An egg bank is a specialized facility where human eggs are frozen and stored for future use. People who need donor eggs can purchase frozen eggs to create embryos using in vitro fertilization (IVF).   

Donor eggs: an overview 

Eggs are donated by healthy, fertile donors who have been carefully screened following FDA and state regulations. Eggs from older people have a lower chance of successful pregnancy, so most egg donors are in their 20’s. 

Eggs are preserved using a rapid freezing technique and stored in cryogenic tanks filled with liquid nitrogen at -196°C. This ultra-cold environment keeps the eggs viable until they’re ready to be used.  

When eggs are needed for fertility treatments, they are carefully thawed and fertilized with sperm. The resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy — either the intended parent or a gestational carrier. 

Who uses egg banks? 

• People with infertility: People with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality can use donor eggs to become pregnant. 

• People with age-related concerns: Egg health goes down with age, so using eggs from younger donors can increase the chance of success.   

• LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents by choice: Donor eggs allow LGBTQ+ people and couples, as well as single intended parents by choice, to pursue biological parenthood. 

How do egg banks work? 

Intended parents start their journey by selecting a donor from the egg bank’s database. You can review detailed donor profiles, which typically include: 

• Medical history 

• Genetic screening results 

• Physical characteristics 

• Educational background 

• Personal interests 

Intended parents may also be advised to go through medical evaluation and psychological counseling to explore emotional, ethical, and relationship considerations. Your fertility specialist can guide you through your decision. 

Steps for using a donor egg in IVF:  

1. The frozen eggs are carefully thawed, using special techniques to preserve their viability.  

2. The eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended parent or a sperm donor.  

3. The resulting embryos are observed for several days to be sure they’re developing properly.  

4. The best quality embryo is transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy, or frozen for future use. Freezing embryos allows for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), if desired.  

Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your chosen egg bank for counseling, logistics, medical procedures, and monitoring. 

Benefits of using frozen donor eggs 

Frozen eggs have several benefits:  

• Frozen eggs can be used right away, while fresh eggs require the donor to match their cycle and egg retrieval with the recipient’s treatment cycle.   

• Access to a broad and diverse pool of donors. 

• Freezing allows time to test the eggs, improving safety and success rates.  

• Frozen eggs can be shipped, so intended parents are not limited by availability where they live. 

Legal and ethical considerations 

Legal contracts are used to protect the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved in egg donation: the donor, intended parents, and the resulting child.  

Legal contracts ensure that:  

• Donors give up all parental rights 

• Donors grant the intended parent(s) full legal custody of the donated eggs and any resulting embryos and children 

They also outline the terms of donation, such as donor compensation, details and timing of medical procedures, and confidentiality. 

Ethical considerations   

In the past, many donations have been anonymous, but open donations in which donors and recipients can choose to share information are increasingly common. This allows for transparency and sharing genetic knowledge. 

It’s important to consider whether donor-conceived children will be able to access information about their genetics. Think about how it might affect the child’s sense of identity, emotions, and relationships with both their biological and social parents.  

Counseling can help you think through these questions. 

Getting started with an egg bank  

Egg banks offer a meaningful path to parenthood. Ask your fertility clinic and egg bank any questions you have.  

Your Progyny Care Advocate can also provide support by helping you: 

• Find a fertility specialist 

• Connect with counseling and support resources 

• Navigate the process with confidence 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance and a lawyer for legal guidance.   

The post Using egg banks for pregnancy appeared first on Progyny.

Fertility treatment can feel overwhelming. The emotional ups and downs, physical demands, and financial stress can take a toll. You’re not alone — many people find this journey challenging. 

The good news? There are ways to make it easier and help you feel more in control. Here are some tips from Dr. Alice Domar, a health psychologist who specializes in fertility care: 

• Create your comfort list: Think about what helps you feel calm. Maybe it’s taking a walk, calling a friend, listening to music, or watching a favorite show. Write these down or make a note on your smartphone so you’ll have them ready when stress hits. 

• Practice relaxation early: Meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help. Relaxation apps like Calm offer guided sessions to get you started. Try a few and see what feels right for you. 

• Talk with your partner: Open communication matters. One helpful method is “paired listening,” which means you take turns talking for a few minutes while the other listens, then switch. Keep distractions like phones and TVs away during these talks. 

• Have a backup plan: If a treatment cycle doesn’t go as hoped, knowing your next steps — like meeting your doctor or exploring other options — can bring peace of mind. 

• Choose who to share with: Tell only those who will support you and respect your privacy. Sharing widely can lead to overwhelming messages, so keep it simple. 

Stress may not disappear completely, but these tips can help you feel supported and more in control. Remember, you deserve care and compassion every step of the way. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support. 

The post Managing stress during fertility care appeared first on Progyny.

If you (or a partner) are going through fertility treatment, it’s natural to experience strong emotions and stress. You care deeply about this journey, even when so much may feel out of your control. Whatever you’re feeling, know that you’re not alone and your emotions are completely valid.

Fortunately, there are healthy and effective ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions. These strategies can help you feel grounded, supported, and resilient.

Let’s go over techniques you can use to relieve tension, how to find the social support you need, and self-care for long-term wellness.

Find in-the-moment stress relief

When you’re feeling emotional, stressed, or overwhelmed, you might find certain strategies helpful in the moment. Some of these may take practice, although even trying for the first time could offer some stress relief.

• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation, and yoga can help calm your mind and clear negative thoughts. You may wish to explore apps and videos to walk you through relaxation exercises.
• Journaling: Writing about your feelings can help you process them and accept what you can’t control. A gratitude journal has been shown to help with physical and emotional well-being.
• Hobbies: Taking your mind off things and doing something you enjoy is simple, and effective. You deserve to spend time on things that bring you joy.
• Physical activity: Getting moving is good for your body and mind. Go walking with a friend, dance in the privacy of your own home, hike in the woods — whatever you enjoy.

Leaning on others

Fertility treatment can be isolating. It’s a private and personal journey, and you may have good reasons for keeping details to yourself. But if you have someone to share with, that can be a huge emotional help. Even just one friend or family member can make a difference.

Another idea: the organization RESOLVE offers virtual and in-person support groups led by professionals or peers. These groups provide a safe place to share in whatever detail you feel comfortable.

If you’re struggling, it’s a good idea to talk with a therapist or counselor. In fact, it’s recommended that you find professional help if you have:

• Major changes with sleeping or eating
• Trouble concentrating or can’t finish your usual tasks
• Low interest in things you used to enjoy
• Feelings of low mood, or you feel very irritated or frustrated
• Difficulty getting out of bed because of your mood

Here are ways to find professional help. Your Progyny Care Advocate can also help you talk through options for this.

Self-care for your long-term wellness

Sometimes when we’re stressed, we put ourselves last on our to-do list. But it truly is important to prioritize your self-care for your overall well-being and resilience.

Here are ways to be sure you’re meeting your own needs and helping yourself feel your best:

• Aim for balanced, healthy meals. Stay nourished by eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Skip highly processed foods when you can.
• Protect your sleep. This is essential, even though it isn’t always easy. It helps to have a relaxing bedtime routine, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid screens before bed. Your room should be cool, dark, and quiet.
• Take movement breaks. Getting up and moving is good for your body and mind — physical activity is beneficial even a small amounts. Set an alarm to take movement breaks often during your day.
• Just say no. Most of us don’t use the word “no” enough. But when you’re stressed, doing less is a self-care strategy. You don’t need to feel guilty about it, either! Remember to give yourself the same advice and grace you would give a friend or loved one.

By taking intentional steps to relieve stress, set up a support network, and care for yourself, you’ll be better able to cope with the emotional stress on your fertility journey. For more ideas on coping with stress, please reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post You’ve got this: Self-care and emotional coping during fertility treatment appeared first on Progyny.

If you’re facing fertility challenges or are interested in preserving your fertility, you may have heard of egg freezing (also called egg banking) and embryo banking.

They sound similar, and they both offer flexibility for growing your family. But egg freezing and embryo banking are very different. Let’s walk through what they are and how to compare your options. 

What is egg freezing and embryo banking? 

Egg freezing (also known as egg banking or oocyte cryopreservation) allows you to retrieve unfertilized eggs and store them for future use.  

The egg freezing process involves daily hormone injections, ultrasounds and bloodwork to monitor progress, and a procedure under anesthesia to retrieve the eggs. 

Embryo banking allows you to retrieve eggs (like with egg freezing). Then, in a lab, those eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos that are frozen for the future. It is commonly done during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

Who uses these options? 

Egg freezing can be an option for: 

• Younger people who are thinking about their ovarian reserve as they age. (The number and quality of eggs goes down with age, so egg freezing tends to be used by people under 35.) 

• People with conditions that may affect their fertility (such as endometriosis) or who are having treatments for cancer 

• Trans people who wish to preserve their fertility 

Egg freezing allows reproductive freedom for people who are not in a committed relationship or in case a relationship ends.

Embryo banking may be an option for: 

• People or couples undergoing IVF who wish to store embryos for future pregnancies. 

Ethical and emotional considerations 

Embryo banking raises ethical and emotional considerations. Some people may feel a strong attachment to their embryos and may struggle with the idea of discarding unused embryos.  

Egg banking may ease some of these concerns for some people since it involves preserving eggs rather than embryos. 

Everyone’s journey is different, and your feelings are valid. Your thoughts and emotions may also change throughout the process, and that’s OK. Talking with your healthcare team or a fertility counselor can help you think things through. This is a big decision, and you have a supportive team on your side. 

Success rates 

During your initial consultation, be sure to talk with your doctor to share your goals and understand success rates for your unique situation. 

Both frozen eggs and embryos can be safely stored until they’re ready to be used. (They can be frozen for any length of time.) 

Not all eggs or embryos survive the thawing process. Egg freezing has a lower survival rate than embryo banking. Since not all eggs thaw, fertilize, or develop as hoped, many eggs are frozen to increase the chances of success. 

In terms of live birth success rates, neither egg freezing nor embryo banking can guarantee that an embryo will develop and end with a live birth. Your age at the time of treatment is one of the best predictors of future pregnancy. (Younger people have higher success rates.) 

Costs 

Your Progyny benefit eases many concerns about cost, but it’s important to understand. 

Egg freezing tends to be lower cost at the start because it has fewer steps. Future costs will include thawing and fertilizing the eggs followed by growing embryos in the lab. 

Embryo banking is more expensive at the start since it involves fertilizing the eggs with sperm and developing an embryo(s). Future costs include storage and frozen embryo transfer to the uterus. 

Costs vary based on the specific services you choose, but your Progyny Care Advocate can walk you through the details. 

Making an informed decision 

Choosing egg freezing or embryo banking is a personal choice. But you don’t have to think through everything alone. When you meet with a reproductive endocrinology specialist, you can discuss your goals, health history, and values. They’ll help you explore your options and decide the right path for you.

And remember, your Progyny Care Advocate is always here to support your journey and answer questions along the way. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post Egg freezing and embryo banking: What’s the difference? appeared first on Progyny.

Today we’re breaking down a mind-bending medical advancement in fertility treatment, recently made at Columbia University Fertility Center. Doctors at Columbia have reported what they are calling the first pregnancy using a new AI system, STAR, in a couple that had been trying to start a family for nearly two decades.

Our guest, here to walk us through the journey, is Dr. Eric Forman, Medical and Laboratory Director at Columbia University Fertility Center. He is the treating physician in this groundbreaking case. Let’s get into it!

Experts:
Dr. Eric Forman, MD, HCLD, Medical and Laboratory Director at Columbia University Fertility Center
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW.

The post STAR: AI meets fertility treatment appeared first on Progyny.

This webinar featured:

• Stephanie Fidgeon, LCSW and Progyny Care Advocate
• Kelli Johnson, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, CCRM Colorado
• Martha Ramos, Progyny Member
• Emily Cook, People Manager at Progyny

Common triggers

During a family building journey, there is a lot of focus on the physical aspect, but it’s important to also keep mental health and wellness at the forefront. Family building journeys often see layers of grief and loss which may include a negative pregnancy test, cycle results that weren’t what you were hoping for, or miscarriage, that can lead to emotions of anxiety and depression.

With the holiday season coming up, there are many social triggers that can pop up, and it is beneficial to feel prepared for the different events or gatherings you have coming up. You may be around different family or friends that you don’t see often who may ask uncomfortable or difficult personal questions. You may also find yourself around small children which can bring up a feeling of grief for the child you hoped to have, or around the status of your current treatment journey. Outside of the holidays you may encounter a baby shower invite or pregnancy announcement on social media that can also bring up these feelings of grief or jealousy. These events will continue to occur while you’re on your family building journey, and it’s important to remember you are allowed to feel sadness, frustration, or even a bit of jealousy.

Although these are normal feelings to have, it is important to acknowledge that this is not a weight you have to carry alone. There are many resources available, whether that is through your Progyny Care Advocate, an Employee Resource Group sponsored by your employer, or family and friends that are there to listen along the way.

Managing stress

Identifying your triggers and learning coping strategies that work for you are great steps in managing your mental wellness through your journey. Below are some common stressors and tips for managing them.

1. Loss of Control – Even if you pour every ounce of yourself into this process and do all the things that your medical team is suggesting that you do, you still don’t have control over the outcome. A couple tips for managing these feelings are:

• Finding a mantra that works for you. This can be a reminder of things you are doing during the journey that help you, such as “I am nourishing my body” or “I am following my doctor’s recommendations”
• Create a self-care calendar. Write down different daily tasks that you can control that bring you joy, happiness, comfort, or relaxation.

2. Helplessness – Many times, if only one person is going through treatment, their supporting partner may feel like they need to “find a fix.” There are different things the partner can help with throughout the journey to take some of the burden, even If that is just taking the time to listen. Connecting with each other outside of the family building process can be beneficial in feeling supported and not letting the journey be all consuming.

3. Keeping up with Daily Responsibilities – It may be more difficult to manage work commitments alongside fertility care so it’s beneficial to find people you trust in your organization that you can lean on. In addition to that person, employers may offer Employee Resources Groups that can be a great place for inclusive support from people who’ve gone through a similar experience.

4. Finding Support – During a family building journey, it can often feel isolating, making it difficult to find the support you may need.

• Resolve.org is the national infertility organization and offers local support resources, online support groups, and in-person support groups in select cities, that are either peer led or professionally led. b. A qualified mental health therapist who specializes in fertility counseling. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine website has resources to help you find mental health professional groups in your area. If you have access to the Progyny benefit you have your dedicated Progyny Care Advocate, as well as access to a team of clinical educators, who can help you along your fertility journey.

Setting boundaries

Setting clear boundaries during a family building journey is crucial, as it helps to manage stress, minimize triggers, and ensure you can navigate the process in a way that supports your emotional well-being and needs. If you have a partner, it will be beneficial to have a conversation about their comfort levels as well and open this dialogue to figure out where boundaries are individually, and as a couple. From there you can think about your boundaries as concentric circles.

• Inner Circle: People that you will feel comfortable sharing the most information with about your family building journey.
• Middle Circle: Friends or family you don’t see as often as the inner circle.
• Outer Circle: People who don’t know much, if anything, about your family building journey.

Once you have the circles in place, you can figure out the information you are comfortable sharing with each group. Some kick starters to a conversation with your circles to help set boundaries in response to their questions/outreach could be:

• I really appreciate your concern.
• I’m really glad that you’re thinking about me during this journey, but I’m really not ready to talk about that.
• We appreciate your support, and we will share updates with you when we have them.
• We are currently going through fertility treatments and the best way to support us right now is [insert your specific need here].

Navigating conversations

Establishing boundaries are helpful but can also lead to difficult conversations and tough questions. For example, those balancing work and family building may feel the need to have conversations with managers or colleagues that can be challenging due to the personal nature of the situation. It’s good to remember that this is your health information to share or not share. When it comes to sharing, it can be as broad as “I need time off for some medical appointments,” or if you have a closer relationship with a manager or coworker, you can share a bit more information.

In addition to talking with a manager or coworker, you may also find yourself in difficult conversations with family and friends. With the holiday season coming up, we wanted you to feel prepared for these moments when you may be faced with personal questions about your journey. Some examples can include:

• “I wish I knew the answer to that”
• “We are actively trying to build our family; we will share updates when we have something to share”
• A humorous comment to divert the conversation

On the other hand, there may be loved ones who don’t ask questions because they don’t want to pry, and this can make you feel isolated. With these friends or family members, figure out what type of support you would want. Is it logistical support? Is it emotional support? Do you need a distraction? You can then identify what family member or friend is good at providing which type of support and invite them into your support circle.

Questions from the audience

1. My friend is having a baby shower and it’s during the time I’m waiting to see if I had a successful embryo transfer. Any advice for how to go about this scenario?

Give yourself the grace and the permission that you can make that decision the day you get your results, or you may wake up the day of the shower and assess how you’re feeling then. If you feel comfortable, you can share with your friend so they can have a better understanding of why you might submit a last-minute RSVP. If you aren’t up for it in person, you can always show your love from afar, which could be ordering a gift or sending a kind message of support.

2. I feel like there is something wrong with me because I can’t have a baby “naturally”. How do I move past that so I don’t carry that anxiety into my treatments when those start?

There’s nothing wrong with going through fertility treatment. There are several reasons that people seek reproductive technology. If you’re making that choice for the health and future of you and your family, that’s not a wrong decision. It may be helpful to join a local or virtual support group as seeking support from others who have undergone treatment can be helpful during the harder moments. If you’re feeling anxious, remember anxiety isn’t going to cause an undesired outcome during your treatment. Finding the right support can make anxiety more manageable.

If you have any other questions related to this webinar, please don’t hesitate to reach out to education@progyny.com. If you are a Progyny member and have any questions about your benefit or coverage, please call 888.597.5065.

The post Supporting emotional wellness: Navigating boundaries and stress while on a family building journey appeared first on Progyny.

If you’re considering in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other forms of assisted reproductive technology, you’ll hear the term frozen embryo transfer quite a bit.

To understand frozen embryo transfer, it helps to step back and review what happens during IVF. We’ll talk about what frozen embryo transfer involves, and why someone may choose this option.

Embryo creation and embryo transfer in IVF

During IVF, eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a lab to create embryos. Embryos can also be created from eggs that were previously frozen, thawed, and fertilized.

The goal is to create multiple embryos, but sometimes only one (or none) develops. If embryos form, they may be transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy one of two ways: 

• Fresh embryo transfer is done just a few days after creating the embryo. If a fresh transfer is done, the other embryos are often still frozen for future use (if multiple were created). 

• Frozen embryo transfer uses an embryo that was created in a prior cycle, frozen, and thawed. 

Most embryo transfers in the United States are frozen transfers. Let’s walk through the benefits and what’s involved. 

Benefits of frozen embryo transfer 

A frozen embryo transfer has several benefits: 

• Timing and flexibility: Freezing embryos allows you to transfer the embryo at the optimal time for your uterus and hormones. It’s also helpful if you need to delay the transfer for medical reasons or genetic testing. 

• Pregnancy rates: Some studies suggest that frozen embryo transfers may have slightly higher success rates than fresh embryo transfers because the uterine lining is better prepared. 

• Multiple attempts: If you have more than one frozen embryo, you can try again without repeating a full IVF cycle. This can be cost-effective and less physically demanding. 

• Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): A frozen embryo transfer allows you to do PGT, which can help select the most appropriate embryo for transfer. 

• Single embryo transfer: A single embryo transfer is almost always recommended. This reduces the risk of multiple gestation (twins or more), which promotes a safer and healthier pregnancy and delivery.   

• Reduced risk: Frozen embryo transfer reduces the risk of a rare complication called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. 

• Fertility preservation: People facing medical treatments that affect fertility (like chemotherapy) or who choose to delay family building may have the opportunity to freeze embryos for the future.  

How frozen embryo transfer is done 

It’s important to follow a healthy lifestyle in the days and weeks leading up to an embryo transfer.

To prepare your uterus, your doctor will recommend either a natural cycle (which doesn’t use medicine) or a programmed cycle (which uses medicine to suppress ovulation and prepares your uterine lining). 

The procedure is usually done while you’re awake, and it is fairly quick. The embryo is placed in a special catheter (tube) and guided through the cervix to the uterus, using an ultrasound for accurate placement. After the embryo transfer is complete, you may rest briefly, and then you can go home. 

Frozen embryo transfer: what to expect shares more about how to prepare and what it’s like to have the procedure.

Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate 

If you’re considering frozen embryo transfer, reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’ll help you:  

• Find a reproductive endocrinologist who can provide personalized guidance and care.

• Connect with counseling, support groups, or others who’ve been through a similar journey.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Frozen embryo transfer: Is it right for me? appeared first on Progyny.

The webinar featured: 

• Victoria St. John, Account Manager, Progyny  

• Karen Madsen, Manager of Member Services, Progyny  
• Dr. Brent Hanson, MD, Fertility Specialist and OBGYN at CCRM Minneapolis, Progyny network provider 

Your Progyny Benefit 

At Progyny, we understand that the road to parenthood can be challenging, and we want to ensure members feel supported each step of the way. We designed our benefit to give each individual and couple the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of parenthood by removing barriers to care and partnering with the nation’s leading fertility specialists to bring a smarter approach with treatment options that support all paths to parenthood. The Progyny benefit includes comprehensive treatment coverage leveraging the latest technologies and treatments, personalized support and guidance from dedicated Progyny Care Advocates (PCAs), and access to high-quality care through a premier network of fertility specialists.  

For your specific benefit design and coverage details, please reach out to your dedicated PCA number or refer to your employer specific benefit member guide. 

Personalized Support 

As a Progyny member, your journey will begin with your dedicated Progyny Care Advocate (PCA), who will be there to support you each step of the way. Progyny’s PCAs are trained to support all treatment types and paths to parenthood, including surrogacy and adoption. In addition to providing guidance on available treatment options and outcomes, your PCA can provide logistical support such as coordinating and preparing you for all your appointments. 

As a new member, your first step will be to call Progyny and activate the benefit. On that initial call, you will go through the onboarding process and your PCA will ask questions about your family building goals and medical history, and ensure you are registered so that our team can proceed with authorizations when you are ready to see a fertility specialist. During these calls your PCA will tailor the conversation to your specific fertility journey and educate you on the process so you feel comfortable with any next steps. We understand no two journeys are the same and some paths may be more complex, so it’s important to note that you have unlimited access to your PCA. Your PCA is available to you at any point in your journey and you can reach out to talk about your treatment, medications, or just for moral support. Your PCA can also connect you to our team of clinical educators, made up of nurses and embryologists, who can discuss more clinical questions in more detail.

Comprehensive Care

Progyny designed our benefit to ensure members can customize their treatment for their unique journey. Progyny bundles each treatment into a currency called the Smart Cycle. The Smart Cycle includes all standard of care services and technologies needed for a treatment cycle, meaning members and providers are empowered to make the best care decisions and focus on the best treatment plan, eliminating cost-based treatment decisions. Each treatment or service type is valued as a portion of a Smart Cycle that deducts from your overall balance. Depending on your health plan, you may have financial responsibility such as coinsurance, deductibles, or an out-of-pocket maximum. PCAs are available to walk through your financial responsibility at any point. 

When ready to begin treatment, your PCA can help you find the right fertility specialist and you can also search for in-network providers at https://progyny.com/find-a-provider/. Your PCA is available to discuss each appointment to ensure your treatment is authorized and that you feel prepared. Our provider team will contact the clinic and get everything arranged so you are taken care of by the time you step in the door for your visit. 

Top Fertility Specialists 

No two fertility journeys are the same and one of the first steps you need to take is finding a provider you like and trust. Progyny has built a provider network that is unmatched in the industry, allowing you to choose from over 900 of the nation’s top fertility specialists across 650 clinic locations nationwide. Your PCA can help you choose a clinic if you do not already have one in our network, or you can search for in-network fertility specialists, reproductive urologists, and in-network labs at progyny.com/find-a-provider. 

A fertility journey can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining, so it’s important you find a provider and clinic that is right for you. When visiting your chosen clinic and fertility specialist, it is important to feel prepared and we recommend having a list of questions so you can get the information you need based on what you’re looking for and ensure you and your doctor are aligned. Some questions to keep in mind when meeting with your physician include: 

• What are your outcomes?  
• What types of treatments do you provide?  
• What would happen if you needed to change treatments from the initial plan? 
• How does my Progyny benefit come into play?  
• What will my relationship with the nurses and physicians look like moving forward with treatment?  

Finding the right fit can really help set you up for success in your journey, and it’s important to remember that the patient/clinic/doctor match is highly individualized. A clinic that may be a good fit for your friend may not be the best for you. It’s always okay to get a second opinion and look at other options. The Progyny network provides access to clinics nationwide, so you always have options for your care. 

Your Initial Consultation + Treatment  

Once you’ve chosen a clinic, your next step is to set up an initial consultation to review your medical history and do some diagnostic testing. Your PCA can help you schedule and review what you can expect. While there are general guidelines for when to consider seeing a fertility specialist, each journey is unique and you can reach out to a PCA at any time to understand your options and what next steps might be best for you. If you have a condition that may impact fertility, such as endometriosis, PCOS, oncofertility, or male-factor infertility, it often makes sense to seek consultation early and undergo diagnostic testing to understand your treatment options. You can schedule an appointment if you are curious to learn more about your own health or want to understand options for the future like fertility preservation. Information is key and the more you know, the earlier you can intervene with treatment if needed, and the better equipped you will be to make decisions that make sense for your health. 

Once a consultation has taken place, a couple or individual may have to do testing which typically includes blood work, uterine imaging to assess the uterus and then visualizing the ovaries. The male partner may have to do a semen analysis and blood work. After testing you will work with your provider to determine the most effective treatment plan for you. The Progyny benefit supports all paths to parenthood and includes treatments for same-sex couples or single parents by choice such as reciprocal IVF, donor tissue purchase or surrogacy services (based on your specific coverage). Our ultimate goal is to make any member’s dream of parenthood come true through a healthy, timely, and supported fertility journey. You can reach your PCA on our general PCA line at 888.597.5065. 

Q&A 

1. What can someone expect when getting started and having that first appointment with their reproductive endocrinologist? 

We know it can be a little intimidating when you go to see your fertility specialist so it’s great to know what to expect. There will be a lot of questions about your history – fertility, sexual intercourse, family, genetics, as well as a physical exam to learn more about your overall health. It will be a very in-depth conversation, followed by the doctor going through initial diagnostic testing. Your doctor and PCA can walk you through each test and you will have a follow up meeting to walk through your results.   

2. How do I access a Smart Cycle? Is there a list of medical conditions that make you eligible?   

In order to access a Smart Cycle, you need to be employed or a spouse or domestic partner of a person who has access to the Progyny benefit. In most scenarios, Progyny is integrated with your insurance carrier which ensures the financial responsibility is streamlined. You will need to coordinate with your PCA to understand the specifics around what the financial responsibility looks like and your specific benefit plan design.  

The Progyny benefit is designed to be inclusive and removes barriers to care so you and your doctor can create the customized treatment plan that is best for you. Reach out to your PCA to confirm eligibility and learn more about covered treatment options.  

3. If I’m already in treatment, how can I start using the Progyny benefit?   

This will vary depending if you are a new employee at a company that already has Progyny or at a company that has recently implemented Progyny. If your employer is new to Progyny this year, there may be transition of care documents in place that will describe the transition of that journey. This means there may be some crossover of coverage from the previous plan to the Progyny plan. If you are a new employee to a company who already has the Progyny benefit, we would want your start dates of the cycle to align with your start date of eligibility so you have coverage. You can always discuss your specific situation with your PCA.  

4. Are there any exclusions for diagnostic testing?    

There are no exclusions as long as the testing is considered standard of care.  Anyone who is eligible for the Progyny benefit has access to the initial consultation and the only exclusions that may occur are if a test or procedure isn’t considered standard, such as experimental testing. Your PCA can always discuss standard exclusions with you.     

5. Am I able to have genetic testing performed on embryos from a previous retrieval?   

This will be specific to your employer’s benefit and Progyny members should connect with their PCA to discuss specific coverage. 

6. Does Progyny have any surrogacy agencies they can recommend? 

Progyny is not formally affiliated with any agencies but can recommend agencies we work closely with, such as Circle Surrogacy and Growing Generations. Progyny members can also speak to their PCAs who can provide resources, answer questions about the surrogacy process, and connect you with a surrogacy coach.  

7. When going through treatment, what can I do to ensure the best possible outcome?   

When going through the treatment process, we want to ensure you have the information and education necessary to feel prepared and empowered about your journey. Your PCA and our team of clinical educators are always available to make sure you have the information you need.  

If you have any other questions related to this webinar, please don’t hesitate to reach out to education@progyny.com. If you are a Progyny member and have any questions about your fertility benefit or coverage, please call 888.597.5065.  

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