Blog Topic: IVF

Exploring Laparoscopy in Fertility Diagnostics
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IVF

Exploring Laparoscopy in Fertility Diagnostics

Learn what is laparoscopy procedure and how it is used for endometriosis and IVF diagnostics
By Constance McGraw, MPH

What is laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera (laparoscope) and several small incisions to examine the abdomen and reproductive organs, avoiding the need for a large incision. Laparoscopy is considered a safe procedure and is used to help diagnose medical conditions and take biopsies of tissues. Gynecologists and obstetricians routinely use laparoscopy to diagnose (diagnostic or exploratory laparoscopy) and address (operative laparoscopy) issues contributing to infertility.

Laparoscopy for infertility

Laparoscopy for infertility becomes a viable option when other fertility tests fail to yield a conclusive diagnosis. Additionally, it is recommended for cases of unexplained infertility or when women experience pelvic or abdominal pain or have a pelvic mass. Notably, any identified issues can often be addressed during the same laparoscopy procedure. Laparoscopy can also be used to diagnose and treat the following medical conditions:

Endometriosis

Tubal sterilization

Pelvic floor disorders

Ovarian cysts

Ectopic pregnancies

Fibroids

Cancer

Laparoscopy procedure

Laparoscopy is routinely an outpatient procedure with the following steps:

Anesthesia is typically administered for comfort during the procedure.

A small incision near the belly button or lower abdomen is made to introduce the laparoscope, a tool equipped with a camera for visualizing the internal organs.

The abdomen is filled with a harmless gas to gain a better viewing of your abdomen and pelvic organs.

Images of the pelvic organs are transmitted to a screen via the camera. Occasionally, additional incisions are made for specialized tools.

An instrument called a uterine manipulator may be inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to move the organs into view.

The surgeon employs other instruments through small incisions, typically no longer than half an inch if treatment is needed.
June 8, 2026
IVF cost in Florida
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Clinics

IVF cost in Florida

The average cost of IVF in Florida can vary from $7,900 to 30,000 per IVF cycle. In this blog, we will explore what factors influence the price, insurance coverage, and ways to save money on IVF in the Sunshine State.
Find a fertility clinic under your budget

Understanding IVF

In Vitro Fertilization, commonly known as IVF, is a medical procedure in which an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a laboratory setting. Once the embryos develop, they are then transferred into the uterus, with the goal of achieving a successful pregnancy.

IVF Cost Factors in Florida

Several factors can influence the cost of IVF in Florida, making it important for prospective parents to understand these variables:

Clinic Choice: The choice of IVF clinic plays a crucial role in determining the cost. Florida boasts a variety of clinics, each with its own pricing structure and services.

Additional Services: The cost of IVF may include additional services such as medication, embryo testing (PGT-A), and cryopreservation of embryos or eggs.

Geographic Location: The cost of living can vary significantly in different regions of Florida, and this can impact IVF prices. For instance, clinics in major cities like Miami or Orlando may charge more than those in smaller towns. Compare prices for IVF in Miami, Margate, Boca Raton, Jupites and other cities in Florida and in the US.

Health Insurance: Some health insurance plans may partially cover the cost of IVF in Florida, so it’s essential to check with your provider about potential coverage.

How Much Does IVF Cost in Florida?

On average, the cost of a single IVF cycle in Florida can range from $7,900 to $30,000. However, it’s crucial to understand that more than one cycle may be needed to get to pregnancy, and the final bill will depend on the individual circumstances, cycles required, and the use of any additional services like genetic testing or ICSI (intracytoplasmic semen injection). Find best IVF clinics in Florida under your budget.

Breaking Down IVF Costs

Fertility Assessment and Testing: The initial consultation and fertility testing are often separate costs from the IVF cycle itself. This may include blood tests, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic procedures.

Medication: IVF often requires fertility medications to stimulate egg production. Medication costs can be anything from $3,000 to 10,000.

Procedure Costs: This includes the actual IVF procedure, which covers egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer. Additional Services: If you opt for additional services like embryo testing or cryopreservation, these will incur extra charges. Ask your clinic what is included in your cycle, as sometimes the clinic can bill you separately for things like anesthesia or even monitoring.

Follow-Up Appointments: After the IVF cycle, you may need follow-up appointments and monitoring, which can add to the overall cost.
June 8, 2026
Understanding Surrogacy Costs: What Factors Impact the Price of Surrogacy?
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IVF

Understanding Surrogacy Costs: What Factors Impact the Price of Surrogacy?

Learn more about different elements of surrogacy costs, how much is the surrogate mother's compensation, and what affects the price.
Bringing a child into the world through surrogacy is a beautiful and transformative journey for many hopeful parents. However, one of the most common questions that arise when considering surrogacy is, “How much does it cost?” The cost of surrogacy can vary significantly depending on various factors, making it essential to understand the elements that contribute to these expenses.

Breaking Down Surrogacy Costs

Surrogate Agency Fees: Surrogacy agencies facilitate the process by matching intended parents with potential surrogates, providing legal and emotional support, and overseeing the journey. Agency fees can range from $30,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the services offered.

Surrogate Compenstion: A significant portion of the cost is the compensation provided to the surrogate mother for her time, effort, and the physical toll of carrying a child. This compensation typically falls between $40,000 to $70,000 or higher, depending on various factors such as location, experience, and specific requirements.

Medical Expenses: Medical costs encompass a wide range of expenses, including fertility treatments, IVF procedures, prenatal care, labor and delivery costs, and the surrogate’s health insurance. These expenses can vary greatly, potentially adding $35,000 to $50,000 to the overall cost. If the egg donation is used, that adds another $20,000-50,000.

Legal Fees: Surrogacy involves complex legal agreements to protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Legal fees can range from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexities of the arrangements and the lawyers’ hourly rates.

Additional Costs: Miscellaneous expenses such as psychological evaluations, travel, time off compensation, housing allowance, maternity clothing, and unforeseen medical complications can also contribute to the overall cost, adding several thousand dollars more.

The overall cost of having a baby through surrogacy can go from $160,000 to 250,000.
June 8, 2026
Understanding your fertility results: AMH test, FSH and LH test, estradiol
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Egg freezing

Understanding your fertility results: AMH test, FSH and LH test, estradiol

Learn how to interpret your fertility test results: estradiol test results, AMH, and FSH results.
By Constance McGraw, MPH

Testing blood hormone levels is crucial when exploring fertility concerns or contemplating treatment cycles like IVF or egg retrieval. Several of these key tests, including Anti-Müllerian Hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2), offer insights into ovarian reserve, indicating egg quantity and quality. These are often called ‘Day 3’ tests because they are conducted on the third day of your menstrual cycle to precisely measure these hormone levels, guiding adjustments in treatment plans during fertility treatments.

AMH test results

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) is a popular hormone blood test that is typically used to examine ovarian reserve and response to fertility treatments. AMH tests can also assist with understanding how close women are to menopause. Key points about results of AMH tests include:

AMH levels typically stay stable throughout the menstrual cycle, allowing testing at any time.

High AMH: ≥5.0 ng/mL (can indicate PCOS ~2-5 x higher than normal range for age

Average AMH: 1.0 ng/mL-3.0 ng/mL (depends on age, testing method, manufacturer)

Low/severely low AMH: 0.4-1.0 ng/mL (low or diminished ovarian reserve)

Age significantly impacts AMH levels, with a natural decline post-35 impacting fertility potential.

Below are some common AMH lab values used by LabCorp to determine appropriate ranges of AMH based on a woman’s age. Please consult with a medical provider before making your own interpretations.

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June 8, 2026
Supporting wife during IVF

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IVF

Supporting wife during IVF

How to support your wife during IVF, IVF gifts for wife, ideas on how to console wife during IVF, can HSA cover costs of wife’s IVF?

IVF journey can be an emotionally challenging experience for couples. As a supportive partner, your role becomes crucial in providing comfort and understanding. In this article, we explore effective ways to support your wife during IVF, from offering a listening ear to practical solutions like exploring HSA coverage and fertility programs.

1. Listen and Be Patient to your wife during IVF

‍One of the most powerful ways to support your wife during IVF is by being a good listener. Understand that the process can be emotionally draining, and your wife may need to express her feelings. Be patient, compassionate, and open to discussing her thoughts and concerns.

2. Give Your Wife Blooming Eve IVF Support Subscription + Community

Learn more – $50 a month

‍Joining a supportive community can make a significant difference during the IVF journey. Consider gifting your wife fertility support subscription that includes access to an online community. Sharing experiences and advice with others going through similar situations can offer a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

June 8, 2026
Cost of Freezing Eggs in California & Affordable Fertility Clinics for Egg Freezing
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Clinics

Cost of Freezing Eggs in California & Affordable Fertility Clinics for Egg Freezing

Understand the cost of freezing eggs in California and find the cheapest fertility clinics in California for egg freezing.
It is great that you are considering preserving your fertility. Being proactive about your health is so important. Before you even fully commit to egg freezing, it is smart to:

Go through fertility testing consultation at a fertility clinic (usually includes bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasound and is performed at a fertility doctor’s office)

Understand the cost of egg freezing because it varies greatly depending on your location, clinic’s reputation and popularity, and employer insurance coverage.

We will look deeper into all these aspects for IVF cost in California.

The process of freezing eggs

Includes the following steps:

1. Fertility assessment (usually includes bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasound and is performed at a fertility doctor’s office)

2. Preparation (including information on medications and lifestyle changes)

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June 8, 2026
A Comprehensive Guide to Gestational Surrogacy: Process, Types, and Key Considerations
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IVF

A Comprehensive Guide to Gestational Surrogacy: Process, Types, and Key Considerations

Learn about the surrogacy process, types of surrogacy, and the ways to navigate it.
By Constance McGraw, MPH

In the realm of assisted reproductive technology (ART), gestational surrogacy can be a promising solution for individuals or couples facing fertility challenges. This guide aims to simplify the complex process, offering insights into how gestational surrogacy works and addresses key considerations.

Understanding Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy, a cornerstone of assisted reproduction, involves a woman carrying a child to term without a genetic relationship. Typically, this process is facilitated through in vitro fertilization (IVF), uniting the egg and sperm in a lab to create an embryo. The subsequent embryo transfer procedure involves placing the embryo into the gestational carrier, a woman distinct from the intended parents, who nurtures the pregnancy and ultimately delivers the baby.

Types of Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy stands out for its lack of biological ties between the carrier and the embryo’s genetic makeup. Other types of surrogacy include the following:

compassionate/altruistic surrogacy (non-paid, often provided to family/friend)

compensated/commercial surrogacy (gestational carrier receives payment beyond reimbursement for “reasonable” medical expenses and may not be legal in all 50 states)

traditional surrogacy (surrogate uses her own egg but is less common due to legal complexities)

Who Chooses Gestational Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy becomes a viable option for:

Individuals or couples facing infertility issues

Single individuals

Same-sex couples

Anyone unable to safely carry a pregnancy to term
June 8, 2026
How much is IVF in California?
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Clinics

How much is IVF in California?

IVF cost in California varies from $15,000 to $40,000. California doesn't require insurers to cover IVF treatment, so your coverage depends on your employee benefits. Save money by flying to another state, applying for fertility grants, or even changing jobs.
Find the best fertility clinic in California with cost and success rates

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilization is a type of fertility treatment that involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory dish. Once fertilized, the embryo is then transferred into the uterus. IVF is a blessing for couples struggling with infertility, but it’s essential to be prepared for the associated costs.

Breaking Down of the Cost of IVF in California

IVF Clinical Cost: The cost of a single IVF cycle or procedure in California can range from $12,000 to $30,000. It’s recommended to ask about what’s included in this cost, such as ultrasounds, blood tests, embryo transfers, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), and anesthesia. Preliminary testing for both partners is needed before starting the IVF process, and it is not included in the cycle cost.

IVF Medication Cost: IVF requires various medications to stimulate egg production, trigger ovulation, and support the uterine lining. These medications can significantly contribute to the overall cost, and the individual protocol depends on your medical history and doctor’s recommendations. On average, IVF medication costs can range from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the individual’s needs.
June 8, 2026
IVF in Alamaba: Alabama Supreme Court decision implications

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Clinics

IVF in Alamaba: Alabama Supreme Court decision implications

Learn about the recent decision of the Alabama Supreme Court about embryos being considered children and its implications.

On February 16th, 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that recognizes embryos as human beings. How does this ruling come into place? The couple that filed the original lawsuit was seeking justice for their embryos being destroyed because of inappropriate safety measures that existed in the clinic. These terrible circumstances and due concern and outrage of the intended parents are absolutely understandable. Unfortunately, the case has been used to support an already existing agenda and the fear that most of the patients and providers expressed after Roe v. Wade was overturned – that the negative regulation regarding IVF and eggs is coming.

The ruling has far-reaching consequences for providers and patients not only in Alabama but in other states, as it may become a precedent for similar decisions being made.

For Providers:

Declaring embryos children leads to higher liability and potential criminal charges for “wrongful death” for providers offering the service in the state. Some of the clinics in the region have already started reacting to the decision by shutting down their IVF operations – like the largest Alabama Health System – the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). More clinics may close their doors or stop offering IVF there because of potential legal liability. Those who stay may increase the pricing, as they may be subject to higher insurance charges and higher costs to store embryos that they can no longer be disposed of.

June 8, 2026
OBGYN and infertility
Blog
Egg freezing

OBGYN and infertility

In this blog post, we will discuss the role of OBGYNs in infertility, exploring what they do, how they differ from fertility specialists, and their ability to diagnose and treat infertility.
To start with, I want to address the differences between OBGYN and fertility doctor/reproductive endocrinologist (REI)

An OBGYN specializes in obstetrics (pregnancy) and gynecology (reproductive health), offering general women’s healthcare and managing pregnancies. An infertility specialist (REI) is an OBGYN with extra training in diagnosing and treating infertility, including advanced reproductive technologies like IVF. OBGYNs provide routine care, while infertility specialists focus on complex fertility issues and treatments.

Your local OBGYN can do a part of fertility treatment (IVF or egg freezing) under the supervision of a fertility doctor. Blooming Eve helps to set it up. Book a time for a consultation if you want to do part of IVF/egg freezing at your local OBGYN

What Does OBGYN Do for Infertility?

OBGYNs are medical doctors who specialize in women’s health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system. When it comes to infertility, OBGYNs play multiple roles:

Initial Evaluation: OBGYNs are often the first point of contact for individuals or couples struggling with infertility. They conduct thorough evaluations to identify potential causes of infertility, which may involve reviewing medical history, performing physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic Testing: OBGYNs can perform various tests to assess reproductive health and identify potential causes of infertility. These tests may include hormone level assessments, imaging studies (such as ultrasound), and evaluations of ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Treatment Recommendations: Based on the findings from diagnostic tests, OBGYNs can provide personalized treatment recommendations. This may include lifestyle modifications, medications to stimulate ovulation, surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues, or referrals to fertility specialists for advanced treatments.

Available only through Blooming Eve – Monitoring for more advanced infertility treatments: For some patients – more advanced fertility treatments may be required, such as egg freezing or IVF. For these patients, OBGYN can do monitoring during the treatment including bloodwork and follicular count (ultrasound). Book a time for a consultation if you want to start your IVF with your local OBGYN.

What is the Difference Between Fertility and OBGYN?

While OBGYNs specialize in women’s health, fertility specialists, also known as reproductive endocrinologists, undergo additional training specifically focused on diagnosing and treating infertility. Here are some key differences between the two:

Specialization: Fertility specialists have advanced training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, allowing them to specialize solely in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. OBGYNs, on the other hand, have a broader focus on women’s health, including obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive health.

Advanced Procedures: Fertility specialists are equipped to perform advanced procedures such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including IVF and egg freezing. While OBGYNs may offer some basic fertility treatments, they typically refer patients to fertility specialists for more complex procedures.

Collaboration: OBGYNs and fertility specialists often collaborate to provide comprehensive care for individuals or couples struggling with infertility. OBGYNs may conduct initial evaluations and basic treatments, while fertility specialists handle more specialized interventions when necessary. With Blooming Eve, you can also start your IVF at your local OBGYN. Reach out to learn how.
June 8, 2026