Blog

Embryology
The Best Embryo to Transfer for IVF Success According to an Embryologist

The Best Embryo to Transfer for IVF Success According to an Embryologist

Alease Daniel Barnes, BS

Which embryo should you transfer to give you the best chance of success in your IVF cycle?  In this post, embryologist Alease Barnes breaks down how embryologists select the best embryo for transfer and what factors come into play.

Fertility Planning Community Story
What It's Like to Freeze Your Eggs: A Nurse's Personal Journey

What It's Like to Freeze Your Eggs: A Nurse's Personal Journey

Brandis Montez, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC

Fertility nurse practitioner Brandis Montez shared her personal experience with egg freezing—twice—and offers invaluable insights for women considering this empowering option.

Embryology
Why Did My Top Grade Embryo Not Implant? Failed Transfers Explained

Why Did My Top Grade Embryo Not Implant? Failed Transfers Explained

Alease Daniel Barnes, BS

When undergoing IVF, hearing that you have a "high-quality" embryo can bring a sense of hope and optimism. But what happens when that high-quality embryo doesn’t result in a successful pregnancy? In the latest installment of her embryo grading series, embryologist Alease Barnes sheds light on this common question, breaking down why embryo grading, while helpful, doesn’t tell the whole story. What...

Grief Mental Health
Infertility During the Holidays: Tips from an Infertility Trauma and Grief Counselor

Infertility During the Holidays: Tips from an Infertility Trauma and Grief Counselor

Miss.Conception Coach

It makes sense that the holidays might look and feel different this year. Maybe we are wondering how to show up authentically when our feelings seem dismissed or not validated by some. We might wonder who closest to us has the ability to support us. It’s essential to rebalance our relationships with family and friends and learn how to align...

Embryology
Understanding Embryo Grading: What It Means for IVF Success

Understanding Embryo Grading: What It Means for IVF Success

Alease Daniel Barnes, BS

When undergoing IVF, one of the many questions that can arise is how the grading of embryos impacts the chances of achieving pregnancy. While embryologists use grading to assess embryos’ development, it’s not a perfect predictor of success. We spoke with embryologist Alease Barnes, who shared insights into the complexities of embryo grading and how it can influence decisions in...

Fertility Planning
What Side Effects Can You Expect from Egg Freezing?

What Side Effects Can You Expect from Egg Freezing?

Brandis Montez, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC

If you're considering egg freezing, understanding potential side effects can help ease any concerns about the process. Fertility nurse Brandis Montez shares her insights, drawing from both professional experience and her own egg-freezing journey. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after the egg freezing procedure. Side Effects of Medications for Egg Freezing The egg freezing process is quicker...

Fertility Treatment Fertility Planning Holistic Fertility
The 2024 Fertility Gift Guide: Gifts for Every Path to Parenthood

The 2024 Fertility Gift Guide: Gifts for Every Path to Parenthood

‘Tis the season for gifting! Holiday travel is booked, the BFCM sales are on, and noncritical initiatives are getting the nod to “circle back in the New Year”. The festivities are beginning to fill our calendars, but friends and family who have struggled to conceive in 2024 might not be feeling the “holiday magic”.  This guide provides a range of...

Fertility Planning
How Age Affects Egg Freezing Success: Insights from a Fertility Nurse

How Age Affects Egg Freezing Success: Insights from a Fertility Nurse

Brandis Montez, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC

Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly popular option for women looking to preserve their fertility, but how does age impact the process and its success? Fertility nurse Brandis Montez, who has undergone egg freezing twice herself, breaks down the science, statistics, and considerations to help women make informed decisions. Is There an Age Limit for Egg Freezing? At CNY Fertility,...

Embryology
Embryologist Teaches Us How To Grade Embryos

Embryologist Teaches Us How To Grade Embryos

Alease Daniel Barnes, BS

If you’re going through IVF, you’ve probably heard your medical team mention “embryo grading.” But what does this grading really mean, and how does it impact your success in IVF? Today, embryologist Alease Barnes takes us behind the scenes to understand how embryos are graded in the lab and why these details matter for your journey. What Is Embryo Grading?...

Fertility Planning
Tests You Need Done Before Freezing Your Eggs

Tests You Need Done Before Freezing Your Eggs

Brandis Montez, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC

Egg freezing has become an empowering option for many, offering flexibility in family planning. But before starting the process, you’ll need to complete a few tests to make sure that you have a good idea of what your outcome will be, what the plan is for your specific treatment, and will help your doctor counsel you on future family-planning.   ...

IVF Injections
The HCG Trigger Shot Explained: Timing, Placement, and Side Effects

The HCG Trigger Shot Explained: Timing, Placement, and Side Effects

Leyla Bilali, BSN, RN

If you’re preparing to take your trigger shot, understanding how it works and what to expect can be reassuring. Here’s a friendly guide to help you get familiar with the role of hCG, its timing, administration methods, and common side effects, all explained by fertility nurse and co-founder of Dandi Fertility, Leyla Bilali.   What is the Trigger Shot in...

Fertility Planning
Steps of the Egg Freezing Process: Fertility Nurse Explains

Steps of the Egg Freezing Process: Fertility Nurse Explains

Brandis Montez, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC

If you’re thinking about freezing your eggs, you may wonder what the process involves and how much time it will take. Fertility nurse Brandis Montez, who has also gone through egg freezing herself, walks us through each step of this empowering journey.    Here’s what to expect: A Quick Overview of the Egg Freezing Process The entire egg-freezing process generally...