Assisted reproductive technology

That's right, and it's not just IVF, by the way.

The umbrella term here is ART.

That stands for assisted reproductive technology.

I'm gonna apologize up front, because that is not the last of the acronyms coming your way.

Before starting her business she worked for another large fertility firm where she was tasked with helping clients understand the full cost of becoming parents.

People would cry to me on the phone or, you know, sell their engagement ring or dip into their 401[k], and it was just really breaking my heart to see people making these very difficult financial decisions.

Takeaway three, becoming a parent through ART can be a big investment.

Understand the full financial picture before you sign on any dotted lines.

And I really feel like it's important for us to be aware of what we are projecting because we need to show that moral support of, hey, can I do to support what I can do to actually help you I you don't need any more advice or you know anything else to kind of change the notion it's like hey what can I do to support you because you're doing this all on your own and you need to take time for you as well so yeah I think that's the biggest thing that people could do but I'd love to know what else do you think you know people could do to help support single mums out there

yeah I think I guess there's a few things I'd say from a, I think it's just more checking in.

Sometimes I feel like there is, even when you're going through infertility treatments, especially people tend to not know where they check in or not, what to say.

And it is frustrating because friends will come to you and be like, so has it happened? What's not happening? You know, why isn't it working? I don't know why it's not working.

Like that one's a real tough one is when like, did you try this? Yes, I've tried that.

She had stopped waiting for the life she had imagined and started to create a different one.

So 18 months of fertility treatment followed.

There were hormones, injections, delays, donor selection, IVF, embryo transfer...

And finally, nine days later, a positive pregnancy test.

So tune in, subscribe, and let's embark on this journey together with the Egg Factory, your go-to source for all things reproductive health related.

Hi, I'm Dr. David Barad, Director of Assisted Reproductive Technology here at the Center for Human Reproduction.

I'm Norbert Gleicher, MD.

I'm the medical director and chief scientist at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and send us your questions at fertilitydocsoncensor.com.

And if you want even more fertility information, pick up a copy of The IVF Blueprint, Our Practical Guide to Understand Fertility Treatment, IVF, and the Decisions You'll Face Along the Way.

Before we go, remember, this podcast is for education and entertainment only.

While we are fertility doctors, we are not your fertility doctors.

Today we're talking about another chapter of Maria's story.

We'll chat about her decision to become a solo mum, her experience of fertility treatment and donor conception, pregnancy after treatment, how she balances it all alongside a demanding career and why conversations like these matter.

As always, please take care while listening and you'll find support resources and helpful links in the show notes if you need them.

And a gentle reminder that everything shared here is based on personal experience.

So let's start then with your own journey and your decision.

I know you spoke about this clock was ticking and it is a big thing to do.

Like, listen, I've gone through fertility treatment as a couple and it's really, really difficult.

So like I know you said you always wanted children, right?

So tune in, subscribe, and let's embark on this journey together with the Egg Factory, your go-to source for all things reproductive health related.

Hi, I'm Dr. David Barad, Director of Assisted Reproductive Technology here at the Center for Human Reproduction.

I'm Norbert Gleicher, MD.

I'm the medical director and chief scientist at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City.

I think the conversation has shifted a bit in the past few years since we've been in market.

Initially, it was designed for women that were actively trying to conceive, and they were basically at the step before going through ART.

They've gone through the drugstore tasks, haven't been able to conceive.

And now UVA is really designed for those that need some personalized data and to understand their unique cycle.

So tune in, subscribe, and let's embark on this journey together with the Egg Factory, your go-to source for all things reproductive health related.

Hi, I'm Dr. David Barad, Director of Assisted Reproductive Technology here at the Center for Human Reproduction.

I'm Norbert Gleicher, MD.

I'm the medical director and chief scientist at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City.