Should I consider IVF?
IVF combines the egg and sperm outside the body, so it opens up many pathways for people with different needs. As with any big medical decision, every plan should be personalized based on conversations with your doctor.
What Are My Options?
Solo parents-to-be may opt to use their own eggs or sperm or those from donors. We can help you with the resources and support you as you make your plan.
Using Your Own Eggs
If you are using your own eggs for IVF, you'll select a sperm donor to create your embryos - either through a sperm bank or a known donor. Our IVF Success program ensures you’re confident in the process and pricing along the way.
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Using Your Own Sperm
If you are using your own sperm, you can use donor eggs and a gestational surrogate. Costs can be more than $200,000 when factoring in IVF, legal fees, travel, and other expenses. Sunfish works with multiple surrogacy agencies to ensure you have peace of mind during your journey.
What is the IVF Process?
Clinic Consultation
First, you’ll consult with a reproductive endocrinologist at a fertility clinic. This specialist will discuss your medical history and goals, and help you understand next steps and the choices ahead.
- Consulting with a fertility clinic is the first step
- Ask any questions you have about the process—nothing is too personal or off the table!
Testing and Treatment Plan
The kind of tests you’ll need depend on your role in the process. For women, doctors may order blood tests to look at hormone levels and other indicators of fertility. There will also be a transvaginal ultrasound if you’re planning to carry. For men, doctors may order tests related to sperm quantity and quality as well as blood tests. Once you have results, the doctor will recommend the best path forward.
- There are a lot of tests! Sometimes new tests are added after an initial round.
- Every test is there to give you and your doctor information that will be used to increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
- Donors will undergo testing as well. For sperm or eggs from a cryobank, these tests will have been completed already.