Press Release

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DENVER, CO – A groundbreaking study conducted by the research team at US Fertility reveals significant insights into the weight fluctuations commonly experienced by patients undergoing egg retrieval cycles for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing for fertility preservation. Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, this pivotal research highlights average weight changes and key contributing factors, offering valuable guidance for both patients and fertility specialists. 

“Our research provides new and important data that can help patients better understand what to expect regarding the weight changes they may experience during fertility treatments,” shares Simone Elder, M.D., lead author and Shady Grove Fertility Fellow at the University of Colorado. “Knowing that these changes are limited and temporary can be a great comfort. We hope that these findings will empower patients with knowledge and improve their overall experience during this critical phase of their journey.” 

The retrospective cohort study, Evaluation of Mean Changes in Weight During and After Ovarian Stimulation, analyzed 22,303 cycles between 2017 and 2023. Patients had an average weight gain of about 1.5 pounds before egg retrieval, with changes ranging from a loss of approximately 5 pounds to a gain of nearly 15 pounds. Notably, factors such as lower initial body mass index (BMI) and higher numbers of eggs retrieved were associated with higher weight gain. The study also observed that patients diagnosed with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) tended to experience greater weight gain and a slower return to baseline weight.  

This study reassures patients undergoing egg retrieval cycles for IVF or fertility preservation that weight gain is generally modest and temporary. Most patients can expect to return to their baseline weight within two weeks after egg retrieval. These findings enable fertility specialists to better counsel patients about what to expect during and after an egg retrieval, reducing anxiety and providing a clearer understanding of the treatment process. 

“This study is a significant step forward in understanding the physical changes that occur during fertility treatments,” shares Phillip Romanski, M.D., M.Sc., Associate Research Director for US Fertility. “By providing clear data on weight fluctuations, we’re able to set more accurate expectations for patients, which is crucial in helping them feel more in control of their treatment journey.” 

Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients.   

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DENVER, CO — A recent study conducted by US Fertility’s research team sheds new light on the factors that influence treatment discontinuation among women using donor sperm in their fertility journey. As donor sperm use has steadily increased over the last two decades —particularly among same-sex female couples and single women — understanding the barriers these patients face has become crucial to improve outcomes for those seeking to grow their families. 

“Our findings show that certain groups, particularly Black and Hispanic patients, are more likely to face delays in returning for additional treatment,” shares Jerrine Morris, M.D., M.P.H., a fertility specialist at Shady Grove Fertility’s Baltimore location. “By understanding these disparities, we can work toward creating more inclusive, supportive care models that meet the unique needs of all patients. We hope these findings encourage more targeted interventions to reduce the attrition rates we’re seeing, especially in vulnerable populations.”  

Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, the retrospective cohort study, which analyzed data from 3,359 donor sperm recipients between 2009 and 2019, identified several key factors that influence whether these patients return for a second fertility treatment cycle after an unsuccessful first attempt. According to the findings, 11% of donor sperm recipients discontinued treatment within one year of their first unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle. 

US Fertility’s research team found that age, income, and parity play significant roles in the likelihood of continuing treatment. Racial disparities emerged as a major concern, with Black and Hispanic patients being significantly more likely to discontinue treatment within one year of their first unsuccessful IUI treatment and taking longer to return for a second cycle than non-Hispanic White patients. 

As donor sperm use continues to rise and the definition of infertility broadens, studies like this highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address these barriers, inform patient care, and improve outcomes. The research team calls for further investigation into the unique challenges faced by donor sperm recipients to help refine treatment approaches and ensure that all patients have the support they need to complete their fertility journeys successfully. 

Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients. 

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DENVER, CO — A new study led by US Fertility’s research team provides valuable insights for patients and clinicians considering their options after an unsuccessful frozen embryo transfer (FET). The research, presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, reveals that changing the protocol for endometrial preparation after a failed FET does not significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. 

“Our findings suggest that for patients who experience a failed programmed FET, continuing with the same protocol or switching to a natural FET does not make a notable difference in terms of live birth outcomes,” shares Jennifer Chae-Kim, M.D., lead author of the study and SGF Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. “Similarly, there was no difference in live birth for patients who failed a natural FET and switched to a programmed FET or repeated a natural FET. This is crucial information for patients and fertility specialists when making decisions about the next steps after a failed transfer.” 

The study, which involved a comprehensive analysis of over 17,000 cycles, aimed to determine whether changing the FET protocol leads to higher live birth rates for patients who did not achieve a live birth after their initial FET. Contrary to their hypothesis, the research found no statistically significant difference in live birth rates between those who repeated the programmed FET and those who switched to a natural FET. 

“This study reinforces the importance of individualized care in fertility treatment,” added Benjamin Harris, M.D., M.P.H., co-author of the study and medical director of SGF Southern Virginia. “While the overall results indicate no statistically significant benefit in changing protocols, the subgroup analysis suggests that there may be scenarios where a different protocol could offer better outcomes. More research is needed, but this finding could help refine treatment options for some patients.” 

 For patients facing the challenging decision of what to do after a failed embryo transfer, this study provides reassurance that continuing with the same embryo transfer protocol or trying a different protocol may both be viable options, with no clear evidence favoring one over the other. 

Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients. 

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DENVER, CO — A recent study led by US Fertility’s research team highlights the positive impact of state insurance mandates that include coverage for fertility preservation in cases of medically induced infertility. Presented at the 80th ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo, the research reveals a significant rise in fertility preservation cycles in states that enacted such mandates. 

The study, The Impact of State Insurance Mandates on Fertility Preservation Access, assessed the effect of these insurance mandates by comparing fertility preservation utilization rates in 2016 (before the mandates) to those in 2021 (after the mandates). In the 8 states that adopted mandates for fertility preservation coverage, there was an increase in fertility preservation utilization ranging from 36.1% to 90.5%, with a significant overall increase compared to states without such mandates. 

“We are thrilled to see that these insurance mandates are making a real difference in the lives of patients wanting to preserve their ability to accomplish their family building goals,” shares Josh Morris, M.D., lead author and Shady Grove Fertility Fellow at The Jones Institute at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “It is clear that these insurance mandates empower more people to learn about their reproductive options and to take control of their reproductive future.” 

The research underscores the importance of continued efforts to improve access to fertility preservation services, particularly for those whose fertility is impacted by medical conditions or treatments. Since 2020, an additional 12 states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar mandates, suggesting that even more patients will have access to and benefit from fertility preservation. 

“This research highlights the critical role that policy changes can play in expanding access to essential reproductive services,” shares Eric Widra, M.D., Executive Senior Medical Officer for Shady Grove Fertility and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association board member. “It’s encouraging to see that more states are recognizing the importance of fertility preservation and taking steps to support patients during challenging times.” 

Learn more about US Fertility’s Research Division, which conducts and publishes high-quality research studies to advance the field of reproductive medicine to provide better, more effective care to infertility patients. 

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In partnership with Conemaugh Health System, five SGF physicians will lead fertility care at the new Johnstown location.

Johnstown, PA – Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), a national leader in fertility and family-building care, has expanded to a new location in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Through a partnership with Conemaugh Health System, patients living in the Johnstown/Altoona region can now access fertility care close to home. SGF reproductive endocrinologists Jason G. Bromer, M.D., John Csokmay, M.D., Joseph B. Doyle, M.D., Kara Nguyen, M.D., M.P.H., and Lauren Roth, M.D., will join together with Conemaugh OB/GYN physicians to create a top-tier fertility care team for the region.

“We know there is an immense demand for comprehensive, high-quality fertility care in the greater Pittsburgh region, which is why we opened our doors in Wexford three years ago,” shares Dr. Bromer, who currently provides patient care at SGF’s Wexford, Pennsylvania, and Frederick, Maryland, locations. “This new partnership with Conemaugh is exciting because it allows us to serve local patients who would normally have to drive to Pittsburgh or Maryland for care. We are grateful that our partners at Conemaugh share our vision of helping more people access family-building care close to home.”

Located at Conemaugh OB/GYN Associates on Franklin Street in Johnstown, adjacent to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, SGF’s newest office serves as an accessible and convenient location to receive top-tier fertility care within a regional medical center known for clinical excellence.

“Partnering with a national leader in fertility is a massive step forward providing services to our community close to home, alleviating the stress of travel for our patients,” shares Adib Khouzami, M.D., FACOG, Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician with Conemaugh OB/GYN Associates.

With the only 100% refund program in the state, Pennsylvania fertility patients have access to exclusive financial benefits at SGF to aid them on their parenthood journey. The exclusive Shared Risk program provides patients with the opportunity to pay a fixed amount for up to six fresh IVF or donor egg cycles and unlimited subsequent frozen embryo transfers (FETs). Of the total Shared Risk 100% Refund Program participants, 82 percent take home a baby, and the rest receive a full refund to use for other family-building options. 

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 100,000 babies born from 30+ years of continuous innovation and patient-centered fertility care. With convenient locations throughout the U.S. and in Santiago, Chile, SGF accepts most insurance plans and makes fertility treatment accessible and affordable through innovative financial solutions, including 100% refund guarantees for eligible patients. SGF is a proud partner practice of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned and physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices nationally. Call 1-888-761-1967 to schedule a new patient appointment or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com for more information. 

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Alex Polotsky, M.D., Cassandra Roeca, M.D., and Nanette Santoro, M.D., were recognized by their physician peers.

Denver, CO — Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) is proud to announce three Colorado physicians named to 5280 magazine’s 2024 Top Doctors list. Alex Polotsky, M.D., Cassandra Roeca, M.D., and Nanette Santoro, M.D., were recognized by their physician peers as “Top Doctors for Infertility.”

“We are honored to have earned this recognition by our fellow physicians, but even more, we are privileged that our patients have entrusted us in helping them through their family-building journey,” shares Dr. Polotsky, medical director for SGF Colorado. “Thank you to 5280 magazine for highlighting infertility care, and our team, through this annual Top Doctors edition.”

For nearly 30 years, 5280 has surveyed doctors and asked them, specialty by specialty, which metro-area physicians they would trust to treat themselves and their families.   

“I am truly grateful to have the best job in helping my patients become parents,” shares Dr. Roeca, who provides patient care at SGF’s Denver – Greenwood Village location. “I’m also so proud to be a part of a practice of this caliber, home to award-winning physicians who continuously and safely push the envelope and offer the highest quality care.”

SGF Colorado is proud to accept patients who are newly insured for fertility treatment as a result of the Colorado Building Families Act. The law requires large-group insurance plans issued or renewed in Colorado to cover the diagnosis of infertility, treatment for infertility, and fertility preservation services. For Coloradans without insurance coverage, SGF Colorado offers innovative financial programs, including a 100% refund guarantee program. 

“It’s humbling to be a part of such an incredible team we have at SGF and I appreciate that our practice is recognized for our commitment to patient-centered care and increasing access to treatment,” shares Dr. Santoro, who provides patient care at SGF’s Denver – Greenwood Village location. “This honor is shared by every member of the care team – from the physicians and nurses to the counselors and administrative staff – who are all deeply dedicated to helping each of our patients achieve their family-building goals.”

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)
SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 100,000 babies born from 30+ years of continuous innovation and patient-centered fertility care. With convenient locations throughout the U.S. and in Santiago, Chile, SGF accepts most insurance plans and makes fertility treatment accessible and affordable through innovative financial solutions, including 100% refund guarantees for eligible patients. SGF is a proud partner practice of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned and physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices nationally. Call 1-888-761-1967 to schedule a new patient appointment or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com for more information. 

2026 Shady Grove Fertility

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