Michael Synn
Women's Specialty & Fertility Center
Available Lines of Communication
Doctor email
Nurse email
Nurse email
Direct line to doctor
Direct line to nurse
Direct line to nurse
Doctor personal cell phone
Medical SchoolU. of California Davis
ResidencyUCSF
FellowshipUCSF
Clovis
729 North Medical Center
Clovis, CA 93611
(559) 299-7700
16 assessments
10
Age
33 - 36
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Other, Unexplained
10
My dr had a strong preference to a single embryo vs. multiple. ... we had two fails and four embryos left and I'm 35+ yrs old. ... When I had my first failed embryo transfer he [Dr. Synn] called hours later and let me know after my lab results were in. I could tell he genuinely felt bad for me and the situation and asked if I had any questions. When I had my eggs retrieved he called me himself to check in on me and answered my questions.
+ Read more
Age
33 - 36
Treated
2016 - 2019
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Latino
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Other, Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
When I had my first failed embryo transfer he called hours later and let me know after my lab results were in. I could tell he genuinely felt bad for me and the situation and asked if I had any questions. When I had my eggs retrieved he called me himself to check in on me and answered my questions.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Ask all the questions don't be afraid. Write them down before you go in. No question is a dumb question.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Sometimes the staff is busy and so its a quick interaction but most times they do their best to empathize, are compassionate and patient. The subtle hand on the shoulder, or a hug, or a genuine good luck and fingers crossed, they way they've treated me after a procedure with how they are caring and careful is how I've felt like they treated me like a human vs. a number.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Egg Retrieval: Menopur, is all I can remember right now.
First Embryo Transfer: Proestrogene Suppositories, Estradiol Pills, Crinone
2nd Embryo transfer: Proestrogene Oils Injections, Estradiol Injection, Crinone
The second transfer was successful the first one wasn't. The second one ended in a chemical pregnancy though but my uterine line was much thicker and ideal with a triple layer
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Karla is compassionate, she is genuine and always makes me feel like shes rooting for me.
Christine and Missy are the same, they are the Nurse Practitioners. I felt like they were really on my team and rooting for me wanting this transfer to go well and I can hear the dissapointment when it doesnt.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Call backs faster would be great. Quicker responses to emails. I had to call the last two times for my lab results and it was almost end of business day so it would be nice if they had a better way of ensuring their patients know sooner than later and have a time block for it for whoever is available to give the info.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
25,000
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
My dr had a strong preference to a single embryo vs. multiple. I have an upcoming appt so we will see what they suggest now that we had two fails and four embryos left and I'm 35+ yrs old.
What specific things went wrong at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
- Failed to call with results
- Failed to convey critical information
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8
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
PCOS, Other
8
He [Dr. Synn] is a very friendly doctor. Was always in a good mood. Was warm and compassionate. He was very knowledgeable. If I didn’t understand something he would explain it to me differently so I could. He would also for me if an emergency happened in the weekend. He is very kind and got to know us as a couple.... He explained our results from test, samples, and work ups. Told us the percentages and the options. He let us decide how aggressive we wanted to be and what our financial availability was. We decided to try injections first and he explained how the process would work.
+ Read more
Age
33 - 34
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Latino
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
PCOS, Other
8
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He is a very friendly doctor. Was always in a good mood. Was warm and compassionate. He was very knowledgeable. If I didn’t understand something he would explain it to me differently so I could. He would also for me if an emergency happened in the weekend. He is very kind and got to know us as a couple.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
To not be afraid to ask questions he will help you understand everything
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Felt like a human because he addressed me by name, he remembered me. And was always warm and welcoming. Answered my questions and didn’t feel rushed
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
He explained our results from test, samples, and work ups. Told us the percentages and the options. He let us decide how aggressive we wanted to be and what our financial availability was. We decided to try injections first and he explained how the process would work. It was our lowest possibility but i wanted to give it a shot outcome was no preg. Then I wanted to try IUI again he explained everything we went with that because of the cost. The outcome was no pregnancy. Then we decided to try ivf he went with us the steps and procedure. We have used all our eggs retrieved from the retrieval and had two positive pregnancy that ended in miscarriages.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The clinic is very busy so understand they are busy but felt they took a long time in general and wouldn’t communicate what was the hold up unless I asked after waiting over 20 minutes on some occasions
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
This is a very busy clinic there isn’t another near by, the biggest weakness is the long wait. Also some of the staff is rough when the so ultrasounds. Strength is they are friendly and remember you. They are available on the phone to help if you can’t make it to the office.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Sometimes the wait was long in the waiting room. The normal person I had was very friendly and gentle but when I had the nurse practitioner or another dr they were rough
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Not positive for shots I think between 150-250 for IUI it was around 500 for ivf 10,00 for dr and laboratory all together it included one transfer after that every transfer was 1,500 for laboratory fees plus assisted hatching fee was 500
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
He explained the higher risk for complications with multiple
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10
Age
29 - 30
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
10
Dr. Synn is very upfront about your fertility and the odds that you will get pregnant. He will answer any questions you have and be honest. Dr. Synn took the time to explain what problems I had developed with my fallopian tubes due to a past accident/disease I had. He didn't beat around the bush or try to convince me to do other treatments just to get money. He suggested I go straight to IVF.... During my consultation with Dr. Synn, he wanted to know every issue I have had and anything in my past that could have caused my infertility.
+ Read more
Age
29 - 30
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Other, Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Accountant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
IVF
Diagnosis
Tubal Blockage
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
During my consultation with Dr. Synn, he wanted to know every issue I have had and anything in my past that could have caused my infertility. When I told him about an accident I had as a 5 year old where I later developed an extensive case of Peritonitis, due to malpractice from the doctor treating me at that time, he showed concern that I could be having infertility issues due to that. He scheduled me to do numerous tests to check my reproductive system. When those were showing good signs, he still suspected there could be more to the story. I did several more ultrasounds, and we decided to do a surgery to remove what looked like cysts. During the surgery, Dr. Synn found that it was not cysts, but abscesses that had developed within mounds of scar tissue wrapped around my reproductive organs. He removed as much of the scar tissue as he could. That is where he saw that my fallopian tubes are severely damaged from the Peritonitis. After my surgery, he explained everything he saw and showed me pictures. This is when he was honest and told me my odds of getting pregnant naturally are below 1%. He suggested I don't waste my money with pills or injections any more and try IVF. I am currently getting ready to do IVF in the next month.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He is honest and will tell you what you need to hear. He always answers questions.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn is very upfront about your fertility and the odds that you will get pregnant. He will answer any questions you have and be honest. Dr. Synn took the time to explain what problems I had developed with my fallopian tubes due to a past accident/disease I had. He didn't beat around the bush or try to convince me to do other treatments just to get money. He suggested I go straight to IVF.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I tried a round of clomid to see if it would help, but my body showed no improvements. I will be undergoing IVF soon.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Missy)
I dealt with two nurse practitioners, Missy is the only one who I remember her name. However, they were both great to deal with. They were very helpful with answering questions.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
I have had two friends use this clinic and they both recommended it to me when I first started. This clinic is very clean and the receptionists are able to answer a lot of questions and help get you in as soon as possible or work with your schedule. They block time during certain days for certain treatments so you hopefully don't have to wait weeks in between appointments based on your treatments. The clinic is located right next to a hospital so if you are having surgery, everything is within walking distance and they can assist you at the hospital.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
My insurance covered most of the costs for my blood work, reproductive tests, prescriptions, and surgery. However, my insurance does not cover any costs once diagnosed as "infertile." I had to pay out of pocket for clomid and ultrasounds, and will now pay out of pocket for IVF as well. Dr. Synn offers Care Credit so I can make interest free payments on my bills.
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Dr. Synn only allows up to two eggs be transferred during IVF.
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7
Age
32
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
7
I felt that Dr. Synn was just there to do the consults and initial treatment but that you were just passed off to the nurses there who handled the ultrasounds and iui procedures. It felt like you were just a number there and he only treated the patients who had more expensive procedures.... There was not necessarily a strategy but all options were laid out and our chances with each. We could not afford to do an ivf or ivf with egg donor cycle so we opted to do an iui. The plan was to do follistim injections for 6-7 days then a trigger shot
+ Read more
Age
32
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Native American
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 3 Docs
Treatment
5 IUI
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Unexplained
7
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I felt that Dr. Synn was just there to do the consults and initial treatment but that you were just passed off to the nurses there who handled the ultrasounds and iui procedures.
It felt like you were just a number there and he only treated the patients who had more expensive procedures.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Be aware that the results you want may not be possible but don't let them talk you into an ivf or more drastic procedures if you can't afford it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I felt that they had so many women coming through the clinic that it felt like they were just trying to get you in and out as quickly as possible.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
There was not necessarily a strategy but all options were laid out and our chances with each. We could not afford to do an ivf or ivf with egg donor cycle so we opted to do an iui. The plan was to do follistim injections for 6-7 days then a trigger shot and the iui. When I received my medication order it had changed to follistim and menopur for 6-7 days then the trigger shot. The rationale was that by doing both medications it might help me release more eggs. They also had me start progesterone pills after the procedure. They said it would help support a baby and help my uterus after the medications/procedure.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Ashley)
Ashley did all of my ultrasounds and iui procedures. She showed immense compassion when we had a hiccup before the last procedure. She also fully explained the results of my husband's seven sample.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
The clinic's biggest weakness is that they are not well versed in insurance issues. If you have insurance then they make it so much more difficult to use it. Two different times they were supposed to start my insurance approval and forgot. It wasn't until I called a few days later to check up that they finally started it. It seemed to me that most women who go there pay cash price for everything including medications so when someone comes in with insurance they are not as on top of it.
There was also an example of when they tried to charge me full price for an iui procedure when it was supposed to go through my insurance first.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
The costs of medication were roughly $2,500 each cycle. I do not have the approximate cost of the ultrasounds/procedures yet because they haven't completed billing with my insurance.
What specific things went wrong at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Lost paperwork
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8
Age
30 - 31
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
1 IUI, IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Tubal Blockage
8
Our initial visit, he [Dr. Synn] was very informative but minimally compassionate. I was crying and no one even offered a tissue. Our follow up appointment he was very brief and when he told us my husband had a relapse of azoospermia, he quickly suggested donor sperm.... We have male factor with low count and motility. We started with 1 cycle of Clomid and natural. BFN. Then moved to IUI, using Clomid to stim and Ovidrel to trigger. BFN. We just completed IVF, stim using gonal-f, menopur only once and cetrotide only 2 doses. Triggered with Novarel and ovidrel. We had 7 eggs, 6 mature and 3 embryos.
+ Read more
Age
30 - 31
Treated
2017 - 2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI, IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor, Tubal Blockage
8
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Our initial visit, he was very informative but minimally compassionate. I was crying and no one even offered a tissue. Our follow up appointment he was very brief and when he told us my husband had a relapse of azoospermia, he quickly suggested donor sperm. We requested to see the other doctor there, which we ended up seeing but his schedule was more limited. We ended up with Synn again for our IVF consult, and he did a much better job at laying out the details and a answering our questions. He did not do any of my ultrasounds, or egg retrieval or embryo transfer, but he did make our phone call to let us know the progress of our embryos and schedule it. We would have preferred to have more consistency with which doctor we were seeing
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Have your questions ready, and don’t be timid to ask them. Be prepared for long wait times.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Once the doctors were in the room, they did a decent job of communicating information, however their time with you was brief and the wait times were long
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
We have male factor with low count and motility. We started with 1 cycle of Clomid and natural. BFN. Then moved to IUI, using Clomid to stim and Ovidrel to trigger. BFN. We just completed IVF, stim using gonal-f, menopur only once and cetrotide only 2 doses. Triggered with Novarel and ovidrel. We had 7 eggs, 6 mature and 3 embryos. We did a day 3 transfer of a fresh grade 1 embryo yesterday!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
They were pleasajt and helpful in answering questions. We saw about 5 different nurses during the course of our IVF experience
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Strengths are the nurses organization and knowledge of the process. Weaknesses are long wait times, limited phone answering hours, and not having you assigned to a designated nurse/doctor the whole time
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
We did have some insurance coverage. Each ultrasound was about $200. Our meds would have been $6,300...however we only had to pay co-pays totaling $520. We had to give $7300 in deposits for the procedures, awaiting insurance coverage on that. Anesthesia was $375
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
We were told from the beginning that a singleton is better odds and it is not the goal of the clinic to do multiples. Yet, on our transfer day, Dr Sueldo (male) came in and said “so we’re putting in two”? We were very confused. We had not discussed that at all. We ended up just doing the one.
What specific things went wrong at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
- Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy
- Provided conflicting information
- Failed to convey critical information
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10
Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
Dr. Synn is incredible always gave myself and my husband attention it was never just about me. Very calm and never rushed us during any appointment. We both really enjoyed him! ...every encounter with him was genuine and caring. We had a whole page of questions and he sat with us letting us ask every single one without rushing us. Even if we thought it was a silly question he answered it. I do wish from day one we would’ve went with Dr. Synn, he didn’t do our first two IUI’s and he did our third along with our IVF from start to finish.
+ Read more
Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
?
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Accountant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF, Donor Sperm
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn is incredible always gave myself and my husband attention it was never just about me. Very calm and never rushed us during any appointment. We both really enjoyed him! One time during my last IUI my husband was getting a little light headed and Dr. Synn brought him in a chair and had the girls get him some juice. He is a very easy going guy and I feel like he is such a positive doctor in the situations that infertility brings up, the good and the bad. I don’t have anything bad to say about Dr. Synn every encounter with him was genuine and caring. We had a whole page of questions and he sat with us letting us ask every single one without rushing us. Even if we thought it was a silly question he answered it. I do wish from day one we would’ve went with Dr. Synn, he didn’t do our first two IUI’s and he did our third along with our IVF from start to finish. He just always seems happy to help and seems to really enjoy is job and being with us when we are with him, we always appreciated his time.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Ask for him from the get go! We started with the other doctor in the office without doing research on either one, and Dr. Synn is just more personable than the other doctor
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
The whole facility and staff at WSFC is incredible, during infertility treatments it is already a stressful time and they always made me feel welcome!
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I feel my protocol was pretty standard. For the IUI our first one we used clomid, our second two we used gonal-f. For our IVF we used gonal-f, menopur, endometrin, progesterone and cetrotide. Everything went great and looked great, I think when we do future IVF cycles I will make the point of focusing on quality over quantity to see if there is a different protocol for that.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Incredible, every single office staff was incredible from the front staff to the back staff. We never had a single complaint about the staff!
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
They are always busy, there were times where my appt would be at 10am and I wouldn't get seen in the room until 10:30 so make sure you have time to spend. Also waiting for the instructions after ultrasounds or anything I'd suggest just getting a phone call later or having them email it to you. I once waited for 45 minutes then was told "we can email it to you later if you don't want to wait" which since I was missing work I would've done that from the get go. Just silly little things but seriously overall they are incredible!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
From all our treatments of 2017 we spent $26,000 and change
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
We only ended with two 5 day embryos, my doctor suggested transferring only one and before that phone call my husband and I had agreed on transferring only one as well. So it was an easy conversation to have.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
8
Age
33
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, PCOS, Poor Egg Quality
8
He was very thorough, which I appreciated. He was kind and compassionate yet gave us the facts in a way we could understand. My only complaint is that I felt like once we miscarried he made us feel as though it was no big deal, we'll just do it again. However, we don't have the funds t do it again so it was beyond a big deal to us. Even if we did have the funds to do it again, I still feel like he could have treated our miscarriage with more care so we weren't so hurt.
+ Read more
Age
33
Treated
2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Other
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Anovulation, Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Male Factor, PCOS, Poor Egg Quality
8
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He was very thorough, which I appreciated. He was kind and compassionate yet gave us the facts in a way we could understand. My only complaint is that I felt like once we miscarried he made us feel as though it was no big deal, we'll just do it again. However, we don't have the funds t do it again so it was beyond a big deal to us. Even if we did have the funds to do it again, I still feel like he could have treated our miscarriage with more care so we weren't so hurt.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Bring a notebook! He's very thorough and explains everything in detail and you'll want to write it all down.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I mostly felt like a human with him, especially in the beginning and throughout the treatments. However, when we found out I miscarried, I felt as if he was too casual about it, like it was no big deal. It was hurtful.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I'm not sure of our protocol or exact dosages but we used gonal f and menopur. We had to use the menopur because a few of my follicles were getting too big. We also did two trigger shots (one in my stomach and one in my hip) before egg retrieval.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The nursing staff was amazing. Caring, compassionate, thorough... Everything you want in nursing staff. They were kind and explained everything in detail so that we understood and answered all questions we had.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Very nice and clean clinic. Up to date technology, well organized, and kind staff. The office is ran like a well oiled machine and you feel like a human not a number. The nursing staff is especially amazing.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
All together (medications, co-pays, appointments, egg retrieval, transfer, etc) it was about $14,000.
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
He left that option totally up to us. He explained both options thoroughly then left the choice to us.
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7
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
—
7
Dr. Synn is a very soft spoken caring RE.... I met with him each appointment however, I did not have my ultrasounds/scans or procedures (IUI) performed by him, which was not to my liking. In my eyes, I feel that he is the scientist and mathematician trying to determine the individuals’ cycle patterns in order to plan treatment. His staff then performs most out-patient procedures/treatments based around his recommendations.
+ Read more
Age
31 - 32
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IUI
Diagnosis
—
7
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn is a reputable RE. I immediately felt trust toward his planning and treatment. I met with him each appointment however, I did not have my ultrasounds/scans or procedures (IUI) performed by him, which was not to my liking. In my eyes, I feel that he is the scientist and mathematician trying to determine the individuals’ cycle patterns in order to plan treatment. His staff then performs most out-patient procedures/treatments based around his recommendations.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Personally I feel that this is all chance. It’s about math (getting the numbers right) and you may get lucky. If you want it bad enough, you’ll keep gambling! And I’m not giving up, and you shouldn’t either!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn is a very soft spoken caring RE. As it was my 1st attempt with treatment, I was nervous, and he lifted the stress by stating, “...I do not want you to worry anymore...stop the obsessive charting...it’s time for you to relax and let me take on the stress...”
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Started with him discontinuing my current methods of cycle charting to alleviate any stress.
Next, 100mg clomid for 5 days (In various treatments, the start date would be adjusted as no pregnancy had occurred.)
Also, throughout treatment I was introduced to estrogen, progesterone suppository , ovaldrill shots (to essientially try and control ovulation timing) and IUI.
RESULTS:
HIVES: allergic to one or a combination of meds being used, clomid gave my tongue blisters, progesterone capsules were red and would leak from being used like a suppository (always thought it was blood..don’t freak out it was the pills casings!) Over 6-7 clomid rounds, with 1 IUI attempt. (Dr. Synn did not perform the IUI, I was upset.)
Resulting in me needing to take a break from treatment and regain my sanity!
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Sweet ladies, they loved my humor! They try really hard to make sure the patient is comfortable. (Companionate)
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
I liked that the office was located in a building next to Clovis Community Hospital, where major procedures and his dileveries are performed. Also there’s a lab next door he uses for samples. His clinic is a very clean facility. And a ait times are semi-bearable for appointments!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
I have insurance that was wonky about coverage. For me, copays for appointments were $15, like anywhere else. Yet, each ultrasound ran $100 once I started clomid and Insurance stopped covering certain fertility treatments. (By the way there’s a lot of ultrasounds when trying to observe eggs growing to the correct mm to then self enduce ovulation, with the ovadrill shot). I can’t remember how much the IUI cost, but I remember thinking, “...hmm, that’s not so bad for one shot at it...” Clomid ran me $30 each refill..not bad..and again I can’t really remember how much I paid for estrogen patches and progesterone. The Ovadrill shot each cycle would cost $120 and is NOT covered my insurance and was mailed from Texas.
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
N/A
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10
Age
28 - 35
Treated
2008 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
Over the 7 and a half years we were seen and treated by Dr. Synn, not only were we blessed with our twins, we also formed wonderful relationships with Dr. Synn and some of his staff!... Dr. Synn is one of those doctors that knows all about his area of expertise, he's been around to see many patients and many different scenarios...so he really REALLY knows what he's talking about... But unlike so many of those special doctors that knows so much
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Age
28 - 35
Treated
2008 - 2015
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
Other
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
4 IUI, 3 IVF
Diagnosis
PCOS
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn is one of those doctors that knows all about his area of expertise, he's been around to see many patients and many different scenarios...so he really REALLY knows what he's talking about... But unlike so many of those special doctors that knows so much...he has an AMAZING bedside manner!!! That is what really surprised us when first meeting him. He cares and he wants success for YOUR fertility journey.
On one occasion, after a transfer, I ended up getting a horrible UTI. It was so bad, I could not get out of bed. At 3 o'clock in the morning, my husband called his exchange and he called right back and got meds to me asap! It was so comforting to know someone (a doctor!) was there for me when I really needed it.
Another thing that really sticks out throughout our journey, was that after our failed IVF cycles, Dr. Synn would personally call and check on us... I couldn't be more grateful for these calls.
If we didn't feel the way we do about Dr. Synn and his staff, we would not have continued to emotionally, physically and/or financially put ourselves through all of that heartache and pain for seven and a half years.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Document everything...you'll want to look back at your triumph!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Over the 7 and a half years we were seen and treated by Dr. Synn, not only were we blessed with our twins, we also formed wonderful relationships with Dr. Synn and some of his staff! We love them and think of them fondly. We were always treated as people...as important people! We are so grateful to have met and worked with Dr. Synn and all of the girls who were there during our time there.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I'm sorry, I can't remember specifics...
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
During our time at Dr. Synn's office, we absolutely fell in love with all of the girls there! Kim, Jessica, Sandra, Hilary, Missy, Tulea... (I'm sure I'm missing a couple 😣) were so much more than "nursing staff"...they felt like family. They knew all about what we were going through, in probably the toughest years of our lives. And they didn't take that lightly. They always had compassion...and they were always our loudest cheerleaders! If, and when, they needed to call with disappointing news, I always felt like that phone call was just as hard for them, as it was for us. They took the journey with us... We still take our twins in to visit and say hello to all of their "aunties"
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Because we have not been there in a few years, it's hard to say what is the same and what is different now. I have heard from others about new staff and Dr. Synn having shorter hours in the clinic, then he did before... I've also heard about longer wait times and shorter, more "impersonal" visits. So, I'm not too sure about things now. But what I can say is that Dr. Synn and his staff were there for us and got us through to the other side of, what we thought for a while was, an impossible journey. He told us it was a numbers game and if we were able to stick with it, it would work...and it did. I truly hope the office is still running the way it did, back then, for us.
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10
Age
26 - 30
Treated
2013 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
I was asked if I would like to transfer 1 or 2 embryos. My dr said I was healthy and tall so my body could handle twins. ... I felt dr synn was very kind and explained everything well. All my questions were answered and I felt he really cared about me as a person. I never had any concerns with my care with him. He gave us realistic odds and I felt everything went the way he said it would. ...
+ Read more
Age
26 - 30
Treated
2013 - 2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European, Latino
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
1 IVF
Diagnosis
Male Factor
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I felt dr synn was very kind and explained everything well. All my questions were answered and I felt he really cared about me as a person. I never had any concerns with my care with him. He gave us realistic odds and I felt everything went the way he said it would.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Ask all questions, don't be afraid and be completely honest.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I was always treated kindly, the drs and staff remembered me and made conversation.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
My egg retrieval was in 2013 so it's hard to remember all the details. I was started on birth control to regulate my period. I remember the daily injections in my stomach and the trigger shot in my butt. I had many follicles and the egg retrieval went well. I had 20 retrieved.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Missy montes)
She was very kind, always answered my questions, explained everything well. She remembered details about my life not pertaining to my treatment
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
The only thing I remember not liking was the front receptionist, I thought she was rude. Everyone else was kind, I was in and out quickly for my appointments. The office is in a nice area. As far as I know this is the only clinic in Fresno so I didn't have options, but I was very happy with the drs and my treatment
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Over $20,000 for the first cycle with egg retrieval and no insurance, about $2,000 for fet and insurance
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
I was asked if I would like to transfer 1 or 2 embryos. My dr said I was healthy and tall so my body could handle twins. We transfered 2 and had 1 baby, second round we also transferred 2 and had twins
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10
Age
38 - 39
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
Dr. Synn was very candid and thorough with his suggestions of care. He answered every question with compassion and gave his honest opinion. He showed optimism and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Synn is blunt and tells you exactly as he sees it. This approach seemed harsh, but I was grateful for his honesty...Because I had a diminishing ovarian reserve, Dr. Synn chose to have me take 50mg of Femara at beginning of my cycle to mature my eggs. The growing of my follices was monitored via vaginal ultrasound. To start ovulation, I would use a 250mcg Ovidrel Injection once a month. Insurance did not cover any of these treatments, his office offers discounts for private pay patients, so as I was paying minimal privately. Some cycles I used 200mg vaginal Progesterone, to thicken my uterine lining. Other cycles I used .1mg Minivelle patch (estrogen) to thicken my endometrial lining.
+ Read more
Age
38 - 39
Treated
2015 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
European
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI
Diagnosis
Unexplained
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn was very candid and thorough with his suggestions of care. He answered every question with compassion and gave his honest opinion. He showed optimism and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Synn is blunt and tells you exactly as he sees it. This approach seemed harsh, but I was grateful for his honesty.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn can seem very intimidating, but his honesty could save you time and money on your journey.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I was comfortable with the fact that I would always see the same staff. I felt like seeing the same nurses and practioners at each appointment, made me feel like the staff was more invested in my journey.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
Because I had a diminishing ovarian reserve, Dr. Synn chose to have me take 50mg of Femara at beginning of my cycle to mature my eggs. The growing of my follices was monitored via vaginal ultrasound. To start ovulation, I would use a 250mcg Ovidrel Injection once a month. Insurance did not cover any of these treatments, his office offers discounts for private pay patients, so as I was paying minimal privately. Some cycles I used 200mg vaginal Progesterone, to thicken my uterine lining. Other cycles I used .1mg Minivelle patch (estrogen) to thicken my endometrial lining.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
My insurance did not cover treatment. The clinic gave a discount for private pay, and my insurance did cover some medications.
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Verified
This patient has provided documentation of treatment at this clinic.
10
Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
—
10
He [Dr. Michael Synn] is very thorough in explaining everything. He never rushed me and really helped me feel comfortable and confident. He answered all my questions and left me feeling like he really cared.... He played it safe always. I started treatment for blocked tubes. After a successful pregnancy previously we knew that I could carry a baby and so he never pushed things. He explained the chances of multiples and he would suggest different things with reason and explain it.
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Age
31
Treated
2017
Success with this Doc
Yes
Race
European, Ashkenazi Jewish
Income
—
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing
Diagnosis
—
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He is very thorough in explaining everything. He never rushed me and really helped me feel comfortable and confident. He answered all my questions and left me feeling like he really cared. I have yet to find a weakness in him.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Ask as many questions as you can. He will help you feel confident and comfortable.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
The staff and dr got to know me and were very friendly. I felt welcome from the start.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
He played it safe always. I started treatment for blocked tubes. After a successful pregnancy previously we knew that I could carry a baby and so he never pushed things. He explained the chances of multiples and he would suggest different things with reason and explain it.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center. (Assigned nurse: Jessica)
They are warm and inviting. They keep the place running in a timely manner and took the time to get to know me.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Parking isn't the best. But the building is newer and it is super nice and clean. The elevator makes it easier to get to the actual clinic rather than taking a flight of stairs. The clinic is large and the waiting room is spacious. The chairs are comfortable.
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Because I have a healthy uterus he explained that it would be healthy and safe to only go for one embryo because multiples make my pregnancy a higher risk.
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10
Age
27 - 31
Treated
2012 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS, Uterine Fibroids
10
He [Dr. Michael Synn] is a great doctor. Explained everything to me in terms I could understand. Gave me the options and let me make the decision that was best for me and my husband. Never pushed us in to a treatment we weren't comfortable with.... But my body was a very poor responder to most all medications and he was very patient with me and kept adjusting until we found what worked for me.
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Age
27 - 31
Treated
2012 - 2016
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$0 - $49K
Occupation
—
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1 Doc Seen
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Endometriosis, PCOS, Uterine Fibroids
10
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He is a great doctor. Explained everything to me in terms I could understand. Gave me the options and let me make the decision that was best for me and my husband. Never pushed us in to a treatment we weren't comfortable with.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Ask a lot of questions and take notes.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I have been seen at this clinic for many years. Everyone knows me by name and face and always greets me with a smile and asked how I have been. And they are very sensitive to my losses. Especially the preterm labor and loss of my daughter.
Describe the protocols Michael Synn used in your cycles at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I don't remember exactly. But my body was a very poor responder to most all medications and he was very patient with me and kept adjusting until we found what worked for me.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Always very friendly. I was always greeted with a smile and everyone knew me by name. Not by looking at my chart. They were always looking for a way to help me out, whether with rescheduling appointments, or giving me sample meds to get me by because we were on a tight budget.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Great clinic and friendly staff. Sometimes wait times can be a little long. But very affordable clinic as well
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Don't remember exacts. But the ivf was under $8000. We also did icsi and frozen restore embryos. Can't remember the cost of those
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
I was given the option of putting one or 2 embryos back. We chose to do 2 with all my transfers.
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8
Age
32
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Treatment
4 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
8
Dr. Synn was thorough and helpful when we asked for an additional consult several months into treatment. He was kind and answered all our many questions. I haven't seen him often but when I have met him he's been very nice.... They [Women's Specialty & Fertility Center] are busy, and they have a lot of people coming through each day. Be prepared to be patient at all visits! You will usually have to wait when you get there, wait in the exam room, wait in the waiting room
+ Read more
Age
32
Treated
2018
Success with this Doc
?
Race
European
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Teacher
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
4 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
—
8
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Dr. Synn was thorough and helpful when we asked for an additional consult several months into treatment. He was kind and answered all our many questions. I haven't seen him often but when I have met him he's been very nice.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
The staff makes an effort to learn patient names and they are warm and kind.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
The staff knows my name. When I call they are helpful and kind. I feel welcome and like they care.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
They are busy, and they have a lot of people coming through each day. Be prepared to be patient at all visits! You will usually have to wait when you get there, wait in the exam room, wait in the waiting room...but that's because they are providing kind and compassionate service to all the many patients!
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Insurance covers some, but in general the office staff knows very well how best to navigate billing in general.
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5
Age
39
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
5
He [Dr. Michael Synn] was knowledgeable and shared the expected outcomes. He was positive and had a good bedside manner. It is a very busy office, at times i felt rushed. I wished he would've given us other options after IVF didnt work..... This was an emotional journey. He listened while i cried and presented the best and worst case scenarios.... Push to discuss all your options and what plan A,B,C would look like.
+ Read more
Age
39
Treated
2015
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Latino
Income
$50K - $99K
Occupation
Nurse or HC Services
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
2 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Tubal Blockage, Unexplained
5
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
He was knowledgeable and shared the expected outcomes. He was positive and had a good bedside manner. It is a very busy office, at times i felt rushed. I wished he would've given us other options after IVF didnt work.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
Push to discuss all your options and what plan A,B,C would look like.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
This was an emotional journey. He listened while i cried and presented the best and worst case scenarios.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff.
Bery informative in person and on the phone.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Very busy clinic. Get there early,expect to wait. Hard to see other patients who have good news when you're not successful. They should account for that with office layout or appointment times.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
My insurance covered only a once in a lifetime amount of $5k. I got a personal loan of $10k to cover the rest. This included two rounds of fertility injections, ICSI, IUI, and associated ultrasounds and visits.
Describe Michael Synn's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
The doctor did not have a strong preference although would not transfer more than 3.
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7
Age
30 - 35
Treated
2007 - 2012
Success with this Doc
No
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Male Factor
7
I remember Dr. Synn having a very laid back attitude. He was very factual and I felt that he really wanted to help us. At one point we felt he was pushing for IVF when we wanted to try less invasive and less expensive treatment. Looking back, I see why he probably felt this way.... The staff was very knowledgeable and they remembered what was going on with our situation without having to be reminded....Our insurance covered the treatment we were undergoing at that time.
+ Read more
Age
30 - 35
Treated
2007 - 2012
Success with this Doc
No
Race
Prefer not to answer
Income
$100K - $199K
Occupation
Accountant
Order & Number of Docs Seen
1st of 2 Docs
Treatment
3 IUI, 1 IVF
Diagnosis
Endometriosis, Male Factor
7
How was your experience with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
I remember Dr. Synn having a very laid back attitude. He was very factual and I felt that he really wanted to help us. At one point we felt he was pushing for IVF when we wanted to try less invasive and less expensive treatment. Looking back, I see why he probably felt this way.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center?
The staff was very knowledgeable and they remembered what was going on with our situation without having to be reminded.
Describe your experience with Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
The clinic was very organized and clean. Everyone was friendly and patient. They did what they said they would do. They were very professional but I never felt like a number. You could tell they were experienced and they enjoyed their work. You could also tell they understand the nature of their work and that was reflected in how they deal with patients.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Michael Synn at Women's Specialty & Fertility Center.
Our insurance covered the treatment we were undergoing at that time.
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