient's uterine lining is thin
Confirm there are no significant ovarian cysts
Measuring resting follicle count
Basics and Diagnostics
Preparing
for IVF
Stimulation & Monitoring
Follicle Stimulating Hormone &
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Breakdown
Dr. Brian Levine from CCRM NY explains the role of the most common fertility medications utilized during an IVF cycle.
Kelly P., Progyny Member
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
Ovarian Torsion
Egg Retrieval Complications
Egg Retrieval Complications
The egg retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and while the risks are minimal it's important to be congnizant of them. The risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to the bowel or bladder.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion is a condition that occurs when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. This twisting can cut off blood flow to the ovary and fallopian tube. Ovarian torsion can cause severe pain and other symptoms because the ovary is not receiving enough blood.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
In rare instances (1-5%), “ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome” (OHSS) may occur during ovarian stimulation. OHSS is associated with swollen, enlarged ovaries and the collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Most cases are mild, but rarely the condition is severe and can lead to serious illness or death.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, also called extrauterine pregnancy, is when a fertilized egg grows outside a woman’s uterus, somewhere else in her belly. It can cause life-threatening bleeding and needs medical care right away.
In more than 90% of cases, the egg implants in a fallopian tube. This is called a tubal pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
Ovarian Torsion
Egg Retrieval Complications
First day of the menstrual cycle
Birth control/regulated cycle
Estrogen patch or pills
First Day of the Menstrual Cycle
If you have a regular menstrual cycle, your physician may recommend that you start treatment on day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle. In these cases, you will be directed to call your clinic on the day your period starts to receive detailed adjustments to your protocol.
Estrogen Patch/Pills
In order to regulate your FSH your doctor may put you on an estrogen patch or pill, and then have you come in to start your cycle after the start of the next menstruation cycle.
Birth Control/Regulated Cycle
Taking birth control feels counter-intuitive when trying to have a baby, but there are a few situations in which a doctor might recommend you go on birth control before you begin your treatment cycle:
• If you have unpredictable ovulation your doctor may recommend birth control for approximately two to four weeks in
order to regulate your cycle before taking you off birth control to begin treatment.
• If you are a “super responder” (meaning your body tends to over-produce follicles/eggs) your doctor may want to
suppress your ovaries with a birth control pill before the beginning of treatment. This is common in patients with a
history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
• If you are traveling to a clinic out of town and need some time to make arrangements, or if you are going on a trip
for work, or even just a vacation, your doctor may put you on birth control so you can schedule your cycle start well
in advance.
Dr. Brian Levine from CCRM New York talks about a few ways physicians and patients determine the start of an IVF treatment.
Watch our medication administration videos
Medications to Stimulate the Ovaries - FSH & hMG
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH):
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (hMG):
• Gonal-f
• Follistim
• Bravelle (less common)
These are both self-administered subcutaneous injections. You will inject a small needle under the skin daily either in the abdomin or thigh.
The dose is personalized to your age, hormone levels, and the goal for this IVF cycle.
• mood swings
• headaches
• nausea
• mild abdominal pain
• bloating
• breast tenderness
• pain at the injection site
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Menopur
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Dosage:
Antagonist Medications to Prevent Early Ovulation
• Cetrotide
• Ganirelix
This is a self-administered subcutaneous injection. You will inject a small needle under the skin daily either in the abdomin or thigh.
Your provider will determine when to start taking your antagonist and at what dosage.
• headaches
• nausea
• pain at the injection site
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Dosage:
Medication to Mature Eggs, The Trigger Shot - hCG
• Novarel
• Ovidrel
• Pregnyl
This can be prescribed as a self-administered subcutaneous injection where you will inject a small needle under the skin in either the abdomin or thigh. This can also be prescribed as a self-administered intramuscular injection where you will inject a longer needle into the muscle usually in the backside.
Leuprolide acetate or “Lupron” may be used along with or instead of hCG to trigger the final maturation of the eggs and the follicle.
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• pain at the injection site
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Alternative/Supplemental:
Progesterone
• Progesterone in Oil
• Vaginal Suppository
Doctors usually prescribe progesterone supplementation to start on the day the eggs are harvested. If a pregnancy takes place, the doctor may tell you to continue taking progesterone throughout the first trimester. This us usually prescribed as a self-administered intramuscular injection where you will inject a longer needle into the muscle, usually in the backside. This can also be prescribed as a vaginal suppository.
• pain/swelling at the injection site
• dizziness or tiredness
• mood swings
• bloating
• nausea
• cramps
• vaginal itching or burning
• yeast infection
Commonly Prescribed :
Common Side Effects & Risks (injections):
Common Side Effects & Risks (suppositories):
Administration:
Confirm that there is currently no pregnancy
Sounds silly, right? Yes, many people who are pursuing IVF are doing so because of an inability to get pregnant, but it’s important to make sure before beginning an IVF cycle.
Ensure the estradiol level is low
Estradiol is a type of estrogen (the major sex hormone in women) and is secreted by the ovarian follicles as they grow and develop each month. This sets the rest of the reproductive cycle in motion. High levels of estradiol can potentially indicate a problem with your ovarian reserve, which may mean you can have trouble producing enough eggs for retrieval.
Ensure the uterine lining is thin
For a successful implantation an embryo needs a receptive uterine lining.
The uterine lining, also called the endometrium, thins and thickens during a menstrual cycle, so to better ensure that the uterine lining is at the optimal level of thickness for the embryo transfer it’s important that it begins at the optimal level of thinness.
Confirm there are no significant ovarian cysts
Many people are startled when they hear the word cyst as they go through their treatment. There are many different types of ovarian cysts, but in context of a stimulation cycle, these “cysts” are simply ovarian “follicles” that contain eggs.
During your suppression check, your doctor is checking to see if any of those follicles are too large. A follicle that is larger than the other follicles is called a dominant ovarian cyst. A dominant ovarian cyst can interfere with your IVF protocol as it may indicate that the smaller follicles will not mature during stimulation. When this happens, the doctor may recommend that you postpone treatment until the cyst has resolved itself, or may recommend that a birth control pill be used for several weeks to suppress the ovaries.
Measure resting follicle count
In order to predict how your body will respond to follicle stimulating medication and to personalize your starting dosage of medication, your doctor needs to know what your follicle count is before the start of treatment, which is called the resting follicle count.
Antagonist medication breakdown
Antagonist Medications to Prevent Early Ovulation
• Cetrotide
• Ganirelix
This is a self-administered subcutaneous injection. You will inject a small needle under the skin daily either in the abdomin or thigh.
Your provider will determine when to start taking your antagonist and at what dosage.
• headaches
• nausea
• pain at the injection site
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Dosage:
Lab work
Intravaginal Ultrasound
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Lab Work
You will have your blood drawn at each monitoring appointment. The hormones evaluated during your IVF cycle generally include estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). During the IVF cycle, your estrogen level should increase, while your progesterone level would normally remain low. LH may or may not be checked (dependent on medication protocol). If any of these levels are not where your doctor expected them, they may adjust your medications, and in rare cases, cancel your cycle.
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Intravaginal Ultrasound
An intravaginal ultrasound will be completed at each monitoring appointment. This allows your physician to visually see and monitor your ovaries. They are checking the status of follicle growth in response to your stimulation medication. On average, a follicle is expected to increase in size by approximately 1–2mm a day.
Some patients respond more strongly to the medications than expected, so a physician may switch to a lower dosage of medication to avoid complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Other patients might not be responding as well as hoped, so a physician may elect to increase the dosage to try to jumpstart the stimulation for retrieval.
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Medication to Mature Eggs, The Trigger Shot - hCG
• Novarel
• Ovidrel
• Pregnyl
This can be prescribed as a self-administered subcutaneous injection where you will inject a small needle under the skin in either the abdomin or thigh. This can also be prescribed as a self-administered intramuscular injection where you will inject a longer needle into the muscle usually in the backside.
Leuprolide acetate or “Lupron” may be used along with or instead of hCG to trigger the final maturation of the eggs and the follicle.
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• bloating
• pain at the injection site
Commonly Prescribed Brands:
Potential Side Effects & Risks:
Administration:
Alternative/Supplemental:
The Importance of Timing - The Trigger Shot
If you take your shot earlier than instructed and don’t tell your doctor, you might ovulate prior to your egg retrieval, or if you arrive late to your egg retrieval appointment, you may ovulate before they have a chance to retrieve the eggs. Both of these scenarios would result in a cycle with zero eggs. Clarity is key, so be sure you are completely clear on your instructions for both when to do your injection as well has how to mix and inject your trigger shot.
Dr. George Patounakis from RMA of Orlando talks about what you can expect at your monitoring appointments.
The Egg Retrieval
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Understanding the Results
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Recovery
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Egg Retrieval Procedure
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Fresh or Frozen Sperm
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Introduction
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The results of an egg retrieval can be as low as zero mature eggs retrieved and as high as over 20 mature eggs retrieved. You should have a general sense of how many eggs you can expect from your last monitoring visit based on the number and size of follicles from your ultrasound.
The results of an egg retrieval will depend on the factors that brought you to IVF to begin with, and how your body reacts to the medications.
Understanding the Results
What is a “good” number of eggs retrieved?
Are immature eggs on retrieval day a lost cause?
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Immature Eggs
Immature eggs aren’t a lost cause as eggs continue to mature naturally after retrieval, sometimes these eggs mature just a couple of hours later and sometimes they will be mature by the next morning. This is called
in vitro maturation.
Patients may feel some soreness equivalent to cramping, and drowsiness from the anesthesia.
While most patients can return to work the following day. It is recommended that patients refrain from returning to work the day of the retrieval, just in case they are still experiencing some drowsiness.
After the retrieval is complete, you will be transitioned to a recovery area where you will wait to recover briefly from the retrieval and be cleared to leave with your partner or friend who will be driving you home. At some clinics, you will remain to wait for the early results of the retrieval, while at others, you will receive a call with the results.
Egg Retrieval - Recovery
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Lab Work
You will have your blood drawn at each monitoring appointment. The hormones evaluated during your IVF cycle generally include estrogen, progesterone, and LH. During the IVF cycle, your estrogen level should increase, and progesterone level would normally remain low. LH may or may not be checked (dependent on medication protocol). If any of these levels are not where your doctor expected them, they may adjust your medications, and in rare cases, cancel your cycle.
The Morning Monitoring Visit - Intravaginal Ultrasound
An intravaginal ultrasound will be completed at each monitoring appointment. This allows your physician to visually see and monitor your ovaries. They are checking the status of follicle growth in response to your stimulation medication. On average, a follicle is expected to increase in size by approximately 1–2mm a day.
Some patients respond more strongly to the medications than expected, so a physician may switch to a lower dosage of medication to avoid complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). While other patients might not be responding as well as hoped, so a physician may elect to increase the dosage to try to jumpstart the stimulation for retrieval.
Sarah R., Progyny Member
“The IVF process is very consuming. Emotionally, physically, mentally. I felt like I needed to give myself some space.”
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If you have a partner who will be producing a fresh semen sample, they should also be present at the egg retrieval to provide the sample for processing and preparation.
If your partner cannot be available on the day of the retrieval, or if they prefer, they can freeze sperm ahead of time to have thawed and prepared on the day; if you will be using frozen donor sperm, the lab will have your vial ready for thawing and processing.
Not all of the decisions are about the woman’s body, but the
choice to use fresh or frozen sperm may be more about convenience than effectiveness.
Fresh or Frozen Sperm Preparation
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The Egg Retrieval
All of the hard work has been building to one of the most exciting events of any IVF cycle: The Egg Retrieval.
What happens after a canceled cycle?
What happens after a canceled cycle?
A canceled cycle could also occur if, during monitoring, your doctor doesn’t see an adequate number of mature follicles on your ovaries, indicating that there aren’t any mature eggs to retrieve. When this happens, it can be extremely frustrating for patients, but it’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Your doctor may be able to use this information about your specific body, and how it reacts to medications to prescribe a different protocol the second time around. Many who experience a canceled cycle can still go on to have a successful egg retrieval at a later date.
A canceled cycle can be a very stressful time, and it’s important to remember that you can reach out to your care team, or your Progyny PCA for support, or to answer any of your questions.
Dr. Spencer Richlin from RMA of Connecticut demonstrates what you can expect during the egg retrieval procedure.
53.1%
Cumulative live birth rate using frozen sperm
Mayo Clinic. "Frozen, Fresh Sperm Both Effective For In Vitro Fertilization." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 May 2004. .
Cumulative live birth rate using fresh sperm
51.6%
A Mayo Clinic study shows that couples using in vitro fertilization have the same likelihood of successful pregnancy whether the sperm used is frozen or fresh.
It is recommended that you arrive an hour early to the egg retrieval to allow time to complete any paperwork or consultation that your clinic may require.
The Egg Retrieval Process
Hillary F., Progyny Member
“We had about 15 follicles, which to us seemed like a good number... They told us they had 13 eggs and all 13 eggs were mature. So that was great.”
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Risks associated with the egg retrieval
Risks associated with the egg retrieval procedure include:
• bleeding
• infection
• damage to the bowel or bladder
On the day of the retrieval, once the nurses have prepped you for the procedure, you will be brought back to the retrieval room, and you will likely undergo a light anesthesia. This is a very minimally invasive, and quick procedure, but you may experience a conscious sedation. It’s important to note that you will not be permitted to drive yourself home from your treatment, so you will need to bring someone who can drive you.
There will be several people in the operating room with you: your reproductive endocrinologist who will perform the retrieval, a nurse, an anesthesiologist, and an embryologist. Your doctor will use an ultrasound-guided needle which will puncture each mature follicle of your ovaries one by one and aspirate, or retrieve, an egg. The retrieved eggs are immediately transferred to an embryologist.
The procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes.
Kelly P., Progyny Member
“We only ended up getting seven eggs that retrieval. Luckily, all seven were mature. So that was a big plus. But unfortunately only four fertilized with ICSI.”
Mature eggs are the eggs that have completed the process needed to be ready for fertilization. While immature eggs are eggs that did not complete the maturation process while in the ovary prior to the retrieval.
The Egg
Retrieval
Fertilization & Embryo Development
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Suppression Check
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The Risks of Multiples
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Embryo Development
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Why ICSI is used
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Insemination vs ICSI
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Fertilization
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The Embryologist
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After fertilization, the embryologist is hard at work making sure that the embryos have the ideal micro-environment to develop. Embryos are stored in incubators, which are designed to mimic the environment in the uterus, primarily by providing a constant body temperature and a specific mixture of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
After a successful fertilization the process of embryo
development begins.
Embryo Development
What is a blastocyst?
Elective Single Embryo Transfer
What is assisted hatching?
Day 3 vs Day 5/6 embryo development
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What is a blastocyst?
A blastocyst is an embryo which has been left to develop until day 5 or 6 after fertilization and presents a complex cellular structure formed by approximately 200 cells. You want as many day 5 or 6 blastocysts as you can get, as those are the embryos that have a chance to be transferred or genetically tested.
In the past, fertility doctors would routinely transfer embryos at day 3, when each embryo is a bundle of about 8–12 cells in total. Now the consensus is that an embryo that is healthy enough to survive to day 5 or 6 is more likely to result in a live birth. Today, most clinics will probably recommend a day 5 or 6 transfer.
Embryo Development: Day 3 vs Day 5/6
In the past, fertility doctors would routinely transfer embryos at day 3, when each embryo is a bundle of about 8–12 cells in total. Now the consensus is that an embryo that is healthy enough to survive to day 5 or 6 is more likely to result in a live birth. Today, most clinics will probably recommend a day 5 or 6 transfer.
ICSI is often used to help patients with male factor infertility, but there are other reasons a doctor might recommend ICSI.
Reasons Your Doctor May
Recommend ICSI
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Fertilization can be as simple as joining sperm and egg in a dish, or as precise as placing a single sperm inside a single egg.
Insemination vs ICSI
Dr. Sharon Jaffe from Center for Reproductive medicine talks about the two different fertilization techniques available in an IVF cycle.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
Insemination
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Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI was originally created to fertilize eggs where the sperm may have had difficulty entering the egg alone, usually due to poor sperm motility or low number of sperm available. ICSI is the technique in which an individual sperm cell is introduced into an egg cell manually using a micropipette, which is a tiny needle. The embryologist will select the best-looking sperm from the sample, pick it up in the pipette, and inject it inside the egg. One of the advantages of ICSI is that the embryologist can ensure that a sperm did enter each egg, while with conventional insemination, you have to leave it up to the cells themselves.
Insemination is the process whereby the egg and sperm are left to complete the fertilization process without assistance of an embryologist. It is also known as conventional insemination, as it was the first method of fertilization used when IVF was created. The sperm are placed into a dish with the eggs and by the next morning a sperm should have been able to find its way into an egg to fertilize it. In cases of male factor infertility (the sperm count or motility is low), the sperm may not to be able to enter the egg without assistance. If genetic testing is planned, many embryology laboratories prefer to select a single sperm in an attempt to improve the accuracy of the results.
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Fertilization is the joining of mature eggs with sperm. A number of those eggs will fertilize, a smaller number will mature to day three where they are a bundle of 8–10 cells. An even smaller number will mature to day five or six, at which stage they are called blastocysts.
Those blastocysts will be evaluated both at day 3 and day 5 or 6 to see if they are developing at the expected rate, and a determination will be made about how many viable (meaning, potentially leading to a healthy baby) embryos you have available for storage and/or transfer.
The joining of egg and sperm may seem straightforward, but there are some choices to make when it comes to fertilization.
Fertilization
The Embryologist
After the egg retrieval, you will enter a new phase of your treatment cycle, one that will require a new member of your care team: the embryologist.
The embryologist prepares both the sperm and eggs, fertilizes the eggs by joining them with sperm, and provides a safe environment for the embryos to develop. They also often perform the embryo biopsy needed in order to test the embryo’s chromosome’s for viability.
Mandy Katz-Jaffe, Scientific & Genetic Director, CCRM
“Our goal is for every patient to fulfil their hopes and dreams of what family means to them in the shortest timeframe possible.”
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At this point in your cycle you and your physician will have more information than previous points in the process. You’ll know how many eggs the embryology team has to work with, and you and your doctor will have a clear understanding of how your body reacted to the protocol.
Not it's the embryologist’s job to fertilize the eggs and hopefully begin the process of embryo development.
Amanda L., Progyny Member
“After the egg retrieval we had two eggs that were retrieved, and we also had eight eggs donated to us from my sister… of my two eggs one fertilized, and of my sisters seven fertilized.”
In the body eggs and sperm most often meet in the fallopian tubes, but with IVF everything happens in the lab. In general, there are two ways an embryologist can fertilize an egg, and the process they choose is up to you and your physician.
Insemination
• If you experienced fertilization failure in a previous cycle
• If you plan to genetically test your embryos (PGT-A/PGT-M) then your physician will recommend ICSI to reduce the occurrence of genetic contamination of the samples when sent off for genetic testing
• For patients whose egg retrieval resulted in fewer eggs than expected (ICSI may have a higher fertilization rate)
• For cycles where you will be using frozen eggs
Data from CDC's National ART Surveillance System demonstrate the increased use of ICSI over time:
ICSI used for cycles with male factor infertility
76.3%
ICSI used for cycles without male factor infertility
15.4%
Trends in use of and reproductive outcomes associated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25602996
93.3%
1996
2012
2012
1996
66.9%
See live birth rates by fertilization technique for patients with previous fertilization failure
ICSI
26%
Conventional Insemination
1%
Comparison between intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with high insemination concentration after total fertilization failure in a previous IVF attempt. Kastrop PM et al.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10374096
For patients with previous complete fertilization failure ICSI resulted
in significantly improved live birth rates.
See percentage of IVF procedures using ICSI with and without a male factor diagnosis
ICSI and your Progyny coverage
At Progyny, it is our goal to help you achieve a successful pregnancy, so we have included coverage for both conventional insemination and ICSI in your SMART Cycle benefit. This is another reason it’s a good idea to make sure your care team understands that you have this coverage before you start your treatment. You don’t want to miss out on any of the advantages that this coverage affords you. Don’t hesitate to speak to your PCA about the nuances of your Progyny coverage.
ICSI is included in your Progyny coverage
IVF Lab & Fertilization
Of the eggs that fertilize, some will develop into a blastocyst.
Embryo Selection & Genetic Testing
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Suppression Check
7
PGT-M
6
PGT-A & Clinical Outcomes
5
PGT-A
4
Risks of Multiples
3
Embryo Selection
2
Euploid vs Aneuploid
1
6
Expanded carrier screening panels test for hundreds of recessive disorders. If you and your partner test positive for a variant in the same gene, you will be offered the opportunity to speak to a genetic counselor about your options, including PGT-M.
If an embryo carries both the maternal and paternal variant or mutation, the baby will carry the disease, so this test can identify embryos destined to carry the disease so that they can be ruled out for transfer.
PGT-M is a powerful option for people at high-risk of passing on a specific single gene disorder, like cycstic fibrosis
Preimplantation Genetic Testing - Monogenic Diseases
What is preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangement (PGT-SR)?
Transferring a PGT-A tested euploid embryo can significantly increase success rates per transfer, and because it allows the physician to perform a single embryo transfer, reduces the likelihood of multiple gestations drastically. For older patients, transferring a PGT-A tested euploid embryo brings success rates as high as they would be for a non-tested embryo at a much younger age, making it a great tool for women of advanced maternal age to safely increase their success per transfer.
PGT-A with an elective single embryo transfer can lead to superior clinical outcomes.
PGT-A and Clinical Outcomes
Is PGT-A included in coverage for Progyny members?
5
Reduced time to pregnancy
Reduced rate of miscarriage
Increased implantation rate
PGT-A is included in your Progyny coverage
If PGT-A feels like a wise choice, it’s because it likely is, but some patients choose to forgo testing. This often happens because of cost. PGT-A, like any technology, can be costly, so when paying out-of-pocket, it can be difficult for some patients to pay for the test.
Progyny has removed that obstacle for our members. PGT-A is covered in every SMART Cycle used for IVF.
At Progyny our mission is to help everyone have a healthy baby, and by covering PGT-A, we are standing
behind that mission.
For patients with this coverage, the most frequently recommended transfer strategy when multiple embryos are available is to test them, discard aneuploid embryos and transfer one euploid embryo. The remaining euploid embryos will then remain frozen at the clinic for future potential transfer attempts.
PGT-A and increased implantation rates
When transferring PGT-A tested euploid embryos, the implantation rate far exceeds the implantation rate for untested embryos.
This game changing technology, often called PGT-A, and formerly called PGS and CCS, has helped bring IVF success rates with a single embryo transfer up to previously unreachable levels.
Elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is the intentional transfer of one embryo when there are multiple embryos of appropriate stage and quality available. PGT-A allows patients and doctors to elect to transfer one embryo at a time while maintaining high success rates, and reducing rates of miscarriage, and time to pregnancy.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
4
Risks of Transferring
Multiple Embryos
3
2
The embryo grade will tell you how well an embryo has developed compared to the expected average, but it isn’t an accurate indication of chromosomal abnormality.
In fact, two embryos on day 6 after fertilization could have developed to have the exact same grade but one of them could be aneuploid and the other euploid.
Euploid embryos can lead to a healthy baby, and aneuploid embryos can’t. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to detect which embryos are euploid just by looking at them.
Embryo Selection
See common risks associated with IVF
Rare risks associated with IVF
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
Ovarian Torsion
Egg Retrieval Complications
Egg Retrieval Complications
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion is a condition that occurs when an ovary twists around the ligaments that hold it in place. This twisting can cut off blood flow to the ovary and fallopian tube. Ovarian torsion can cause severe pain and other symptoms because the ovary is not receiving enough blood.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Egg Retrieval Complications
The egg retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and while the risks are minimal it's important to be congnizant of them. The risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to the bowel or bladder.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
In rare instances (1-5%), “ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome” (OHSS) may occur during ovarian stimulation. OHSS is associated with swollen, enlarged ovaries and the collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Most cases are mild, but rarely the condition is severe and can lead to serious illness or death.
Be sure to communicate any pain or discomfort with your physician.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy, also called extrauterine pregnancy, is when a fertilized egg grows outside a woman’s uterus, somewhere else in her belly. It can cause life-threatening bleeding and needs medical care right away.
In more than 90% of cases, the egg implants in a fallopian tube. This is called a tubal pregnancy.
Philip S., Progyny Member
“We don't have a problem getting pregnant, it was a problem of having a viable embryo that will stay and make it a full term to become a baby.”
Euploid vs Aneuploid Embryos
Not all embryos can lead to a live birth, so selecting embryos with a greater chance to result in a healthy baby is critical.
A healthy embryo contains 46 chromosomes, 23 of which are contributed by the sperm, and 23 by the egg. When an embryo has 46 chromosomes it’s called a euploid embryo and has the potential to develop into a healthy baby.
The chart below demonstrates that the rate of aneuploidy increases with age. This coinsides with a reduced IVF success rate.
1
Egg Donor
61%
54%
% Euploid Embryos
IVF Success Rate
< 35
51%
48%
35-37
43%
35%
38-40
30%
22%
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Aneuploidy and Translocations Using Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization - Santiago Munné - Curr Genomics. 2012 Sep; 13(6): 463–470. Published online 2012 Sep. doi: 10.2174/138920212802510457
PMCID: PMC3426780
41-42
18%
11%
41-42
12%
3%
Transferring an abnormal embryo significantly decreases implantation rates, and increases rates of miscarriage. For patients experiencing reccurent pregnancy loss the most common cause is chromosomal abnormality of the embryos.
In the past, because it was impossible to know which embryos were aneuploid and which were euploid, doctors would frequently transfer two or more embryos at a time to increase the likelihood that they are transferring a euploid embryo.
But, as you might expect, transferring multiple embryos dramatically increases the likelihood of a multiple gestation (twins, triplets, more).
Transferring multiple embryos brings serious health risks to both mom and babies.
The risks associated with multiples
Dr. Candice Perfetto from Center for Reproductive Medicine lays out the most significant and common risks associated with multiple gestation pregnancies.
How does PGT-A work, and when can you expect to receive your results?
How does PGT-A Work?
In order to test embryos using PGT-A, an embryo needs to be biopsied, meaning a few cells from the part of the embryo that will become the placenta are removed for testing. Keep in mind that the cells that will become the actual baby are not involved in this process and remain intact within the embryo.
The embryos are then frozen (vitrified) so that the physician can await test results before making a decision on which embryo to transfer. The biopsied cells are shipped to a laboratory where the chromosomes of each cell can be categorized and counted. The results of this test usually come back in about a week, and your physician will tell you how many euploid embryos you have available for transfer.
When do the results of the test come back?
The results of this test usually come back in about a week, and your physician will tell you how many euploid embryos you have available for transfer.
Dr. Ravi Gada from Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates discusses the risks of transferring multiple embryos, and the ways in which PGT-A can empower single embryo transfer.
Does PGT-A ”fix“ abnormal embryos?
Reduced pre-term labor
Embryo Selection & Testing
What is recurrent pregnancy loss?
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Recurrent pregnancy loss is classically defined as the occurrence of three or more consecutive pregnancy loss; however, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has recently redefined recurrent pregnancy loss as two or more pregnancy losses. A pregnancy loss is defined as a clinically-recognized pregnancy involuntarily ending before 20 weeks. A clinically-recognized pregnancy means that the pregnancy has been visualized on an ultrasound or that pregnancy tissue was identified after a pregnancy loss.
PGT-A/CCS Approved Embryo
66.4%
47.9%
Untested Embryo
Blastocyst biopsy with comprehensive chromosome screening and fresh embryo transfer significantly increases in vitro fertilization implantation and delivery rates: a randomized controlled trial. Scott et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23731996
PGT-A and reduced rate of miscarriage
Miscarriage is perhaps more common that most people realize. According to some studies up to 1 in 4 pregnancies result in a miscarriage, and the overwhelming majority of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormality of the embryo. By removing aneuploid embryos from the equation the rates of miscarriage plummet well below the national average for women 35 years and older.
Blastocyst biopsy with comprehensive chromosome screening and fresh embryo transfer significantly increases in vitro fertilization implantation and delivery rates: a randomized controlled trial. Scott et al. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23731996
< 35
Maternal Age
13%
13%
35
Maternal Age
10%
15%
38
Maternal Age
16%
21%
41
Maternal Age
13%
28%
43
Maternal Age
18%
43%
PGT-A Approved
Not Tested
PGT-A and reduced time to pregnancy
Most people who enter an IVF treatment have been trying for months or years to have a baby, and IVF itself can take multiple months to complete. For this reason, many patients prioritize reducing their time to pregnancy.
PGT-A allows patients to select a healthy embryo for their first transfer, giving each transfer the best possible chance of success, and therefore reducing the number of transfers needed, and the time associated with multiple transfers.
PGT-A and reduced pre-term labor
Most IVF births make it to term, but that isn’t the case when discussing pregnancies resulting from a multiple embryo transfer. Due to complications associated with multiple gestation pregnancy the chances of experiencing a pre-term birth are increased dramatically when multiple embryos are transferred. Transferring one euploid embryo will decrease the chances of experiencing a pre-term labor.
No, PGT-A does not alter or ”fix“ an embryo's chromosomal makeup
It’s important to understand that PGT-A can improve success rates, but it doesn’t do so by changing, or “correcting” aneuploid embryos. If an embryo has too many or too few chromosomes there is no way salvage that embryo. PGT-A can increase success rates by ruling out embryos that won’t lead to a live birth, in favor of embryos with a high likelihood to result in a live birth.
What is a mosaic embryo?
What is a mosaic embryo?
Mosaic is the term now assigned to embryos found to possess both normal and abnormal cells during PGT-A. Mosaic embryos can result in the birth of a healthy euploid baby with no apparent evidence of mosaicism, although they appear to have roughly half the chance of implanting as the normal-range embryos. You should speak to your physician if you have any questions about mosaicisms.
Preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangement (PGT-SR)
Some patients may be healthy but carry a rearrangement of DNA called a translocation. These patients can produce some healthy eggs or sperm, but in many cases, will produce gametes that yield embryos with an abnormal chromosomal content. These embryos are likely to not implant or to miscarry. If you are at risk of passing on a translocation, your doctor may recommend that you undergo PGT-SR
(structural rearrangement).
If you’re interested in PGT-M you should reach out to your PCA for more information on the coverage and which labs are able to preforms this test.
The Embryo Transfer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Suppression Check
7
Obtaining Medications
6
Embryo Transfer Procedure
5
How many embryos to transfer?
4
Mock Transfer & Mock Cycle
3
Natural vs Artificial Cycle
2
Fresh vs Frozen
1
2
There are various protocols used to prepare the endometrium for an embryo transfer, but it generally breaks down between a decision to move forward with a natural cycle or an artificial cycle.
For those pursuing a frozen embryo transfer there are two different ways to prepare.
Natural vs Artificial Cycle
Frozen embryo transfer artificial cycle
Fresh vs Frozen Embryo Transfer
Once you have your cohort of embryos it’s time to think about the embryo transfer.
Excerpt from the podcast This is Infertility - click here to listen to Sarah's full story
Sarah R. Progyny Member
“It’s very valuable to have someone that understands the journey. Sue wanted to hear my story the other day when we were chatting. It felt good to have that kind of person in my life helping me through this process.”
Jennifer K. Progyny Member
Fertility doctors are physicians who are double board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). The physician’s role is to lead the charge by using their expertise and experience to recommend diagnostic tests and treatment options, and to make sure that a patient is aware of any risks associated with their treatment.
Physician
Physician
Your nurse (or team of nurses) will help make sure that you have the support that you need as you administer medications at home and come to the office for morning monitoring visits. If you’re ever unsure on what to do next, you can always ask your nurse.
IVF Nurse
IVF Nurse
Most clinics will arrange a meeting for their patients with a financial coordinator. For Progyny members, this is typically a very short conversation, as your comprehensive coverage will make the financial side of IVF straight forward and manageable. It’s important that you tell the financial coordinator that you have Progyny coverage. If they have any questions that you need help with you should reach out to your PCA.
Financial Coordinator
Financial Coordinator
Yes, that’s you! It is important to remember that this is your body. The doctor is the expert, but ultimately the choices being made will be your own. The support team is here to provide the education to make the best choices, and it’s your job to make sure you are getting the support that you need.
When making the decision to go through with IVF, you’re also making the decision to commit to your care team. It’s important to understand the style of clinic you are working with, familiarize yourself with their style, and feel comfortable with the environment they have created.
Patient
Navigating your fertility treatment
Patient
1
A fresh embryo transfer will happen approximately 5–6 days after your egg retrieval, where one embryo is transferred, and the remaining are frozen for potential future transfer. In contrast, a frozen embryo transfer means the entire cohort is frozen approximately 5–6 days after the egg retrieval to preserve them for a transfer planned at a later date.
Waiting for the results of preimplantation
genetic testing
Allowing your body to rest and
reducing risk of OHSS
Schedule and logistics
Waiting for results of preimplantation genetic testing
If you are utilizing PGT-A, PGT-M, or PGT-SR to test the embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, single gene mutations, or chromosomal rearrangements you will need to wait for those results before you can transfer an embryo.
Allowing your body to rest from the recent surgical egg retrieval
The stimulation process is an effective way to maximize your follicle count, and ultimately the number of eggs available at retrieval, but it does put stress on your body, and can leave your body in a less than optimal position to receive an embryo. For this reason, many physicians prefer a frozen cycle so that your body can return to normal, and your uterine lining can be adequately prepared for implantation.
Schedule and Logistics
Sometimes this decision is as simple as logistics. Many patients need to travel for their treatments, and that can make a fresh transfer difficult. Others just want to time their transfer for after a trip, event, or work obligation. A frozen transfer strategy frees you to make these important decisions.
A natural cycle times the frozen embryo transfer to when your body would ovulate naturally, while an artificial cycle utilizes estrogen and progesterone, or sometimes gonadotropin releasing hormone, to mimic the body's cycle and help prepare the endometrium for implantation.
Frozen embryo transfer natural cycle
Frozen embryo transfer with a natural cycle
A natural cycle is a frozen embryo transfer timed to when you ovulate naturally. Your natural ovulation cycles prepare your body for potential embryo implantation, so when done right a natural cycle could result in appropriate conditions in the uterus for implantation.
A natural cycle can also be supplemented with an hCG trigger shot which can ensure that ovulation occurs. A supplemented cycle will also likely utilize progesterone for luteal phase support after the transfer.
Some instances when a natural cycle may be recommended: For patients who want to avoid extra hormones, and for patients who have experienced many failed artificial cycles.
Frozen embryo transfer with an artificial cycle
In order to help thicken the endometrium your doctor may recommend an artificial (or synthetic) cycle. This usually includes taking estrogen and progesterone to mimic the body’s cycle and increase endometrial receptivity. Some artificial cycles include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) as well.
Some instances when a natural cycle may be recommended: For patients who don’t ovulate regularly, and for patients who prioritize predictability, and control. Some clinics only do artificial cycles by default.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
The right time to start treatment depends on your body, your physician, and maybe even your schedule.
There are a few different ways your physician can make sure your treatment starts at an ideal time.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 31: Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
This is the second episode in our four-part series on endometriosis and we’ve broken this episode into two parts. In part 2, we continue hearing Amanda’s story about how she came to discover she had endometriosis, and how that impacted her infertility journey.
After paying out of pocket for four unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Amanda Lesesne had an exploratory laparoscopy which revealed stage three endometriosis. After having the endometriosis tissue removed, she decided to try IVF for the fifth time. This time she entered the process with renewed hope, a new financial situation (she now has Progyny Fertility Benefits), and an audio recorder. In part two, we follow Amanda in real time as she experiences her fifth cycle of IVF.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Episode 63: The Frustrations and Hopes of an Unfinished Fertility Journey
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
When experiencing something as challenging as infertility, it can be helpful to hear stories, advice, and guidance from those who have been through it. However, we usually hear from people who were successful in growing their families. But what about those who are still going through treatment, and are uncertain of where their fertility journey will lead them? How can you make it through without setting expectations of having a picture-perfect ending?
In today’s episode, we hear from Kelly Partner, who wanted to share her story while the ending was still unknown. Kelly and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, which has been filled with rounds of IUI, a male infertility diagnosis for her husband, and multiple pregnancy losses.
It is not uncommon to have monitoring appointments every other day or even daily up until your egg retrieval. These monitoring appointments are usually scheduled very early in the morning so you can carry on with your day afterwards. In these visits they will draw blood for lab work and perform an intravaginal ultrasound.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 8: LGBTQ+ Family Building: Building a Family
with an Inclusive Fertility Benefit
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
A study by the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey reported that almost 58% of people are forced to forego fertility treatment due to the anticipated financial burden. And for those who go forward with treatment, the high price tag forces many individuals, couples, and families to spend thousands of out-of-pocket dollars. Even if their employer provides coverage, a number of plans will exclude same-sex couples with unrealistic diagnostic requirements.
But what if your employer covered your treatment and made it accessible to everyone? In this episode, we hear from Lindsey and Chrissy Callahan who were eager to start a family when they learned their employer-sponsored Progyny benefit would make their dream of having a child a reality.
The timing of the egg retrieval is tied to the timing of the trigger shot, so it’s important that you arrive to your egg retrieval on time. If you are late to your appointment, it’s possible that you could ovulate before your doctor has a chance to retrieve any eggs. This would result in a “canceled cycle,” and it could require that you start another round of IVF from scratch. So, make sure to plan for traffic and take extra precautions to ensure you arrive on time that morning—you don’t want to miss it!
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 51: PCOS and Fertility: An IVF Baby After Ectopic Pregnancies
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
One of the most common questions people ask when they find out they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, “Does this mean I can’t get pregnant?” PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often presents itself with several symptoms, and yes one of those symptoms may be infertility. But, while PCOS itself isn’t curable, it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Sarah Rivera, who was diagnosed after experiencing two life–threatening ectopic pregnancies. Because of her experience, she decided that IVF was the safest way to proceed, and because she had coverage for fertility treatments provided by her employer, she was able to pursue parenthood at her own pace.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 63: The Frustrations and Hopes of an Unfinished Fertility Journey
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
When experiencing something as challenging as infertility, it can be helpful to hear stories, advice, and guidance from those who have been through it. However, we usually hear from people who were successful in growing their families. But what about those who are still going through treatment, and are uncertain of where their fertility journey will lead them? How can you make it through without setting expectations of having a picture-perfect ending?
In today’s episode, we hear from Kelly Partner, who wanted to share her story while the ending was still unknown. Kelly and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, which has been filled with rounds of IUI, a male infertility diagnosis for her husband, and multiple pregnancy losses.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 46: Genetic Testing: Can it be Non-Invasive?
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
We’ve covered the cost effectiveness of pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, or PGT-A. In today’s episode, we are going to learn about something called non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (they don’t have an acronym for it yet because it’s still in clinical trials).
We’ll hear from Dr. Mandy Katz-Jaffe, a Reproductive Geneticist and the Scientific and Genetics Director at CCRM. She’ll break down how this test could work, the advantages this could have for patients, and where they are in the process of clinical trials.
Episode 31: Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
This is the second episode in our four-part series on endometriosis and we’ve broken this episode into two parts. In part 2, we continue hearing Amanda’s story about how she came to discover she had endometriosis, and how that impacted her infertility journey.
After paying out of pocket for four unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Amanda Lesesne had an exploratory laparoscopy which revealed stage three endometriosis. After having the endometriosis tissue removed, she decided to try IVF for the fifth time. This time she entered the process with renewed hope, a new financial situation (she now has Progyny Fertility Benefits), and an audio recorder. In part two, we follow Amanda in real time as she experiences her fifth cycle of IVF.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
When an embryo has an extra chromosome, one too few chromosomes, or a mixture of extra and missing chromosomes it is an aneuploid embryo. These embryos either won't implant, will miscarry, or in some rare instances result in a live birth with a serious genetic disorder like Down Syndrome or Edward Syndrome.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Once you arrive at the clinic you will change into a hospital gown and enter a surgical room to begin the procedure. Like the egg retrieval, you will go through a series of verifications to ensure that the correct embryo is being transferred. Depending on the clinic, and your personal preferences, your doctor may prescribe valium for the transfer procedure.
The embryo transfer is a very quick procedure that is often compared to a pap test.
Embryo Transfer Procedure
What to expect after the embryo transfer?
5
What to expect after the embryo transfer?
The transfer does not typically require anesthesia and patients typically report that the transfer is not unlike a pap test.
You shouldn’t experience any pain following the procedure, but you may feel some discomfort or cramping. This is normal and isn’t cause for concern, but many doctors recommend that you avoid unnecessary stress in the days immediately following the procedure.
The embryo cannot fall out, so you don’t have to worry about moving freely.
Prior to the implementation of modern technology like PGT-A it was a common practice to transfer two embryos, but that is no longer considered best practice, and the standard of care is now to transfer a single embryo.
The decision to transfer one embryo, which is called an elective single embryo transfer, or eSET, is a decision about reducing harmful risks. When multiple embryos are transferred the rate of twins or triplets increases dramatically.
How many embryos
to transfer?
4
Infant Mortality
2%
6%
Cerebral Palsy
1.2%
5%
Source: Luke, Pharoah
Increased Health Risks & Gestational Number
Can embryos fall out after a transfer?
Sometimes, you may be asked to complete a mock transfer or mock cycle to prepare for a transfer.
During a mock transfer the physician simulates a transfer, making sure they can access the uterus, that they have the correct catheter, and that there’s not going to be any issue when the embryo is loaded and ready for transfer. Think of it as a test run.
Mock Transfer & Mock Cycle
Dr. Lorna Marshall from Pacific NW Fertility explains when a doctor may recommend a mock transfer or a mock cycle.
3
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI was originally created to fertilize eggs where the sperm may have had difficulty entering the egg alone, usually due to poor sperm motility or low number of sperm available. ICSI is the technique in which an individual sperm cell is introduced into an egg cell manually using a micropipette, which is a tiny needle. The embryologist will select the best-looking sperm from the sample, pick it up in the pipette, and inject it inside the egg. One of the advantages of ICSI is that the embryologist can ensure that a sperm did enter each egg, while with conventional insemination, you have to leave it up to the cells themselves.
Insemination is the process whereby the egg and sperm are left to complete the fertilization process without assistance of an embryologist. It is also known as Conventional insemination, as it was the first method of fertilization used when IVF was created. The sperm are placed into a dish with the eggs and by the next morning a sperm should have been able to find its way into an egg to fertilize it. In cases of male factor infertility (the sperm count or motility is low), the sperm may not to be able to enter the egg without assistance. If genetic testing is planned, many embryology laboratories prefer to select a single sperm in an attempt to improve the accuracy of the results.
Insemination
At Progyny, it is our goal to help you achieve a successful pregnancy, so we have included coverage for both conventional insemination and ICSI in your SMART Cycle benefit. This is another reason it’s a good idea to make sure your care team understands that you have this coverage before you start your treatment. You don’t want to miss out on any of the advantages that this coverage affords you. Don’t hesitate to speak to your PCA about the nuances of your Progyny coverage.
ICSI is included in your Progyny coverage
A mock cycle is a somewhat rare procedure that includes undergoing all of the blood work, ultrasounds, and medication that are part of a typical transfer cycle. Then, at the time that a transfer would have occurred, your physician instead takes a biopsy of the endometrial lining, which is analyzed to see if it would have been the correct timing to transfer the embryo.
Reducing the risk of OHSS
Some doctors will recommend a frozen transfer for women who are susceptible to OHSS. OHSS is Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome, and it can develop as a result of a patient’s reaction to the medications associated with IVF. For women with PCOS, or women who are high responders to the medications, it may be recommended, and in some cases required, to let your system return to baseline before transferring an embryo.
Lindsey C., Progyny Member
“I had no idea what was involved in the transfer prep. 10-15 days before the transfer I took the (estrogen) pills, and 5 days out I took progesterone shots.”
Episode 8: LGBTQ+ Family Building: Building a Family
with an Inclusive Fertility Benefit
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
A study by the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey reported that almost 58% of people are forced to forego fertility treatment due to the anticipated financial burden. And for those who go forward with treatment, the high price tag forces many individuals, couples, and families to spend thousands of out-of-pocket dollars. Even if their employer provides coverage, a number of plans will exclude same-sex couples with unrealistic diagnostic requirements.
But what if your employer covered your treatment and made it accessible to everyone? In this episode, we hear from Lindsey and Chrissy Callahan who were eager to start a family when they learned their employer-sponsored Progyny benefit would make their dream of having a child a reality.
Dr. Julie Lamb from Pacific NW Fertility breaks down some of the benefits of a frozen embryo transfer.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
0.5%
0.2%
Excessive L&D Bleeding
2%
3%
1%
% of births
Singleton
Twins
Triplets
The embryo is brought into the operating room by the embryologist. It is customary for the physician to perform an ultrasound guided transfer. This ensures that the embryo is placed optimally in the uterus. You may be able to watch the process on a screen at some clinics.
A speculum is placed in the vagina so your doctor can visualize the cervix. Then, using a catheter inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, the embryo is placed into the endometrial cavity.
Philip S., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“They had this little petri dish and you see all these little specks... This is nuts. She's carrying my embryo across this room right now.”
The Embryo Transfer
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Implantation, BETA, & Results
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Suppression Check
7
Obtaining Medications
6
Embryo Transfer Procedure
5
How many embryos to transfer?
4
Mock Transfer & Mock Cycle
3
Natural vs Artificial Cycle
2
Fresh vs Frozen
1
Of course, sometimes beta blood tests come back negative for pregnancy. After a negative result from an IVF treatment, some patients feel that they need to take a break to physically and emotionally recover after a stressful time, while others feel that they want to do another transfer, or perhaps start another cycle, as quickly as possible.
It's important to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about the best next steps for you.
Listen Now
A negative pregnancy test after an embryo transfer can be very difficult, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road.
After a Negative hCG Test
Five tests to identify the cause of repeated IVF implantation failure
5
In the months after a positive pregnancy test you'll be returning to your fertility clinic for monitoring, and continuing medications to support the pregnancy.
Monitoring includes testing hCG levels and ultrasounds for the next 6–8 weeks before “graduating” to your OBGYN for the remainder of your pregnancy. You will also likely be put on a few different medications to help make sure your body has everything it needs to support the pregnancy. Typically, these include estrogen and progesterone, hormones that support healthy fetal growth and prevents early pregnancy loss.
Monitoring and
Pregnancy Support
4
After the wait it’s finally time for the hCG test. This test is sometimes called the BETA blood test.
hCG is human chorionic gonadotropin or “the pregnancy hormone.”
If this test results in a positive outcome it’s certainly a time to celebrate, but you should be mindful that this is extremely early in the pregnancy. In the next 48 hours, you will go back to your reproductive endocrinologist for a second blood test to ensure hCG levels are roughly doubling, indicating the pregnancy is progressing normally.
The hCG Blood Test
Dr. Brian Levine from CCRM New York talks about what they are looking for with the hCG blood test, and what you can expect after a positive result.
3
Sarah R., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I focused a lot on being outside... I pushed away all of the negativity in my life. I need to focus on me and what I'm doing.”
2
It’s not likely that you will feel any different if you are pregnant in the 8–9 days between the transfer and the hCG blood test, so try not to read too much into how you feel during this wait.
If you are finding the waiting period difficult, check out our emotional support page for guides and support tips. You can also reach out to your PCA who is always available for support and guidance.
Sometimes referred to as “The Two Week Wait” the period between the embryo transfer and the blood test to determine the results is usually approximately 8 to 9 days.
The Two Week Wait
Two-Week Wait: Coping Methods
Two-Week Wait: Survival Guide
Implantation
Ideally, after the transfer, the embryo continues to divide, and expand, and hopefully attaches itself to the endometrial lining in order to receive oxygen and nutrients needed for successful pregnancy. This is called implantation.
1
Partners and the importance of emotional support
7
Good Luck on Your Family Building Journey
This brings us to the end of this guide for IVF. We wish you the best on your journey.
Progyny members: Remember, regardless of how you choose to move on, you should know that your Progyny PCA is still available to you for support.
If you have any questions, concerns, or if you just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Progyny Patient Care Advocate. We are always happy to help you navigate your fertility journey.
For those who want more children down the road, IVF can provide a wonderful opportunity to preserve your fertility in the form of frozen eggs or embryos.
If you are fortunate enough to have viable embryos remaining in storage you can choose to keep those embryos for future family building, donate them either to science, or to another person or couple in need, or ask that they be terminated.
IVF as Family Planning
6
When an embryo implants the early placental cells produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Within a week, hCG can be detected through a blood test. The levels of hCG will increase rapidly in a positive pregnancy. If the first blood test returns positive, it will be repeated in the next days to confirm the pregnancy is progressing.
Progyny members: At this stage in your treatment it's important to remember that you have unlimited access to your PCA. You can reach out to them with any questions, or concerns, or you can give them a call just to chat if you need someone to talk to.
Kelly P., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I pretty much email her on a weekly basis... She always responds with very emotionally thoughtful messages.”
Episode 63: The Frustrations and Hopes of an Unfinished Fertility Journey
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
When experiencing something as challenging as infertility, it can be helpful to hear stories, advice, and guidance from those who have been through it. However, we usually hear from people who were successful in growing their families. But what about those who are still going through treatment, and are uncertain of where their fertility journey will lead them? How can you make it through without setting expectations of having a picture-perfect ending?
In today’s episode, we hear from Kelly Partner, who wanted to share her story while the ending was still unknown. Kelly and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, which has been filled with rounds of IUI, a male infertility diagnosis for her husband, and multiple pregnancy losses.
Episode 51: PCOS and Fertility: An IVF Baby After Ectopic Pregnancies
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
One of the most common questions people ask when they find out they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, “Does this mean I can’t get pregnant?” PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often presents itself with several symptoms, and yes one of those symptoms may be infertility. But, while PCOS itself isn’t curable, it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Sarah Rivera, who was diagnosed after experiencing two life–threatening ectopic pregnancies. Because of her experience, she decided that IVF was the safest way to proceed, and because she had coverage for fertility treatments provided by her employer, she was able to pursue parenthood at her own pace.
Two-Week Wait: Partner Checklist
Should you take a home pregnancy test before
the hCG blood test?
Should you take a home pregnancy test before
the hCG blood test?
Doctors typically don’t recommend that you do a home pregnancy test after fertility treatment since these tests only detect hCG presence, not the exact levels of the hormone. In addition, for those who’ve utilized a fresh transfer it’s still possible that there is hCG in the system from the trigger shot which could result in a false positive test.
Chrissy & Lindsey C., Progyny Members
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“Spoiler alert here: if you do get a positive pregnancy test... your prize is you get to continue those shots until 12 weeks.”
Episode 8: LGBTQ+ Family Building: Building a Family
with an Inclusive Fertility Benefit
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
A study by the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey reported that almost 58% of people are forced to forego fertility treatment due to the anticipated financial burden. And for those who go forward with treatment, the high price tag forces many individuals, couples, and families to spend thousands of out-of-pocket dollars. Even if their employer provides coverage, a number of plans will exclude same-sex couples with unrealistic diagnostic requirements.
But what if your employer covered your treatment and made it accessible to everyone? In this episode, we hear from Lindsey and Chrissy Callahan who were eager to start a family when they learned their employer-sponsored Progyny benefit would make their dream of having a child a reality.
Are IVF pregnancies considered high risk?
Are IVF pregnancies considered high-risk pregnancies?
An important thing to understand is that IVF pregnancies are comparable to natural pregnancies; they are not considered high risk pregnancies. That being said, around the 20th week, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine suggests pregnancies be monitored with a special ultrasound as a preventative measure to evaluate for the presence of cardiac side effects. Other than that, medically speaking, you should experience your pregnancy as if you conceived naturally.
Dr. Ravi Gada from Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Partners talks about some reasons an embryo wouldn't implant, and what people can do next.
Frozen embryos do not age the way that people do, and maintain their fertility potential as the years progress.
10 frequently asked questions during
a fertility journey
Hillary F., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“As hard as it is... if you just have a little bit (of hope) you know you can keep going.”
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Kelly P., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I just say, whatever your feelings are they're valid, and I hope you can find a person to validate them.”
Philip S., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I would just say having people around you that you feel comfortable with who are not going to give you the standard responses to a loss or infertility.”
Episode 61: Overcoming Failed Fertility Treatments: A Male’s Perspective
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Infertility is a journey that is complex and emotionally challenging for anyone involved, but there tends to be a lack of focus on the feelings and emotions of male partners. In today’s episode, we hear from Philip Schmidt, who shares his perspective on experiencing an infertility journey.
We’ll learn how Philip and his wife pursued both adoption and fertility treatments and within a few months, welcomed not one but two children into their family.
We also hear from Dr. Stephanie Gustin, a reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert at the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, who adds clarity to the infertility diagnosis recurrent pregnancy loss.
Chrissy & Lindsey C., Progyny Members
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“Making sure you're talking about it and sharing stories... talk to your friends, you're not alone. This shouldn't be so lonely and scary.”
Episode 8: LGBTQ+ Family Building: Building a Family
with an Inclusive Fertility Benefit
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
A study by the Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey reported that almost 58% of people are forced to forego fertility treatment due to the anticipated financial burden. And for those who go forward with treatment, the high price tag forces many individuals, couples, and families to spend thousands of out-of-pocket dollars. Even if their employer provides coverage, a number of plans will exclude same-sex couples with unrealistic diagnostic requirements.
But what if your employer covered your treatment and made it accessible to everyone? In this episode, we hear from Lindsey and Chrissy Callahan who were eager to start a family when they learned their employer-sponsored Progyny benefit would make their dream of having a child a reality.
Sarah R., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“Find people willing to support you through the process. Going at it alone can be difficult.”
Episode 51: PCOS and Fertility: An IVF Baby After Ectopic Pregnancies
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
One of the most common questions people ask when they find out they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, “Does this mean I can’t get pregnant?” PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often presents itself with several symptoms, and yes one of those symptoms may be infertility. But, while PCOS itself isn’t curable, it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Sarah Rivera, who was diagnosed after experiencing two life–threatening ectopic pregnancies. Because of her experience, she decided that IVF was the safest way to proceed, and because she had coverage for fertility treatments provided by her employer, she was able to pursue parenthood at her own pace.
Amanda L., Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I think about all the time... if you knew the answer, if you knew everything was going to be OK, and you knew that you'd have a child, would this journey be as hard?”
Episode 31: Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
This is the second episode in our four-part series on endometriosis and we’ve broken this episode into two parts. In part 2, we continue hearing Amanda’s story about how she came to discover she had endometriosis, and how that impacted her infertility journey.
After paying out of pocket for four unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Amanda Lesesne had an exploratory laparoscopy which revealed stage three endometriosis. After having the endometriosis tissue removed, she decided to try IVF for the fifth time. This time she entered the process with renewed hope, a new financial situation (she now has Progyny Fertility Benefits), and an audio recorder. In part two, we follow Amanda in real time as she experiences her fifth cycle of IVF.
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I want for people to talk to their doctor early, in their mid-20's, and start having that conversation and get tested regularly.”
Jennifer K. Progyny Member
Episode 63: The Frustrations and Hopes of an Unfinished Fertility Journey
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
When experiencing something as challenging as infertility, it can be helpful to hear stories, advice, and guidance from those who have been through it. However, we usually hear from people who were successful in growing their families. But what about those who are still going through treatment, and are uncertain of where their fertility journey will lead them? How can you make it through without setting expectations of having a picture-perfect ending?
In today’s episode, we hear from Kelly Partner, who wanted to share her story while the ending was still unknown. Kelly and her husband have been trying to have a baby for over a year, which has been filled with rounds of IUI, a male infertility diagnosis for her husband, and multiple pregnancy losses.
Estrogen patch or pills
Birth control/regulated cycle
First day of the menstrual cycle
Blood Test & Results
Episode 51: PCOS and Fertility: An IVF Baby After Ectopic Pregnancies
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
One of the most common questions people ask when they find out they have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is, “Does this mean I can’t get pregnant?” PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that often presents itself with several symptoms, and yes one of those symptoms may be infertility. But, while PCOS itself isn’t curable, it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant.
In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Sarah Rivera, who was diagnosed after experiencing two life–threatening ectopic pregnancies. Because of her experience, she decided that IVF was the safest way to proceed, and because she had coverage for fertility treatments provided by her employer, she was able to pursue parenthood at her own pace.
Episode 38: #InfertilityUncovered: Support Through Progyny’s PCA's
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
This episode follows the experience of Jennifer Kattula, a patient who is covered by the Progyny Fertility Benefit, and takes a deep dive into an invaluable resource she found along the way: the Progyny Patient Care Advocate (PCA) team.
Infertility is a disease that demands support, and today we will examine what real supportive care looks like by having a chat with a few of our devoted Patient Care Advocates here at Progyny. We’ll hear a few of the heartwarming stories and rewarding experiences that keep our PCA’s dedicated to supporting Progyny members each and every day.
Progyny Patient Care Advocate
Your Progyny Patient Care Advocate (PCA), is your personal fertility concierge. Your PCA can help you find the right doctor, book appointments, understand how your coverage works with your treatment plan, and help smooth out any obstacles that pop up along the way. As a Progyny member you have unlimited access to your PCA, so give them a call today.
Patient Care Advocate
Sarah R., Progyny Member
“It’s very valuable to have someone that understands the journey. Sue wanted to hear my story the other day when we were chatting. It felt good to have that kind of person in my life helping me through this process.”
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
“I really felt taken care of. I would say that it was as good a portion of the benefit as the financial portion, because it’s a lot to take in, and you just need someone to guide you.”
Jennifer K. Progyny Member
Excerpt from the podcast
Listen Now
Fertility doctors are physicians who are double board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). The physician’s role is to lead the charge by using their expertise and experience to recommend diagnostic tests and treatment options, and to make sure that a patient is aware of any risks associated with their treatment.
Physician
Physician
Your nurse (or team of nurses) will help make sure that you have the support that you need as you administer medications at home and come to the office for morning monitoring visits. If you’re ever unsure on what to do next, you can always ask your nurse.
IVF Nurse
IVF Nurse
Most clinics will arrange a meeting for their patients with a financial coordinator. For Progyny members, this is typically a very short conversation, as your comprehensive coverage will make the financial side of IVF straight forward and manageable. It’s important that you tell the financial coordinator that you have Progyny coverage. If they have any questions that you need help with you should reach out to your PCA.
Financial Coordinator
Financial Coordinator
Yes, that’s you! It is important to remember that this is your body. The doctor is the expert, but ultimately the choices being made will be your own. The support team is here to provide the education to make the best choices, and it’s your job to make sure you are getting the support that you need.
When making the decision to go through with IVF, you’re also making the decision to commit to your care team. It’s important to understand the style of clinic you are working with, familiarize yourself with their style, and feel comfortable with the environment they have created.
Patient
Navigating your fertility treatment
Patient
Watch our medication administration videos
Follicle Stimulating Hormone &
Human Menopausal Gonadotropin Breakdown
Antagonist medication breakdown
Lab work
Intravaginal Ultrasound
Human chorionic gonadotropin
What happens after a canceled cycle?
Risks associated with the egg retrieval
What is a “good” number of eggs retrieved?
Insemination
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
ICSI and your Progyny coverage
What is a blastocyst?
The risks associated with multiples
How does PGT-A work, and when can you expect to receive your results?
Is PGT-A included in coverage for Progyny members?
Waiting for the results of preimplantation
genetic testing
Allowing your body to rest and
reducing risk of OHSS
Schedule and logistics
Can embryos fall out after a transfer?
What to expect after the embryo transfer?
Should you take a home pregnancy test before
the hCG blood test?
Five tests to identify the cause of repeated IVF implantation failure
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1m 05s
All clinics and journeys are different, but click below to get to know some members of the care team that you are likely to encounter as you pursue your treatment.
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Dr. Nabil Arrach, CEO of Progensis, a genetic testing laboratory, explains mosaicism in PGT-A tested embryos.
Dr. Nabil Arrach, CEO of Progensis, a genetic testing laboratory, talks about why patients may need to utilize PGT-SR.
Episode 38: #InfertilityUncovered: Support Through Progyny’s PCA's
This episode follows the experience of Jennifer Kattula, a patient who is covered by the Progyny Fertility Benefit, and takes a deep dive into an invaluable resource she found along the way: the Progyny Patient Care Advocate (PCA) team.
Infertility is a disease that demands support, and today we will examine what real supportive care looks like by having a chat with a few of our devoted Patient Care Advocates here at Progyny. We’ll hear a few of the heartwarming stories and rewarding experiences that keep our PCA’s dedicated to supporting Progyny members each and every day.
hCG helps mature the eggs and prepare them for retrieval approximately 36 hours later. You will be given very specific instructions on when to do your trigger shot as well as how to mix and inject it. Leuprolide acetate or “Lupron” may be used along with or instead of hCG to trigger the final maturation of the eggs and the follicle.
The purpose of these medications is to stimulate follicular growth, maturing eggs for retreival. Patients typically take medications for 10-14 days, but your dosage and schedule is personalized and should be discussed with your physician.
This is a delicate balance, where you and your doctor are working to maximize the number of eggs that will be available for retrieval, while simultaneously making sure no eggs ovulate before the retrieval day. Your provider will let you know when to start your antagonist. This medication is also a daily injection.
Listen to Amanda’s story on
This is Infertility - a podcast by Progyny
It can be in the morning and in the evening as long as you leave time to focus on those parts of your life that you can control. It’s also important to choose the information you collect carefully and tap into reliable and credible sources. And if you can, try to find positive news to help lift your spirits.
It’s not only obvious sources of news that can be overwhelming so it’s also important to limit triggers that can be found on social media and chat groups - especially when tension is high.
Amanda Lesesne
2m 23s
“We’ve gone through all the emotions of infertility. During that time we’ve felt hopeless and dispair... and other times we felt really hopeful.”
Amanda Lesesne
1m 23s
All of these COVID-19 updates can cause more anxiety, so I think it’s important to limit the time you spend looking at that.
Educated members are able to make better treatment decisions for a healthy, successful pregnancy.
A Focus on Outcomes & Value
Miscarriage Rate
Reduced Instances of Miscarriage
55.6%
49.9.5%
Progyny
National Average
Greater Pregnancy Success
Pregnancy Rate
per IVF Transfer
6.1%
19.8%
Progyny
National Average
Fewer Disruptions, Lower High Risk Pregnancies and Lower Costs
Twinning
(Multiples) Rate
0.0%
15.1%
Progyny
National Average
Live Birth Rate
Live Birth
per Transfer
52.3%
39.2%
Progyny
National Average
*CDC 2016 ART Fertility Clinic Success Rates Report/2017 preliminary ART Fertility Clinic Success Rates Report; CDC National Average is age-weighted based on ages of client’s patients undergoing IVF treatments
These clients were drawn to a personalized service that could help their members through the physically and emotionally challenging journey of infertility.
Both of these clients went live on 1.1.18 and renewed on 1.1.2020, and their members have ranked the quality of their PCA at 97%, their overall experience with Progyny 4.8 out of 5, and the PCA program earned a +64.6 NPS.
Progyny Patient Care Advocates (PCAs) are nurses and fertility experts trained to provide a high-touch, highly personalized concierge service for all fertility and family building needs. Each member is assigned a dedicated PCA that provides inbound and outbound support on everything from understanding treatment options to providing emotional support.
A Better Member Experience
See what Progyny members are saying about the Patient Care Advocate program
It can be in the morning and in the evening so you leave time to focus on those parts of your life that you can control. It’s also important to choose the information you collect carefully and tap into reliable and credible sources. And if you can, try to find positive news to help lift your spirits.
One year after implementing Progyny, they decided to expand their benefit by adding Progyny Rx, an integrated fertility pharmacy solution to further support their members and achieve cost savings.
Dr. George Patounakis from RMA of Orlando talks about what you can expect at your monitoring appointments.
It’s easy to get swept in the news, especially with everything evolving in real-time, but schedule when you check it.
Choose and Limit News Consumption
See what our members say about the Smart Cycle plan design
When the New Normal Isn't Normal
Arrielle Bogorad, Senior Director of Worldwide Benefits at Cerner talks about the need for fertility coverage and what Cerner was looking for in a fertility benefit.
In just a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down. With mandatory or highly suggested self-quarantine in many states we are no longer just anxious about the virus itself, but the confines of quarantine, the impact on the economy, our jobs, and the disruption of our daily routine.
The natural human response to losing our sense of control is stress, which primes us to be on high alert and to find a quick fix. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes. However, you are in control of one thing – your behavior and thoughts. There’s a lot to deal with and here are a few ways to make the new normal feel a little more normal.
About the author - Dr. Georgia Witkin
Because fertility outcomes vary greatly based on the age of the patient we have age adjusted this CDC data for these two clients. This is consistent with how we report our member accounts, -- age adjusted to their specific population.
Voice of a Worldwide Director of Benefits at a Progyny Employer Client
1m 48s
“We expanded our benefit the next year with Progyny Rx. The integration with the medical benefit is what makes it so special... You don't have any gaps in coverage or gaps in care.”
Credible sources for fertility information
Credible sources for fertility information
ASRM is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
ASRM’s guidance on COVID-19
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S.
CDC's COVID-19 resources
Resolve is the leading patient advocacy voice; and serves as the go-to organization for anyone challenged in their family building.
RESOLVE’s COVID-19 resources
There is no better resource for fertility knowledge than your doctor at your fertility clinic, and their care team. If you aren’t already working with a clinic you can find several of the nation’s leading fertility experts below.
Find fertility experts
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
About Amanda - Infertility patient
and advocate
Dr. Georgia Witkin, Head of Patient Services Development for Progyny
Dr. Witkin is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and Director of Psychological Services for RMA of NY. She is the author of 12 acclaimed books, including The Female Stress Survival Guide, The Male Stress Survival Guide, and Stress Relief for Disasters Great and Small, and is a prolific writer of research articles about women, stress, and reproductive medicine. She has been honored by the AIA, AFA, Resolve, and City of Hope. She has also served as a health reporter/host for CNBC, WNBC, and the Fox News Channel, and has been featured as a guest expert on 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.
Amanda Lesesne, Infertility Advocate & Patient, Sales VP at Progyny
Amanda is a passionate infertility advocate who is able to bridge her personal interest and professional experience to help people build the family of their dreams. Prior to Progyny, Amanda spent the last 10 years in software sales and the digital health space.
Amanda recently relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband where you can usually catch her supporting her husband’s professional soccer team, New Mexico United. Amanda is a proud graduate of College of Charleston where she played Division I soccer and was a graduate of the School of Business.
To help bring perspective, Amanda Lesesne, who has experienced an extended fertility journey, shares some of her coping methods for dealing with the stress of unforseen delays and disappointments that she’s encountered along the way.
Efforts to flatten the curve have caused delays in fertility treatment cycles. This is an extremely frustrating position for many.
Amanda Lesesne
0m 53s
“I tried to find the positive side to things. I want to scream sometimes, but then I’d just try to breath and reflect… I know nobody is trying to hurt me, and knowing that helps me move forward.”
Listen to part one of Amanda'sinfertility story on the This is Infertility podcast here
Credible sources for fertility information
Credible sources for fertility information
Episode 31: Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
We've broken Amanda's story into two parts on our podcast This is Infertility.
In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Credible sources of fertility information
American Society for Reproductive Medicine ASRM:
ASRM is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
What they are saying about COVID-19: On Tuesday, March 17, 2020 ASRM issued new guidance for its members recommending suspension of new, non-urgent treatments.
You can find that guidance here.
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association:
Resolve is the leading patient advocacy voice; and serves as the go-to organization for anyone challenged in their family building.
What they are saying about COVID-19: They have put together a support resource center featuring helpful videos.
Your Fertility Specialist and Care Team:
There is no better resource for fertility knowledge than your doctor at your fertility clinic, and their care team. If you aren’t already working with a clinic you can find several of the nation’s leading fertility experts here.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC:
All fertility clinics must report their data to the CDC, so it's a wonderful source of fertility statistics like national averages.
What are their resources: The ART Report (an in-depth picture of the ART procedures performed in US fertility clinics), Selecting a provider tool, guidance on single embryo transfer. These resources can be found here.
Implantation, BETA, & Results
8
The Embryo Transfer
7
Give Yourself Good Advice
6
Keep in Touch
with Loved Ones
5
Find Activities
to Fill the Time
4
Find a Routine
and Stick to It
3
Accept Your Reactions & Observe Your Emotions
2
Choose and Limit News Consumption
1
for better mental health during
In a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down. With mandatory or highly suggested self-quarantine we‘re no longer just anxious about the virus itself, but the confines of quarantine, the impact on the economy, our jobs, and the disruption of our daily routine.
The natural human response to losing our sense of control is stress, which primes us to be on high alert and to find a quick fix. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes. However, you are in control of one thing – your behavior and thoughts. Here are a few ways to make the new normal feel a little more normal. These tips have been created by Dr. Georgia Witkin as published on Psychology Today.
While none of us has experienced anything quite like COVID-19 before, we can learn a lot from those who have dealt with extended periods of uncertainty. Dr. Witkin talks to Amanda Lesesne, who has struggled through years of infertility treatment. Amanda provides us with real examples of how these 6 tips work for her.
Medical information is only as good as it’s source, so this guide has been reviewed for accuracy by some of the nation’s leading reproductive endocrinologists and fertility experts: Dr. Alan Copperman, RMA of NY; Name, Clinic; Name, Clinic; Name, Clinic; Name, Clinic; Name, Clinic; and Name, Clinic all members of the Progyny Medical Advisory Board.
Please remember, while this guide was designed to help you with information about IVF, it does not provide information that is specific to you and is not a substitute for medical care. If you have any questions you should reach out to your physician or, if you’re a Progyny member, your Progyny Patient Care Advocate.
Read the full article on Psychology Today
About Dr. Georgia Witkin
About Amanda Lesesne
Dr. Georgia Witkin
Dr. Witkin is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and Director of Psychological Services for RMA of NY. She is the author of 12 acclaimed books, including The Female Stress Survival Guide, The Male Stress Survival Guide, and Stress Relief for Disasters Great and Small, and is a prolific writer of research articles about women, stress, and reproductive medicine. She has been honored by the AIA, AFA, Resolve, and City of Hope. She has also served as a health reporter/host for CNBC, WNBC, and the Fox News Channel, and has been featured as a guest expert on 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.
Amanda Lesesne
Amanda is a passionate infertility advocate who is able to bridge her personal interest and professional experience to help people build the family of their dreams. Prior to Progyny, Amanda spent the last 10 years in software sales and the digital health space.
1m 30s
I hope that sharing some of my experiences can be helpful to others that are navigating this unprecedented and stressful time.”
6
Tips
COVID-19
About Dr. Georgia Witkin
About Amanda Lesesne
Choose and Limit News Consumption
Accept Your Reactions & Observe Your Emotions
Find a Routine
and Stick to It
Find Activities
to Fill the Time
Keep in Touch
with Loved Ones
Give Yourself Good Advice
Head of Patient Services Development for Progyny
Infertility Advocate & Patient, VP of Sales at Progyny
“
#1
American Society for Reproductive Medicine:
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association:
Your Fertility Specialist and Care Team:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Episode 31 Part 1
Play Audio
Audio Player
Amanda Lesesne
Your emotions might be mixed. You can be happy that you’re healthy but stressed that you don’t know when you can go in for treatment. Know that it’s normal to have more than one reaction and that it may change throughout the day. There’s no right way for your body to respond so it’s important to accept your reactions. Next, be an observer of your emotions which will help give you distance from them. This will remind you that your emotional state is temporary.
Your brain and your body are working on overtime right now which means you could be exhibiting more signs of anxiety and stress.
Accept Your Reactions & Observe Your Emotions
#2
Some days you’ll feel OK about it, and other days you might feel a little bit more anxiety… all you can do is really take one day at a time.
Listen to part two of Amanda’s story on This is Infertility
- a podcast by Progyny
Play Audio
1m 11s
Audio Player
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Episode 31 Part 2
After paying out of pocket for four unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Amanda Lesesne had an exploratory laparoscopy which revealed stage three endometriosis. After having the endometriosis tissue removed, she decided to try IVF for the fifth time. This time she entered the process with renewed hope, a new financial situation (she now has Progyny Fertility Benefits), and an audio recorder. In part two, we follow Amanda in real time as she experiences her fifth cycle of IVF.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Amanda Lesesne
Try to be consistent with when you go to bed, wake up, and have meals. Schedule a workout to burn up the extra adrenaline or stretch because it signals to your body that you can afford to relax. Set boundaries at work and take breaks throughout the day to help you separate work and home.
Having a routine will help release stress because your brain knows what’s happening next.
Find a Routine and Stick to it
#3
Write down your thoughts each day… it can restore some sense of control as you journal that experience.
Listen to Amanda’s story on
This is Infertility - a podcast by Progyny
20 minutes of pausing can reduce stress
Play Audio
1m 14s
Audio Player
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
20 minute pause to reduce stress
No matter how rushed or stressed you are, create moments for yourself – small pockets of time (20 minutes should do the trick!) where you prioritize mindfulness. This is crucial if you are going through the ups and downs of stressful situations. Herbert Benson, MD, of Harvard University finds a total of just 20 minutes of pausing a day is enough to decrease stress symptoms by almost 50%. That's only 20 minutes a day to improve your mood!
Amanda Lesesne
It can be as small as organizing your wallet, making your bed, doing laundry, or re-organizing a room. You can also use this uninterrupted time to pursue something you’ve been wanting to do. It can be learning a new language, playing a new instrument, or diving into a new book or TV show. Having a hobby that you commit to after work will give you something to look forward to each day.
You can increase your sense of control even more with activities that you can accomplish.
Find Activities to Fill the Time
#4
Organization for me sometimes just restored some sense of normalcy and helped me get through that waiting.
Listen to Amanda’s story on
This is Infertility - a podcast by Progyny
The importance of playing and laughing
Play Audio
0m 52s
Audio Player
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
The importance of playing and laughing
Plan playtime: Playtime should never stop because it can distract us from our problems. Next, it stimulates our brain’s creativity centers rather than our anxiety centers, releasing the endorphins that help us cope. Ultimately, it reminds us that we have the capacity for pleasure and allows us to bond with others. It doesn’t matter what type of play you enjoy – structured games, team sports, acting, cards, math or crossword puzzles. They all come with benefits if you’re playing by choice, not compulsion. After all, play is meant to enhance your sense of control, not undermine it.
Laugh a lot: Our capacity for laughter is inborn, just as we naturally smile when something is funny. Both signal our fight, flight and fright system to turn off. Our muscles relax, our blood pressure goes down, and our optimism increases. All are important during a generally stressful time. As a bonus, much research suggests laughter also promotes healing and wellness!
Amanda Lesesne
Why do experts advise talking after a crisis regardless if it’s small, big, personal, or national? Because it’s one of our natural, built-in, therapeutic capacities. We use our words to express what we want and need and the same should be for our feelings. For example, as a toddler, we use our words to tell our parents if something is wrong, so they can help comfort us and make it right. This doesn't change when we are adults. Talking can help us in many ways, especially if our trauma or problem is on-going, unexpected, or doesn't have an easy answer.
Now more than ever it is important to communicate regularly with your friends and your family. Schedule phone or video calls during the day to just catch up.
Keep In Touch with Loved Ones
#5
Your support system is so important. Remember that you are completely in control of who are those people that you want to support you.
Listen to an episode of This is Infertility,
a podcast by Progyny, about the power of support
Tips for asking your people for emotional support
Play Audio
1m 14s
Audio Player
Supporting a Friend with Unexplained Infertility
Episode 12
In this episode, we hear from Jess Moran, who recently started her fertility treatment journey. She found that speaking about her experience not only helped her through this emotional and frustrating time, but it also became her most valued resource.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Ask yourself, “What would make me feel better?” If your automatic response is, “I don’t know,” think about it until you do know. Once you do, call your support system and ask for it. It’s important to self-reflect first and understand what you need to move forward.
Ask yourself first:
Sometimes the hardest part of asking is knowing where to start.
Here are a few approaches you can try:
“I would love it if you_____”
“Please help me by _____”
“I’d really appreciate your help with _______”
“When you ___, I feel so much better”
Use scripts and give examples:
Sometimes when we’re close to a problem, we forget that others might not be as tuned-in situationally and emotionally. It can be difficult to relive something or put yourself in a vulnerable position but having them understand the full story may help with the type of emotional support they provide to you.
Tell them the story:
If you don’t get the emotional support you want, remember that as much as a friend may want to support you, he or she may be dealing with his or her own issues. Be patient and understand if they cannot help or if there’s a day that they seem distant. The same way you’re prioritizing your self-care, they need to prioritize theirs. If you are not able to find emotional support, or if it is not enough, seek professional help.
Be patient:
Tips for asking your people for emotional support
Amanda Lesesne
So, think about what advice you would give to a friend who’s upset about the current situation – maybe it’s a delayed graduation or postponed fertility treatment and then say it to yourself. You can alter your mindset by changing the words you use.
Each day may be different and know how you feel today can be different from how you feel tomorrow. The good news is, even the smallest change can have a lasting impact. Find what works for you as we all adjust to this new normal.
It’s not the advice a therapist gives that has an impact, it’s the advice that you choose to say to yourself that counts.
Give Yourself Good Advice
#6
There’s really no point in trying to manage future problems.
All you can do is process the current circumstances that you’re going through one day at a time.
Listen to Amanda’s story on
This is Infertility - a podcast by Progyny
Credible sources for fertility information
Play Audio
1m 46s
Audio Player
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
ASRM is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
What they are saying about COVID-19: On Tuesday, March 17, 2020 ASRM issued new guidance for its members recommending suspension of new, non-urgent treatments.
You can find that guidance here
American Society for Reproductive Medicine:
Resolve is the leading patient advocacy voice; and serves as the go-to organization for anyone challenged in their family building.
What they are saying about COVID-19: They have put together a support resource center featuring helpful videos.
RESOLVE support resources
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association:
There is no better resource for fertility knowledge than your doctor at your fertility clinic, and their care team. If you aren’t already working with a clinic you can find several of the nation’s leading fertility experts below.
Find fertility experts
Your Fertility Specialist and Care Team:
All fertility clinics must report their data to the CDC, so it's a wonderful source of fertility statistics like national averages.
What are their resources: The ART Report (an in-depth picture of the ART procedures performed in US fertility clinics), Selecting a provider tool, guidance on single embryo transfer.
These resources can be found here
Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC:
Credible sources for fertility information
In a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has turned our lives upside down. Here are a few ways to make the new normal feel a little more normal.
The natural human response to losing our sense of control is stress, which primes us to be on high alert and to find a quick fix. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes.
However, you are in control of one thing – your behavior and thoughts.
Here are simple ways to make the new normal feel a little more normal. These tips have been created by Dr. Georgia Witkin as published on Psychology Today.
While none of us has experienced anything quite like COVID-19 before, we can learn a lot from those who have dealt with extended periods of uncertainty. Dr. Witkin talks to Amanda Lesesne, who has struggled through years of infertility treatment. Amanda provides us with real examples of how these 6 tips work for her.
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31 Part 1
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF After Being Diagnosed
Episode 31 Part 2
After paying out of pocket for four unsuccessful rounds of IVF, Amanda Lesesne had an exploratory laparoscopy which revealed stage three endometriosis. After having the endometriosis tissue removed, she decided to try IVF for the fifth time. This time she entered the process with renewed hope, a new financial situation (she now has Progyny Fertility Benefits), and an audio recorder. In part two, we follow Amanda in real time as she experiences her fifth cycle of IVF.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Supporting a Friend with Unexplained Infertility
Episode 12
In this episode, we hear from Jess Moran, who recently started her fertility treatment journey. She found that speaking about her experience not only helped her through this emotional and frustrating time, but it also became her most valued resource.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Tip 1
Tip 1
Amanda Lesesne
It can be in the morning and in the evening as long as you leave time to focus on those parts of your life that you can control. It’s also important to choose the information you collect carefully and tap into reliable and credible sources. And if you can, try to find positive news to help lift your spirits.
It’s not only obvious sources of news that can be overwhelming so it’s also important to limit triggers that can be found on social media and chat groups - especially when tension is high.
It’s easy to get swept up in the news, especially with everything evolving in real-time, so schedule when you check it.
Choose and Limit News Consumption
1
All of these COVID-19 updates can cause more anxiety, so I think it’s important to limit the time you spend looking at that.
Listen to Amanda’s story on
This is Infertility - a podcast by Progyny
Credible sources for fertility information
Play Audio
1m 09s
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31 Part 1
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
ASRM is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
What they are saying about COVID-19: On Tuesday, March 17, 2020 ASRM issued new guidance for its members recommending suspension of new, non-urgent treatments.
You can find that guidance here
American Society for Reproductive Medicine:
Resolve is the leading patient advocacy voice; and serves as the go-to organization for anyone challenged in their family building.
What they are saying about COVID-19: They have put together a support resource center featuring helpful videos.
RESOLVE support resources
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association:
There is no better resource for fertility knowledge than your doctor at your fertility clinic, and their care team. If you aren’t already working with a clinic you can find several of the nation’s leading fertility experts below.
Find fertility experts
Your Fertility Specialist and Care Team:
All fertility clinics must report their data to the CDC, so it's a wonderful source of fertility statistics like national averages.
What are their resources: The ART Report (an in-depth picture of the ART procedures performed in US fertility clinics), Selecting a provider tool, guidance on single embryo transfer.
These resources can be found here
Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC:
Credible sources for fertility information
Tip 2
Tip 1
Amanda Lesesne
Your emotions might be mixed. You can be happy that you’re healthy but stressed that you don’t know when you can go in for treatment. Know that it’s normal to have more than one reaction and that it may change throughout the day. There’s no right way for your body to respond so it’s important to accept your reactions. Next, be an observer of your emotions which will help give you distance from them. This will remind you that your emotional state is temporary.
Your brain and your body are working on overtime right now which means you could be exhibiting more signs of anxiety and stress.
Accept Your Reactions & Observe Your Emotions
2
Some days you’ll feel OK about it, and other days you might feel a little bit more anxiety… all you can do is really take one day at a time.
Listen to part two of Amanda’s story on This is Infertility
- a podcast by Progyny
Play Audio
1m 12s
Tip 3
Tip 1
Amanda Lesesne
Try to be consistent with when you go to bed, wake up, and have meals. Schedule a workout to burn up the extra adrenaline or stretch because it signals to your body that you can afford to relax. Set boundaries at work and take breaks throughout the day to help you separate work and home.
Having a routine will help release stress because your brain knows what’s happening next.
Find a Routine and Stick to it
1m 15s
3
Write down your thoughts each day… it can restore some sense of control as you journal that experience.
20 minutes of pausing can reduce stress
Play Audio
1m 15s
Audio Player
20 minute pause to reduce stress
No matter how rushed or stressed you are, create moments for yourself – small pockets of time (20 minutes should do the trick!) where you prioritize mindfulness. This is crucial if you are going through the ups and downs of stressful situations. Herbert Benson, MD, of Harvard University finds a total of just 20 minutes of pausing a day is enough to decrease stress symptoms by almost 50%. That's only 20 minutes a day to improve your mood!
Amanda Lesesne
It can be as small as organizing your wallet, making your bed, doing laundry, or re-organizing a room. You can also use this uninterrupted time to pursue something you’ve been wanting to do. It can be learning a new language, playing a new instrument, or diving into a new book or TV show. Having a hobby that you commit to after work will give you something to look forward to each day.
You can increase your sense of control even more with activities that you can accomplish.
Find Activities to Fill the Time
4
Organization for me sometimes just restored some sense of normalcy and helped me get through that waiting.
0m 52s
The importance of playing and laughing
Play Audio
0m 52s
Audio Player
The importance of playing and laughing
Plan playtime: Playtime should never stop because it can distract us from our problems. Next, it stimulates our brain’s creativity centers rather than our anxiety centers, releasing the endorphins that help us cope. Ultimately, it reminds us that we have the capacity for pleasure and allows us to bond with others. It doesn’t matter what type of play you enjoy – structured games, team sports, acting, cards, math or crossword puzzles. They all come with benefits if you’re playing by choice, not compulsion. After all, play is meant to enhance your sense of control, not undermine it.
Laugh a lot: Our capacity for laughter is inborn, just as we naturally smile when something is funny. Both signal our fight, flight and fright system to turn off. Our muscles relax, our blood pressure goes down, and our optimism increases. All are important during a generally stressful time. As a bonus, much research suggests laughter also promotes healing and wellness!
Amanda Lesesne
Why do experts advise talking after a crisis regardless if it’s small, big, personal, or national? Because it’s one of our natural, built-in, therapeutic capacities. We use our words to express what we want and need and the same should be for our feelings. For example, as a toddler, we use our words to tell our parents if something is wrong, so they can help comfort us and make it right. This doesn’t change when we are adults. Talking can help us in many ways, especially if our trauma or problem is on-going, unexpected, or doesn't have an easy answer.
Now more than ever it is important to communicate regularly with your friends and your family. Schedule phone or video calls during the day to just catch up.
Keep In Touch with Loved Ones
5
Your support system is so important. Remember that you are completely in control of who are those people that you want to support you.
Listen to a podcast about the power of support
Tips for asking your people for emotional support
Play Audio
1m 14s
Audio Player
1m 15s
Ask yourself, “What would make me feel better?” If your automatic response is, “I don’t know,” think about it until you do know. Once you do, call your support system and ask for it. It’s important to self-reflect first and understand what you need to move forward.
Ask yourself first:
Sometimes the hardest part of asking is knowing where to start.
Here are a few approaches you can try:
“I would love it if you_____”
“Please help me by _____”
“I’d really appreciate your help with _______”
“When you ___, I feel so much better”
Use scripts and give examples:
Sometimes when we’re close to a problem, we forget that others might not be as tuned-in situationally and emotionally. It can be difficult to relive something or put yourself in a vulnerable position but having them understand the full story may help with the type of emotional support they provide to you.
Tell them the story:
If you don’t get the emotional support you want, remember that as much as a friend may want to support you, he or she may be dealing with his or her own issues. Be patient and understand if they cannot help or if there’s a day that they seem distant. The same way you’re prioritizing your self-care, they need to prioritize theirs. If you are not able to find emotional support, or if it is not enough, seek professional help.
Be patient:
Tips for asking your people for emotional support
Amanda Lesesne
So, think about what advice you would give to a friend who’s upset about the current situation – maybe it’s a delayed graduation or postponed fertility treatment and then say it to yourself. You can alter your mindset by changing the words you use.
Each day may be different and know how you feel today can be different from how you feel tomorrow. The good news is, even the smallest change can have a lasting impact. Find what works for you as we all adjust to this new normal.
It’s not the advice a therapist gives that has an impact, it’s the advice that you choose to say to yourself that counts.
Give Yourself Good Advice
6
All you can do is process the current circumstances that you’re going through one day at a time.
Play Audio
1m 47s
Audio Player
1m 47s
Dr. Georgia Witkin
Head of Patient Services Development for Progyny
Dr. Witkin is also an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and Director of Psychological Services for RMA of NY. She is the author of 12 acclaimed books, including The Female Stress Survival Guide, The Male Stress Survival Guide, and Stress Relief for Disasters Great and Small, and is a prolific writer of research articles about women, stress, and reproductive medicine. She has been honored by the AIA, AFA, Resolve, and City of Hope. She has also served as a health reporter/host for CNBC, WNBC, and the Fox News Channel, and has been featured as a guest expert on 20/20, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Evening News, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN.
1m 30s
I hope that sharing some of my experiences can be helpful to others that are navigating this unprecedented and stressful time.
1m 31s
Infertility Advocate & Patient, VP of Sales at Progyny
Amanda Lesesne
Amanda is a passionate infertility advocate who is able to bridge her personal interest and professional experience to help people build the family of their dreams. Prior to Progyny, Amanda spent the last 10 years in software sales and the digital health space.
Read the full article on Psychology Today
About Dr. Georgia Witkin
About Amanda Lesesne
Experts
About our
Endometriosis and Fertility: Trying IVF Before Being Diagnosed
Episode 31 Part 1
We’ve broken Amanda’s story into two parts. In part one, we hear about Amanda’s past, what it was like to have to pay for multiple rounds of IVF, and how she finally came to have a laparoscopy for her endometriosis. Amanda will also discuss her decision to try IVF for the fifth time, what she expects to be different now that she has dealt with her endometriosis, and has the Progyny fertility benefit.
Listen to more episodes of This is Infertility
Listen to
ASRM is an organization dedicated to the advancement of the science and practice of reproductive medicine.
ASRM’s guidance on COVID-19
American Society for Reproductive Medicine:
Resolve is the leading patient advocacy voice; and serves as the go-to organization for anyone challenged in their family building.
RESOLVE’s COVID-19 resources
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association:
There is no better resource for fertility knowledge than your doctor at your fertility clinic, and their care team. If you aren’t already working with a clinic you can find several of the nation’s leading fertility experts below.
Find fertility experts
Your Fertility Specialist and Care Team:
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S.
CDC’s COVID-19 resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Credible sources for fertility information
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Amanda’s Podcast
