Surrogacy 101

Part 3 of Egg Donation 101: Choosing Between Frozen or Fresh Donor Eggs By Guest Blogger Eran Amir

Choosing Between Frozen or Fresh Donor Eggs

Both fresh donor eggs and frozen donor eggs have specific pros and cons which you should consider:

Advantages of using fresh donor eggs

1. Better odds of live birth – IVF with fresh donor eggs has been widely researched and found effective. A national study published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology found that the use of fresh donor eggs in IVF has a small advantage in birth outcomes. According to the study’s lead author, Jennifer L. Eaton, M.D., “the odds of a good birth outcome were less with frozen than with fresh, but it was a small difference.” Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also shows that, overall, 55.3% of embryo transfers from fresh donor eggs resulted in a live birth vs. 46.7% for embryo transfers from frozen donor eggs.
2. Larger number of eggs – A fresh egg donation cycle will give intended parents anywhere from ten to twenty eggs. This is ideal if you plan on having more than one child: a fresh donation cycle will likely provide you with a good number of embryos to pursue more than one pregnancy. 
3. No need for ICSI - with frozen eggs, an extra procedure known as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) becomes a must (which also adds to the overall cost). The freezing and thawing process makes the shell surrounding the egg hard for the sperm to penetrate on its own. ICSI bypasses this as a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. 

Caveats with fresh donor eggs

1. Longer timeline – using fresh donor eggs is a longer process: it takes time to match a donor to the recipient and then to synchronize schedules and cycles.
2. Greater cost – fresh donor egg IVF is typically more expensive than the frozen alternative: as noted by what to expect, at an average of $25,000, fresh donor eggs amount to around twice the cost of frozen eggs.
3. Potential for cancellation – donation cycles can on occasion get cancelled due to poor medication response or issues, or because of an insufficient amount of eggs obtained. Medical issues more specifically may include uterine cysts or bleeding, which can have a negative impact on implantation, preventing the cycle’s success. 

Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between fresh or frozen eggs, it all comes down to your personal situation. There is no easy answer as to which is best. Success rates can depend on each individual’s specific case, as well as the expertise of the clinic you’re working with. A doctor and the clinic can help you assess your options based on your medical history and specific circumstances.

We hope that this helped provide the information you need. And remember - the right decision is whatever feels right for you. All the best on your journey!

 

Be sure to also read parts 1 and 2 of Egg Donation 101

About Eran Amir

With more than 20 years of experience, Eran Amir has worked as both a software development and product management executive in Israel and the Greater New York Area. The development of GoStork combines his professional skill set with a personal mission. After undergoing a long, difficult, and costly process to expand his family via surrogacy and egg donation, Amir vowed to help other intended parents avoid the complexity and confusion he experienced. His passion led to the creation of GoStork, which proudly names Amir’s two-year-old daughter as its co-founder.

Comparing: Frozen Egg Bank vs Fresh Donor Cycle - From the Family Inceptions Blog

Find your perfect Egg Donor at Family Inceptions!

Making the choice between a frozen egg cycle and a fresh egg donor cycle can feel confusing. On one hand, it would seem as though using an egg that hasn’t been frozen and thawed would have better results. But on the other hand, the doctors are telling you that frozen egg cycles are just as successful as fresh ones. So which choice is right for you? Here is a look at how these two methods differ.

Fresh Donor Cycles 
A fresh donor cycle is one that is completed in real time. Your donor will not have her medical cycle or egg extraction until after you choose her, so there will be more lead up time to get your eggs and, ultimately, to having your embryo transfer.

In a fresh donor cycle, doctors will work to stimulate your donor’s menstrual cycles with your cycle (or your surrogate’s cycle, if you’re one). The hope is that your donor’s eggs can be retrieved and fertilized just in time to be transferred directly to the uterus without having the need to be frozen. This can represent an additional amount of time between donor selection and transfer, and for some intended parents, that’s a deal killer.

While it is true that you’re less likely to lose embryos to the freezing or thawing process, the science shows that a fresh embryo transfer is not more successful, statistically than a transfer with a previously frozen embryo. So there is no disadvantage to choosing a fresh or frozen embryo transfer.

Financially, a fresh donor cycle will cost more than a frozen cycle. This is due in large part to the need to compensate your donor for her travel needs.

Finally, one perk of choosing fresh cycles is that you can freeze excess embryos. You’re more likely to wind up with more viable embryos as a result of a fresh transfer than a frozen one, which could increase the odds of a better, stronger embryo. Once you’ve selected the best embryos to transfer, you may freeze the remaining embryos for future transfers, or if all goes well, a future sibling. There will be no anxiety over finding the same donor in the future in order to ensure that future children share a biological mother and are related to each other.

Find about Frozen Cycles by clicking HERE!!

Family Inceptions looks forward to discussing these differences on the phone or in person. 

3 Ways to Save on IVF Costs By Guest Blogger Amanda Rondez

IVF is a multi-step laboratory procedure that helps in the successful fertilization of an egg outside of the body, mimicking natural fertilization and encouraging a normal pregnancy and childbirth to occur.

The rate of success for one cycle of IVF varies, depending on the age of the female. The average IVF patient goes through two cycles of IVF, meaning the total cost of IVF is typically between $40,000 to $60,000. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of IVF costs, including procedures and medications. 

The combination of procedure costs, medications, and multiple cycles can add up to be quite expensive. Here are three ways to manage IVF costs.

• 1. Check if your insurance covers fertility procedures

• It is important to speak to your insurance provider to discuss the specifications of your coverage as coverage for IVF costs varies greatly depending on company, state, and plan.

As of August 2020, 19 states have mandated fertility insurance laws with 13 of them including IVF coverage. Each state has different coverage, and depending on the company, an insurance plan may not be bound to fertility insurance laws.

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans released results from a 2018 survey that found 31% of employers with 500 or more employees offer some form of fertility benefits. 

2. Apply to a fertility financing program

If your insurance does not fully cover the cost of IVF, there are other ways to reduce expenses. Many programs and non-profit organizations provide financial support options to those struggling with infertility.

Reproductive Medical Associates (RMA) has an extensive IVF program and fertility financing services that connect couples to a variety of different lending and payment plans. The National Infertility Association has also compiled a list of infertility financing programs.

Grants through non-profit organizations are another mode of financial support. Well-known non-profits in the infertility community include Parental Hope, BabyQuest, Cade Foundation, and Bundled Blessings. Receiving a grant is not guaranteed as there is an application process, but it doesn’t hurt to apply. 

3. Use coupons for fertility medications: 

From birth control pills to follicle-stimulating hormones such as Follistim and Gonal-F, medications are a large part of the total cost of IVF.

The first step in saving money on medications is speaking to your insurance company or referring to your plan’s drug formulary to see if the medications are covered.

If they are not covered, there are still options to reduce drug costs, such as savings cards, coupons, and patient assistance programs. You can contact the drug manufacturers and ask about coupons or patient assistance programs or search for them online. For instance, the Compassionate Care Program by EMD Serono can save eligible patients up to 75% off Gonal-F.

SingleCare is a prescription savings card that also reduces the price of many IVF medications. See a full table of IVF medication coupons here.

Amanda Rondez
singlecare.com | rxsense.com
99 High Street, Suite 2800 | Boston, MA 02110
e: arondez@rxsense.com

Surrogacy 101 Included in Top 10 Surrogacy Blog Contest for 2019

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their favorite blogs! Surrogacy 101 took 7th place and I am happy and honored to be included in the top 10! If there is a topic you would like to see addressed in Surrogacy 101 just let me know! Many thanks to MySurrogateMom.com and David Bull for holding the contest and congratulations to my fellow participants! There are some great blogs out there offering a ton of information on surrogacy and other family building options. Click the link at the bottom of this post to see which blogs should be on your reading list!

 

The moment you understand that you will need the help of surrogacy to create the family you wish, so much can be scary and emotional. And when you start looking for information about surrogacy, you will realize that there are so many resources out there that it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Going through this by yourself can feel lonely at times, and that is normal. For this reason, we have decided to help you by researching the best surrogacy blogs and creating a list of the top ten surrogacy blogs for 2019!

 

These blogs were nominated by our readers, pre-selected based on content quality and how often they are updated, and finally ranked by your more than 3,000 votes in our contest, The Top Surrogacy Blog Awards 2019. We want to thank all of you for your participation in the process, from the initial nominations to the vote.

 

Before announcing the top 10 surrogacy blogs, remember that education is fundamental when pursuing surrogacy; the more you know, the better prepared you will be for what lies ahead. Research, read, learn, and ask!

 

And now click here for  the Ultimate List of Top Ten Surrogacy Blogs!

 

 

 

Surrogacy 101 Blog in Feedspot Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs

I received this message yesterday: 

"My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.

I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog Surrogacy 101 has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs on the web. 

http://blog.feedspot.com/surrogacy_blogs/

 

I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 50 Surrogacy Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!"

 

It's always nice to be validated and acknowledged and making the top 50 on the Internet for Surrogacy is pretty awesome! I hope that my dear readers also feel that the information found on Surrogacy 101 is helpful and easy to understand! I appreciate your continued support!

 

 Thank you!

Sharon LaMothe

LaMothe Services, LLC

http://LaMotheServices.com

LaMothe Surrogacy Consulting

http://LaMotheSurrogacyConsulting.com

InfertilityAnswers

http://InfertilityAnswers.org

LaMothe Services Can Help You with Your Assisted Reproductive Business in 2017

How can LaMothe Services help you and your business thrive? 

Small and large Assisted Reproductive Technology businesses alike understand how outsourcing can help transform their public relations, customer service, networking and marketing processes. LaMothe Services will expose your company to new business practices that can prove to be more profitable for your business and gain access to state-of-the-art technology at substantially lower costs. Our industry experience, broad capabilities and deep alliances mean we can help you maximize these opportunities. Let us help you find your purpose in the Third Party Family Building arena! 

 

LaMothe Services will provide you with the resources to optimize every opportunity.

 

LaMothe Services also provides Coaching, Mentorship, Training, Seminars, Staff Education, and Public Speaking events in the area of Third Party Reproduction, namely Surrogacy and Egg Donation. Our background and expertise will provide your staff with the development and training resources and the results are that your employees will be more motivated, focused, organized and realize results! 

 

At LaMothe Services our highest priority is satisfied customers. We are proud to serve you and work hard to earn your business. Call 727-458-8333 to schedule your free personal 40 minute consultation. There's no obligation, only opportunity.

 

Winter Special!

Calling all entrepreneurs! LaMothe Services is offering a 2017 WINTER Special that will have you running your own Surrogacy Agency before you know it!  

 

Are you interested in owning and operating your own Surrogacy Agency but don't know where to start? Do you live in a surrogacy friendly state? Have you been entertaining the idea of becoming your own boss? Are you a 'people person' and have knowledge of the third party family building field? (Past Surrogate, Intended Parent or other A.R.T Professional) Do you believe that 2017 is YOUR year to take control of your own career path? If the answers are a resounding YES to all these questions then LaMothe Services, LLC can help you formulate a plan and assist you in building your business to it's full potential. E-mail [email protected] to set up your free 40 minute consult and learn more about our WINTER SPECIAL! Or visit the LaMothe Services website for more details!

4 Reasons You Should Consider Freezing Your Eggs by Guest Blogger Noreen at the Frozen Egg Bank Network

Maybe you’re in line for that big promotion and want to put off raising a family until you’re better equipped to provide for them. Perhaps you’re in between relationships and feel your biological clock ticking away. Whatever your personal reason is, there is an option that you can explore if you’re interested in putting the idea of children on hold for the time being.

Freezing your eggs can expand your choices and help to eliminate the pressure that comes with having to choose between your current lifestyle and the potential of a future family. Below we have provided a short summary of what to expect, should you decide to pursue egg freezing, in addition to some of the main reasons that make it an attractive option for so many young women.

The Procedure

During the egg freezing procedure, you will first undergo preliminary screening to determine the current state of your reproductive cycle. After these tests, you will take a variety of drugs and hormones that assist in stimulating your ovaries and allow your body to release more eggs than usual.

After your body has been prepared, you will undergo a short egg retrieval procedure in which each available egg is collected from your ovarian follicles. Once the collection has occurred, your eggs will be frozen through an advanced technological process known as vitrification. This technique is proven to provide a more successful freezing outcome.

Now that you know a little more about what’s involved, what are some reasons that would make this such a beneficial treatment for you?

1. Improving The Life of Your Future Child

By choosing to freeze your eggs, you’re able to help control the ‘whens’ and ‘hows’ that can accompany your desire to get pregnant. This is an intelligent way to think about growing your family and it allows you to provide a much better life for your potential child.

Empowering yourself to make a decision about conception and childbirth without having to consider your present circumstances or age as a factor, you are making a positive decision about your child’s well-being.

2. Planning Your Family 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our modern society, a two-parent household is still the preferred way of raising a child. Romance, however, tends to take second place in the harsh reality of earning a living.

By freezing your eggs until you’ve found the partner that you love and want to share a child with, you’re helping to provide that child with a nurturing environment that both parents can be a part of.

3. Focusing On Your Career 

We’re living in unstable financial times. This may be weighing on your mind when it comes to family planning. The fact is, you owe it to your future family to be able to provide for them the best that you can. Freezing your eggs is a choice that allows you to stay focused on your career, which in turn means a greater ability to provide for your family later in life.

On the other hand, the idea of having family simply may not be particularly appealing to you at the moment, and you wish first to accomplish more in your professional life while not sacrificing the possibility of starting a family later in life. There is nothing wrong with that. 

4. Planning for the Worst 

Sadly, almost 12% of women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime. Radiation and chemotherapy can have a devastating effect on a woman’s ability to conceive a child. Increasingly, young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have wisely chosen to have their eggs frozen.  

If your family has a history of breast or uterine cancer, then freezing your eggs may provide you with the best chance of having a family.

Your Life, Your Choice 

Ultimately, it all comes down to you. Medical technology has given you this wonderful option that allows you much more freedom in how to choose your approach to parenthood.

By freezing your eggs, you’re able to live the life you want to, achieve what you need to achieve, and put yourself in the position where you’re eager and ready to support and nurture a family. The time that you spend with your child should never be a time of regret and disappointment.

Do yourself a favor: research the options and possibilities and make a choice that’s right for you.

Momtrepreneur, fitness guru, and innovator, Noreen is the founder of Carpool Fitness and the Director of Business Development for Frozen Egg BankNetwork. She has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by momtrepreneurs, and is committed to sharing true stories about real women to inspire and empower female entrepreneurs nationwide.  She also strives to educate women about the need to become aware of their fertility potential at a young age in order to help them take control of their biological clock.

 

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