There are two types of embryo transfer: fresh or frozen. In a fresh embryo transfer cycle, an embryo is transferred to the uterus after 3-5 days of observation in the embryology laboratory, and any additional embryos are frozen for future use. In a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle, all embryos are frozen after 3-5 days of development in the laboratory. If you wish to perform preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), embryos will be biopsied, then frozen while a culture of cells is sent to the genetic testing lab for analysis. Whether you proceed with a fresh embryo transfer or an FET, the embryo transfer process itself is very simple, and rarely requires sedation or anesthesia. For the transfer procedure itself, the embryo is thawed at room temperature, and then warmed to body temperature (37undefined C). As with a fresh embryo transfer, embryos are placed inside a special catheter (a very thin tube), which is guided through the cervix and into the uterus. Embryos are gently injected into the uterus and the catheter is removed. This procedure requires no anesthesia, and is done in a position similar to a pelvic examination for a Pap smear. After transfer, the woman rests for 15 minutes and then is able to go home, where a day of rest or very gentle daily activity is recommended.

While some research suggests a slightly higher incidence of birth defects in IVF-conceived children compared with the general population (4 - 5% vs. 3%), it is possible that this increase is due to factors other than IVF treatment itself.

It is important to recognize that the rate of birth defects in the general population is about 3% of all births for major malformations and 6% if minor defects are included. Recent studies have suggested that the rate of major birth defects in IVF-conceived children may be on the order of 4 to 5%. This slightly increased rate of defects has also been reported for children born after IUI and for naturally-conceived siblings of IVF children, thus it is possible that the risk factor is inherent in this particular patient population rather than in the technique used to achieve conception.

Research indicates that IVF-conceived children are on par with the general population in academic achievement as well as with regard to behavioral and psychological health. More studies are under way to further investigate this important issue.

IVF is one of the most efficient forms of fertility treatment, in that it usually provides the highest rates of successful conception for any one treatment cycle. For patients with severe male factor infertility or significantly blocked fallopian tubes, IVF treatment is the only realistic treatment option. It is often recommended for older patients or when IUI and medications have not been successful.

In general, the success of frozen-thawed embryo transfer procedures depends on three factors: First, the quality and survival of the frozen-thawed embryos. Typically, only good quality embryos are frozen, resulting in a survival rate greater than 90%.

Second, the age of the woman who produced the eggs. In patients under the age of 37, the chances of pregnancy with frozen-thawed embryos are similar to a pregnancy with fresh embryos. In patients 37 years or older, pregnancy chances with frozen-thawed embryos decline in conjunction with declining fertility in general, but still can be quite good. As always it is best for patients to discuss their individual situation with their physician.

Third, the status of the uterus in the woman receiving the embryos. A healthy endometrial lining free of any interfering fibroids or polyps provides a sound environment for embryo implantation.

Because the IVF process bypasses the fallopian tubes (it was originally developed for women with blocked or missing fallopian tubes), it is the procedure of choice for patients with fallopian tube issues, as well as for conditions such as endometriosis, male factor infertility and unexplained infertility. Physicians review the patientundefineds history and help to guide them towards the treatment and diagnostic procedures that are most appropriate for them.

Eggs are typically retrieved after 12-14 days of ovarian stimulation. Immediately after eggs have been retrieved, our embryology team assesses the maturity of each egg, then transfers the mature eggs to an incubator. Typically, sperm are then combined with the eggs and fertilization occurs naturally. In a fresh embryo transfer cycle, an embryo is transferred to the uterus after 3-5 days of observation in the embryology laboratory, and any additional embryos are frozen for future use. In a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle, all embryos are frozen after 3-5 days of development in the laboratory. Following an embryo transfer, a patientundefineds HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) levels are monitored carefully to determine whether or not the treatment cycle created a pregnancy. Rising HCG levels indicate a healthy start for a pregnancy.

No. During the course of a natural menstrual cycle, your brain produces hormones that stimulate one of your ovaries to release a single mature egg. During an ovulation induction cycle, you are prescribed those same hormones, known as fertility medications. These medications stimulate the ovaries to mature several eggs at once. When these eggs are matured and successfully retrieved, these eggs can be combined with sperm to create embryos.

Blood drawing: Discomfort and the possibility of developing a painful bruise at the needle site may occur. A blood clot in the vein may occur.

Ultrasound: This examination involves the use of a form of energy (sound waves) which at high energy levels may produce heat and tissue damage. At the extremely low energy levels utilized in diagnostic ultrasounds, no adverse effects have been observed to date.

Medications: Some of the risks associated with taking hormone medications to stimulate multiple egg production are common. Women may experience none, any or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, slight weight gain or loss, breast tenderness and enlargement, occasional vaginal bleeding, yeast infections of the vagina, vaginal discharge and wetness, hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual period cramping, headaches, fluid retention, and mood swings. Much less common side effects include appetite changes, nervousness, fatigue, and changes in sex drive. More serious but rare side effects include hypertension (high blood pressure), gall bladder disease, blood clots developing in the legs, lungs, eyes, brain, heart or elsewhere, heart attacks and strokes.

There is some evidence that treatment with fertility drugs could lead to an increased risk of cancerundefinedin particular, breast, ovarian, and uterine (including endometrial) cancers. One must be careful in interpreting research studies of women taking fertility drugs. Since these cancers are more common in women with infertility, simply comparing women taking fertility drugs with women in the general population inevitably shows an increased incidence of cancer. When the analysis accounts for the increased cancer risk due to infertility per se, the evidence does not support a relationship between fertility drugs and an increased prevalence of breast or ovarian cancer. More research is required to examine the long-term impact fertility drugs may have on breast and ovarian cancer prevalence rates. For uterine cancer, the numbers are too small to draw conclusions.

Antibiotics: Most women will be given an antibiotic. The use of an antibiotic may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, rashes, sensitivity to the sun, allergic reactions resulting in shock, or blood disease including reduced platelets or fractured red cells (causing anemia or bleeding).

Ovarian Hyper-stimulation: Use of hormonal agents may result in the growth of ovarian cysts and/or mild to severe ovarian enlargement may develop, causing pain, internal bleeding, and severe disturbances of fluid and chemistry balances. This may require hospitalization. Blood clots are possible which could lead to strokes or other life threatening complications.

Aspiration of Eggs under Ultrasonographic Guidance: Pain of short duration is likely. There is a possibility of seeing blood in the urine for a day following the procedure. Perforation of blood vessels, bladder, bowel, bleeding from the ovary, and pelvic infection are possible.

Laparoscopy: Infection of the incision site or pelvic organs is possible. Perforation of bowel or bladder, internal bleeding, possible formation of scar tissue by attempted egg collection and/or manipulation of pelvic organs may occur.

Anesthesia: Sedation or general anesthesia may cause numerous possible adverse reactions from various drugs and procedures. A separate consent form, which you will sign before undergoing this procedure, outlines the risks involved in the use of anesthesia.

Embryo Transfer: This procedure may cause discomfort and may lead to infection or ectopic or tubal pregnancy which could result in hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding, and death.

Multiple Pregnancies: Replacement of more than one embryo will increase the chance of multiple pregnancies.

Multiple pregnancies have an increased risk of premature birth, birth defects, maternal hypertension, low birth weight, and many other complications.

Psychological Risks: One risk is failure of the procedure to produce a pregnancy. If the procedures are not successful, you may be very disappointed. You also may experience frustration, anxiety, and/or depression, which may be severe. Mood swings may result from medications or from your psychological response to the experience of Fertility Preservation. Long-term psychological effects are unknown. Any psychological consultation associated with the treatment program is not intended to predict short or long term effects.

Risks: I understand that my frozen egg(s) may, upon warming/ thawing, degenerate. If this occurs, the egg(s) will not be inseminated and will not be replaced into my uterus. It seems that egg(s) and embryos either survive unharmed or die. To RBAundefineds knowledge, there is no indication at the current time that freezing of egg(s) increases birth defects. To date, children born as a result of egg cryopreservation have not had increased rates of abnormalities. It is possible that in the future more information in this area of concern may become known. I understand that there may be unforeseen risks or complications for me, a current or future male partner, or the egg(s) or embryo(s), fetus(es), or the child(ren) which develop(s) from this treatment. While it is difficult to anticipate any such risks, I acknowledge that I have been notified of their possibility.

IVF literally means undefinedfertilization in glassundefined because IVF involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries and combining them with sperm in a glass culture dish. During the IVF process, a patientundefineds natural cycle is carefully manipulated through the use of fertility medications. These medications stimulate the ovaries to produce not one, but a number of mature eggs. At the right time, the eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. Concurrently, the male supplies a sperm sample (or a stored, frozen sample is used). The eggs and sperm are placed in a culture dish and fertilized. An embryo is then transferred into the womanundefineds uterus when she is ready.

For lesbian women, the options for conception include:

If one or both partners possess ovaries and a uterus, there are several options for family building. At NYULFC, we work with single cis-females, lesbian couples, and members of the trans community to help build beautiful families including:

• Donor Sperm Insemination (with or without fertility medications)
• Donor Sperm + IVF (with or without a gestational carrier)
• Donor Sperm + Reciprocal IVF (also called undefinedIVF Co-Maternity,undefined where one partner provides the eggs and the other partner carries the pregnancy)
• Medical Fertility Preservation with Oocyte Cryopreservation for future family building prior to transition
• Elective Fertility Preservation with Oocyte Cryopreservation or Embryo Cryopreservation

Patients who choose to use an anonymous sperm donor obtain frozen samples from licensed sperm banks, which must be located in the United States. NYU Langone Fertility Center does not own or operate a sperm bank, however our Donor Egg undefined Third Party Reproduction team will be happy to assist you in finding this resource.

Some patients may choose to ask a friend, relative, or other acquaintance to donate sperm. Because this option may raise sensitive questions and decisions in regards to parenting, a number of actions are required prior to receiving a sperm donation including counseling and a legal agreement between the Sperm Donor and Intended Parent.

Reciprocal IVF is a fertility treatment option for couples with ovaries and/or a uterus that allows both partners to uniquely participate in the family building process. It can often be referred to as Co-IVF or Co-Maternity. Reciprocal IVF is a two-step process that consists of embryo creation with Partner Aundefineds eggs, while the remaining partner will undergo a fresh or frozen embryo transfer in hopes to become pregnant and carry the pregnancy to term.? Couples will have the option to choose their donor sperm for embryo creation? and embryo transfers can be fresh or frozen depending on the need for genetic testing.? Some couples who want more than one child utilize Co-IVF for their second child, and switch roles if they are able to.

Single Embryo Transfer (SET) Is an embryo implantation procedure in which only one embryo is transferred into the uterus. There are many advantages to an Single Embryo Transfer over a Multi Embryo Transfer. Single Embryo Transfers reduces the possibility of a miscarriage and increases your changes for a strong, healthy pregnancy, as there is a much smaller probability of conceiving multiple children at once. At NYU Langone Fertility Center, the vast majority of our patients (over 95%) undergo SET.

Youundefinedll visit the clinic 3-5 times for ultrasounds and bloodwork to monitor your follicular development and hormone levels. You will also be doing injections around the same time each day as prescribed.

Every patient experiences the egg retrieval process differently. For this procedure, you will be under general anesthesia while your eggs are retrieved by a physician, and may experience some discomfort afterwards. Most individuals are able to return to work the next day, while others may need additional time to recover.

No, the egg donation process has no impact on future fertility.

The adult photo that is submitted with your profile is used ONLY by the egg donor program team to match your physical characteristics with that of the potential recipient as the recipient usually desires a donor with similar physical attributes.

If you believe you meet the requirements for the Egg Donation Program at NYU Langone Fertility Center, fill out the Egg Donor Eligibility Form. You could make an important difference in a familyundefineds life.

You are eligible to donate up to six times in a lifetime, as long as you have been approved by our embryologist to return for additional donation cycles.

Yes. The medications that are administered work best for individuals within a certain weight range.

The medications used to stimulate egg development are mostly natural hormones already found in your body. These include Gonadotropin and Follicle Stimulating Hormone.

As you approach your Egg Retrieval appointment, another treatment called GNRH will be used to temporarily reduce ovarian function, which helps with the Egg Retrieval procedure, while Lupron will be administered to trigger ovulation and assist the maturation of the eggs.

Monitoring appointments are roughly 30-45 minutes in length. We offer appointments between 7:00a.m.- 9:30a.m.

Yes, you can donate your eggs even if your tubes are tied as the fallopian tubes are not involved in the retrieval process, just the ovaries.

Egg Donor candidates must be between 21-30 years of age. Once you complete the online application, our Egg Donation team will schedule an appointment to evaluate your overall and reproductive health, genetic history, and psychological stability (all testing is provided at no charge to you). Egg Donors must be physically and emotionally healthy, provide complete medical history on biological family members, and be a nonsmoker with no history of substance abuse. All donors who pass screening meet FDA standards.

The FDA mandates that individuals who wish to donate their eggs to another individual must undergo additional screening and testing than an individual who wishes to use her own eggs. This must be done before the egg retrieval procedure is performed. The FDA does not allow eggs to be donated if they have been frozen before this screening has been completed.

If you think that you may want to donate your saved eggs in the future, please discuss this with your physician during your initial consultation.

It is important to remember each patient experiences the fertility preservation process differently. During the 10-14 days of ovary stimulation, patients will inject medication and may experience symptoms similar to their menstrual cycle. The egg retrieval you will be under general anesthesia while your eggs are retrieved by a physician, and may experience some discomfort afterwards. Most individuals are able to return to work the next day, while others may need additional time to recover.

Fertility Preservation, like Egg or Embryo Freezing, is the first step in a fertility care continuum that may include egg thawing, embryo creation, embryo transfer, and attempted pregnancy. More information about how it works is available here.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a refund for any storage time that is not used.

Unfortunately, the Stark Law prohibits us from seeing any patient who are registered with a federally funded insurance program. This includes medicaid and medicare. Even if you do not plan to file a claim through your insurance, we are still prohibited from accepting you as a patient. To learn more about the Stark Law and its regulations, you can visit The Stark Law Website.

The number of eggs collected in a single cycle varies with age. While each woman will be different, the average number of eggs collected per cycle is as follows:

Age: Eggs

20-29: 21

30-33: 18

34-37: 17

38-39: 14

40-43: 13

44+: 8

A step-by-step description of our Egg Freezing Process is available here.

Eggs can be safely stored for as long as you need them. There is no current evidence that suggests they deteriorate with time, so you can take as long as you need to prepare for your future family.

If you decide to start your family, frozen eggs are thawed and combined with sperm to create embryos. We check the embryos for health and viability, and then choose the best one for Single Embryo Transfer.

Schedule a new patient consultation and fertility screening at NYU Langone Fertility Center to learn more about your fertility health. During your visit, an expert physician will meet with you to discuss your future fertility goals, and we will perform bloodwork and an ultrasound to evaluate your reproductive health.

Fertility Preservation is for anyone in their 20s and early 30s, regardless of race, marital status, or sexual preference, who wants a child at some point in the future.

To prepare for egg retrieval, women undergo a series of injections of ovulation stimulating agents over approximately 10 days, including human gonadotropin and follicle stimulating hormone to stimulate multiple egg production.

A substance known as a undefinedGNRH agonistundefined or Antagonist is used in conjunction with these drugs to reduce ovarian function. A Lupron injection is used to trigger ovulation and assists in the maturation process of the eggs prior to retrieval.

There are a thousand different factorsundefinedfrom career growth, to higher education, to health management, to finding the right partnerundefinedthat contribute to determining when a person might be ready to start a family. However, for women, the ability to have a child changes significantly around age 35. Both egg count and egg quality diminish as time passes, which means that the chance of becoming pregnant is more difficult at the time when many are ready. Preserving your eggs at a younger age is the first step in a care continuum towards parenthood that may include egg thawing, embryo creation, embryo transfer, and attempted pregnancy.

NYU Langone Fertility Center has completed more than 3,000 egg freezing cycles and has lovingly welcomed over 200 live births from patients who have returned to build their families using previously frozen eggs. Whether youundefinedre freezing eggs or banking embryos, youundefinedre in good hands with our team of internationally recognized physicians and laboratory experts.

NYU Langone Fertility Center has completed more than 3,000 egg freezing cycles to date, and we currently perform over 450 cycles per year. Our patients have welcomed over 200 live births from previously frozen eggs.

Women who do not use their saved eggs or embryos can choose to have the eggs discarded or donated to a scientific institution. Keep in mind that eggs donated to science will either be used for observation or for experimental research. They will not be used to create embryos, however, without your expressed written consent.

It is important to remember that each individual responds differently to the Egg Freezing process. For most of our patients, the process is uncomfortable, but not painful. The medications may cause symptoms similar to those you may experience during menstruation, and there are a few pinprick injections that can be unpleasant. Egg Retrieval is performed under light IV sedation and only takes about 20 minutes to complete. Some women experience cramps after the procedure, but these typically subside after 24 hours.

Eggs are collected by vaginal, ultrasound-guided aspiration of ovarian follicles. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation, using a specially designed needle to enter the ovarian follicles through the vaginal wall.

It is fairly normal for some women to experience spotting (dark red or brown) early in pregnancy. However, if you experience bright red bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour, contact your physician immediately. Intermittent mild cramping and slight twinges may also be normal. If you experience cramping thatundefineds moderate to severe, you should notify your physician immediately.

The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians. Once you and your doctor have determined family building using donor eggs is the appropriate step in your family building journey, you will work your dedicated care team that includes your physician, our Donor Egg undefined Third Party Reproduction specialists, an onsite psychologist, and nurses, coordinators, medical and administrative assistants to develop a treatment plan.

The exact cost of treatment will depend upon your unique treatment plan. However, an estimated cost for cycles using frozen eggs is $19,615+ while an estimated cost for cycles using fresh donor eggs is $40,000+.

Your physician will schedule a pregnancy testing 10-12 days after the embryo transfer, dependent upon the stage of the embryo. At this appointment, you will learn the status of your pregnancy.

Fresh egg donors are chosen by a recipient couple. The eggs are retrieved and immediately fertilized with sperm and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient. Remaining embryos can be frozen for future frozen embryo transfers. Typically, a fresh donor egg cycle can be completed and you can proceed with an embryo transfer within 3 to 4 months.

Recipients using frozen eggs select their donor from hundreds who have already been through the ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval process and receive a smaller cohort of eggs (6-8) which will then be combined with sperm to create embryos. With frozen donor eggs, you can start a cycle right away, since you do not need to be synchronized with your egg donor. This provides more flexibility for planning your cycle. Typically, a frozen donor egg cycle can be completed and you can proceed with an embryo transfer within 6 to 8 weeks.

Your physician will monitor the progress of your pregnancy for 8-10 weeks after the embryo transfer. During this time, youundefinedll undergo blood tests and ultrasound to determine the growth of the pregnancy. Once this information is collected, we will release to your OB/GYN, who will complete your pregnancy care.

Yes, you can still travel during your treatment period. If you have any specific travel concerns, feel free to discuss them with your clinic specialists who can help you determine the best course of action for your needs.

Every donor who is approved and listed on the web site has gone through an extensive series of psychological tests. We are not in a position to make a full assessment of the donorundefineds personality beyond what we can read in the psychological report. Be assured, however, that all of the donors are screened very carefully and that donors at risk for any kind of psychological problem are excluded prior to treatment.

At NYU Langone Fertility Center, your care team will include your physician, our Donor Egg undefined Third Party Reproduction specialists, an onsite psychologist, and nurses, coordinators, medical and administrative assistants, all of whom are here to help you navigate every step of your journey to parenthood using donor eggs and/or sperm.

No, unless you are planning on not disclosing the egg donation to your child.

We look for egg donors located near our clinic. Many of our donors are referred by friends who have previously donated at MyEggBank.

Yes, you can still become a recipient even if you have had your fallopian tubes removed or have begun experiencing menopause. Neither situation has an impact on your ability to conceive using a donor egg.

We understand that every path to parenthood is unique, and we collaborate with our patients to provide data-driven guidance and develop treatment plans specific to each individual. Because the process is unique to each womanundefineds needs, the best way to learn more about what you can expect is to schedule an appointment with a physician.

No. We can, however, provide an itemized receipt with your name on it which you can send to your insurance carrier.

Using a donor eggs as a treatment option is a very personal decision. It is patient preference to share this information with others. We do recommend sharing this information with your OB/GYN, as he/she will be continuing your care once you are discharged from our practice.

We provide you with information about the donorsundefined physical attributes, family medical history, donor profile, and genetics report.

Receiving a donated egg is a very personal and private decision for women and couples, and so to honor that, we do not alert donors if their eggs have been given to a recipient.

No adult photos of the donor will be shared, but three to four childhood photos up to age 7 will appear on the website with the donorundefineds permission. We offer a limited view of our donor profiles online, which includes information such as age, hair color, eye color, height, weight, and education level. Recipients who are registered and have been approved by us will also have access to the donorundefineds childhood photographs and profile on the website. Keep in mind that we do not provide any information about the identity of the donor.

Centers may have age cut offs but there are no disqualifying conditions that keep patients from becoming an MEB recipient. If your center is not in the MyEggBank affiliate network, they will first need to contact us and become an affiliate.

MyEggBank is a frozen egg bank only. The MyEggBank website contains a database of information about all our available egg donors. Recipients have the opportunity to review the available donors and forward their selection choices to the donor coordinators.

With Fresh Egg Donation cycles, the donor coordinators and physicians try to find and offer the closest possible match to what the recipient desires in her donor.

Yes, most affiliate centers can write an order to have your OB/GYN perform some of the screening.

No, but we have a strong preference for college-educated donors. Each application from a donor is intensely reviewed by our staff to guarantee that your options are the best possible. Donors who have not graduated from college generally have some other highly desirable trait(s) to make them candidates for our program. When your account is activated, you will gain access to the donor profiles which contain important information such as education level, physical and personality traits, and family medical history.

Yes, flex cards can be used as a payment method towards treatment if they have a Visa or MasterCard logo, expiration date and CVV code.

NYU Langone Fertility Center has lovingly welcomed over 1,600 babies born with the assistance of donor eggs. Whether you choose to pursue a fresh egg donation or a frozen donor egg cycle, youundefinedre in good hands with our team of internationally recognized physicians and laboratorians

Our donors include women of all ethnicities between the ages of 21 to 30 who are screened to ensure good general and reproductive health, a clear genetic history, and psychological stability.

Donors must meet very strict FDA standards in order to qualify and must also pass a rigorous genetic screening which includes consultation with a genetic counselor, submission of family medical history, and genetic testing for inherited genetic disease.

MyEggBank uses a rapid egg-freezing technology called vitrification. This method provides many advantages over other egg-freezing procedures.

More economical: Vitrification is more efficient than fresh egg donation, which reduces the cost of the procedure, thus making it more affordable.

More convenient: Vitrification allows treatment to begin immediately. There is no delay in waiting for donors and recipients to synchronize their menstrual cycles. Because we have the largest inventory of frozen eggs in the United States, recipients can often eliminate the 6-9 month waiting period that is associated with many fresh egg donation programs.

Better Options: The efficiency of vitrification means there are more options for recipients so they have more choice and control. We also give recipients access to important information about donors, such as physical traits, education level, and family medical history.