In recent years, freezing your eggs has gained significant attention as a viable option for women who wish to preserve their fertility. 

It offers a unique opportunity to extend the reproductive timeline, giving women the flexibility to pursue personal and professional goals before starting a family. 

However, as with any medical procedure, there are pros and cons. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of freezing your eggs and weigh their benefits against the associated risks. By understanding the pros and cons of this procedure, individuals can make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.

Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of freezing eggs.

First, Why Do Women Freeze Their Eggs? 

The decision to freeze eggs is personal, and influenced by various unique factors. Some of the common reasons why women choose to freeze eggs include

• Medical Conditions or Treatments

Certain medical conditions, such as cancer, may require treatments like chemotherapy or radiation that can potentially damage ovarian function. Freezing eggs before undergoing such treatments can preserve fertility for the future.

• Career Advancement

Many women prioritize their careers and delay starting a family until they feel more balanced at work. Egg freezing allows these women to preserve their eggs at a younger age when the quality is optimal, allowing them to conceive later in life when they’re ready to grow their families.

• Lack of Suitable Partner

Some women may not have found a suitable partner or may not be ready for a committed relationship at a specific time but still know they’d like to have children at some point in the future. Freezing eggs can provide peace of mind by extending the window of fertility and preserving their chances of growing their family on their terms. 

• Personal Choice

Women who wish to take control of their reproductive health and future may choose to freeze their eggs to proactively plan for the family they desire.

The Pros of Egg Freezing

Since its inception, there have been many pros to freezing your eggs. The main benefits of freezing your eggs include

• Preserving Fertility

By freezing eggs, women can preserve their fertility potential and increase their chances of conceiving when ready to start a family.

• Flexibility and Autonomy

Egg freezing empowers women to have more control over their reproductive choices, allowing them to pursue personal and professional goals without compromising their fertility or ability to have a family when it’s right.

• Psychological Benefits

Choosing to freeze your eggs alleviate anxiety and pressure related to the “ticking biological clock,” providing emotional relief and a sense of security for those waiting until later to have children.

• Higher Success Rates

Freezing eggs at a younger age, ideally before 35, when the quality is higher, can result in better success rates during fertility treatments in the future.

The Cons of Egg Freezing

As with almost any type of procedure, fertility-related or not, some cons come with freezing your eggs.

The risks of egg freezing include:

• No Guarantee of Success

While preserving your eggs can improve the chances of future conception, it does not guarantee a successful pregnancy. Factors such as egg quality, age at freezing, and the success of fertility treatments play a significant role in the outcome.

• Financial Investment

Freezing your eggs can be expensive, involving medication costs, retrieval procedures, and storage. Additionally, there may be additional costs for future fertility treatments when using frozen eggs.

• Physical Discomfort and Health Risks

This process involves hormone stimulation, which can lead to side effects like bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. The egg retrieval procedure also carries some health risks, although generally considered low.

While there are cons associated with this procedure, the pros outweigh the risks significantly. During your initial consultation, we will discuss the risks with you based on your unique needs and personal situation. 

How Long Can You Freeze Your Eggs? 

There is no specific limit to how long eggs can be frozen. Theoretically, frozen eggs can remain viable indefinitely, although the chances of success may vary. It is essential to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide more specific guidance based on individual circumstances and available scientific knowledge.

Is Egg Freezing Worth It? 

Determining whether freezing your eggs is worth it depends on individual circumstances and priorities. 

While this procedure offers significant benefits, such as preserving fertility and providing flexibility, it also involves risks, uncertainties, and financial considerations. 

If you’ve considered freezing your eggs, it is crucial to seek professional guidance, consider personal goals, and weigh the potential outcomes before making a decision.

Explore the Benefits of Freezing Your Eggs at Pacific Reproductive Center

Your fertility journey matters to us. In fact, having a choice in your reproductive journey is essential to your health and happiness.

We also recognize that everyone’s plan for growing their family looks different. That’s why we proudly offer options, like egg freezing, to help you start a family on your terms. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the egg-freezing process or want to move forward with freezing your eggs, we encourage you to contact us today for a consultation. 

Our compassionate team is highly experienced in egg freezing and can’t wait to help you on your journey to preserve and grow your family — whenever that works for you.

Thousands of women need assistance growing their families each year. 

From common fertility treatments to promote pregnancy to future planning, such as egg freezing, having a sense of control over your family expansion can relieve stress and anxiety and allow you to choose when to add a little one to your home. 

In recent years, egg freezing has gained popularity as a viable option for women who wish to preserve their fertility and have the option of starting a family later in life. 

While the decision to freeze eggs is deeply personal, there are various factors to consider, including age, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. 

In this blog post, we will explore at what age you should consider freezing your eggs in more detail. Continue reading to learn more.

The Basics of Egg Freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that involves extracting a woman’s eggs, freezing them, and storing them for future pregnancy. 

This viable method allows women to preserve their fertility by effectively pausing the biological clock, offering them the flexibility to start a family at a time that aligns best with their personal goals and circumstances.

While egg freezing is a common and effective method to grow your family, many women have concerns about the best age for egg freezing. 

What is the Best Age to Freeze Your Eggs?

Age is a crucial consideration when it comes to egg freezing. 

Generally, the quality and quantity of a woman’s eggs decline as she ages, making it more challenging to conceive naturally the older she becomes. 

While there is no definitive age that applies to everyone, it is generally recommended that women consider egg freezing before the age of 35. 

The earlier the process is completed, the higher the chances of success, and the more eggs will be retrieved. 

While that is generally the case, there are a couple of factors to consider when deciding the best age for egg freezing for your family:

1. Fertility Preservation for Medical Reasons

Sometimes, women may opt for egg freezing due to medical reasons for fertility concerns. For example, certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can negatively impact natural fertility and the health of eggs. If a woman anticipates undergoing treatments that may affect her reproductive system, freezing eggs beforehand can provide a future opportunity to have biological children without issue. 

2. Personal Circumstances and Lifestyle

Apart from medical reasons, personal circumstances and lifestyle choices can also influence the decision to freeze eggs. 

Factors such as career aspirations, educational pursuits, or finding a suitable partner may lead women to consider freezing their eggs earlier in life. However, the decision to freeze eggs should be based on individual goals and preferences, as it offers an option for reproductive autonomy. 

It is also important to note that a woman does not need to be diagnosed with fertility issues to freeze her eggs. Any woman can freeze eggs to better control her pregnancy timeline and journey.

When Is It Too Late to Freeze Your Eggs?

The short answer is that it depends on each woman’s body. A woman’s egg freezing age limit is often in her late thirties, but for some can extend after this timeframe.

While there is no strict age limit for egg freezing, it’s important to note that the success rates of the procedure are generally higher for younger women. 

As mentioned, as a woman ages, the quantity and quality of her eggs decrease, which can impact fertilization and pregnancy success. Therefore, while it’s always possible to freeze eggs, it is advisable to consider the procedure before the age of 35 to maximize the chances of success.

If you or a loved one are contemplating egg freezing, it is crucial to consult with a specialist at our fertility clinic in California, who can assess individual factors such as ovarian reserve, overall health, and reproductive history. 

Effective Egg Freezing in California

Egg freezing allows women to extend their fertility window and make decisions about starting a family on their own terms.

 While deciding when to freeze eggs is highly individualized, it is essential to remember that the earlier the process is undertaken, the greater the chances of success. 

To learn more about egg freezing or explore your options, contact us today for a consultation. We would love to be part of your fertility journey.

Choosing to become a parent is a life-changing experience. The journey to get there looks different for everyone. Yearly, thousands of women and families decide to grow their families using an assisted reproductive method like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). 

IVF is a popular fertility treatment that involves retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm. The fertilized eggs, or embryos, are then transferred into the woman’s uterus, where they may implant and develop into a viable pregnancy.

While IVF has helped many couples overcome infertility and achieve their dream of growing their family, it is not without risks and side effects. In this blog post, we will explore some of the potential IVF risks and side effects of IVF. 

Read on to learn more.

IVF Risks 

It’s important to note that not all patients who undergo IVF will experience risks and side effects. 

In fact, many families go on to have successful pregnancies and healthy babies after IVF. However, knowing the potential IVF pregnancy risks before undergoing treatment is essential. 

Below we outline the most common IVF risks:

1. Multiple pregnancies: IVF increases the chances of having multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets. Multiple pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of complications, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
2. Premature delivery and low birth weight: IVF slightly increases the risk that the baby will be born early or with a lower-than-average birth weight.
3. Miscarriage: About 15% to 25% of women who conceive using IVF with fresh embryos may experience a miscarriage. It is important to note that maternal age can also impact your miscarriage risk.
4. Egg-retrieval complications: The retrieval procedure to collect eggs could lead to bleeding, infection, or damage to the bowel, bladder, or a nearby blood vessel. During this procedure, there are also risks associated with sedation and general anesthesia if used during treatment.
5. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a potentially serious complication that can occur when the ovaries are overstimulated with medications used in IVF. Symptoms of OHSS may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
6. Ectopic pregnancy: IVF increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 2% to 5% of IVF treatments produce ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
7. Birth defects: While the risk of birth defects is generally low with IVF, some studies have suggested a slightly increased risk compared to natural conception.
8. Emotional and psychological effects: IVF can be emotionally and psychologically taxing on mothers, parents, and families, particularly if the treatment is unsuccessful. The stress and uncertainty of the treatment process can take a toll on mental health and well-being.

Potential Side Effects of IVF

The side effects of IVF vary from person to person. Some people may not experience side effects, while others can experience mild to moderate ones, especially after the procedure.

Typical side effects include

• Clear or bloody fluid shortly after the procedure due to the swabbing of the cervix before embryo transfer
• Breast tenderness due to high estrogen levels
• Mild bloating or cramping 
• Constipation
• Moodiness

Are IVF Pregnancies High Risk?

Generally speaking, IVF pregnancies are not necessarily considered “high risk,” but they carry a slightly higher risk of certain complications compared to natural pregnancies.

Many couples who conceive through IVF have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies.

Safe and Effective IVF Treatment is Here

IVF is a safe and effective fertility treatment, but it carries some risks and side effects like any medical procedure. If you or someone you know is a candidate for or interested in IVF treatment, we encourage you to speak with our fertility experts to discuss the potential risks and benefits of IVF based on your unique situation.

Our experienced team of specialists wants to make your fertility journey as safe and comfortable as possible. 

At our fertility clinic in California, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to reduce IVF pregnancy risks and mitigate potential side effects of IVF by providing personalized care that meets your health and wellness goals. 

Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss the options available and determine if IVF is right for you.

Each year, thousands of families struggle with infertility.

While it can be disheartening and exhausting to grapple with fertility issues, various options are available to help improve your chances of conceiving and growing your family — in vitro fertilization (IVF) included.

IVF is a fertility treatment that involves fertilizing an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. It is a popular treatment for couples struggling with infertility, and it has several benefits. 

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of IVF in further detail.

Top Benefits of IVF Treatment

The advantages of IVF can range from person to person, as each woman trying to conceive has a unique health history background.

It is important to speak with a fertility specialist if you’ve considered fertility treatment to determine how beneficial IVF treatment could be in your conception journey. 

Here are the top benefits we’ve seen with IVF:

1. High Success Rates

One of the most significant benefits of IVF is its high success rate. 

The success rates of IVF depend on several factors, including the woman’s age, the quality of the embryos, and the experience level that the fertility clinic in California has.

However, IVF has helped many couples achieve their dream of having a baby, with success rates ranging from 30% to 60% per cycle.

2. Increased Control Over Conception

IVF gives couples the unique opportunity to have increased control over the timing of conception. 

With IVF, couples can choose when to fertilize the egg and when to implant the embryo. This can be particularly beneficial for couples who wish to plan their pregnancy around medical treatments or other life events.

3. Genetic Disorder Screenings

IVF allows for the genetic screening of embryos, which can help identify any genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities before implantation. 

This is particularly beneficial for couples who are carriers of genetic disorders or those with a family history of genetic diseases. 

Genetic screening can help reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders to their children.

4. Multiple Pregnancy Rates

IVF can result in multiple pregnancies, which may benefit couples who want to have more than one child. 

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can also help identify healthy embryos, reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.

5. Increased Chances of Conception for Certain Conditions

IVF can benefit couples with certain fertility conditions, including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and low sperm count. 

IVF increases the chances of conception for couples with these conditions and provides hope for starting or expanding their family.

Safe and Beneficial Infertility Treatment You Can Trust

IVF offers several benefits for couples struggling with infertility. 

Its high success rates, increased control over conception, genetic screening, multiple pregnancy rates, and potential benefits for certain fertility conditions make it a popular treatment option for thousands of families annually.

If you struggle with infertility, please consider speaking with a fertility specialist at Pacific Reproductive Center to determine if IVF is the right option for you and your family. Schedule your initial consultation today to learn more about the advantages of IVF.

Deciding to grow your family is multifaceted. It requires a deep understanding of all the changes that come with becoming new parents, caring for yourself before, during, and after pregnancy, and setting yourself up for success after the baby. 

While the checklists are endless, and the process can feel long and complicated, it is important to plan for the road ahead before you become pregnant. If you’re a candidate for in-vitro fertilization or are curious about what the procedure entails from start to finish, we are here to help.

As parents and families navigate the changing landscape of before and after a baby, one thing that often comes to mind is the financial changes that occur. While all pregnancies and childbirths come with a cost, in-vitro fertilization is unique because there is a cost associated with conception.

Here we will discuss IVF cost in more detail so that when you’re ready to move forward with this life-changing procedure, you’ll understand all it entails before beginning. Read on to learn more.

So, How Much Does IVF Cost?

The short answer is that it depends.

Our cost is one of the most affordable options available, lower than the average cost of one cycle of IVF treatment in the United States which ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. While the price tag may feel shocking, the good news is that you probably won’t have to foot the entire bill.  Our mission is to help you create a family, and with the money you save, you will have more to invest in your family’s future.

It is important to note that every patient’s IVF journey is unique. Therefore, these costs are just an estimate. If you’re seriously considering IVF treatment, please get in touch with us for a full assessment that will include an IVF cost breakdown for your family.

It is also important to note that the cost is an average. Therefore, some IVF procedures may fall on this range’s lower or higher ends. 

Factors that may contribute to the total cost of your procedure include

• past reproductive history
• infertility cause
• mother’s age
• health conditions and health history
• unique testing and treatment requirements

What’s Covered in IVF Cost?

Typically, IVF cost covers the entirety of the procedure from start to finish.

For most, the IVF base cost includes

• bloodwork
• all specialty visits at the IVF clinic
• ultrasounds (post-procedure)
• egg retrieval and anesthesia during retrieval
• intracytoplasmic sperm injection
• embryo transfer
• follow-up care

What’s Not Covered in IVF Cost?

Although the base fee associated with IVF cost often covers most of the procedure requirements, additional fees are associated with in-vitro fertilization.

Additional costs could include

• Preprocedural fertility assessment involving an ovarian ultrasound, a blood test, and a physical exam.
• Semen analysis
• Injectable medications
• Donor sperm (when applicable)
• Mock embryo transfer
• gestational carrier or surrogate costs

Remember, these costs are just an estimate. If you’re seriously considering IVF treatment, please contact us for a full assessment that will include an IVF cost breakdown for your family.

While many first cycles of IVF are successful, not all are. As a result, you may require more than one round of IVF treatment to achieve a viable pregnancy. We encourage you to speak with your fertility specialist to understand additional potential costs associated with multiple treatment cycles. 

Does Insurance Cover IVF Cost?

There is no cut-and-dry answer here. Most insurances cover at least a portion of in-vitro fertilization treatment, but the amount depends directly on your specific plan. 

While some insurance companies cover most or all fertility procedures, additional costs may be an out-of-pocket expense, such as preprocedural injections. 

It is a good rule of thumb to check with your insurance provider to understand your exact fertility treatment coverage amounts.

Effective IVF Treatment in Southern California

If you or someone you know is a candidate for or interested in IVF treatment, we can help. Our experienced specialists are here to make your fertility journey as straightforward and comfortable as possible, financials included.

Don’t shy away from considering IVF treatment due to IVF cost. Do you need more information? Our IVF FAQs page answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this treatment. Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss your options.

We look forward to helping you on your fertility journey. 

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a collection of symptoms associated with an imbalance in reproductive hormones. This hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms like weight gain, thinning of the hair on the head, heavier growth of hair on the face and torso, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles. Although PCOS is frequently discussed in relation to fertility, lots of inaccurate information about PCOS is conveyed as fact. Below we will take a look at some of the most common misconceptions about polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PCOS Myth #1: PCOS is rare.

Actually, it is estimated that about ten percent of women of childbearing age in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for PCOS! Many of these women haven’t even been diagnosed. Personal health is a sensitive topic, and a diagnosis of PCOS may be difficult or painful for a woman to share, particularly if she is struggling to conceive. Thus many women are not comfortable talking about their diagnosis openly. But odds are that you know more than one person who is affected by PCOS.

PCOS Myth #2: Patients with PCOS have lots of cysts on their ovaries.

It would be easy to draw the conclusion that with a name like “polycystic ovarian syndrome,” PCOS would involve lots of cysts on the ovaries. In reality, PCOS is poorly named. The hormone imbalances involved in PCOS can cause changes in the ovaries, typically women with PCOS have a greater number of ovarian follicles than their age matched counterparts. Ovarian follicles are normal, and no treatment or surgery is needed.  Women with PCOS are not at greater risk of developing cysts. 

PCOS Myth #3: All women with PCOS are overweight. You can’t have PCOS if you are thin.

Although undesired weight gain is one of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS, nearly one third of women with PCOS are not considered overweight or obese. Lab work should be performed to assess for hormonal imbalances if other symptoms are present, because PCOS patients in a healthy weight range can still have other difficulties. And regardless of a patient’s body size, PCOS patients can benefit from healthy eating practices and adding more movement to their routines.

PCOS Myth #4: PCOS can be diagnosed through blood testing alone.

Because PCOS is caused by an imbalance in reproductive hormones, many patients believe that blood tests Unfortunately nothing about medical diagnosis is that simple. Although bloodwork is a vital part of the PCOS diagnosis, the process is much more thorough than that. Diagnosing PCOS involves a comprehensive physical examination which includes laboratory testing and pelvic ultrasound. Your provider will also take a detailed medical and menstrual history.

PCOS Myth #5: Irregular periods mean that you have PCOS.

PCOS can, and often does, cause irregular menstrual cycles due to problems with ovulation. But there are lots of other things that could be causing irregular cycles as well, so consultation with a medical professional is essential! If your menstrual cycles are longer than about 35 days, bleeding is significantly lighter or heavier than normal, or you experience spotting between periods, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause.

PCOS Myth #6: Oral contraceptives cure PCOS.

Oral contraceptives are frequently prescribed for PCOS, and they can help control symptoms and regulate your cycle. Birth control pills can play a role in the treatment of PCOS. However, these are not a cure. If you are trying to conceive, however, other options that are more in line with your goals can be utilized. Work together with your doctor to make a plan that is right for you.

PCOS Myth #7: A diagnosis of PCOS means I need to follow a specific diet.

Despite the popularity of the gluten-free and keto diet plans, you don’t need to try these diets to control PCOS symptoms. The Mediterranean diet is a balanced eating approach that is commonly used for PCOS, and includes foods that are rich in antioxidants, folate, and vitamin D. (These nutrients can all positively contribute to hormone regulation.) A Mediterranean diet includes minimally processed, whole foods. This means choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, and including healthy fats such as avocados and olive oil. Limiting simple carbohydrates, as well as including lots of leafy greens, is also an integral part of the Mediterranean diet.

PCOS Myth #8: PCOS makes it impossible to get pregnant.

A large percentage of women diagnosed with PCOS may seek assistance to conceive with a medication like Clomid or letrozole. If you are attempting to conceive with a partner, both of you should be evaluated despite your PCOS diagnosis. The lifestyle modifications mentioned above may also help alleviate unwanted symptoms and gently encourage your body toward hormone regulation, which can lead to a higher chance of conception. Our integrative fertility practices combine traditional medicine, alternative therapies, and lifestyle practices, giving you access to the “best of both worlds” in your journey.

Do you have any of the signs and symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular menstruation, thinning hair, acne, or weight that can be difficult to regulate? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salem to discuss your fertility treatment options including IVF!