For many, the family creation journey can be filled with unexpected and emotional challenges. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) provide hope and options for those struggling.
Thomas Molinaro, M.D., MSCE, FACOG
Reproductive Endocrinologist and Chief Medical Officer, IVI RMA North America
Among the most widely used ARTs is in vitro fertilization (IVF), which helps stimulate ovulation and, eventually, fertilize a patient’s egg with sperm, allowing patients to move closer to starting their family. For others, the focus is on preserving future possibilities through egg freezing. Recognizing that life doesn’t always go as planned, egg freezing empowers individuals to safeguard their fertility and keep the option of parenthood open while navigating careers, relationships, or other personal priorities.
IVF: a customized path to parenthood
IVF is among the most advanced and widely used reproductive medicine options. The process begins with ovarian stimulation through hormone therapy, encouraging the production of multiple eggs. Following this, eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. After the embryos develop, the most viable single egg will be transferred into the uterus. Single egg transfer (SET) is the industry’s standard of care based on extensive research from RMA. IVF is an intensive but rewarding process that helps individuals and couples facing challenges like endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or age-related egg quality decline achieve parenthood.
Lynzi and her husband, patients of Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, had their first son naturally, so they figured the second would come just as easily. But the road was devastating. Lynzi suffered a miscarriage, then an ectopic pregnancy, and fell into depression. When she made it to RMA Lehigh Valley, she met with Dr. Ndeye Aicha Gueye. She mentioned that from her first appointment with Dr. Gueye, she felt like she was in good hands and Dr. Gueye knew her and what she needed. The couple decided IVF was the best treatment plan. After commencing treatment, Lynzi and her husband gave birth to baby Declan, who Lynzi refers to as the love of her life.
Egg freezing: preserving fertility for the future
Egg freezing offers individuals the ability to preserve their eggs during their reproductive prime for future use. This process involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, and freezing them for storage. It’s beneficial for those prioritizing career goals, managing medical conditions like cancer, or simply wishing to delay family-building.
Patients frequently express gratitude for the peace of mind egg freezing provides. Jamie, a client at RMA New Jersey’s Jersey City office, went through the egg-freezing process with Dr. Bat-Sheva Maslow. She reflected on her experience, saying she always knew she wanted a family, but physically going through the egg retrieval process, she is even more hyperaware of how much she wants that family. Knowing she has her future family in her back pocket, she can now sleep better.
Navigating financial and emotional challenges
Both IVF and egg freezing require financial and emotional investments. Many clinics offer financial counseling and packages like multi-cycle discounts or refund programs to help patients navigate costs. Ultimately, these journeys of hope and emotional support, including access to counseling, have a vital role in maintaining optimism throughout patients’ journeys.
The key to success in ART often lies in choosing the right fertility clinic. Those that emphasize advanced technology, individualized treatment plans, and patient education ensure patients fully understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions.
Whether through IVF, egg freezing, or other methods, ARTs are reshaping the paths to parenthood, offering solutions tailored to diverse needs. These technologies help people conceive and enable them to embark on their parenthood journey with confidence and clarity.
