Marin Fertility

I think Marin Fertility Center is great. I have 2 awesome kiddos and another on the way from my experience with them. The only "weakness" I would relay is that sometimes I did have to call or email to follow up with them or get non-urgent test results, but I think being active in your role as patient is something anyone going through IVF should expect.

I had all of my questions answered, even the tedious ones. Dr. Uzelac went along with my preference to do a natural frozen embryo transfer with my second pregnancy even though I sensed he preferred the predictability of a medicated cycle. I also felt the office helped me to be cost-conscious. Dr. Uzelac recommended a 'mini-IVF' with lower hormones and a lower price tag which actually yielded a ton of eggs and normal embryos.

There were two different sets of nursing staff for my IVF/first FET and my second FET and they both seemed great. Soraya was super helpful during the first processes and Lia VonderAhe was very helpful for the second.

I think Dr. Uzelac is super smart. I got the sense that he has a solution to propose for basically every scenario. He patiently answered my questions (and there were many), and I felt that he remembered at least the essentials of my case every time I came in. I have realized this is no easy feat because it's a lot of repetitive appointments for these professionals.

Mini (or I think the practice may refer to it as "moderate") IVF with ICSI for male factor infertility. One week of Gonal-F 150, Menopur 75, and Clomid. Went off of Clomid because it was causing vision changes. Decreased Gonal-F at some point because there were so many follicles. 27 eggs were retrieved, 23 mature. All 23 fertilized with ICSI. 16 made it to day 5 and were frozen. No PGS. We transferred 2 embryos in a subsequent FET which yielded healthy fraternal twins born @ 38 weeks. We later did PGS testing for half of the remaining frozen embryos and transferred one normal embryo which resulted in a current pregnancy.

Mini-IVF was around $10,500; each FET was about $3,000; PGS was about $8,000; medications all-in, probably around $5,000- $6,000

He encouraged us to do a single embryo transfer and warned us about the risk of twins, however, he told us that it was our choice. In the end, we elected to transfer 2 embryos because we hadn't done PGS testing. The resultant pregnancy yielded healthy, full-term twins but made me keenly aware of all the risks and pitfalls of multiple pregnancies We elected to do PGS and transfer only one embryo for our second pregnancy. My experience is that Dr. Uzelac definitely encourages eSET, but respects the patient(s)' wishes regarding embryo transfers.

No weaknesses come to mind in regards to this clinic. Their strengths are that they were organized, used the latest technology, and were compassionate in everything they did. They were all very personable and friendly with us.

Dr. Uzelac always remembered details about us, like how we were traveling from far away to the clinic, and seemed to take into into consideration when planning future treatments and appointments.

Everyone at the clinic was very nice, patient and compassionate. Getting my blood drawn, getting the results, returning phone calls and emails; everyone we worked with was always gentle both physically (with the blood draws) and verbally, with delivering information.

Dr. Uzelac gave a very good impression at our initial consultation. He was nice, and explained things in a patient, but not condescending, way. We did not mind traveling 2.5 hours each way for our appointment, because we knew that at each appointment, we would be taken care of.

The one piece of advice I would have a prospective patient would simply be, to be patient. The process is long and tedious, but Dr. Uzelac helped us by explaining everything and being patient with us.

We began our treatment by doing an ultrasound. By doing this, and by going over our medical/fertility history, Dr. Uzelac saw I was a good candidate for InvoCell, which is the reason we went to him in the first place. The first thing that was done, was I was put on birth control for a month. We were told this would keep me from ovulating, in order to create a "stock pile" of eggs for the retrieval. After a month of birth control, I was put on medication like Gonal F and Menopur for a week. After a week, I was given the trigger shot, then we went in for the egg retrieval. After this, the InvoCell was placed in me for a few days, then we returned for it to be removed. Once this was done, I was put on estradiol for 2 weeks. After this, vaginal progesterone was added. After about another week of this, we went in for our transfer. The FET was done, and although I did get a positive pregnancy test, I ended up miscarrying a few weeks later. After this, Dr. Uzelac was patient and compassionate with us, and we waited to try again. When we went in about a month later to try a second cycle, we found that I had some tissue in my uterus that needed to be removed before we would try again. I had that done with my primary OBGYN, then when we went in for a third time to get a cycle done. Dr. Uzelac gave us the green light to try another cycle, and this time he adjusted my medication to include intramuscular injections of progesterone, along with the vaginal progesterone and estradiol. We had our second cycle, and got a positive pregnancy test. At our first appointment after the positive test result, Dr. Uzelac performed an ultrasound and we got to hear the heartbeat. WIth this, we "graduated" from the clinic and we then began seeing my regular OBGYN.

The invoCell package was around 12 thousand. With our second transfer, because it wasn't the full package, it was around $3,500. The post-transfer ultrasounds were not part of the package, and were $360. We also had to pay around $420 for each saline infusion sonogram, of which we had two done.

We initially wanted to transfer 3 embryos, because after so many failed IUI's, we were afraid of another failed treatment. Dr. Uzelac explained that due to my age, transferring in 3 embryos would be very risky, given the chances of having multiples. He suggested transferring 2 would be better, although the chance of multiples is still there, but not as high. Based on this, we agreed on two.

Marin Fertility Center, was always very prompt. Appointments were quick and easy. Even for more complicated appointments including egg retrievals, we were extremely well taken care of. We had a long drive to get to appointments, and having the appointment be on time and quick was very welcome. We never felt rushed or dismissed, and the coordinator always had time to answer our unending list of questions and to make sure that we had everything we needed.

Dr. Uzelac was very personable, and our biggest cheerleader encouraging us on this long and difficult journey to become parents.

Everyone that we were privileged to work with at Marin Fertility Center was caring, kind, and willing to answer any questions or go through injection instructions again for the millionth time.

Our experience with Dr. Uzelac was amazing. We had been through 4 years of treatment with a previous provider that didn't listen to our concerns or address our questions, and where we were treated like a number that they were trying to fit into a particular mold. After repeated failed cycles with our previous provider, we decided to seek out a doctor that was familar with PCOS and that provided some alternatives. From the first consultation with Dr. Uzelac, we were acknowledged and our questions and concerns were honestly addressed and together we formed a plan to address our course of treatment. Dr. Uzelac provided his honest opinion and what he felt was the best course of treatment, but ultimately he allowed us to guide our own journey. We couldn't be happier with the outcome, and we are expecting our first baby in March 2020. We still have one frozen embryo, and should we decide to have another baby, without question we will return to Dr. Uzelac for treatment.

Dr. Uzelac is truly invested in making your dream of becoming parents happen. Don't be afraid to ask questions and address your concerns, he truly will be your cheerleader and guide you in the best course of treatment that you decide is right for yourself.

Since I have PCOS, Dr. Uzelac was careful to monitor my medications and hormone levels to prevent over stimulation of my ovaries. We first tried IVM as an alternative to IVF, however we only received one embryo that was determined to be not fit for embryo transfer. He suggested that we move on to IVF, due to my age affecting my egg quality, it might produce better results if we retrieved mature eggs. After PGS testing we were left with 3 great embryos, unfortunately our first transfer failed. Dr. Uzelac suggested that it may be due to a displaced implantation window as this was the only other factor that may be affecting our ability to conceive, and suggested an ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Array). He left the choice up to us whether we should proceed with another transfer to see if it was a fluke or do the ERA cycle prior to the next transfer. We decided to proceed with the ERA cycle to rule out any implantation issues. The ERA came back suggesting that I was pre-receptive, and Dr. Uzelac adjusted my next embryo transfer cycle to allow for one more day of progesterone before transfer. Our next transfer, due to the adjustment of one day lead to our pregnancy. We are now 9 weeks pregnant. Dr. Uzelac preformed our first ultrasound, and hearing that little heartbeat took our breath away.

We initially paid 15,000 for 3 rounds of IVM, however after the first round didn't yield a viable embryo we applied a credit of 8,000 to our IVF cycle which ended up being around 20,000, which included egg retrieval, ICSI, freezing of the embryos, PGS testing, and our first embryo transfer. We opted to do the ERA which was around another $2,700. At this point, our insurance from work changed which included IVF coverage and our second embryo transfer was covered.

The clinic tries very hard to accommodate to your schedule which is hard because they are very busy. They have opened multiple office locations which makes it more convenient for us since we don't live closely to the location. Cindy is the front desk coordinator and she knows her stuff! Ivf is crazy expensive, but they try to use insurance as much as possible and break down the costs so you know what to expect

She didn't treat me like a science experiment, force us into ivf/pgd even though thats what was recommended. She let us try other options before coming to the conclusion that's what we needed.

All of the staff members are very warm, responsive, they are your biggest cheerleaders. Many times I have called or emailed them with random questions or venting my anxieties and they were able to calm me down and talk me down from the ledge

She is very warm, friendly, highly regarded in our community. She gives you her time to ask questions, without feeling rushed. Her clinic is very busy, but when she's with you, you have her undivided attention

Don't be afraid to ask her lots of questions and talk about your options

For the iui's we used 5mg femara for 5 days, hcg trigger shot, and progesterone suppositories. She used this each time because I grew 3-4 large follicles, and my lining was well maintained. We used this for my 2nd iui with a previous dr and it resulted in pregnancy. Unfortunately, we lost the baby at birth due to a genetic disease. So we tried iui 3 more times unsuccessfully before moving to ivf/pgd. Waiting for our probe to be developed before starting treatment

So far, meds are 4600, ivf process is 4200, 1500 for pgs, Fet costs not known yet

Dr. Agard is pretty set on single embryo transfer due to high risk of carrying multiples, but she still allows families to decide

Great location for me. Also, Dr. Agard was a preferred provider for my insurance and was willing to submit claims for portions of treatment that were covered - absolutely critical for me, compared to clinics that don't bother. They were pretty quick to respond to my inquiries, and seemed pretty organized.

Dr. Agard was professional but approachable and friendly. Her tone and manner was very encouraging which I appreciated, as I had been scared and scarred by previous conversations with an insensitive ob-gyn about infertility.

I mostly dealt with them by phone or briefly at appointments because I saw so much of the doctor herself. The nurses' manner on the phone was much appreciated - very understanding of me asking questions or feeling apprehensive, etc.

I began seeing Dr. Agard to diagnose my infertility causes and create a plan for treatment. I saw her from an initial consult through various testing to the appointment about results and the plan for next steps. Just prior to beginning any IVF cycles, I moved away, so I didn't see things through with Dr. Agard, but not due to anything she did. I considered remaining a patient there because I felt very comfortable with her and the clinic, but the distance would have been too much of a barrier.

I mentioned I had a Biology degree so I understood a lot of the processes she was describing, which freed her up from having to explain a lot of the basics to me. If you are similarly educated, say so. otherwise, if not, she was good at explaining what was going on in layman's terms - I just didn't need her to.

She offered me the option of IUI or IVF but gave the likelihood of success for both and recommended IVF. I moved away before we began so I can't comment on whether it would have been successful or what specific protocols she would have used. She was encouraging that it would have been successful.

$29,000 with no meds, three stim cycles of egg retrieval, biopsy analysis, egg freezing included.

The office is nice and clean and I rarely had to wait more than five minutes for my appointment. They were also very organized about the financial side of things as well. I honestly can't think of a weakness.

The service and bed side manner of both Dr. Agard and the office staff was excellent. I felt they always made me feel like their top priority and I sometimes forgot they even had other patients. They were very personal and sensitive at every turn.

The nursing staff were fantastic! Both sharing in our joys and disappointments. Very personable and a pleasure to work with. The only doctors office where I didn't feel stressed out. It seemed everyone enjoyed working there too.

Dr. Agard 's bedside manner was very calming and comfortable. It felt like I was talking with a friend and I liked that I felt we were collaborating rather than her just taking over my body. For the most part she seemed to have time to answer questions too. A couple of times things were rushed and I wish I had been given better instructions and information on what to expect as well as alternative strategies for treatment.

Ask about what all your options are for treatment strategies and don't be afraid to say "no" that's not how I want to do that, or to talk through your concerns. She is a great listener and I think will support her patients decisions, but it's important to ask lots of questions and then trust your gut.

I don't remember details, but we did 2 rounds of the trigger shot, 2 IUI and 2 IVF rounds. I had one positive pregnancy from IVF that resulted in a miscarriage and everything else was negative.

The cost was well over 25K

It was a clean facility , i feel like they place is kind of small since they’re doing all the procedure and inside lab at the same office but overalls was nice and clean and didn’t have any issues with it

I didn’t receive enough information about my case , I feel the Ivf protocol wasn’t specialized for me , I had 2 medications cycle with them and all the medications was the same as the first cycle and I asked few times if they’re going to do any changes to the medications , I never get the clear answer They retrieved 4 eggs and 1 of them got fertilized and end up No embryos

She responded to my email and concerns in few hours and mostly were very nice

I feel like the IVF cycle was not specialized for me and was not clear on the procedure and why they didn’t change the proton on the second round of medications After our IVF cycle failed we had a appointment and the dr went over all the options we have I felt like why before we started the IVF I didn’t get these information after I wast lots of money and time

Ask as much as questions they can because they will not explain all the fact and risk about your case

I wasn’t helpful, I had two cycle of medications and both are quite the same , they got 4 eggs and one of them fertilized and the only reason they said my overian reserves are diminished

$39,000

They have preferences on transfer of one embryo

The clinic is timely, organized, efficient, and generally operates well. They give options for appt times when possible, I feel. Although, it would be better if they had more Santa Rosa hours, to prevent surprise trips to the marin clinic one hour away. Appts are short bit easy to work in to a bush schedule.

Well, it was mostly MA’s that I had contact with. They were well trained though

Very knowledable, scientific care, felt confident in fertility knowledge. Very little allotted one one one. For such expensive, invasive procedures, was surprised at how little contact or explanation given.

Research for yourself first what you want for treatment, including specifics of IVF.

For IUI, used letrizole and hcv. IVF- Standard protocol of injectibles and hcv trigger for egg retrieval, then estrogen and progesterone for embryo transfer.

Individual ultrasound monitoring fees with IUI. IVF- lump sum including recommending all the options (even PGS). In all spend 37,000 in one year

None

The clinic has an onsite embryology lab, which is great.

I found Dr Uzelac to be warm yet very focused on the task at hand

Dr. Uzelac's strengths were that he listened to my concerns, and explained processes if I asked how things worked. DR. Uzelac did not explain processes until I specifically asked. He did not provide me with actual test result information unless I asked

Have a discussion about your financial situation so you can all be on the same page about what kind of procedures to follow

I was on an antagonist protocol. Started the cycle with birth control pills. Then Started injections of 225 Gonal F and 75 Menopur; added Cetrotide on day 6. Total stimulation for 8 days. Retrieved 6 eggs, all fertilized. Only 1 made to 5 day blast. Tested abnormal for PGS. No embryos were transferred.

IVF Cycle: $10,225 Labs: $7,765 ICSI, Blast culture, Biopsy up to 8 embryos, freeze, store 1 year, 1 FET Embryo Biopsy Analysis $1875 Analysis of 8 embryos, $185 ea after Sperm Services $800 Sperm ID, Sperm Freeze Total: $20,665

N/A

Clean, professional and never too crowded. You don't have much of a wait everytime you go

He was very caring and accessible. He has a warmth about him that is comforting. He always acted like he had all the time in the world to discuss my care.

They are all very friendly and warm. Tina has a lot of patients she is juggling and sometimes I could feel that.

He is a realistic optimist. He didn't sugar coat anything but I always felt encouraged. He is excellent at egg retrieval and transfer ( never had any problems or pain). Very knowledgable and open to discussing all treatment options. Not a big believer in immune treatment. Very pro- pgd or pgd testing and frozen transfer but does not push it on you.

Go to each appt with a list of questions.

I used agonist protocol with 350 follistim, 150 Menopur and adding in HGH.

An ivf round with icsi was about 14k

Staff turnover is an issue. We have had a few medication mix ups because of new staff; also times when messages weren’t communicated properly by new staff; it was difficult because my wife was on medians very emotional

She has always been very kind and considerate

Unfortunately the office seems to have a certain amount of turnover in the staff. Unfortunately Soraya left the office after getting married

Super professional, very sweet, always felt like we had her full attention and seems very dedicated. Explains things thoroughly and is always willing to answer all our questions. Speaks to us on our level. We know she is there for us for whatever we need

Be honest with her about your expectations. Ask questions

We used multiple protocols because my wife had a hard time with some of the drugs; Dr Agard was always very willing to make adjustments

Comparably expensive to what others have described

Try to develop a relationship with one person and stick with speaking to that one person as much as possible. Our difficulties have focused around new people not following through properly and we had to run around and get medications filled, etc.

Dr. Agard takes the time to go over everything and is very personable

There has been a high turnover in nursing staff since we have been seeing Dr. Agard which is unfortunate and we don't believe has anything to do with her professionally

Dr. Agard is a very warm and caring individual and has taken the time to thoroughly discuss each step with us along the way. There was only one incident where we were disappointed (the nurses at an outside facility where a procedure was performed assured us she was coming back in to say good bye and she did not).

Trust her - she is very knowledgable and caring

This would be too long to go into

She is the expert, we trust her judgement with the eSET for our circumstances