Your Questions,
Answered.

Your first consultation is complimentary and lasts approximately 60–90 minutes. Bring any prior fertility testing, medical records, and a list of current medications. If you have a partner, we encourage them to attend — male factor accounts for 40–50% of infertility cases, so their history matters too. You will meet with a physician (not a nurse or coordinator), discuss your complete history, and receive an honest overview of your options. No decisions are required at this visit.

Natural conception requires several things to go right: ovulation, open fallopian tubes, sufficient sperm quality, and a receptive uterus. The most common causes of infertility include ovulatory dysfunction (including PCOS), tubal disease, male factor, endometriosis, diminished ovarian reserve, and unexplained infertility. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends seeking evaluation after 12 months of trying (under age 35) or 6 months (over age 35). If you have irregular periods, known conditions, or prior pregnancy loss, earlier evaluation is appropriate.

A standard fertility workup includes: Day 3 bloodwork (FSH, estradiol, AMH, CBC), a transvaginal ultrasound (antral follicle count, uterine cavity evaluation), and a semen analysis for male partners. Depending on findings, your physician may also order a saline sonogram (SHG) to assess the uterine cavity, an HSG to confirm tubal patency, or additional hormonal tests (thyroid, prolactin, androgens). Results are typically reviewed at a follow-up appointment within 1–2 weeks.

IVF involves five main phases: (1) Ovarian stimulation — 8–14 days of injectable hormones to grow multiple follicles. (2) Egg retrieval — a 20-minute procedure under light sedation. (3) Fertilization — eggs and sperm are combined; ICSI may be used. (4) Embryo culture — embryos develop in our EmbryoScope+ incubators for 5–6 days. (5) Transfer — one high-quality blastocyst is placed into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. A pregnancy blood test follows 10–12 days later.

IUI is simpler, less expensive, and appropriate when tubes are open, sperm quality is adequate, and the cause of infertility is mild or unexplained. IVF is recommended when tubes are blocked, sperm quality is significantly impaired, IUI has failed (typically 3+ cycles), or age/diagnosis suggests a more proactive approach is needed. Your physician will recommend the option most likely to succeed for your specific profile — not the cheapest or most convenient option.

Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) uses the same stimulation and retrieval process as IVF — but instead of fertilizing the eggs, they are vitrified (flash-frozen) and stored. IRFC stores frozen eggs in the TMRW Vault with RFID tracking and 24/7 monitoring. Most patients freeze 15–20 mature eggs for a realistic chance of a future pregnancy. Freezing before age 35 generally produces the strongest outcomes. IRFC also prioritizes oncofertility consultations for patients facing cancer treatment.

PGT is an optional add-on to IVF in which a small biopsy is taken from each blastocyst-stage embryo and sent for chromosomal or genetic analysis before transfer. PGT-A screens for aneuploidy (incorrect chromosome number) — the leading cause of IVF failure and miscarriage. PGT-M tests for specific inherited conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis, BRCA). PGT-SR detects chromosomal structural rearrangements. Results typically take 10–14 days and guide which embryo is transferred.

Insurance coverage for fertility treatments varies widely. Kaiser Permanente patients benefit from IRFC's Center of Excellence designation, which may expand coverage options. For self-pay patients, IRFC partners with CapexMD for medical financing, and HSA/FSA funds are accepted. Our financial coordinator provides itemized estimates before treatment begins — no surprises.

IRFC welcomes patients from across the US and internationally. Initial consultations and follow-up appointments can be conducted via telehealth; monitoring can often be coordinated with a local clinic near you. In-person visits are required for egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Our team provides detailed guidance on timing, local accommodations, and itinerary coordination. We support patients in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

IRFC offers virtual consultations for new patients, follow-up appointments, and medication counseling. Telehealth is available via secure video platform and can be scheduled alongside in-person visits. Remote monitoring (blood draws and ultrasounds at a local clinic near you, results reviewed by IRFC) is available for select treatment phases. Contact us to discuss which appointments can be done remotely for your specific situation.