There is a lot of mystery around fertility treatment. Here is what mine looks like.
I froze my eggs in 2025 at 36 years old. Before that, I had been routinely monitoring my fertility since age 32. I was already established with a fertility clinic in my area, so when I decided to move forward with embryo creation, I stayed with the same practice.
The physician who helped me freeze my eggs had retired, so I needed to choose someone new. I read reviews carefully and looked for a doctor known for compassion and strong communication. This process is deeply personal, and I wanted a provider who would see me as more than just a patient.
I was very excited leading up to the appointment. Not anxious. Not fearful. Excited. It felt like movement. Like a step forward.
During the appointment, we reviewed my history. I have not been diagnosed with infertility, and my ovarian reserve has been healthy. The 12 eggs I froze last year are considered a reasonable starting point for embryo creation. He explained that we can reassess and retrieve more eggs later if needed.
Early in the conversation, I was very clear. I told him I need a physician who will be reliable and present — not just procedural. I asked him directly if he had the capacity to be in this with me throughout the process.
He said yes!
We discussed expectations on both sides. It was important for me to lay mine out clearly so we could be aligned from the beginning. I wanted him to understand that I am seeking the best care possible. Thoughtful. Thorough. Intentional.
He then outlined the steps required before moving forward. While every plan is individualized, this is what my checklist includes:
- Infectious disease screening and CMV testing
- Genetic carrier screening (FullGent), which takes approximately three weeks for results
- Uterine cavity evaluation:
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
- Saline sonohysterogram
- These tests assess for polyps, fibroids, structural issues, or hydrosalpinx that could reduce implantation success.
The HSG can be uncomfortable or painful for some women. Sedation is an option, and that is what I have chosen. I tend to have a low pain tolerance for pelvic procedures and IUD insertions, so I opted not to undergo this test without sedation. If this is part of your process, ask your provider what pain management options are available to you. - Possible short-term use of birth control pills to coordinate timing of the tests
- Consultation with a genetic counselor to compare my results with donor profiles
- Ordering donor sperm prepared for ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection)
- Fertilization and embryo creation
- PGT-A testing – an embryo biopsy (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) to assess chromosomal health
- Embryo transfer : )
I am currently in the genetic testing phase.
There are many steps. Labs, procedures, timelines, statistics. It is a clinical process. But it is also a personal decision that requires trust, both in the medical team and in myself.
My goal is to stay in choice and listen to my body every step of the way. I am working to remain unattached to the outcome, the timeline, and the results. This process will likely require surrenders and pivots along the way. That is how I am managing my expectations.
Not from a place of fear, but from staying rooted in reality so that fantasies about specific outcomes do not sweep me off the ground.
This process may be clinical, but how I move through it is entirely mine.
And I am really excited!
Reliable resource: American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Leave a Reply