Episode 44: Genetic Testing: IVF and Fruitful Fertility

Infertility treatment is often a series of difficult choices. Do you try IUI? How many rounds? What about IVF? Can you afford it? Do you transfer one fresh embryo, or do you freeze them all? What about pre-implantation genetic testing? Is it worth the additional expense?  

Doctors can recommend a treatment path, but each choice is tied to money and time, and it’s up to the patient to weigh those factors against success rates. At the end of the day, if you choose a less expensive fertility treatment, are you actually saving money? Are you being efficient?  

Today we hear from Elyse Ash, who had to face all of those questions and more throughout her infertility journey. Elyse shares what it was like being diagnosed with endometriosis, carefully considering the costs and success rates before undergoing IVF, and enduring years of frustration before finally giving birth to her baby girl Abigail.  

Elyse also discusses one of the most valuable lessons she learned along the way, the importance of support. That’s what led her to create Fruitful Fertility, a free mentorship program that connects those struggling with infertility with those who’ve been through it firsthand. 

Guest: Elyse Ash, Founder of Fruitful Fertility 

Host: Brandi Guthrie, Provider Account Manager at Progyny 

For more information, visit Progyny’s Podcast page and Fruitful Fertility. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, @ThisisInfertilityPodcast and use the #ThisisInfertility. 

Have a question, comment, or want to share your story? Email us at thisisinfertility@progyny.com.