About SGF

My husband and I dated in college, but we broke up only to get back together 11 years later. I like to joke that perhaps if we got married younger, we wouldn’t have needed fertility treatment to start our family, but then we wouldn’t have known we were both carriers for cystic fibrosis. So everything really does happen for a reason.

Since we were older when we got married, we started trying for a family right away. We were really hoping for a honeymoon baby. After a few months of trying, I sought out help because I felt something might be wrong.

Looking for Answers

I found a center in Long Island where we went through genetic testing and found out we were both carriers for cystic fibrosis. In vitro fertilization (IVF) with PGT-M would be our only option to ensure we didn’t transfer an embryo with cystic fibrosis.

8 IVF cycles and multiple fertility centers later, we still weren’t pregnant. We moved to donor egg treatment and none of our embryos even made it to the blastocyst stage. I felt like every doctor I went to just kept using the same protocol. Treatment felt like I was in a fertility factory and no one would listen to my concerns. I had done a lot of research on endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA), a test that helps avoid implantation failure by establishing the best day for embryo transfer. When I brought it up to my doctor, he completely dismissed me saying, “nope, doesn’t pertain to you.”

Treatment was also taking a serious toll on our bank account. No one in the New York area offered any type of guarantee program, but then my therapist told me about Shady Grove Fertility’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Program.

Coming to Shady Grove Fertility

Everything changed for the better when we came to Shady Grove Fertility for our first appointment. The entire staff was amazing, especially Mallory, Abby, and of course Dr. Sasson. He reviewed my medical history and suggested we try endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) with donor egg. I knew in that instant that I was in the right place. Dr. Sasson listened to us and for once, I didn’t feel like I was in a factory. I finally felt hopeful.

The ERA results indicated that I needed one additional day of progesterone! Looks like it did “pertain to me” after all and on our very first transfer with SGF, we were PREGNANT! I had never been pregnant before in my whole life. I couldn’t believe it actually worked on our first try at SGF.
Nine months later, we welcomed a perfect and healthy little boy.

Advice for Others

Do your research. There’s a lot of information out there so it’s important for you to be educated about your journey. My research led us to SGF, where we found the Shared Risk 100% Refund Program and Dr. Sasson who knew ERA would make the difference in my protocol.

It’s so important to be your own advocate. I felt that my previous fertility centers did not have my best interest at heart, so I left. I kept changing centers until I found the right place. Trust your gut. It’s not okay to feel like you’re in a factory. Dr. Sasson provided wonderful care in a personalized way.
Also, find someone to talk to about your experience. Find a support group or therapist. You’d be surprised at how many people are dealing with infertility, which is why it was important for me to share my story.

Read more inspiring patient stories: here. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an SGF physician, please contact our New Patient Call Center at 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief online form.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER, DR. ERIC WIDRA, ABOUT SGF’S SAFETY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE STANDARDS: 

 All of us in the fertility community have been alarmed and saddened by the media reports of the wrong embryos being transferred by a clinic in California. While none of us know the details of this case, the story goes directly to the worst fears of all of us—patients and providers alike. At SGF we spend enormous time and energy to ensure that such an error cannot occur in our facilities. This includes ongoing re-evaluation of the processes outlined below, as well as the use of outside consultants to evaluate our procedures for identification and tracking of patient material—embryos, eggs, and sperm. 

Identity and Custody at SGF 

Every patient at SGF is identified in our systems by name and a unique identification number, the MPI. As our patients will attest, any transfer of material requires additional identifiers: date of birth, and, if available, social security number. Before accepting material or performing a procedure involving sperm or eggs, the patient’s identification must be confirmed with photo ID. 

Whenever our lab staff accepts or processes fresh or cryopreserved patient material, there must be an unbroken chain of custody from the patient to the center and confirmation of correct identity by TWO lab staff. In the case of embryo transfer, there is a THIRD confirmation of identification by the physician performing the procedure. 

All sperm, eggs, and embryos are assigned a specific location within the cryostorage system, and identifiers are permanently affixed to the vials containing the material.  

If there were ever a discrepancy in any of the above checks, we would not proceed with insemination, fertilization of eggs, or transfer of embryos. 

Our hearts go out to those suffering from this apparent error. We will remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and accuracy of our systems.

Keeping your embryos and eggs safe

Many wonder how their embryos and eggs are kept safe during the process of freezing and throughout an indefinite amount of time spent in storage. At Shady Grove Fertility, we take all appropriate preventive safety precautions for frozen embryos and eggs to preserve and protect them so that they are available to you when you decide to start or grow your family.

Expertise inside SGF laboratories

Shady Grove Fertility, home to the largest freestanding in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab in its headquarters location in Rockville, MD, along with four other world-class laboratories in Chesterbrook, PA, Towson, MD, Atlanta, GA, and Fairfax, VA, continues to meet and exceed quality standards when it comes to patient care and operations.

The laboratories are operated under the distinct leadership of nationally and internationally known Jim Graham, Senior Director of SGF Laboratory Services, and Michael J. Tucker, BSc Comb Hons, Ph.D., FIBiol, HCLD, director of IVF and embryology laboratories. One of the most important aspects of well-run laboratories is quality control. Our protocols and the extensive training required of our laboratory staff ensure the upmost quality with zero margin for error.

Behind each piece of equipment is an embryologist. The principal functions of these specially trained staff are to verify the identification of individual patient specimens, carefully handle sperm, eggs, and embryos and to guarantee appropriate distribution of all materials.

All staff involved in the handling of sperm, eggs, and embryos must follow what is known as a Chain of Custody protocol. Chain of custody refers to the way each specimen is identified during every step of the process to ensure the integrity of each patient’s specimens. Shady Grove Fertility’s chain of custody protocol requires that two embryologists verify the identification of samples at each stage of the process to ensure, for example, that the correct sperm is paired with the correct eggs. Patients also take an active role in the protocol when they are asked to verify their identification verbally at several points.

Because of our commitment to these procedures, Shady Grove Fertility has never had an incorrect identification in our almost 29-year history. Making sure the right sperm ends up with the right eggs or that the right embryo is transferred to the right patient is the absolute most important thing to our Practice.

Experience matters

SGF never compromises when it comes to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. The dedicated professionals who work within SGF’s labs partner with SGF clinicians in the completion of over 15,000 fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles a year, not including an equal number of ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles annually.

Freezing technology and storage protocols

SGF keeps eggs and embryos stored in liquid nitrogen versus vapor. Liquid nitrogen is more expensive but maintains a more stable lower temperature for long-term storage. Each tank is regularly monitored and alarmed 24/7 with numerous and redundant fail safes in place to ensure the temperature of the environment is kept at the ideal level. In the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophe preventing access to the tanks, or to additional liquid nitrogen, the tanks will maintain their temperature for 6 weeks with no risk to the contents. The tanks can also be evacuated from the building in less than 1 hour, should that need arise.

At SGF, we also alarm our tanks for any change that could indicate a problem. Each tank must communicate daily with the alarm system. If the communication does not occur, the system alerts lab personnel in ample time to address the problem before it has any impact on the contents.  We believe that this is the safest and most effective system available and are 100% confident in our ability to care for our patients’ gametes and embryos.

State-of-the-art Technology

SGF’s embryology laboratories are filled with state-of-the-art incubators, microscopes, and highly skilled technicians to ensure patient’s sensitive eggs have the best chance of growing into healthy embryos.

The equipment within the laboratories is another aspect of what really sets the Shady Grove Fertility laboratory apart from any other. At our largest laboratory in Rockville, the embryology laboratory is ISO-certified Level 1000 clean rooms. This means that the space within the laboratory is so clean, it has less than 1,000 particles per cubic meter. To put this in perspective, the environment outside has over 35,000,000 particles per cubic meter. The filtered air within the entire laboratory is replaced 30 times per hour. Air re-entering the laboratory is filtered through both HEPA filtration for particulates and carbon filters for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This prevents nearly all contaminates from interrupting the growth of embryos.

Embryos are developed and cultured in one of SGF’s incubators, which act as artificial wombs. The environment within each incubator is carefully controlled; the temperature is set to a constant 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and the incubator interior is kept dark to further emulate the womb environment.

Several of the procedures within the embryology department take place under one of the laboratory’s inverted microscopes. These microscopes allow light from above the Petri dish to illuminate down through the sample into the lenses located at the bottom of the microscope. Each microscope magnifies up to 400 times and provides high resolution views of the sperm, eggs, and embryos, allowing embryologist to make precise movements when doing procedures.

Safety Precautions / Lab Security

Shady Grove Fertility has been a part of many nationwide protocol changes to better ensure the safety of all of the frozen eggs and embryos stored and used here. Should a known, highly-damaging event be predicted to take place, we have partners further in-land who would safely house all of our patients’ eggs and embryos should it be needed. Luckily, this hasn’t happened in our almost 29-year history. Our first route of protection would be at one of our laboratories.

To learn more about safety precautions for frozen embryos or eggs at Shady Grove Fertility, call 1-877-411-9292 to speak with one of our New Patient Liaisons.

Of all of the milestones Shady Grove Fertility has reached through the years, the one that makes us beam with pride the most is the number of babies born as a result of care at our center. To us, there is no greater achievement than to help patients realize their dream of a family. And this year marks an especially significant practice milestone: 85,000 SGF babies born and counting.

When the center first opened its doors in Rockville, MD in 1991, with two physicians, Dr. Sagoskin and Dr. Levy, one SGF baby was born every 20 days approximately. Today, 12 SGF babies are born each and every day.

“We never set out to reach this particular milestone,” recalls Michael J. Levy, M.D., Co-Founder of SGF and Director of IVF. “Instead, we said, very simply, from day one, we will always put the patients first and do what is ultimately in their best interest. This means, if there is a simpler, less invasive, or less expensive option that’s equally advantageous available, that’s what we will do,” adds Levy.

“We offer a place of hope. We’re here to help patients find answers. I tell my patients, I will walk alongside you, and we’ll together put one foot in front of the other until we find a solution. I’m in this with you,” shared long-time SGF physician, Eric D. Levens, M.D., who sees patients in SGF’s Fairfax, VA location.

Throughout SGF’s many years of growth, accomplishments, and milestones, one thing has remained the same; Our uncompromising commitment to deliver the highest quality care to every patient who walks through our doors. Hear from patients in our community who are celebrating along with us – who are a special part of the 85K babies born, 85K inspirational stories, and 85K dreams that have become a reality.

 “We are beyond grateful to everyone at SGF Chesterbrook. We will never forget our first appointment with Dr. Isaac Sasson, after discussing our case he looked at us and said: ‘You’re going to be pregnant, I cannot tell you when, or how, but I can tell you, you’re going to be pregnant.’ With this statement, we started our journey at SGF with Dr. Sasson, Erica and Nikki by our side the whole time. When we look at our son, we are filled with joy and appreciation for the journey that we had and the place where we are now. Thank you to SGF Chesterbrook staff for always making us feel welcome and loved.” -SGF Sister Yael

 “My wife and I would like to announce the birth of our SGF miracle, Henry. He was born on May 11th. Our journey started in July of 2018. We are a same sex couple who was looking to start a family. Our team determined that IUI would be the best course of action for us. Shortly after, our little guy was on his way into the world! Shady Grove Fertility was amazing throughout the whole process. Extremely professional and caring. We would like to give a special thank you to everyone at the SGF Columbia, MD location for all their support and help, especially Dr. Osheroff and Natalie. Henry is only 2 weeks old, but he already has stolen our hearts and the dogs too! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!” -SGF Sisters Jen and Tara

 “The most special moment, my little SGF miracle baby finally meeting Dr. Doyle and Carla. Without these two, I wouldn’t have my perfect boy. I will never have enough words to thank them for their kindness, love, and patience. I LOVE being a Mom. Thank you, Shady Grove Fertility, for this gift.” -SGF Sister Sarah

“Kevin and I are so excited to announce that we are expecting a sweet baby in October! Our journey to parenthood wasn’t an easy one. It was a year of doctor’s appointments, hundreds of shots, thousands of pills, two surgeries, three failed IVFs, pregnancy losses, and many months of heartache and tears. The past year has been challenging emotionally, physically and mentally, but science is giving us the gift of life – making every single injection, pill, tear, and ounce of pain worth it. Not only has this journey given our baby life, it has brought a light to my inner strength and the strength of our marriage. Thank you to Dr. Levens and his amazing team at Shady Grove Fertility. Thank you for never letting us lose hope and for giving us the gift of clarity, patience, understanding, and ultimately life.” -SGF Sister Darcy

 “Dr. Edelstein is awesome! He helped us bring our healthy, smart, and beautiful little (soon to be 4-year-old) girl into our lives… it took four rounds of IVF to make it happen, but he was always so positive and supportive! She was definitely worth the wait, and we are so grateful to Dr. Edelstein! She would not be here if it weren’t for him! THANK YOU!” -SGF Sister Sarah

 “So thankful for Shady Grove Fertility and Dr. Anne Namnoum who helped us achieve our dreams of being parents! Infertility is the hardest road I ever walked, but if it wasn’t for this hard road, I wouldn’t be holding our sweet miracle babies. Hard roads lead to beautiful destinations and we will forever be grateful for our God, doctors and science who made this dream become possible! Don’t ever give up even if it doesn’t come easy or doesn’t work on the first try. The ending will be worth the wait!” -SGF Sister Ashley

What Makes this Milestone so Special? SGF Physicians Share their Heartfelt Sentiments

“I think one of the reasons we’ve been successful is because we never settle for status quo. We continuously strive for better results, higher success rates, easier access for patients, and more efficient and faster ways to help couples conceive. We could have downshifted our efforts years ago but that wouldn’t be in the best interest of our patients, so it wasn’t even an option,” said Dr. Levy.

SGF Co-Founder, Art Sagoskin, M.D., echoed Levy’s sentiment, “SGF is like a big family. Everyone takes care of one another and that’s what our patients feel. Patients know they are in good hands when they’re under our care.” SGF patient satisfaction survey data supports this in that 96 percent of SGF patients say they would recommend SGF based on their experience.

Jason Bromer, M.D., who serves on SGF’s Board of Directors and sees patients in Frederick and Hagerstown, MD, shared, “We created a culture of doing what’s right. Everyone on the team plays a role in helping our patients be successful. Whether it’s when we’re opening a new location or designing a new financial program, it’s truly a team effort to ensure our patients feel well taken care of. We realize there’s nothing convenient about infertility, so we make every effort to improve the patient experience.”

“With 82 percent of patients taking home a baby and more than 20,000 Shared Risk Program participants to date, it’s our hope that our patients feel reassured and confident in choosing SGF for their care. We are as transparent as possible to help patients make the best decisions. The quality and commitment of our financial programs, coupled with 85,000 babies born, speaks loudly to our commitment to delivering optimal patient care,” shared Erika Johnston-MacAnanny, M.D., who sees patients in Richmond, VA.

“Treatment for infertility has come a long way over the past 3 decades. With continuous advances in technology coupled with SGF’s commitment to improving access care, we’ve been able to continuously increase our effectiveness and efficiency. However, we never rest on our laurels, and if there’s a better, faster, safer, or easier way for our patients to become parents we will strive to achieve it,” adds Eric A. Widra, M.D., Medical Director of SGF who sees patients in SGF’s Washington, D.C. K Street and Sibley locations.

At Shady Grove Fertility, doing what’s best for the patient doesn’t just mean for the patients of today or even the patients that find their way to one of SGF’s many locations, it’s about all future patients who will learn they need assistance in order to have a baby. SGF’s practice leaders, physicians, and team members create opportunities to not only increase access to care but also raise awareness and give a voice to the many who suffer in silence.

Your dream of growing or expanding your family is within reach. Schedule an appointment to get started today. Please contact our New Patient Center at 877-971-7755 or submit this brief online form.

On June 12, 2019, Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) celebrated the one-year anniversary of the IVF Center opening in Fairfax, Virginia.

“The buildout completion of the Virginia surgery center represents an important milestone in the history of SGF. While SGF has had a presence and served the Virginia patient community for more than 25 years, the surgery center expands on that commitment to provide the very best in care to our patients,” says Mark Segal, Chief Executive Officer of SGF.

To recognize the success of its inaugural year and honor the late Dr. Stephen Greenhouse for his tireless efforts in bringing the center to life, SGF held a dedication ceremony in his loving memory. Over 100 people were in attendance, including Dr. Greenhouse’s wife, three sons, parents, sister, fellow SGF physicians, staff members, and referring physicians.

Segal began the dedication ceremony looking back on Dr. Greenhouse’s passion and commitment to opening the Virginia IVF Center. 

“Dr. Stephen Greenhouse was a tireless advocate in the belief that in order for SGF to be considered more than a Maryland-centric IVF program and medical practice, we needed to have a Virginia lab and surgery center.” Segal continues, “Steve’s commitment to this project extended beyond just convincing his fellow partners and board members to fund the project but included making the trip to Richmond with a few of us to convince local healthcare regulators of the need to build another surgery center specifically focused on fertility.”

“He was incredibly proud of the work that was done by the team in bringing this project to fruition, which is why this dedication of the ASC [ambulatory surgery center] in his memory is so fitting,” says Segal. “For the many patients whose lives he touched, as an amazing physician in practice for more than 20 years, for the thousands more who’ll be seen for the years to come, his spiritual presence will always be a factor that will continue to drive our success and live in our hearts for many generations.”

Dr. Greenhouse’s wife, Robyn, delivered a touching tribute about his legacy and why he was so proud to be a part of the SGF family.

“I believe Stephen would say that Shady Grove Fertility’s greatness comes from more than one doctor working hard. If I were to ask him, he would probably say a good practice takes everyone working together for the benefit of each patient. From all of the behind-the-scenes work—the IT department, marketing department—to those who answer that first phone call about scheduling an appointment. The front desk staff, the sonographers, the nurses. To the doctor that sits before the patient, it couldn’t all be done without everyone working together. For this reason, I believe Stephen would turn the spotlight on each and every one of you to thank you for your hard work that has made Shady Grove Fertility the success it is today.”

Robyn added, “I hope each time you mention the surgery center and each time you pass by the soon-to-be-revealed sign, you will think of Stephen. I hope you will remember his smile and his compassion for all of Shady Grove Fertility’s patients, and his love for his fellow workers and physicians. I hope these memories will make your day a little brighter. From all of us, his family, we thank you for this incredible legacy.” 

Dr. Paulette Browne, Dr. Greenhouse’s former colleague and dear friend, pulled the sheet down to reveal the plaque and shadow box of his lab coat, displayed in the entrance of the Fairfax Procedure Center.

A shadow box of Dr. Greenhouse’s lab coat was also presented to the Fair Oaks, VA office, where he primarily saw patients, and to his wife, Robyn.

As each patient passes through our doors for every procedure, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer, they will know and feel the legacy of Dr. Stephen Greenhouse.

About Stephen J. Greenhouse, M.D.

Dr. Stephen Greenhouse passed away Saturday July 28, 2018. He is survived by his wife Robyn, and his three sons, Ryan, Tyler, and Dylan.

Dr. Greenhouse will be remembered at SGF and in the Washington, D.C. medical community by the thousands of lives he touched in both small and large ways. His passion for medicine and for his patients was a driving force behind his professional life. His patients appreciated his expertise and loved him for his generosity of time and attention during a difficult period in their lives. His SGF family has known him as a kind and humorous leader, who always put the well-being of his patients and the staff first. He was a tireless supporter of the SGF practice culture, demonstrating a commitment to patient care with words and actions. Behind the scenes, Dr. Greenhouse helped to manage two of the most demanding aspects of the SGF practice: maintaining a patient-friendly business office and risk management. He always resolved issues in departments with fairness and grace.

On a personal level, Dr. Greenhouse was a dedicated father, husband, son, and brother. He had many friends and was always ready to share a story from the last family bike trip or other vacation, or the latest book he read. He was also a quiet, but involved philanthropist, working to advance the causes he and his family valued.

Dr. Greenhouse is dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and patients.

We are proud to announce that three of our SGF Atlanta physicians Drs. Desireé McCarthy-Keith, Anne Namnoum, and Mark Perloe have been named Atlanta Magazine’s Top Doctors for Infertility for 3 consecutive years. This recognition is voted on by physician peers in various fields of medicine. As leaders in reproductive medicine, SGF Atlanta physicians are committed to providing exceptional fertility care at a practice that remains at the forefront of cutting-edge reproductive technology.

The top doctors list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd, which guides consumers to America’s top doctors and top hospitals. Castle Connolly’s established nomination survey, research, screening, and selection process, under the direction of a physician, involves many hundreds of thousands of physicians as well as academic medical centers, specialty hospitals, and regional and community hospitals all across the nation. Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Careful screening of doctors’ educational and professional experience is essential before final selection is made among those physicians most highly regarded by their peers.

“I am truly humbled and honored to have earned the trust of such an esteemed group of physician peers and to have become a trusted resource to help others start or grow their family,” said Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D.

“SGF Atlanta delivers the very best in personalized patient care, and I’m proud to be able to help so many achieve the family they’ve always dreamed of,” said Anne Namnoum, M.D.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among such a distinguished group of physicians,” said Mark Perloe, M.D.

SGF Atlanta currently has four locations in Atlanta-Northside, Alpharetta, Buckhead, and Marietta, and five physicians, with growth on the horizon. The practice was formed in July 2017 when Georgia Reproductive Specialists and Shady Grove Fertility, which has locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida announced their merger. By combining the successful clinical, scientific, and operational approaches, the merger offered an exceptional opportunity to provide enhanced fertility services and unique financial programs to the Atlanta community.

What Patients are Saying about Dr. McCarthy-Keith

“If you’re ready to start your family this is the place to go! The office is beautiful and the staff is professional and helpful. Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith is super knowledgeable, thorough, and kind! I love Shady Grove Fertility!”

“Dr. McCarthy-Keith is by far the best Reproductive Endocrinologist! She has excellent bedside manner and she makes time for her patients! Her staff is professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Thank you Dr. MK for helping us conceive our IVF miracle baby!”

“I don’t think there’s enough words in the dictionary to describe how awesome Dr. McCarthy-Keith and her staff is. They make you feel so comfortable and like family. You’ll miss them when your gone, I know I do . The nurses Rita, Lisa and Susie were there to help immediately with every question we had, no matter when we called or emailed them. By far one of the best decisions in life!!!”

“Words can’t express how grateful we are for Dr. McCarthy-Keith and team! They quickly became family from the beginning of our fertility journey. It took us 4 years and 3 losses to finally welcome our baby boy this April. Dr. MK and the nurses were always there with support and positive reinforcement that we had the right plan in place and that we would one day be parents. We recommend that anyone who is needing extra help starting or growing a family work with this group. They are the best!”

What Patients are Saying about Dr. Namnoum

“We cannot thank Dr. Namnoum enough for her care during our fertility journey. She took excellent care of us when we transferred from another practice after more than a year of unsuccessful treatment. She did a great job of guiding us through process of IVF. She was highly attentive and we received excellent care from both her and her staff the entire time. We are happy to report we are 16 weeks pregnant now.”

“My infertility story began six years ago and I received my diagnosis of stage four endometriosis in 2016. I began my IVF journey with Dr. Namnoum with little expectations of actually conceiving. She not only guided me through each step of the process but the compassion and attention to detail she showed cannot be put into words. I absolutely love her! She gave me the gift of life and for that I will forever be grateful.”

“We started with SGF in March after using another Atlanta fertility clinic for our first child. Right at the first visit Dr. Namnoum was very personable and caring. She took her time with us and gave us great advice. We went through one fresh cycle and one frozen cycle before I got pregnant and I felt as if Dr. Namnoum was invested in the process with us. We saw her at every appointment, not a nurse, which I thought was great! At my previous clinic, I rarely saw my doctor. Our experience at SGF has been great and Dr. Namnoum and her team were wonderful!”

“Going through infertility is so incredibly hard. We were referred to Shady Grove Fertility about a year ago after 2 years of unsuccessful trying and help from my regular OBGYN. Going into the office with my husband, I was completely terrified and unsure what to expect. From the very first meeting, Dr. Namnoum made my husband and I feel very at ease. I never felt like my million questions were too many, and I am confident in saying that I wasn’t just “another patient” as I have heard people say from experiences elsewhere. Dr. Namnoum treated me (and my husband) as an individual case and although we ended up diagnosed as unexplained, she took us through all the diagnostic procedures in hopes to help us find the answers. As I write this, my baby is growing healthy and strong in my belly. If I didn’t seek the help of treatment, I don’t think this would have ever happened for us. For anyone looking for a doctor you cannot go wrong with Dr. Namnoum and her staff. They were all more than wonderful and they help make a scary and hard situation a lot less scary and hard. She will ALWAYS have such a special place in my heart.”

What Patients are Saying about Dr. Perloe

“We had a great experience with Dr. Perloe. He is very knowledgeable, honest and has great bedside manner. We were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and able to conceive after 8 months of treatment. We now have a healthy beautiful baby boy and 14 weeks pregnant with baby # 2. We are forever thankful for Dr. Perloe and his caring staff. We highly recommend him.” 

“Dr. Perloe and his staff have been Godsend to my family. After struggling for YEARS to have a child Dr. Perloe explained to us our options and really dug into what could be going on. I appreciated his thoroughness and his teams ability to answer any and all questions. This is a path no one dreams to have to go down but they were rooting us on every step of the way. I have already recommended many friends to Dr. Perloe and cannot wait to hear their success stories!”

“Dr. Perloe and his team are amazing. He was able to help our dreams come true on the first attempt. His nurses were great always provided good advice and was great at communicating with me . I would recommend this practice to anyone. I thought I was never going to be able to have another kid but they proved me wrong. Thank you Dr. Perloe!!!”

“Dr. Mark Perloe was absolutely AMAZING!!! This man treated us like we we more than just a number or paycheck, he seemed like he genuinely understood the struggle of trying to conceive. He is honest, down to earth and not only an amazing doctor, but an amazing human being!!! He made our visit comfortable, spent time explaining things to us and seemed as though he genuinely wanted to help. This guy seems to actually care about you as an individual. After meeting him, I don’t even want to ‘shop around’. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!”

 To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an SGF Atlanta physician, call our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief form.

Advocacy Day is an annual event hosted by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association and sponsored by Shady Grove Fertility. It’s a day in which the infertility community comes together in Washington, D.C. to support legislative initiatives that will assist the 1 in 8 couples who experience infertility. SGF’s Drs. Lauren Roth, Brad Swelstad, and Gilbert Mottla represented SGF at Advocacy Day 2019 to help ensure the voices of the infertility community are heard. RESOLVE had four key items on this year’s legislative agenda:

Make Infertility Treatment More Accessible

The first bill on the Advocacy Day 2019 agenda was the Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act (S. 1461), which will provide those who have government-sponsored health plans to have coverage for infertility services. Previously there were three insurance plans that offered in vitro fertilization (IVF) benefits and, over the course of the past 4 years, all three have dropped their IVF benefits from the plan. There is currently only one insurance policy that offers intrauterine insemination (IUI) benefits.

“Fertility treatment is becoming more prevalent, however the government is regressing in terms of their support. We treat many government employees here at SGF, so it’s important to advocate for their coverage,” says Dr. Brad Swelstad of SGF’s Woodbridge and Fair Oaks, VA offices.

Supporting Our Veterans

The Women Veterans and Families Health Services Act (S. 319 & H.R. 955) would provide veterans wounded in the line of duty with access to reproductive treatments and adoption assistance permanently. The original bill, which was passed after the efforts of 2016 Advocacy Day, provides IVF coverage for 2 years, but Advocates believe it’s time to make the coverage permanent.

Stop Discrimination in Foster and Adoptive Homes

Adoption can be expensive, and over 100,000 children are waiting to be moved into permanent homes; however, there are still states that discriminate against foster and adoptive parents based on race, religion, and sexual orientation. There is also discrimination against foster youth who identify as LGBTQ. The Every Child Deserves a Family Act will end this biased discrimination and help hopeful parents and youth become a family.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness

PCOS Awareness Month Resolution (H.Res. 146) would designate September as PCOS Awareness Month and increase the need for more education and research for PCOS.

“PCOS is the leading cause of infertility and impacts 5 to 10 million women and girls in the United States. SGF is committed to providing our patients with resources to learn about this highly treatable disease. This resolution will encourage the rest of the world to follow suit,” says Dr. Lauren Roth from SGF’s Frederick and Rockville, MD offices.

Advocacy Day is a yearly event in May that is open to everyone in the infertility community. If you’d like to attendee Advocacy Day 2020, please check visit RESOLVE’s website. At SGF, we support our patients by speaking up and making our voices heard. Having a family is a basic human right and SGF continues to make parenthood possible for tens of thousands of couples all over the world.

To learn more about Advocacy Day or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, please contact our New Patient Center at 1-877-971-7755 or fill out this brief form.