We do things differently!
Not because we're special
But because your eggs
and embryos are!
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION SERVICES
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Previously Failed
IVF
Are you struggling to conceive even after several IVF cycles? We understand how difficult and frustrating this journey can be. But, don't lose hope just yet.
We have a proven track record of success in helping patients achieve pregnancy after they have failed at other clinics. Our experienced physicians provide personalized care to each patient, ensuring that you receive the best diagnosis, treatment, and assisted reproductive solution for your specific situation. Our passionate embryologists provide focused attention to your gametes and embryos, taking every step necessary to increase your chances of success.
We believe that all your mental, physical, emotional, and financial investments are worth it when they result in a beautiful baby. We love a good challenge and thrive when we can help patients who have had failed IVF cycles at other clinics.
Our team will work tirelessly to find the solution that works best for you. Don't let failed IVF cycles discourage you. Let us help you find the success you deserve. Come in and challenge us with your unique situation.
Frequent Miscarriages
Recurrent miscarriages can be a heartbreaking experience for women. If you're one of those women, don't lose hope! It's time to take control and let our reproductive specialists help you identify the root cause.
We know that in almost half of all cases, doctors are unable to find a reason behind recurrent miscarriages. However, our expertise can help you pin down some of the most common culprits, such as blood-clotting conditions, genetic issues, problems with your uterus or cervix, hormonal imbalances, and advanced age. You deserve to know the truth about your frequent losses, and we are here to help you find it.
So, why wait? Book an appointment with us and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Intra-Uterine
Insemination
(IUI)
Artificial Insemination, commonly known as IUI, is the first step towards starting a family, before considering advanced assisted reproduction procedures like IVF. IUI involves placing washed sperm cells directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, to increase the chances of conception compared to timed sexual intercourse.
Generally, patients go through about 3 to 4 IUI cycles of IUI before considering IVF. The success rate of IUI for women under 35 is around 10 to 20 percent. However, women over 37 should consider fewer IUI cycles and opt for IVF as soon as possible to increase their chances of conceiving.
EGG FREEZING
Preserve Your Fertility and Future with Advanced Egg Freezing
At our clinic, we're dedicated to providing exceptional egg freezing services that go beyond standard practices. By refining existing techniques and developing innovative methods, we maximize your potential for a successful outcome. Here’s how we stand apart:
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Oocyte Combing Technique: This unique method ensures we retrieve every viable egg, potentially reducing the need for additional cycles and saving you both time and money.
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No Stress Egg Maturity Assessment: We prioritize the maturity of your eggs, avoiding procedures that could inhibit their development, ensuring they are perfectly primed for freezing.
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Tailored Scheduling: We operate on your eggs' natural schedule to enhance their survival rates and future pregnancy potential.
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In Vitro Maturation (IVM): This service is designed for eggs that aren’t yet mature, gently guiding them to maturity before freezing.
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Freeze All Viable Eggs: Every egg that shows potential is preserved, giving you more options with future fertility technologies.
Modern women are often caught between career ambitions and timing family growth. By freezing your eggs at a prime reproductive age, you can advance your career and personal goals without compromise.
Ideal Candidates for Egg Freezing Include:
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Career-focused women
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Individuals undergoing cancer treatment
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Those waiting for the right partner
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Women not yet ready to start a family
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Those with religious or ethical considerations regarding IVF
Egg freezing is akin to stopping time. Eggs frozen in your 30s retain their youthful quality a decade later, significantly boosting your chances of pregnancy later in life compared to using fresh eggs at an older age.
We use the vitrification method to freeze eggs, which prevents ice crystal formation that can damage the cells, thereby maintaining the integrity and viability of your eggs.
Preserve Your Legacy, Preserve Your Fertile Potential Join us to secure your future. Schedule a consultation today to explore how you can remain "egg young" and keep your options open for when you're ready to start a family.
In-Vitro
Fertilization
(IVF)
IVF is the last resort in fertility treatment. In-Vitro means "in-the glass", thereby In- Vitro Fertilization is fertilization occurring in the glass petri dishes in the embryology laboratory. In-Vivo ("inside-the-body") Fertilization, on the other hand, is the natural process of fertilization occurring inside the body after sexual intercourse during natural conception. Anything we do in the fertility clinic that requires fertilizing the egg in the laboratory is called IVF.
Some of the unique services we can offer you include:
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Embryoplasty - to improve the quality of your embryos thereby increasing their implantation potential.
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Algorithm IVF - to improve the rate of fertilization for patients wishing to avoid ICSI and letting their eggs be fertilized naturally.
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High-Resolution ICSI - to ensure that high-quality sperm is used for insemination.
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No Eggs Left Behind - to maximize the number of eggs recovered.
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Pristine Culture Environment - to eliminate stressors on the developing embryos.
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No Stress Sperm Preparation - to avoid sperm DNA fragmentation
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Low-Stress ICSI - to increase probability of fertilization and possibly result in better quality embryos.
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On Your Eggs' Schedule - to maximize the number of resulting embryos for our patients
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IVM - to increase the number of embryos we can work with.
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No-Stress Egg and Embryo Handling - to avoid stress and allow better embryo development.
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No-Stress Egg Maturity Assessment - to ensure eggs are mature before undergoing stressful oocyte processing procedures.
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Multi-Source Culture System - like having insurance to avoid having all the embryos being compromised in case of suboptimal batch of culture media.
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Rescue ICSI - especially for patients that produce low number of eggs and fail the initial attempt of fertilization.
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No-Stress Labeling - to avoid volatile organic compounds affecting embryo development
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Labware Detoxification - to prevent exposing eggs and embryos to any oxidative and volatile organic compounds.
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Always-Fresh Culture System
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Gender Only Testing - to avoid possibly discarding embryos in case of false positive results from other genetic testing methods.
IVF has many variations and components and variations of its components. Variations in IVF medications can range from IVF without using any medications (Natural Cycle IVF) to using very few medications (Low Dose IVF) to using varying doses of medications (Conventional IVF). Variations of IVF components include traditional insemination, assisted fertilization using Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), genetic testing of embryos (PGD, PGS, PGTa, PGTm, PGTsr) varying types of petri dishes, culture media, incubators, micromanipulation tools, embryo culture techniques,
The traditional IVF cycle involves the following:
1. Ovarian Stimulation. This is done in "Conventional IVF" and in "Low-Dose IVF" so that the patient can produce more than one egg that can be retrieved. "Natural Cycle IVF" and "In-Vitro Maturation IVF" do not involve ovarian stimulation.
2. Egg Retrieval involves a procedure in the operating room where the contents of the ovarian follicles are aspirated into test tubes, and a process in the embryology laboratory whereby the contents of the test tubes are poured into a petri dish where the hunt for the eggs begin to identify and subsequently isolate the eggs into the egg culture dish.
3. Fertilization of recovered eggs by allowing the eggs and sperm to interact by themselves or by assisted fertilization using micromanipulation called ICSI
4. Fertilized eggs are cultured in embryo culture media for the following 2 to 5 days.
5. During the 2 to 5 days of embryo culture, the embryos could undergo embryo freezing, assisted hatching, or embryo biopsy.
6. The final step is Embryo Transfer where the best quality embryo is placed in the best spot inside the patient's uterus.
7. Pregnancy is usually assessed in 10 to 12 days after embryo transfer.
Conventional
IVF Insemination (STD. IVF)
There are 2 ways to fertilize eggs in the laboratory - unassisted and assisted. Conventional IVF insemination is an unassisted method of fertilizing retrieved eggs because it involves mixing eggs and sperm in a petri dish thereby allowing them to interact by themselves to achieve fertilization.
Conventional insemination involves adding 50,000 to 100,000 sperm cells to each egg. After 12 to 18 hours of interaction in the incubator, the eggs are washed and checked for signs of fertilization (2pn check). Eggs showing normal fertilization (2pn) are separated from unfertilized and abnormally fertilized eggs and are placed into a fresh embryo culture dish.
Conventional insemination replicates the events that naturally occur in women's fallopian tubes where the best quality sperm fertilizes the eggs (or possibly, the egg chooses the best looking sperm to interact with leading towards fertilization).
Because this method closely resembles what happens inside the body, the resulting embryos are of higher quality compared to those that were fertilized by assisted fertilization method using micromanipulation (ICSI). The drawback is that it is difficult to predict the rate of fertilization and there are cases where not a single egg gets fertilized (failed fertilization) which is devastating to patients, understandably so, considering the amount of money and time spent on their cycle.
We have developed an unassisted fertilization technique we call Algorithm IVF. Algorithm IVF have proven to be reliable in avoiding the dreaded "no fertilization" cycle. It is based on adjusting the number of sperm used for insemination depending on the percentage of high quality motile sperm in the sample.
Not all sperm samples are the same therefore we shouldn't be using the same number of sperm when inseminating eggs. Come in and see how Algorithm IVF can maximize the number of naturally fertilized eggs for you.
ICSI-Assisted
Fertilization
Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is the method of choice for assisted fertilization in IVF cycles. It involves the use of micromanipulators and very fine glass needles that are used to pick up a single sperm cell and inject it inside a mature egg.
ICSI is labor intensive and requires highly skilled embryologists. ICSI is the method of choice in fertilizing eggs from male-factor patients such as low sperm count, low motility, poor morphology or sperm samples recovered from testicular biopsy. ICSI is also used for patients with history of failed fertilization from conventional IVF, and is recommended for those undergoing genetic testing of their embryos.
ICSI often results in higher rate of fertilization compared to conventional IVF insemination and this is usually the reason why some IVF centers use ICSI for almost all of their cases especially those that produce very few eggs.
We have made modifications when we perform ICSI to minimize the stress on your eggs and to increase the likelihood of fertilization.
IVM
In-Vitro Maturation
In-Vitro Maturation (IVM) is the process of allowing the immature eggs that were retrieved to undergo oocyte maturation in the laboratory. It involves incubation time with or without additional maturation hormones added to the culture solution.
Eggs that are retrieved from the follicles of women undergoing IVF procedure can be categorized into 3 different stages of maturation - gv, m1, and m2. The most immature stage is gv, germinal vesicle stage, which could take up to 48 hours to mature. The intermediate stage of egg maturation is m1, metaphase I, which may require between 2 to 24 hours of incubation before they mature. Mature eggs are those that are at m2, metaphase II, and this is the stage of maturation that eggs will have to be at for them to fertilize.
IVM can rescue a cycle with only immature eggs (some IVF clinics will only work with mature eggs and will discard immature ones). IVM can also increase the number of embryos that patients can pick from for embryo transfer especially those that produce very few eggs where some of those eggs are immature.
PGD-Genetic Testing
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) was the term used to describe any genetic tests performed on embryos for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic diseases. It had since been changed to Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS), then to the current term Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) which is divided into three subtypes, PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR.
PGT-A (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is the screening of embryos by counting the 46 chromosomes to look for extra or missing chromosomes (“aneuploidy”). PGT-A is used to select embryos that are the most likely to implant and result in a successful pregnancy. It also reduces the chance of having a child with extra chromosomes, such as Downs syndrome.
PGT-M (PGT for Monogenic or single gene disorder) is used to help patients reduce their risk to have a child with a known inherited genetic disorder caused by mutations in a single gene (“monogenic”), such as cystic fibrosis or hearing loss.
PGT-SR (PGT for Structural Rearrangement) is for hereditary chromosome abnormalities whereby one or both parents have a balanced chromosome “structural rearrangement” (such as translocations or inversions). PGT-SR reduces the risk of having a pregnancy or child with an unbalanced structural abnormality, which involves extra or missing genetic material and typically results in a pregnancy loss.
PGT-A is the most common type of genetic testing being performed. For the most part, embryos undergoing genetic testing are frozen while awaiting test results. A single, genetically determined normal, embryo is selected for a frozen embryo transfer on the patients succeeding cycle. The advantages of transferring genetically normal embryo include higher probability of pregnancy (60-70% compared to around 40% for non-tested high quality embryo), lower miscarriage rate, less chance of multiple gestations, and the ability to select a certain gender for family balancing. Some of the disadvantages are high cost, additional cycle is needed to perform embryo transfer because embryos have to be frozen, and the possibility that none of the embryos are suitable for embryo transfer if they all are determined to be abnormal.
Family
Balancing
Currently have a boy and wanting a girl, or vice versa, or have 2 girls and want 2 boys to balance your family out? We can help.
Family balancing requires genetic testing of embryos. We can do targeted genetic screening wherein only the desired chromosomes are tested for, such as chromosomes X, Y and 21 only, since we are only interested in determining the gender of the embryos.
Genetic testing for the entire 23 chromosomes can also be done for patients that would like to know the entire chromosomal status of their embryos.
Sperm Sex
Selection
Sperm cells determine the gender of the resulting babies. Fertilization of an egg with an X-chromosome bearing sperm will result in a girl while a Y-chromosome bearing sperm produces a boy.
Y-bearing sperm cells are less dense and swims faster than X-bearing ones and those are the basis used in processing semen samples for sperm sex selection. Sperm sex selection can be performed for patients undergoing IUI or IVF in order to increase the odds of achieving the desired gender of their child.
Elective Embryo Freezing
Not yet ready to raise your family? We can help.
Vitrification technique is the method of choice in embryo and oocyte freezing because it allows very high survival, greater than 90%, by preventing ice crystal formation that is detrimental to eggs and embryos.
Embryo freezing is used in certain instances including:
1. fertility preservation when couples are not yet ready to have a family.
2. patients undergoing PGD cycles since results of genetic tests could take several days.
3. patients that produce a large number of eggs and are in danger of ovarian hyperstimulation.
4. patients that have extra good quality embryos after embryo transfer.
5. patients whose uterus are not ready or not in ideal condition for embryo transfer.
According to the 2017 SART statistics, women below the age of 35 have a 40% chance of having a baby. Chances are at 32% for those between 35-37, 22% for 38-40, 11% for 41-42, and 4% for women above the age of 42. Based on this data, women that are close to being 37 could benefit from elective embryo freezing.
Elective embryo freezing is a means of preserving a patient's fertility. It allows young couples a lot of flexibility in their lives such as:
a. advancing their careers without worrying about the dreaded "biological clock" running out.
b. traveling to exotic places without wondering whether the kids are ok.
c. getting into a stable financial situation in order to be able to support raising children.
Same Sex
Couples
Do you need donor sperm, donor eggs, or gestational carrier to complete your family? We are here to support you to achieve your goal.
We can use the sperm from both partners and fertilize half of the donor eggs from one of the partners and the other half of the eggs from the other partner. We can also mix the sperm from both partners and have them compete in fertilizing the eggs, you won't know who won unless you do genetic testing on your child. With facial recognition, we can find an egg donor that looks similar to one of the partners and use the other partner's sperm to fertilize the eggs to see what your kids will look like.
For female partners, we can retrieve egg from one of the partners, fertilize them with donor sperm and transfer the embryos to the other partner - one is the biological parent, the other is the birth parent. We can also use facial recognition to find a donor sperm that resembles one of the partners and use it to fertilize the eggs of the other partner to see what your kids will look like.
If that sounds exciting, we are here for you whenever you're ready.
Single Parenthood
Are you a single woman or a single man?
Just because you're still single doesn't mean that you can't be a parent. Sometimes it is difficult to find your soulmate and other times just plain impossible. You can experience the joy and challenges that comes with being a parent and we are here to help you.
You want your dream husband to be tall, dark, and handsome? Or your dream wife to be blonde, blue-eyed, beautiful woman? The world is at your command. You can pick and choose any traits you would like the other half, or even the whole genetic component, of your child or children. Obviously, we don't know what your child/ren will look like but that is part of the excitement.
Let us know when you're ready to take the road to parenting and we will get you there.
Egg Donor
Recipient
We all could use a little help sometimes.
Donor eggs are great in certain situations such as:
1. Women of advanced age
2. Women with premature ovarian failure
3. Women with cancer that underwent egg-killing chemotherapy
4. Women that failed multiple IVF cycles due to aneuploidy
5. Women that produce mostly poor quality embryos
6. Women with certain hereditary genetic disorders.
7. Same-sex couples
8. Single Men
Whether you're after your first baby or wanting to have a bigger family, donor eggs are very effective in getting you there since the eggs are from young fertile women, mostly in their 20's.
Gestational Carrier
In order to provide the highest level of service, we have case managers throughout the US. We will work closely with your clinic to assist with any appointments and travel arrangements that may be necessary. We believe that in order to assist intended parents and gestational surrogates through this journey, we must have the knowledge and understanding of every aspect of the surrogacy process. Many of our case managers are experienced surrogates themselves that are enthusiastic about helping you through your journey, from finding a match to the day your baby is born. We will make sure you and your gestational surrogate are given the best available education, guidance and support. Our surrogacy program staff is accessible twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Additionally, we hold mandatory, monthly surrogate support group meetings offering support from other surrogates and The Surrogacy Source staff that have experienced the journey you are about to embark upon. We look forward to helping you and your surrogate bond to create a wonderful relationship during this exciting time.
Requirements for The Surrogacy Source surrogate program:
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Women that have had at least one child
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Women that have enjoyed uncomplicated pregnancies
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Between the ages of 21-38*
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Must be a U.S. citizen
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Live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, or Wisconsin.
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Non-smokers (Must be smoke-free for 6 months)
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Excellent health history
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An appropriate height to weight ratio (BMI)
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In a stable household environment
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Not receiving government assistance
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Have reliable transportation
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Have passed:
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One-on-one assessment
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Criminal background check
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Psychological Screening
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All of our gestational surrogates have passed our extensive screening process including a pre-application review and full application review. Whenever possible, we meet our applicants in their homes with their families present, in order to ensure they have the proper support and lifestyle required to become successful surrogates. Each of our surrogates are ready to create a very unique relationship and give you the gift of family.
Reasons why women may choose to become a gestational surrogate:
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Love of their own children and empathy for others who are in need of assistance in creating a family
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They have had enjoyable, uncomplicated pregnancies
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The surrogacy process may enable them to stay at home with their children and/or enable them to contribute financially to their family
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It is an opportunity to make a unique contribution to someone; regardless of race, religion, political views, or education level and demonstrate humanity at its finest
We understand the struggles of trying to make this enormous decision along with everything that has been invested. Please be assured that you can place your confidence in our staff in Creating Your Pathway to Parenthood.