[{"_id":"project-settings","settings":{"translateMetaTags":true,"translateAriaLabels":true,"translateTitle":true,"showWidget":true,"isFeedbackEnabled":false,"fv":1,"customWidget":{"theme":"custom","font":"rgb(255,255,255)","header":"rgb(0,0,0)","background":"rgba(0,0,0,0.8)","position":"right","positionVertical":"bottom","border":"rgb(204,204,204)","borderRequired":false,"widgetCompact":true,"isWidgetPositionRelative":false},"widgetLanguages":[],"activeLanguages":{"fr-CA":"Français (Canada)","es":"Español","en":"English"},"enabledLanguages":["en","es","fr-CA"],"debugInfo":false,"displayBranding":true,"displayBrandingName":false,"localizeImages":false,"localizeUrls":false,"localizeImagesLimit":false,"localizeUrlsLimit":true,"localizeAudio":false,"localizeAudioLimit":false,"localizeDates":false,"disabledPages":[],"regexPhrases":[],"allowComplexCssSelectors":false,"blockedClasses":false,"blockedIds":false,"phraseDetection":true,"customDomainSettings":[],"seoSetting":[],"translateSource":false,"overage":false,"detectPhraseFromAllLanguage":false,"googleAnalytics":false,"mixpanel":false,"heap":false,"disableDateLocalization":false,"ignoreCurrencyInTranslation":false,"blockedComplexSelectors":[]},"version":24999},{"_id":"en","source":"en","pluralFn":"return n != 1 ? 1 : 0;","pluralForm":2,"dictionary":{},"version":24999},{"_id":"outdated","outdated":{"#Watch clinical experts, advocates, and Progyny leaders discuss all things women’s health, fertility and family building.":1,"#Deep breathing for stress management":1,"#Written by the Progyny Editorial Team — November 2025. Have you noticed that when you’re stressed, worried, or anxious, your […]":1,"#Mindfulness for stress management":1,"#Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — November 2025. If you were recently diagnosed […]":1,"#What should I know after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes?":1,"#Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — November 2025. With gestational diabetes, your number […]":1,"#Blood sugar monitoring for gestational diabetes":1,"#Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — November 2025. Getting the right amounts of […]":1,"#How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?":1,"#How postpartum doulas support new parents":1,"#Written by the Progyny Editorial Team — November 2025. Did you know that your own breath is a powerful tool […]":1,"#In IUI cycles, the hCG injection is used to make ovulation occur on a given day to help schedule the insemination at the ideal time for conception.":1,"#hCG injections are used to induce the final maturation of eggs. Once mature, eggs can then separate from the cells within the follicle and be released or ovulated approximately 34 to 36 hours after the injection.":1,"#hCG mimics LH, which causes ovulation. Administering hCG helps time ovulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles or egg retrieval in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In IVF, the hCG injection is typically given about 36 hours before retrieval to help eggs mature and separate from the follicle.":1,"#However, hCG can also be used to mature eggs and induce ovulation. That’s because it is very similar in structure and function to the hormone known as luteinizing hormone (LH). LH levels rise or surge just prior to ovulation and induce the ovulatory process. So, giving hCG causes a similar response by the ovary to induce ovulation.":1,"#hCG is a hormone that is primarily produced during pregnancy. It’s also the hormone detected in a pregnancy test, either using blood or urine.":1,"#It’s important to wait for the recommended amount of time, usually 10 days after the injection, before taking a urine pregnancy test. If you take a urine pregnancy test too soon, you may get a skewed result.":1,"#Does human chorionic gonadotropin interfere with a urine pregnancy test? | Progyny":1,"#Your healthcare provider will likely schedule a blood test 12 to 14 days after your IUI or 8 to 14 days after an embryo transfer for a more accurate result. The two-week wait can be tough, but taking at-home tests too early may lead to confusion.":1,"#In natural (or non-medicated) embryo transfer cycles, an hCG injection is sometimes used to make ovulation happen on a given day to schedule the embryo transfer at the optimal time for implantation.":1,"#In IVF cycles, the hCG injection is given about 36 hours before the scheduled egg retrieval. This is done to optimize the timing of the egg retrieval to retrieve the maximal number of eggs. If you try to retrieve eggs without using hCG, they won’t separate from the follicular fluid and can’t be collected.":1,"#If you’re undergoing fertility treatments, you’ll need to give yourself different injections on a schedule. Timing is especially important for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections.":1,"#Does human chorionic gonadotropin interfere with a urine pregnancy test?":1,"#Appel: <a ljsid-1=\"\">855-315-5353</a>":1,"#Reduced semen volume and lower sperm count":1,"#Erectile dysfunction":1,"#Low sex drive":1,"#Signs of testosterone deficiency include:":1,"#Testosterone is known as a sex hormone, but it is essential for normal functioning and development of the male body.":1,"#Testosterone deficiency, aka low testosterone or \"low T\" is common, affecting approximately 4-5 million people in the U.S.":1,"#Testosterone deficiency 101 | Progyny":1,"#Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to help provide more information and answer questions you may have along the way.":1,"#Your best option is to see a <strong ljsid-1=\"\">reproductive urologist </strong>who specializes in testosterone deficiency and male infertility. They’ll work with you to understand your history and goals to find the right treatment path for you.":1,"#Many primary care physicians don’t have specialized training for testosterone deficiency. They may not be familiar with all of the hormone medicines available, especially the fertility-friendly options.":1,"#Signs of testosterone deficiency":1,"#Who diagnoses and treats testosterone deficiency?":1,"#Medicine is often necessary, and it can come in many different forms, including injection, pills, skin gels/patches, pellets implanted under the skin, and nasal gels. <strong ljsid-1=\"\">Almost all of these will lower sperm production (lower fertility). </strong>":1,"#However, diet alone is often not a cure for testosterone deficiency.":1,"#Certain foods that are rich in vitamin D and zinc can help boost testosterone. Some examples include fish, low-fat milk enriched with vitamin D, egg yolks, oysters and shellfish, and legumes.":1,"#In general, things that are good for your health (such as eating healthy foods and staying at a healthy weight) can help boost testosterone levels.":1,"#Two separate blood tests are needed for confirmation. They should be done in the early morning on non-consecutive days. This is because testosterone levels are at their peak in the morning and change throughout the day.":1,"#Low testosterone levels (below 300 ng/dL) in a blood test":1,"#Having signs of testosterone deficiency, and":1,"#Typically, a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency depends on two things:":1,"#Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by everyone, but it has stronger effects for people assigned male at birth. (Testosterone is produced mainly in the testicles.) Testosterone is critical for sexual development, sperm production and fertility, sex drive and sexual function, and building bone and muscle mass.":1,"#With <strong ljsid-1=\"\">secondary hypogonadism</strong>, testosterone deficiency is due to damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which control hormone production in the testicles. This damage may be from inherited conditions, or happen from aging, being overweight, or medicines including opioids and anabolic steroids.":1,"#Some conditions affect the testicles directly, leading to low levels of testosterone (<strong ljsid-1=\"\">primary hypogonadism</strong>). This can include inherited conditions, certain illnesses, injury, and some cancer treatments.":1,"#Testosterone naturally declines with age. In addition, some conditions can cause testosterone deficiency in people of all ages, including children.":1,"#If you want to maintain your fertility and treat symptoms of low testosterone, work with your doctor. There are some medicines that will not lower sperm production and may even help boost sperm counts.":1,"#That might be the exact opposite of what you’d expect. But when you take testosterone produced outside the body, the body will sense that testosterone levels have gone up. In response, the testicles will lower or stop sperm production.":1,"#But this is important: <strong ljsid-1=\"\">taking testosterone harms fertility.</strong>":1,"#Testosterone deficiency can lead to lower sperm counts, affecting fertility.":1,"#How does testosterone deficiency affect fertility?":1,"#Smaller than usual penis or testicles":1,"#Impaired concentration/memory":1,"#Low motivation":1,"#Decreased bone density":1,"#Increased body fat":1,"#Difficulty with exercising and gaining muscle":1,"#Fatigue and sleep issues":1,"#Testosterone deficiency (also known as low testosterone, “low T,” or hypogonadism) is common, affecting 4 to 5 million people in the United States. Testosterone levels often start to decline around age 30. About 7% of men in their 50s have low testosterone and that number goes up with age.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by Philip Cheng, MD — October 2025.":1,"#If the sperm count is very low, your provider may recommend genetic testing, such as karyotyping, to look for chromosomal conditions.":1,"#Normal sperm concentration ranges from 15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter. Fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered low. However, sperm count alone doesn’t fully predict fertility. Some people with low counts can conceive naturally, and some with high counts may still have difficulty.":1,"#Concentration":1,"#Patients with both low volume and low sperm concentration may be experiencing testosterone deficiency. Less often, a low volume with either no sperm (azoospermia) or severely low sperm (severe oligospermia) may suggest some sort of obstruction.":1,"#The normal volume of semen is at least 1.5 milliliters. Low semen volume can happen for a few reasons, including an incomplete sample collection and partial retrograde ejaculation, when some semen flows back into the bladder instead of out through the urethra. In these cases, a second sample is often collected after emptying the bladder.":1,"#A semen analysis measures the amount and quality of semen and evaluates sperm under a microscope. It typically looks at:":1,"#Sperm-related infertility, also called male factor infertility, plays a role in up to 50% of fertility problems.":1,"#What’s a semen analysis?":1,"#In vitro fertilization with an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (injecting a single sperm directly into an egg in the lab)":1,"#Intrauterine insemination (placing sperm that are living and motile) directly into the uterus)":1,"#Depending on the cause, assisted reproductive technology may be needed. The options to increase the odds of conception include:":1,"#Your provider will review your results and may suggest repeating the test, since results can change between samples. If the analysis shows possible sperm-related fertility problems, you may be referred to a reproductive urologist for more testing and possible treatment.":1,"#When to visit a reproductive urologist":1,"#Motility describes how well sperm move toward the egg. Experts say the lower limit of normal total motility is 40%. Unless all sperm have poor movement, motility alone is usually not a strong predictor of infertility.":1,"#Motility":1,"#Morphology refers to sperm shape and structure. Healthy sperm have oval heads and long tails that help them swim. A normal sperm morphology result is 4% or more of sperm having a normal shape.":1,"#Morphology":1,"#Sperm-related infertility, also called male factor infertility, plays a role in up to 50% of fertility problems. To evaluate your sperm, your healthcare provider will recommend a semen analysis as part of an infertility workup.":1,"#send an email to enteryour@addresshere.com?subject=The+importance+of+hydration+while+trying+to+conceive&body=Check%20this%20out:%20https%3A%2F%2Fprogyny.com%2Feducation%2Ftrying-to-conceive%2Fthe-importance-of-hydration-while-trying-to-conceive%2F":1,"#The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.":1,"#Disclaimer:":1,"#étude de 2022":1,"#Aborder la question des avantages liés à la fertilité et à la fondation d'une famille au sein de votre organisation peut sembler intimidant. À qui s'adresser ? Comment faire ? […]":1,"#Les femmes noires sont <a ljsid-1=\"\">two times more likely</a> to be impacted by infertility":1,"#Privacy Policy Revision date: May 5, 2025 Progyny, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (collectively “Progyny”, “us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the https://progyny.com website, member portal, provider portal and member […]":1,"#Men’s health and fertility: A key component of the family building journey It’s time to shift the narrative around fertility. It’s time to talk about sperm. Addressing men’s fertility early […]":1,"#Men's health and fertility: A key component of the family building journey":1,"#Finding a doctor perfect for you is the first step for effective fertility treatment. Not sure if a clinic is in network? <mark ljsid-1=\"\">Use the </mark><a ljsid-2=\"\"><mark ljsid-2-0=\"\">Progyny Provider Search Tool</mark></a><mark ljsid-3=\"\"> to verify. Armed with the questions to consider and a better understanding of what you want, give your PCA a call and begin building the family of your dreams today!</mark> All Progyny members also have access to a <a ljsid-5=\"\">Clinical Educator</a>, a nurse who can assist you if you’d like added help in choosing a clinic. Reach out to your PCA to set up a conversation with a Progyny Clinical Educator.":1,"#DocTalk episode: Scrambled movie, male fertility and covid pregnancies":1,"#DocTalk episode: Birth control... for men":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — September 2025. Sperm freezing is becoming a common choice if you want to […]":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — September 2025. What is a varicocele? Like a varicose vein in the legs, […]":1,"#Cancel Record":1,"#Start Record":1,"#Notre écosystème de soins cohérent permet à nos membres de bénéficier de soins dispensés par des professionnels de santé féminine hautement qualifiés et directement accrédités. Progyny est accrédité NCQA en matière <a ljsid-1=\"\">d'agrément</a> .":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — September 2025. When people talk about age and fertility, most of the focus […]":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025. In vitro fertilization (IVF) lab advances have improved how embryos are […]":1,"#How clinics are keeping you safe and what fertility treatment will look like during COVID and beyond.":1,"#DocTalk episode: Cracking the code on male fertility":1,"#DocTalk episode: Ep. 18: Five conditions women face more often than men":1,"#Fertility preservation for cancer patients: Focusing on your life after cancer":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025. Early pregnancy can be an emotional time. Every ache, pain, or […]":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025. If you’re trying to conceive, you probably know hormones play a […]":1,"#Journey to fatherhood: Finding support in the journey":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">New or increasing chest pain</strong> or shortness of breath should be reported to the provider. This goes beyond the mild shortness of breath that can be common at the end of pregnancy.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Persistent headaches</strong>, which are different than usual headaches and not relieved by over-the-counter medications, can be a sign too.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Visual disturbances</strong> like blurry vision, flashes of light in the peripheral vision (scotoma), sensitivity to light (photophobia), and temporary loss of vision can be signs of preeclampsia.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Swelling</strong> (edema) can occur, particularly in the hands and face. While mild swelling is common during pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling should be reported to the provider.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Too much protein in the urine </strong>(proteinuria) shows that the kidneys are not working normally. During routine prenatal visits, a provider may test urine for protein.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">High blood pressure</strong> (hypertension): Blood pressures above 140 mm hg systolic (top number of the blood pressure cuff) or above 90 mm hg diastolic (bottom number of the blood pressure cuff) are considered elevated. These are typically elevated on two separate occasions, at least four hours apart, to make the hypertension diagnosis.":1,"#Preeclampsia is a more severe type of gestational hypertension, where a person has high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs.":1,"#pregnant woman with blood pressure cuff":1,"#Progyny is here for you if you have any questions. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.":1,"#Regular prenatal care and communication with your provider is essential for the early identification and management of preeclampsia. If you have concerns about your risk of developing it, talk to your provider.":1,"#There are several signs and symptoms of preeclampsia that parents should be aware of, including:":1,"#<a ljsid-0=\"\">Preeclampsia</a> is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and risk factors is very important for early detection and effective management. This is to ensure the health and safety of both the birthing parent and their baby.":1,"#Those who have had preeclampsia should continue to monitor their blood pressure and symptoms postpartum. That’s because they remain at increased risk of complications such as eclampsia (seizures) and strokes.":1,"#The only cure is delivery of the baby and placenta. In some cases, if the condition is serious, providers may recommend delivering the baby early to avoid health problems for the birthing parent.":1,"#If the case is mild, it can usually be managed with regular checkups outside the hospital. But if it’s more serious, the person may need to stay in the hospital until delivery so doctors can closely watch and manage the symptoms.":1,"#A provider may recommend starting aspirin to reduce the risk of preeclampsia for those with one or more risk factors. Medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and prevent complications — it depends on how serious the condition is.":1,"#Going to all prenatal appointments allows healthcare providers to monitor blood pressure, urine protein levels, and other signs to recognize and treat preeclampsia.":1,"#Prevention and management":1,"#If the birthing parent has one of more of these risk factors, the provider may recommend starting daily low-dose aspirin. This may be started as early as 12 weeks to reduce risk.":1,"#In vitro fertilization pregnancies":1,"#Carrying twins, triplets, or more":1,"#If not diagnosed and treated, preeclampsia can cause serious complications for both the baby and birthing parent, including low birth weight or preterm delivery for the baby, and rare but serious complications such as seizures or strokes for the birthing parent. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the rate of preeclampsia in the US has increased by 25 percent in the last two decades and is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death.":1,"#Being overweight or obese prior to pregnancy":1,"#A family history of it, especially in a mother or sister":1,"#Birthing parents under age 20 or over age 40":1,"#Other medical issues, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders (such as lupus or Crohn’s disease), and kidney disease":1,"#Pre-existing high blood pressure (chronic hypertension)":1,"#A history of hypertension or preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy, especially if it was severe or occurred early on":1,"#First pregnancies or those carrying a child with a new partner":1,"#There are certain risk factors that make it more likely to develop hypertension or preeclampsia during pregnancy:":1,"#Risk factors":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Upper abdominal pain</strong>, usually on the right side under the ribs, can be a symptom of liver involvement in severe preeclampsia. This pain may also come with heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.":1,"#Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy, typically after the 20th week. It’s a serious complication that occurs in 1 in 12 pregnancies. Preeclampsia is a more severe type of gestational hypertension, where a person has high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, most commonly the liver and kidneys.":1,"#Younger people who are thinking about their ovarian reserve as they age. (The number and quality of eggs goes down with age, so egg freezing tends to be used by people under 35.)":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Egg freezing</strong> can be an option for:":1,"#Who uses these options?":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Embryo banking </strong>allows you to retrieve eggs (like with egg freezing). Then, in a lab, those eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos that are frozen for the future. It is commonly done during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.":1,"#The egg freezing process involves daily hormone injections, ultrasounds and bloodwork to monitor progress, and a procedure under anesthesia to retrieve the eggs.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Egg freezing </strong>(also known as egg banking or oocyte cryopreservation) allows you to retrieve unfertilized eggs and store them for future use.":1,"#Egg freezing and embryo banking are very different. Let’s walk through what they are and how to compare your options.":1,"#seated woman contemplating":1,"#And remember, your Progyny Care Advocate is always here to support your journey and answer questions along the way.":1,"#What is egg freezing and embryo banking?":1,"#Choosing egg freezing or embryo banking is a personal choice. But you don’t have to think through everything alone. When you meet with a reproductive endocrinology specialist, you can discuss your goals, health history, and values. They’ll help you explore your options and decide the right path for you.":1,"#Making an informed decision":1,"#Costs vary based on the specific services you choose, but your Progyny Care Advocate can walk you through the details.":1,"#Embryo banking is more expensive at the start since it involves fertilizing the eggs with sperm and developing an embryo(s). Future costs include storage and frozen embryo transfer to the uterus.":1,"#Egg freezing tends to be lower cost at the start because it has fewer steps. Future costs will include thawing and fertilizing the eggs followed by growing embryos in the lab.":1,"#Your Progyny benefit eases many concerns about cost, but it’s important to understand.":1,"#Costs":1,"#In terms of live birth success rates, neither egg freezing nor embryo banking can guarantee that an embryo will develop and end with a live birth. Your age at the time of treatment is one of the best predictors of future pregnancy. (Younger people have higher success rates.)":1,"#Not all eggs or embryos survive the thawing process. Egg freezing has a lower survival rate than embryo banking. Since not all eggs thaw, fertilize, or develop as hoped, many eggs are frozen to increase the chances of success.":1,"#Both frozen eggs and embryos can be safely stored until they’re ready to be used. (They can be frozen for any length of time.)":1,"#They <em ljsid-1=\"\">sound </em>similar, and they both offer flexibility for growing your family. But egg freezing and embryo banking are very different. Let’s walk through what they are and how to compare your options.":1,"#During your initial consultation, be sure to talk with your doctor to share your goals and understand success rates for your unique situation.":1,"#Everyone’s journey is different, and your feelings are valid. Your thoughts and emotions may also change throughout the process, and that’s OK. Talking with your healthcare team or a fertility counselor can help you think things through. This is a big decision, and you have a supportive team on your side.":1,"#Egg banking may ease some of these concerns for some people since it involves preserving eggs rather than embryos.":1,"#Embryo banking raises ethical and emotional considerations. Some people may feel a strong attachment to their embryos and may struggle with the idea of discarding unused embryos.":1,"#Ethical and emotional considerations":1,"#People or couples undergoing IVF who wish to store embryos for future pregnancies.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Embryo banking </strong>may be an option for:":1,"#Egg freezing allows reproductive freedom for people who are not in a committed relationship or in case a relationship ends.":1,"#Trans people who wish to preserve their fertility":1,"#People with conditions that may affect their fertility (such as endometriosis) or who are having treatments for cancer":1,"#If you’re facing fertility challenges or are interested in preserving your fertility, you may have heard of egg freezing (also called egg banking) and embryo banking.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — November 2025.":1,"#El beneficio de Progyny solo está disponible a través de los beneficios patrocinados por su organización o la de su pareja y debe estar inscrito en un plan de salud elegible. Si no tiene acceso al beneficio de Progyny, ahora es el momento de iniciar la conversación. ¿Sabía que el 64 % de las organizaciones que ofrecen un beneficio de fertilidad lo hacen porque un empleado lo solicitó? Inicie la conversación <a ljsid-1=\"\">con estos recursos</a>.":1,"#Progyny está incluido en los beneficios de salud de su organización cuando está inscrito en un plan elegible. Es posible que tenga responsabilidad financiera (o gastos de bolsillo) por ciertos servicios, según su plan de salud. Para obtener más información, llame a su Defensor de Atención de Progyny (PCA). También puede <a ljsid-1=\"\">Mira este seminario web</a> para obtener más información sobre los aspectos financieros del tratamiento de fertilidad y qué esperar al utilizar el beneficio de Progyny.":1,"#Más nacimientos vivos<sup ljsid-1=\"\">3</sup>":1,"#Menos abortos espontáneos<sup ljsid-1=\"\">2</sup>":1,"#Some egg banks offer financing options or payment plans, which can help manage the financial aspect of fertility treatments. Be sure to review <a ljsid-1=\"\">Progyny’s in-network tissue banks for purchase of donor eggs (or sperm).</a>":1,"#An egg bank should provide you with a complete cost for using its donor eggs. This includes the price of the donor eggs, as well as additional fees for storage, thawing, shipping, and related services.":1,"#Clear cost structure":1,"#Comprehensive donor profiles with detailed medical and personal information are essential for making an informed choice.":1,"#An egg bank with a broad and varied selection of donors increases the chances you’ll find a donor who meets your criteria. Look for diversity in terms of ethnicity, physical characteristics, educational backgrounds, and personal interests.":1,"#Large and diverse donor pools":1,"#To get a better idea of how an individual facility stacks up, compare its rates to national averages and other egg banks you’re considering. For help understanding the data, review it with your healthcare team and ask any questions you have.":1,"#Success rates reflect the number of successful pregnancies and live births through an egg bank’s donor eggs. Success rates are a strong indicator of the egg bank’s performance.":1,"#If you’ve decided to use a donor egg for your journey to pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right egg bank.":1,"#scientist handling specimens in lab setting":1,"#If you have questions, please reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We’re here to help guide you!":1,"#By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can select an egg bank that meets your needs and enhances your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.":1,"#Look for egg banks that perform extensive medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations to ensure the health and suitability of their donors. It’s important that donors are re-screened frequently to maintain high standards.":1,"#Careful donor screening":1,"#If you’ve decided to use a donor egg for your journey to pregnancy, it’s important to choose the right egg bank. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a high-quality facility that meets your needs.":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team and reviewed by Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny — November 2025. If […]":1,"#3 ways to take control of your fertility wellness":1,"#Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — December 2025. When you’re trying to get pregnant, it can feel like so […]":1,"#Taking charge of your reproductive health":1,"#In a typical menstrual cycle, the brain sends signals to the ovaries to grow and release one egg. With PCOS, the ovaries do not respond as they should. Several small follicles may form, but no single follicle grows enough to release an egg.":1,"#How PCOS affects ovulation":1,"#Many people with PCOS are also at risk for insulin resistance. This means the body does not use insulin well, which can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems.":1,"#Ovaries with many small fluid-filled sacs (follicles)":1,"#High levels of testosterone or other androgens":1,"#Irregular or missed menstrual cycles":1,"#PCOS is often defined by three main signs:":1,"#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about 10% of people with ovaries.":1,"#PCOS affects more than fertility. It is linked to health concerns involving metabolism, the heart, skin, and mental health. Because of this, many people work with a team of healthcare providers to support their overall health.":1,"#Beyond fertility":1,"#PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among people with ovaries of reproductive age, affecting 5% to 15% worldwide. It affects all races and ethnicities.":1,"#Yes. Infertility with PCOS is often caused by irregular ovulation, but this can be treated with medications that help the ovaries release eggs. For some people, lifestyle changes — such as weight loss — may restore regular cycles and improve the chance of pregnancy. Not everyone with PCOS will have trouble getting pregnant.":1,"#Can you get pregnant with PCOS?":1,"#The ovaries often make higher levels of androgens, which can affect egg development and ovulation. When the body does not use insulin well, insulin levels rise. This can trigger the ovaries to make more androgens. Some research suggests that long-term, low-grade inflammation may cause the ovaries to make more androgens.":1,"#Other factors":1,"#It often runs in families, which suggests a genetic role. But there is no single PCOS gene. Researchers believe genetics, as well as prenatal and environmental factors, may all play a part.":1,"#Genetic links":1,"#The cause of PCOS is not fully understood. It is called a syndrome because it involves a group of symptoms, not one single condition.":1,"#What causes PCOS?":1,"#Some people with a high number of eggs (ovarian reserve) may have ovaries that look similar to PCOS on ultrasound. That’s why diagnosis should include symptoms, not ultrasound findings alone.":1,"#On an ultrasound, these small follicles may look like a “string of pearls.” The name can be confusing. PCOS does not mean the ovaries have large cysts. Instead, the ovaries have many small follicles that hold eggs. Without regular ovulation, periods may be irregular or absent.":1,"#The exact cause is not known, but PCOS happens when hormones are out of balance. These imbalances affect how the ovaries grow and release eggs, making it harder to become pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common and treatable causes of infertility.":1,"#Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about 10% of people with ovaries during their reproductive years.":1,"#default_cursor":1,"#Postpartum psychosis":1,"#Postpartum depression often shows up as persistent sadness, anxiety, or despair that makes it hard to function. Unlike the baby blues, it doesn’t resolve on its own and can start any time in the first year after delivery. Talking with your healthcare provider is the best way to confirm what’s happening and get the right support and treatment.":1,"#If emotional changes are more intense, last longer, or interfere with daily life, they may signal postpartum depression. About 1 in 8 women experience this condition, and rates can be higher among transgender and nonbinary parents or anyone with a history of depression.":1,"#Postpartum depression":1,"#For many new parents, the first sign of these hormonal shifts is the “baby blues.” This short-term condition is very common, affecting up to 80% of people who give birth. Symptoms may include mood swings, crying spells, and anxiety. While unsettling, these feelings usually fade on their own within about two weeks.":1,"#Baby blues":1,"#These dramatic changes play a major role in your physical recovery and mood. They can contribute to common experiences like the “baby blues” and, in some cases, more serious mood disorders that may appear later in the postpartum period.":1,"#newborn with extended family":1,"#The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support in English and Spanish, with interpreters available in more than 60 languages. The <a ljsid-1=\"\">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a> also offers helpful videos.":1,"#Non-emergency support":1,"#If you are in mental health distress or having thoughts of suicide, call <strong ljsid-1=\"\">911 </strong>or dial <strong ljsid-3=\"\">988 </strong>to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.":1,"#Emergency support":1,"#Support is available":1,"#Every postpartum experience is different. Whether this is your first child or your third, you may face new highs and lows. During this transition, give yourself compassion, ask for help when you need it, and take things one day at a time.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Lean on your support system</strong>. Parenting can feel isolating. Reach out to family, friends, or other parents. Accept help from those you trust — whether that’s watching the baby for an hour or bringing a meal.":1,"#After childbirth, your hormone levels shift rapidly, and these changes affect both your body and your emotions. Oxytocin and endorphins often rise, which can strengthen bonding and help reduce stress. At the same time, estrogen and progesterone drop sharply once the placenta is delivered.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Take care of yourself</strong>. Prioritizing rest, nourishing foods, and movement (as recommended by your provider) supports both recovery and mental health.":1,"#<strong ljsid-0=\"\">Give yourself time to adjust</strong>. It can take weeks or months to settle into your new role. If you have older children, they will need time to adjust, too. It’s normal to miss parts of your old routine or struggle to feel like yourself.":1,"#Here are some steps that can help:":1,"#In the weeks and months after delivery, many physical symptoms improve, and your body may start to feel more like itself. But recovery is more than physical — caring for a newborn is mentally and emotionally demanding, especially if this is your first time.":1,"#Hormonal changes, pain, and lack of sleep all influence postpartum mental health. With time, medical care, and emotional support, most people begin to feel better. Recovery looks different for everyone, so give yourself patience and grace — healing after childbirth takes time.":1,"#Healing and support":1,"#While emotions are shifting, your body is also healing from delivery. Whether vaginal or cesarean, recovery can bring pain or discomfort, and sleep deprivation can make these challenges feel harder. If discomfort is prolonged or prevents you from daily tasks, speak with your provider about ways to manage it safely.":1,"#Physical recovery":1,"#In rare cases, hormonal and emotional changes can lead to postpartum psychosis, which affects about 1 to 2 in 1,000 births. This serious condition may cause hallucinations, delusions, or severe confusion. Because symptoms can appear suddenly and escalate quickly, postpartum psychosis is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate care.":1,"#Hormonal changes after birth":1,"#Becoming a parent is a major life change. Whether you are a first-time parent or welcoming another child, it can take time to adjust to life with a new baby.":1,"#They could try another retrieval the following month or convert from IVF to IUI. They called their Progyny Care Advocate (PCA) at Progyny to figure out their options. Kelly explains, “It was great to know that we only used a fraction of our points for the stimulation cycle and weren’t ‘out anything’ for the retrieval that wouldn’t be happening. And that we could easily convert it to the IUI and still have plenty of points left on our plan to do additional IVF cycles, which we assumed we would be needing after that.” So, after talking it through, they decided to try one more IUI.":1,"#Your healthcare team will do tests to make sure IUI is an appropriate option. This may involve blood tests, ultrasounds, and a semen analysis.":1,"#Specific causes of infertility such endometriosis, problems with the cervix, problems with ovulation":1},"version":24999}]