Bluegrass Fertility

Dr. Akin does have a dry personality but with humor as well. He always made me feel like he cared and never made me feel as if I was asking dumb questions. He was patient with my husband through everything and was very encouraging always. He does however go through things very fast so make sure to not be afraid to ask questions for clarification.

As with any consultation make sure you go in prepared with questions you want to know and never be afraid to ask as many as you need to feel comfortable. At the end of the day it’s about you feeling sure of your decision. Dr.Akin is very good at informing you but coming from someone that researches like crazy I always had more question and he welcomed them.

My husband has non-obstructed azoospermia, meaning he does not produce sperm. He had a TESE surgery to remove whatever could be found from inside his testicles. Immediately after my husbands surgery I transported the sperm to Dr. Akins clinic and then they made vials for IVF from his sample. Next we proceeded with our first round of IVF using ICSI. We transferred 2 Embryos and became pregnant but later miscarried. A few months later we completed another round of IVF with the same results-2 embryos ending in miscarriage. This is of not fault to Dr. Akin. We knew going into IVF that our chances of it working with my husbands sperm due to poor quality was slim but we wanted to not give up. We’re currently taking a break but will continue on with our journey soon.

Both times My meds ran around $4000 and my treatment around $15000

He was extremely knowledgeable even when dealing with a rare genetic disease most haven’t heard of. He was very truthful and honest. Other friends of mine who have been his patients said they wished he had more bedside manner. He was very blunt but this doesn’t bother me because he seemed so knowledgeable & I trusted him with my care. I felt very well cared for. I have met many people in my area who were patients of his and he has always been highly recommended. I agree with that and would highly recommend him as well.

He doesn’t have a lot of bedside manner but he was never rude. Always very knowledgeable and considerate of you individually. The staff is amazing and comforting. Communication was wonderful.

I don’t remember specific medicines.

11,000 IVF costs including meds but did not include genetic testing (PGD) costs which ran about $4,000.

He suggested implanting 1-2 embryos, not using more than 2 due to risks & for my individual case.

On our first consultation, Dr. Akin had familiarized himself with our file and had a plan of action. 3 cycles timed intercourse with Clomid followed by 3 cycles with clomid+IUI. I was happy at that point to have a plan and I ovulated on Clomid the first month (Femara had not worked with my gyno). At our third (and final) IUI, he brought in a student to try the IUI. She had a really hard time with the whole thing and struggled for longer than I was comfortable with and he had to take over. This did not inspire confidence for my last trial. At the end of that visit, he handed me the IVF packet to read through, should this final IUI be unsuccessful.

Make sure you ask all the questions, even if you are intimidated or uncomfortable. Also, if you don't want someone that is not Dr. Akin or one of his wonderful nurses to do the IUI, speak up. I wish I would have said I was uncomfortable with that, it just all happened so fast.

3 cycles with 150mg of Clomid + timed intercourse 3 cycles with 150mg of Clomid + IUI I ovulated on the Clomid and my husband's count was high, but motility was only about a quarter of what they generally look for (found this out after the 6 cycles once we moved to another clinic)

Initial consult - $300 IUI + Sample cleaning - $500 HSG - $1950 (I paid about $1000 out of pocket) + $250 for Dr. Akin's fee

I feel like Dr. Akin is very knowledgeable when it comes to fertility. Dr. Akin's bedside manner and communication is lacking. I feel like every time I saw him he was rushed to get in and out. Also most of my questions were answered by the nurses not him because he didn't have time.

Don't expect a comforting doctor or someone that is going to really sit down and talk with you.

I don't think I had any crazy protocol. I took clomid for the 3 IUIs I completed. For the 2 IVFs I've completed and the one I'm starting next week I took cetrotide, menopure, gonal-f, and a trigger shot.

All monitoring was completed on Mondays and Fridays between the hours of 8-9 once you got to the clinic the appointment only lasted a maximum of 15 minutes.

I don't remember how much IUI cost as that was over 2 years ago. IVF is $11,300 plus medicine and $400 for the anesthesiologist. After your first IVF if that cycle is unsuccessful you get 10% any subsequent cycles making the cost $10,170 plus medicine and $400 for the anesthesiologist.

He lets you chose how many embryo's you would like to transfer, one or two.

From our very first consult, Dr. Akin did not have the best bedside manner. I enjoyed the straightforwardness at times, but then when I would ask questions about other options for treatment, he would be very wishy-washy. I needed his expertise in the field to help guide what was best for me. It seemed like he had a one-track plan almost.

He has quite a bit of experience in the field, but he is not the warmest of people. I think it is important to know that going in.

1. Consult- Everything I told the nurse, I told him. Short, only 10 minutes. 2. HSG- He did this before even trying Clomid alone. There was a scheduling error, and when I should up on the date he gave me, he got upset when I called him. He only does them on Tuesday morning it seems. I don't remember the exact cycle days for the following months, but they seemed to be more about when Dr. Akin was free, or the day of the week, rather than when might be best in my cycle. 3. IUI Round 1- Clomid 50mg (Cycle Days 3-7); -no follicles-Cancelled. 4. IUI Round 1- Clomid 100 mg (Cycle Days 5-9)- 1 follicle- Trigger Shot- He performed procedure. 5. IUI Round 2- Clomid 150 mg (Cycle Days 5-9)- old cyst; no follicles-Cancelled 6. IUI Round 2- Clomid 250 mg (Cycle Days 5-9)- 1 follicle- Trigger Shot-resident performed procedure with Dr. Akin present. This is when we took a short break to replenish funds and enjoy the holidays without the stress of fertility. 7. IUI Round 3- Injectables- Ultrasound day 2 of cycle. 75mg Gonal F (Cycle Days 3-8), Ultrasound, Trigger Shot- Resident performed the IUI with Dr. Akin present. None of these resulted in a pregnancy.

$300 Consult $180 Ultrasound $250 IUI $250 Sperm Wash Medication- Varied

As stated in the previous question, Dr. Akin has experience and has great success rates. He came highly recommended, and it was told to me numerous times that if my partner and I wanted to conceive, Dr.Akin was the right place to be. On our first visit, I felt rushed. I am not sure if he had went over my previous medical records that were sent to him. I needed in-depth information. I had questions. Yet when I asked, he was quick to shut me down and tell me to "wait until I finish". That was an immediate turn-off. I also did not like how he went straight to discussing IVF, like there were no other options. The pricing of IVF is obviously a great stressor and hardship that many couples deal with, so that was another turn off for us. Every woman is different, every couple has different struggles. Our insurance does not cover infertility, we saved money just to be able to see Dr.Akin, so I had built up a lot of hope and excitement that he would be able to sit down with us and explain and come up with a game plan so we can have the child we've been praying for. Not to say that we have been let down by Dr.Akin, because we are still under his care, but it would be nice if her was more personable, approachable and was genuine about our infertility journey.

Be prepared for his crass nature. He means well, but can come across as a rude individual.

Prior to Dr. Akin, I started my fertility journey with Dr.Carr, my gynecologist. After a year of TTC, I was diagnosed with PCOS. I began Clomid (50mg,100mg & 150mg) . I only ovulated while on 150mg of clomid but still did not become pregnant. My partner had an Semen Analysis with normal results. Worried that I may have other issues, possible Endometriosis, Dr. Carr referred me to Dr. Akin. My partner and I waited an additional 7 months, saved money and then became patients of his. Dr. Akin immediately performed a Laporoscopy,Chromopertubation & Hysteroscopy. The results of that outpatient procedure were all clear. No blockage, no endo,no cysts and my tubes looked good. To help with my PCOS, I was given Metformin, Clomid and started a healthier diet, cutting back a lot of sugar and carb intake. At this point Dr. Akin recommends IVF but the financial aspect is holding us back. We feel stuck at this point.

Initial Consultation - $300 Laparoscopy,Chromopertubation & Hysteroscopy (including surgery center and anesthesia) costs- $2,000 Prescription Medication- $50+ continuing Semen Analysis- $200

NA

He is very smart and "nerdy." I had (have) no doubt he is brilliant and using cutting edge research and technology to help me get pregnant. He shows confidence in examinations and almost no hesitancy. Although he lacks beside manner - I do trust him. He's definitely not a nurturing doctor and he is very quick to assess you and move on - thank goodness for his staff, LOL. I definitely didn't feel warm and fuzzy around him and I didn't feel comfortable asking him questions the first time with him. Now that I've been his patient for several years I feel more comfortable, however it took me awhile to understand his personality.

Listen - ask questions - and know that he has surrounded himself with an amazing staff team that makes up for his lack of warmth. Find comfort in his nerdiness. He's brilliant and tenacious.

In 2015 we dove right into IVF w ICIS because my husband's sperm count was incredibly low. In his first semen sample they retrieved only 3 via sperm and had him try again later that day. We had 28 mature eggs and he was able to fertilize 21. We decided to do PGD due to our ages (me 37 and my husband 44) and poor sperm quality. Therefore we had to do a FET the following month and transferred two embryos. I became pregnant and had a singleton live birth. In 2017 we did a FET of one embryo and I did not get pregnant. He did want to change any of the procedures so we went right back into the regiment for the next cycle. For the next few cycles I was developing cysts which concerned him that we may not achieve pregnancy with these recurring cysts. I am currently taking Lupron in daily injections to (hopefully) avoid the cysts and we are working towards an FET mid March with our two final embryos.

12,500 for one cycle - retrieval + transfer and meds. Transfer only - $3600

He did not have a strong opinion, however he did feel that eSET would be ideal for us given we had done PGD on our embryos.

When first meeting Dr. Akin the first impression I had was that he was very knowledgeable and honest. He anticipated my questions and seemed to have a vested interest in my care. He explained every procedure and medication many times, he was very accessible, and personally answered my phone calls on his after hours clinic line. I had some complications during and after my IVF cycle, Dr. Akin was always available and provided referral to higher level of care when needed. Dr. Akin eased the stress of the IVF process by honestly and frequently communicating. The only negative is that his fertility clinic is several hours away.

Bring a list of questions and take notes because he will provide education throughout the entire process. And do not feel nervous because Dr. Akin will not rush through assessments, he will encourge you to consider all pros and cons before finally deciding to pursue IVF.

IUI was not recommended for us due to my husband having male factor infertility. Dr. Akin recommended IVF with ICSI. Dr. Akin administered a HSG procedure to assess my uterus amd ovaries for cysts. I was given estradiol for one month prior to starting the IVF cycle to suppress hormones. I do not remember the dosage or medication I used during the IVF cycle but remeber administering the daily injections myself during the appropriate time in mu cycle. Dr. Akin recommended we freeze my husband's sperm to have a back up in case there were not enough fresh during day of egg retrieval. Dr. Akin recommended embryo transfer on day 3 as I had one embryo at blastocyst level and another embryo somewhat less developed. I opted to transfer and Dr. Akin did not recomend to transfer the 3rd embryo as it was not developed enough. I became pregnant with one singleton but sadly miscarried a son at 15.5 weeks.

A ballpark of what I remember is for IVF with ICSI was about $12,000 and medications were about $5,000. Anestesia was $400. I also spent extra costs for travel and lodging as I lived several hours away.

Dr. Akin recommended to transfer 2 embryos or less.

Dr Akin is very understanding and took time to actually listen to me. He wasn't condescending like some doctors can be. He made sure I understood everything before the appointment was over. He ordered a thorough blood test and HSG test to further understand my situation. I don't have anything negative to say about the doctor. I just wish the treatments were more affordable.

You will love the atmosphere of his office. He is direct, but not rude at all. He talks to you like a person and explains everything without insulting your intelligence.

First he did an ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries. He confirmed PCOS, a tilted uterus and he suspected endometriosis. He then laid out all of my options on paper with prices and we formed a plan to do an HSG. We then did that and my tubes were clear. My husband had previously taken a semen analysis and was fine. He prescribed clomid and suggested IUI, but I am saving up money for that.

$150 for each ultrasound. $1,200 for HSG, $8000 for Laparoscopic surgery, $850 IUI not including meds or ultrasounds for one round, $14,500 for IVF not including ultrasounds or meds for one round.

Didn't apply to me

He was very helpful and patient, he treated you as a human, not as a patient and made you feel important. It was easy to get an appointment and the staff was very caring. You feel like he explained everything thoroughly and explained risks.

Be prepared for the expenses before your first visit. As we all know infertility is not something that is usually covered on insurance and you will have a fee, even for the first consult. ($300)

With our first cycle of IUI you need to take clomid on days 3-7 then come back for an ultrasound on day 10, 11 or 12 of your cycle then you will be told when to take your HCG injection and will come back for the procedure 1-2 days after the injection.

$300 consultation, $395 semen analysis, $850 1 cycle of IUI. We have only gotten this far and would love the assistance to try and have our miracle baby.

Again, the speed that he moves and talks kind of leaves someone who has no idea about fertility issues a little overwhelmed. But he was always honest in explanations and more then willing to answer all questions and concerns.

Be vocal, ask questions express your worries about certain procedures or medications.

In my 3 IUI cycles I was prescribed clomid 50mg twice daily for cycle days 3-7. An intrauterine ultrasound was typically done on CD 10,11 or 12 to measure follicle size and determine when to order the trigger shot. I self administered the trigger shot about 24 hours before the IUI.

Initial consultation $90 Semen analysis $250 Clomid $27 Intrauterine ultrasounds $170 Semen washing and prep $250 IUI $250 Trigger shot $140 HSG $800

None

He was caring and explained what he was doing, pros and cons, success rates. He was hopeful but didn’t give false hope. I had a fresh transfer that was unsuccessful and then a frozen transfer that resulted in twins.

He is a great doctor but you also have to do your part. It’s a lot of work, meds, price, appointments and testing. Listen and do as he tells you.

I used BC pills to sync my cycle with my egg donor, Estrogen patches and progesterone pills in high doses to prepare my uterus for transfer. This is the one of the most important parts of the process. You are given a detailed schedule to follow. I also used Lupron injections to prevent me from ovulating since I was using a donor. The process is very detailed.

I think between 25-30k

I asked for the transfer of 2 embryos and that’s what was done. He explained the possibility of multiples.

Dr. Akins strengths are his knowledge, honesty, and compassion. He thoroughly explained how PCOS, hypothyroidism, and stage 4 endometriosis was affecting my fertility. He explained our options and was very forthcoming with his success rates and was very honest regarding the outlook of our case. We appreciated that he gave us no guarantees as we had heard these things in the past. He just gave us open and honest outcomes.

Know that he is very honest and will not give false hope but is very compassionate with his care.

We are starting our first cycle of IVF this October.

Dr. Akin is very informative and knowledgeable. He never rushes and answer any and all questions you may have. Dr. Akin has performed 6 IUIs to date and we are now discussing In Vitro Fertilization. My husband and I have used donor sperm, Clomid and trigger shots.

Always trust God in this process. Always ask questions.

Clomid, 6 cycles at 100 mg. Each time I produced multiple follicles with the last time showing 6. After not becoming pregnant, he feels like IVF is the best next step.

$140 ultrasound $250 for sperm to be unfroze $250 for IUI

N/A

Dr Akin is straight forward dr. He explains everything and listens to your concerns. He is always available even after hours if he needs to be called. He does all of his procedures including Ultrasound

Go there with open minded and do what you think it is best for you

Injection egg retrieval, multiple ultrasound and lab visits as well as visit for embryo transfer

10000 for retrieval and transfer

1st time we transferred 2 and he was ok with that. After that we only choose to transfer one

Dr. Akin is a very humble doctor who has compassion for mother’s to be. When I arrived at his office, I felt like I was going down a dead end road. Having recently lost a child to chromosome anomalies, I was broken both mentally and emotionally. My wounds had been inflamed even more after visiting a doctor in Ohio. I was told, I had to use donor eggs. I was well a waste my age was a factor, but there was an intrinsic drive that kept telling me” you will be a Momma one day”. On the car ride home from Ohio, iv began a feverish search of the statistics of fertility doctors for women over 40. The stats were not promising. However, in the following days Dr. Akin’s name kept flashing through my mind. I would be teaching and se his website flash in front of me. It became a common occurrence at all time of the day. So, I spoke with my husband, who was all for fertility treatment. I explained Dr. Akin’s stats were not the best, however I felt God was leading my to Dr. Akin. Little did I know the visit on April 9th would lift me up from deep sorrow and forever change our lives. At our consultation visit, i was greeted with a warm smile and solid hand shake. Dr. Akin was very blunt and matter of fact concerning our situation. He suggested we have blood work. To his surprise m, I had the necessary blood work with me. I handed him my labs, knowing the lev try is ere or red Ty good for someone my age. As he scanned over the labs, he looks up over his glasses, smiles, and says, “ Herd is what we are going to do”. He immediately explained how we would use fertility shots and suppositories during a cycle. He did caution throughout this visit the statistics of having a baby with only one cycle of medication. That was never am obstacle for me. I had this gut feeling I would have a baby at the end of my cycle. My husband and I requested genetic testing. Dr.Akin was very blunt, he said this procedure could hurt the chances of having viable embryo. However, being a former nurse. I knew this was necessary both emotionally and mentally for me to proceed with fertility assistance m. After listening to my concerns, Dr. Akin felt this was a good plan. So, at the end of a five hour consultation, we were ready to become parents. Dr. Akin is very educated in his profession. He never ga e false hope. Matter of fact he said. I don’t promise you all anything. Only God can provide what you need. I am only here to assist. Dr. Akin took over my monthly cycle for the next two months. He expressed the importance of timing and schedules with all medications he prescribed. I trusted in his knowledge, therefore, I developed a strict schedule that I followed no matter what. Yes, it sounded crazy to set an alarm to wake myself at 3:00 am for the next round of suppositories. But I needed to be the mother of my future son. I left in the middle of teacher’s meetings to be in time for the second round of shots. Nothing was going to stand in my way of being a mom. We traveled 8 hours once a week for 7:00 am blood work. By the time I had arrived home, Dr.Akin was o. The phone providing the next weeks game plan. With each visit, Dr. Akin became more like family. He was as invested in our desire to be parents as we were. During routine visits, my husband had so many questions and looked ahead. Dr. Akin took away the stress by saying. “ We take one hurdle at a time and today she has one this race”. That meant everything to me. On our second weeks visit, during my routine ultra sound, doctor said, I think we may have several eggs, more than I ever expected from you. When I arrived for egg retrieval, Dr. Akin came in, hugged me and said, it is on Hod’s hands today. His plan not ours. He retrieved 14 eggs. Five matured, but only one make was good after genetic testing. The other four had chromosome anomalies that were life threatening. I will always be grateful for the life, my son Jude, that Dr. Akin assisted in giving us.

Do you research about fertility treatments and ask for what you feel you need to be a parent.

Dr. Akin began with shots twice daily and progesterone suppositories every 6 hours. Then he used a simulating shot at the end of the cycle.

Approximately 20,000!

Dr. Akin implanted the singleton very hush in the uterus.

Straight forward you may need to be well versed in order to get the best out of it. He is willing to answer any questions.He seems to love what he does and really wants to help. He is not overly talkative and does have a plan he wants to follow and you have to go during his given dates.

Research before hand and he will probably want to do a 5 day embryo transfer so make sure you want to do that

Ganal shots at first were 225 daily then uped to 300 due to my eggs being small After 2 days of shots. You will go on birth control the month before this

Show up between 8-9 mon or Friday

4,500 for meds for one cycle

Na

I had my initial work up with Dr. akin. It was a relaxed atmosphere as we just sat on couches in his office to chat about our history. He is nice but we just didn’t seem to fully connect. He is straight forward and honest but not warm and fuzzy.

He is blunt.

We had initial testing. Semenalysis and HSG. We did no treatments in his office

HSG was around $500