If you’re considering or scheduled for an egg retrieval, it’s helpful to know what recovery may look like. We’ll go over what to expect and provide tips to support you, both physically and emotionally.

How will I feel?

Everyone experiences recovery differently. Many people start to feel more like themselves within a few days to a week, while others may have mild symptoms that last a little longer.

You may have:

• Bloating, cramping, or belly discomfort. The ovarian stimulation medications may cause your ovaries to swell, leading to bloating and tenderness. After the egg retrieval, hormone changes may also cause fluid to build up in your belly, leading to “water weight” and bloating which can last for a few days.
• Slight nausea or dizziness. Nausea or dizziness may be caused by anesthesia or enlarged ovaries. These symptoms typically improve within a day of the procedure.
• Constipation. Constipation is a common symptom due to anesthesia, higher progesterone levels after the egg retrieval, or changes to eating, drinking, and movement. You should be able to pee normally after the procedure.
• PMS-like symptoms. Hormonal changes during stimulation and recovery may cause mood swings, fatigue, or other symptoms that your period typically causes for you.
• Light bleeding or spotting. Light bleeding or spotting can happen after the procedure and may last for about 5 days.

Many people get their period about 5 to 12 days after the procedure, if they’re not having a fresh embryo transfer. But that timing can vary. Your period may be heavier or cause more cramping than usual. This may be related to a thickened uterine lining after ovarian stimulation, which is shed in the first period after the procedure.

Get ready ahead of time

Taking a few steps ahead of time will help make your recovery a little smoother.

1. Line up support. Clinics often ask that someone drives you home after the procedure since you’ll be receiving anesthesia. And having someone to help during the first day or two can make recovery easier.
2. Plan time off work. Your clinic may recommend that you take off work the day of your procedure. An additional day may be helpful, depending on how you’re feeling.
3. Prepare items for recovery. Your healthcare team may share recommendations based on your specific plan, but having a few items ready ahead of time can make recovery more comfortable:
   • Pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) — ask your team what they recommend
   • Heating pad for discomfort
   • Electrolyte drinks
   • Stool softeners, if recommended by your team
   • Loose, comfortable clothes
   • Sanitary pads
4. Plan something to look forward to. You may want to plan a special treat to look forward to after your procedure (a movie night, a book you’ve been meaning to read, a special meal or dessert — whatever brings comfort for you).

At-home recovery tips

These are general tips to help with recovery. Be sure to follow the specific instructions your clinic provided you.

Eating and drinking

While there aren’t restrictions for what you can eat or drink after an egg retrieval, you might find these approaches helpful as you recover:

• Have light, balanced meals to help ease bloating.
• Get plenty of fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to support digestion and help with constipation.
• Hydrate with electrolytes to help fluid balance. After egg retrieval, hormone changes cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels into the belly. Electrolytes help bring this fluid back into the blood vessels, helping with bloating. In fact, your doctor may ask you to avoid plain water for the first day or two. Electrolyte drinks and broths are good options.

Movement and daily activities

Getting up and walking is good for your recovery. You may feel a bit unsteady after the anesthesia on the first day, and having someone nearby for support can be helpful. Plan to skip heavy exercise for about a week.

Your healthcare team will provide guidance on other aspects of your recovery, as well. For example, it’s often recommended to shower instead of taking baths after the procedure, since soaking may raise the risk of infection. Your healthcare team may also mention pelvic rest during recovery, which often includes avoiding things like sex or tampons.

Finally, allow yourself plenty of rest. Rely on your support person and listen to your body.

Signs to look out for

Your healthcare team will let you know when to call if you see any signs of a possible problem.

For example, call if you have signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a rare complication where the ovaries swell in response to excess hormones from stimulation:

• Sudden abdominal swelling
• Rapid weight gain
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Peeing less than usual
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Also call if you have:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Fever over 101°F (follow the instructions your clinic gave you)

Finally, it’s always OK to call if anything just feels “off.”

Emotional self-care

You may feel a mix of emotions after your egg retrieval. Whatever you feel is valid, and remember that you are not alone.

Practice self-care that feels right for you during this time. Some ideas include:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Taking short walks
• Listening to music

How much you share with others is always up to you. You may find it helps to reach out to someone you trust, whether that’s a partner, family member, or friend. Another option is to seek support from others who have been through a similar journey through organizations such as RESOLVE.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is always here for you as well. Reach out for help getting ready for your procedure, if you have questions as you recover, or if you could use a listening ear.

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.

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If you’re going through egg retrieval, you may be wondering, “How many eggs will they be able to retrieve… and how many do I need for a successful pregnancy?”

The best thing you can do is have an open discussion with your fertility specialist about your personal situation and what factors play a role in your own unique case. With reproductive medicine, there are simply no magic numbers or guarantees.

Understanding attrition in IVF

Because eggs and embryos go through several stages in in vitro fertilization (IVF), it’s expected that the number at the end will be lower than it was at the start. This is called attrition. You can think of this as a funnel, in which the number of eggs and embryos go down at different points.

1. After retrieval, about 80% of the eggs are mature enough to fertilize.
2. Out of the mature eggs, about 70% successfully fertilize to create embryos.
3. Out of the embryos, about 50% or fewer become blastocysts. A blastocyst is an advanced embryo stage of 100 to 300 cells that forms 5 to 7 days after fertilization with a good chance of implanting into the uterus. Often, pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is done to assess the health of the embryo at this stage.
4. Out of the blastocysts, PGT-A testing will identify that some embryos have missing or extra chromosomes, which may affect implantation. As we get older, the chances that embryos will successfully implant go down.

For example, a 2023 study in Human Reproduction found the following rates of embryos with the expected number of chromosomes (called “euploid” embryos):

Attrition example

To help imagine these attrition numbers, suppose 10 eggs were retrieved for a 40-year-old.

In some cases, having more eggs may help increase the chances of pregnancy, but it’s only part of the overall picture. Also keep in mind, not all patients can (or should) have “maximal” ovarian stimulation that aims to result in many eggs due to health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Can I estimate my chances of success?

Your doctor may use your age and results from ovarian reserve testing to predict your chances of a live birth. Ovarian reserve is the quality and quantity of a person’s eggs, and it’s the main indicator of how many eggs will be retrieved.

Be sure to have a discussion with your doctor about your personal situation to understand what is optimal for you and what can be done to maximize your likelihood of success.

Here’s what you can do

It’s natural to feel a lot of different emotions and stress when you’re considering or going through egg retrieval. You care deeply about the outcome, and it may seem like aspects of the process are out of your control. That can be really hard.

Please know that personalized support and guidance are available. With that, here’s what you can do right now:

1. Ask your doctor anything. You can feel comfortable bringing up any questions or concerns that are on your mind. Together, you and your care team have the best, most complete information about you.
2. Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’re here to provide support, suggest personalized resources, and lend an experienced listening ear.
3. Prioritize self-care. Cope with stress in healthy ways that feel right to you, whether it’s reading a good book, talking with a friend, doing deep breathing, or journaling. Carve out time and be good to yourself, just as you would treat a friend.

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.

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) often involves a step called frozen embryo transfer (FET). With this, a frozen embryo is thawed and transferred to the uterus of the person carrying the pregnancy.

Let’s talk about what a frozen embryo transfer involves. This can help you prepare for a more in-depth conversation with your healthcare team and Progyny Care Advocate.

Getting ready for a frozen embryo transfer

There are a few ways to prepare your uterus for a frozen embryo transfer. Most of these approaches involve blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor your hormones and uterine lining.

Your healthcare provider will choose the approach that is best for you, based on your individual medical history and fertility goals.

Natural cycle

In a natural cycle, your own menstrual cycle is used to prepare the endometrium. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, which thickens during your cycle to prepare for implantation.

No hormonal medicines are necessary, and the embryo transfer is timed to coincide with your natural ovulation. In a modified natural cycle, medicine is used to trigger ovulation.

Programmed cycle

In a programmed cycle, medicine (birth control or GnRH agonists) is sometimes given to suppress your own menstrual cycle so you don’t ovulate. In addition, estrogen and progesterone are used on a schedule to prepare the endometrium, and the embryo transfer is done at a precise time.

The transfer procedure

The embryo transfer is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia. Let’s talk about what to expect.

• Embryo thaw: On the day of the transfer, the frozen embryo is thawed under controlled conditions. The process is carefully monitored to protect the embryo.
• Getting ready: You may be asked to make sure your bladder is comfortably full. This helps create a straighter passageway into the uterus, and helps your healthcare provider better see the uterus with an ultrasound while performing the transfer. You’ll lie on an exam table, similar to a Pap smear. A speculum is placed in the vagina.
• Embryo placement: The thawed embryo is placed in a thin, flexible tube by the embryologist. Your doctor will place the tube in the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus. Using an ultrasound for guidance, the embryo is then injected in the right location, about one centimeter from the top of the uterus. You can watch this happen on the ultrasound screen!
• What it feels like: Embryo transfers are generally not painful, although you may feel discomfort from the speculum. For some, though, it can be uncomfortable. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to help you relax or, rarely, anesthesia may be used.
• Recovery period: After the embryo transfer, you can empty your bladder and go home. You may have light spotting or cramping, although many people don’t feel anything. Read more about supporting your recovery after embryo transfer.
• Waiting for results: It’s recommended to do a pregnancy test with bloodwork 8 to 10 days after the embryo transfer. Your doctor will let you know the right timing for you.

Taking care of yourself before your transfer

The days and weeks leading up to your embryo transfer are an important time to focus on your health and well-being. Here are some evidence-based tips.

Healthy eating and nutrition

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Avoid alcohol, recreational substances, vaping, and smoking. These can negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
• Limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day (about one 12-ounce cup of coffee).
• Take a daily prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid (at least 400 mcg) to support early fetal development.

Physical activity

• In most cases, you can continue your usual work and physical activities before a frozen embryo transfer unless your doctor gives specific instructions.

Stress and emotions

There’s no question: This can be a stressful period. Carve out time for stress management strategies, such as:

• Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation, yoga)
• Light physical activity like walking
• Seeking support from friends, family, a counselor, or your Progyny Care Advocate
• Joining a fertility support group or using mental health resources offered by your clinic

Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to support your fertility journey. Reach out with any questions you have.

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.

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The two-week wait between an embryo transfer and a pregnancy test can feel like an emotional roller coaster. For many couples, it’s one of the most stressful parts of the fertility journey — full of hope, worry, and the kind of overthinking that feels impossible to shut off. While you can’t control the outcome, you can help make this stretch a little gentler for your partner.

1. Communicate gently and consistently

Check in with your partner, but keep it low-pressure. Some days they may want to talk everything out; other days they may just want quiet company. Follow their cues and focus on listening rather than trying to fix their feelings.

2. Help slow the symptom-spotting spiral

The wait can turn anyone into an internet detective. Instead of brushing off their worries, acknowledge how normal it is to analyze every twinge. You can then gently redirect with something grounding like a short walk, a rerun of their favorite show, or a mini distraction you both enjoy.

3. Create a calmer day-to-day rhythm

Taking a few things off their plate, such as meals, chores, and logistics, can reduce the mental load. Lean into simple comforts like warm drinks, early nights in, or anything that helps the week feel softer and less overwhelming.

4. Guard their emotional space

If you can, buffer them from stressful situations or conversations, especially ones that might hit harder right now (like surprise pregnancy announcements or nosy questions). Protecting their energy during this period can go a long way.

5. Add small moments of care

Thoughtful gestures matter more than ever during the wait. A kind note, a favorite snack, or a low-key plan for the evening are the little things that remind your partner they’re not in this alone.

6. Support your own emotional wellbeing, too

You’re part of this wait as well. Keeping yourself grounded helps you show up in the steady way your partner needs. Try reaching out to a friend, taking breaks for things that refill your energy, or setting realistic expectations for your week so you’re not stretched too thin.

The wait can feel long and uncertain, but showing up as a team makes a real difference. With gentle communication, small acts of care, and a shared sense of “we’ve got this,” you can help your partner feel safer and more supported.

Progyny is here to help. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

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Since 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped bring more than 10 million babies into the world. IVF is a medical process that helps people build their family when getting pregnant is challenging. IVF includes using medicine to help the ovaries grow more eggs, removing the eggs, combining them with sperm in a lab, and placing an embryo into the uterus. 

For many people, IVF offers a strong chance of having a baby. You can talk with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility doctor) to learn more about your options. 

During your first visit 

Checking your egg supply 

Your doctor will do a blood test to look at hormone levels that give insight into how your ovaries are working and how many eggs are remaining. An ultrasound may also be done to count the number of follicles (the fluid-filled sacs that hold eggs). These tests help your doctor plan your treatment. 

Checking sperm 

If you are using sperm from a male partner, a semen analysis checks its count, shape, and movement. This helps determine the likelihood that the sperm can fertilize the eggs. 

IVF treatment steps 

1. Growing multiple eggs (ovarian stimulation) 

You’ll take daily hormone shots, usually in your thigh or stomach, to help your ovaries grow several eggs at once. You’ll also have blood tests and ultrasounds over 9 to 12 days to monitor your response. 

About halfway through, you may start another medicine to prevent early ovulation. Around day 10, you’ll get a “trigger shot” to help the eggs fully mature. 

2. Removing the eggs (egg retrieval) 

About 36 hours after the trigger shot, you’ll have your egg retrieval. Your doctor uses a thin needle guided by ultrasound to remove the eggs while you’re asleep or very relaxed. 

This is a short outpatient procedure, and most people go home the same day. Some soreness afterward is common. 

3. Fertilizing the eggs 

In the lab, the eggs are combined with sperm to create embryos, which begin to grow over the next few days. 

4. Transferring the embryo 

You and your doctor decide whether to: 

• Do a fresh transfer, where the embryo is placed in the uterus a few days after retrieval. 

• Do a frozen transfer, where the embryo is frozen and used later. 

Some embryos are tested before transfer to look for genetic conditions. 

5. Waiting and testing for pregnancy 

After the transfer, you’ll wait about 2 weeks before taking a pregnancy test. If you’re pregnant, your fertility doctor will continue to monitor you until it’s time to transition to your OB-GYN. 

Typical IVF timeline 

Please note that this is a typical timeline. Your timeline may be different and that’s OK.  

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact 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. 

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It can be so difficult to go through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and find that your embryo didn’t implant successfully. This happens to many people, and you are not going through this alone.

As you process the outcome of your cycle, it’s often helpful to seek comfort and understanding from others who’ve been through this experience. You always have support from your healthcare team and your Progyny Care Advocate as you think about what may be next for you.

Here are a few options you may wish to think about. It’s important to remember that there is no single timeline or pathway here — only what feels right for you. It’s OK to take the time you need.

Diagnostic testing

Diagnostic testing may help you and your healthcare team understand possible reasons the embryo didn’t implant.

Sometimes tests that were done before treatment may be repeated, or you may try new ones. Be sure to speak with your doctor about what they recommend for you. It’s always OK to ask any questions you have.

Tests may include:

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An x-ray that uses contrast dye to see blockages in the fallopian tubes and look for signs of uterine fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, or other problems in the uterus
• Sonohysterogram (SIS): A transvaginal ultrasound that is done while your uterus is filled with saline solution, to better see the inside of the uterus
• Hysteroscopy: A visual exam of the inside of the uterus using a camera attached to a small, lighted tube that is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus
• Other tests: Based on your personal situation and health history, your team may recommend other tests for you

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)

It’s common for embryos created in an IVF cycle to have an unexpected number of chromosomes (called aneuploidy). Transferring an embryo with aneuploidy may result in an embryo that doesn’t implant, a miscarriage, or a baby born with a medical problem.

With PGT-A, genetic testing is done on the embryo before embryo transfer. This helps the team select an embryo with a higher chance of successful implantation and a higher chance of a healthy baby.

PGT-A may be helpful if you choose another IVF cycle or have remaining embryos that have not undergone PGT-A.

Lean on your support system

Everyone’s journey is different, and people need different amounts of time and support to think through what’s next for them.

Find support on a personal level

Sharing your story and hearing from other people who’ve been through fertility treatment can be validating and bring a sense of connection. Ask your fertility clinic if they recommend any support groups, or search for organizations that offer in-person or online support.

Be sure to have discussions with your partner if you have one, both about how you’re feeling and what feels right moving forward. These topics can be difficult, so it’s good to know that a professional therapist can help you share feelings and make decisions together. Here’s help finding a therapist.

Turn to your fertility team for guidance

When you’re ready, you (and your partner) can discuss possible next steps with your healthcare team. Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to help you prepare for these conversations.

Gather as much information as you need and be open about your hopes, questions, and concerns. You may wish to talk about:

• How many IVF cycles you wish to try
• Other options that may be available (such as adjusting your medicine plan, or using donor eggs, embryos, or surrogacy)
• Other paths to parenthood

Prioritize your own well-being

Throughout it all, be good to yourself. Think about what you would say or do for a close friend going through a similar experience and give yourself the same grace. Set aside time each day to:

• Use a relaxation technique like meditation or deep breathing
• Get moving with light physical activity that you enjoy
• Do a hobby that brings you comfort and takes your mind off things

Your Progyny Care Advocate is always here for support, resources, and guidance — or just a listening ear.

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.

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After an embryo transfer or intrauterine insemination, you’ll wait about 2 weeks before you return to the clinic for a pregnancy test. This stretch of time is known as the two-week wait.  

This time can be filled with hope and uncertainty, and it’s normal if your emotions feel intense or unpredictable. Your routines may look different too, and you may need extra support. Here are some practical ways to prepare and manage the wait.  

Before the wait 

Let your loved ones know what you need. You might ask for more space, fewer check-ins, or a pause on questions until you feel ready to share. Clear communication helps people show up in a way that feels good to you. This can happen before or during the 2 weeks. 

During the wait 

• Take charge of your schedule: Make flexible plans you can cancel if you’re not up for them, or keep your calendar open. It’s OK to miss events or adjust commitments so you can focus on yourself. 

• Stay tuned in to your needs: Your emotions may shift day to day. Some days you may want quiet and rest; other days you may want company. Listen to your body and mind and follow what feels best. 

• Limit internet searches: Searching for answers online can quickly become stressful, especially when information is conflicting. If you have concerns or a specific question, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

• Remember: Symptoms don’t predict results: You may notice changes — or nothing at all. These experiences aren’t reliable indicators of pregnancy. 

• Commit to self-care: Choose provider-approved ways to manage stress or anxiety and let yourself enjoy them. Even small moments of care can make a difference. 

• Honor whatever feelings come up: This process is largely out of your control. Any emotion you have — worry, frustration, hope, or anything in between — is valid. You are not to blame for how things go. 

• Avoid planning too far ahead: It’s natural to think about next steps, but looking too far into the future can add stress. Try to stay grounded in what you need today. 

Adjusting your usual routines 

It’s normal if your daily habits look different during this time. Your doctor may recommend modifying certain activities. Here are a few ways to adapt your routine while staying connected and cared for. 

Socializing with friends 

Spending time with friends who don’t understand your experience — or who are pregnant or parenting — can feel draining right now. What you can try instead: 

• Make plans with people who understand your situation or bring you comfort. 

• Look for a support group in your area or online. 

• Consider talking with a therapist who has experience supporting people on a fertility journey. 

Exercise 

Your provider may ask you to reduce or modify your exercise routine. What you can try instead: 

• Light movement is often allowed, like a walk or a gentle bike ride. 

• Yoga can be supportive — just let the instructor know you need modifications. 

• Focus on self-care activities like meditation or acupuncture, which may help reduce stress. 

Sex 

Your provider may ask you to avoid sexual activity during and right after your treatment cycle. What you can try instead: 

• Plan a date night at home or go out for a movie or show. 

• Try activities you can do together, like cooking or a DIY project, to build closeness in a different way. 

Result day 

Plan your day in a way that feels comforting and supportive to you.  

Progyny is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact 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. 

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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.   

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Pregnancy loss, sometimes called miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, is the most common complication of early pregnancy. It affects about 1 in 5 clinically recognized pregnancies and refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. 

Causes 

Most losses are a one-time event and do not affect your chances of becoming pregnant in the future. 

The most common cause is a random chromosomal problem in the embryo, known as chromosomal aneuploidy. These changes usually happen by chance and are not caused by anything you did. 

Less common causes include: 

• Differences in the shape of the uterus, such as a uterine septum 
• Certain blood-clotting conditions 
• Hormonal conditions, including thyroid disease 

Symptoms 

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign. Cramping may also occur. While bleeding can be alarming, it is relatively common in early pregnancy, and many people who experience first-trimester bleeding go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

How it is diagnosed 

If you have bleeding during pregnancy, contact your doctor. Your care team may perform a physical exam and an ultrasound to better understand what is happening and evaluate the pregnancy. 

Treatment options 

There are several ways to manage a pregnancy loss. The best approach depends on your medical situation and, when it is safe to do so, your preferences. 

Options may include: 

• Expectant management: Allowing the pregnancy tissue to pass on its own, often used in the first trimester 
• Medical management: Using medication to help the uterus expel the pregnancy tissue 
• Dilation and curettage: A minor surgical procedure to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus 

Your doctor will consider factors such as how far along the pregnancy was, the amount of bleeding, and your preferences. 

Emotional support 

The emotional impact can be significant. Many people and couples experience grief comparable to the loss of a child. Open conversations with your doctor about both physical symptoms and emotional well-being can help you access the support and resources you need. 

Progyny is here for you, too. Please contact 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. 

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) was originally developed in the early 1970s to help people who had blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. Since then, advances in IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies have led to the birth of millions of babies. 

Sometimes IVF alone is not enough, especially when male infertility or a history of poor fertilization in an IVF cycle is present. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a laboratory technique developed to help improve fertilization in these situations.  

How ICSI works 

ICSI involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg outside the body. 

Most of the time, sperm comes from ejaculated semen. The lab prepares the ICSI sample by spinning it in a centrifuge to separate live sperm from debris and nonmoving sperm. 

If no sperm is found in the ejaculate because of an obstruction, a lack of sperm production, or an ejaculation issue, sperm can sometimes be retrieved surgically from the testes or epididymis. ICSI allows these sperm to be used for fertilization. 

After your egg retrieval during an IVF cycle: 

1. An embryologist stabilizes a mature egg.
2. Using a thin micropipette, they guide a single sperm into the egg. 
3. The sperm is injected into the cytoplasm of the egg. 
4. The egg is then cultured in the lab and checked the next day for signs of fertilization. 

Who may use ICSI 

ICSI is most commonly used to address male infertility when fertilization rates may be lower. This includes: 

• Low sperm concentration (count) 

• Low sperm motility (movement) 

• Poor sperm morphology (shape) 

Other reasons you may use ICSI include: 

• A failed IVF cycle 

• Preimplantation genetic testing  

• Using previously frozen eggs 

• Semen results are borderline or difficult to interpret 

• You are an HIV-discordant couple (when only one partner has HIV) 

ICSI success rates 

The fertilization rate can reach up to 80% when using ICSI. While it does not guarantee fertilization, complete fertilization failure is rare. As with IVF, egg quality and age are the main factors that influence success. 

Is ICSI safe? 

The outcomes of ICSI are similar to IVF without ICSI, and the same general risks apply. 

Some concerns discussed in research include: 

• A small increase in the risk of hypospadias, a condition where the opening of the penis is not at the tip. 

• Possible links to imprinting disorders, such as Angelman syndrome, though current evidence is limited. 

• A slightly higher chance of one embryo splitting into two, especially when transferring a blastocyst. 

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, certain rare conditions present at birth — including imprinting disorders, hypospadias, and sex chromosome differences — have been associated with ICSI. These conditions occur in far fewer than 1% of children conceived with ICSI, and the overall increase in risk is small.

Some people with very low sperm counts have underlying genetic conditions that can be passed to children. If this applies to you or your partner, your doctor may recommend genetic screening before treatment. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact 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 IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) appeared first on Progyny.