Eric Forman

I sometimes wonder if Dr. Forman realizes that he is truly a hero for the miracles that he performs daily. He has changed our life; he has helped my wife and I become parents when we thought that may never happen. If you are having fertility issues and you are looking for a doctor who will provide a personal touch and best in-class medical practice, then please call Dr. Forman. He is as kind as he is brilliant, and we are blessed that we chose him as our fertility doctor.

Dr. Forman will dedicate himself to you and make you feel like you are his only patient. He truly provides excellent care with a personal touch.

I don't have enough words to express my gratitude for Dr. Eric Forman and his staff at Columbia University Fertility under his lead. The staff is very kind, welcoming and very professional. From the receptionist to the doctors, nurses and all the way to the last person in the Lab you will encounter only wonderful people. It is like God had handpicked this team. As for the Dr. Forman, well... he is definitely a godsend! He is the kindest doctor you will ever meet. What makes him special - apart from his experience and knowledge in the field along with his high successful fertility rate, is his availability and willingness to kindly answer all your questions (good, bad or just silly) thru all channels possible (email, phones, sms, face-to-face, etc.). Dr. Forman made both my husband and I feel safe, secure and in good hands. Dr. Forman and his staff are so friendly they felt like extended family. During our vacation overseas, Dr. Forman kept monitoring my test results over there and was in constant contact with us, day and night, even though there was a big time difference. Prior to coming to Columbia University Fertility center, I tried two clinics before. However, out of all, I recommend you Columbia Fertility center and Dr. Forman from all my heart! Have faith and go meet Dr. Forman at Columbia Fertility!

Have faith and don't waste any more time, just go and meet Dr.Forman!

Dr Forman is hands down the best Doctor I have ever had (and I have had a lot of doctors!) He is incredibly smart but also truly cares about each patient - a combination that is so powerful in the fertility industry given each experience is so unique, but many doctors push the same plan on every patient with fertility concerns vs making a bespoke customized plan for each individual based on their body and hearing their needs / concerns

You won’t regret your decision working with Dr Forman!

We did IVF mainly for family balancing. We had only one embryo of the desired gender so we only had one shot. I did a lot of research before choosing the doctor and through friend’s recommendations I was glad we went to Dr Forman at Columbia. He was very thorough, knowledgeable, and efficient. He clearly understood our goals and discussed a plan forward. I am a patient who likes to understand everything along the process and Dr Forman is extremely responsive whenever I had a question, even during after hours and weekends. The staff were also very organized and friendly. The finance team also was very quick to get clear information from my insurance company. I did a medicated transfer and it worked out great for me. I just delivered our baby smoothly about a month ago!

I loved being under Dr Forman’s care. From the beginning, there was something special about him. He was kind, heard us out, was compassionate, understanding, accommodating, responded promptly to mails, he is extremely knowledgeable and open minded, friendly. Most of all, he is lucky for us. He is extremely professional yet gentle. I would recommend him to everyone.

You are in good hands, just speak up whatever is bothering you and he will be at it while taking good care of you

Dr. Forman is the most attentive doctor I have ever met. He treats you with the utmost respect and actually cares about every single patient. He is so attentive and makes himself available to answer your every question. Additionally, he explains and walks you through every step of the process. I knew we would get the results we wanted with him. He is honestly the best doctor I've ever had.

You are in the BEST hands!

One chlomid cycle and IUI.

After a two years of infertility treatment ups and downs, including some mediocre doctors and labs, we were ready to throw in the towel. Dr Forman went above and beyond to analyze every detail about our history, and planned a super specific treatment for us that yielded our best results yet. He was so easy to get in touch with, and you can tell he is very personally invested in his job and your quest for parenthood. 10/10 the best doctor I’ve ever encountered.

Just trust him! He’s the best.

Clomid, a lot of Menopur, cetrotide IVF with ICSI. I needed high doses of menopur to ensure my follicles would grow more plentifully and larger.

He prefers single to start.

Dr. Forman, explained the options of my fertility success and above all, he was straightforward and gave me a good plan forward. I also like that he took the time to go over my history chart and explained some of the medications that I need to adjust for me to be ready to start the treatments. I gave him a timeline and we agreed on the steps that I need to take.

The Columbia Clinic is using cutting edge technology thus I would trust his treatment

I have not started the treatment

Do not remember. But this was a consultation only. However, he put the expenses around $30,000

Dr. Forman explained to me that it would be a single embryo transfer

Dr. Forman is Caring, knowledgeable, attentive. He addresses needs and questions in a responsive manner. He calls with important issues. He listens to patient wishes and tries to honor within reason. Dr Forman explains his decisions and next steps

Research ahead of time to have useful and productive conversations

IUI with clomid or letrozole, IVF, birth control for first egg retrieval, changed for 2nd

Scheduling was easy There was blood work and ultrasound There were two locations to choose from

Insurance covered

N/a

Dr. Forman was exactly the doctor that I needed to help me on my journey to motherhood! He was extremely knowledgable, answered all of my questions, fully explained all procedures, calmed my doubts, responded to emails (even on the weekends), and in the end helped me to become pregnant. I plan on going back to Dr. Forman in the future!

Trust his expertise!!

Tried unmedicated IUIs and medicated IUIs (Chlomid) before moving on to IVF.

My health insurance covered my IUIs and two of the 3 cycles of IVF.

Dr. Forman only recommended transferring one embryo in my specific situation.

Dr Forman was absolutely incredible. He is so honest and does not sugarcoat anything. He is kind, patient and takes his time answering all of your questions. He never once steered us wrong or gave us false hope.

Ask questions and email him. He will always be honest with you.

Menopur, gonal f for egg retrieval and Menopur for FET transfer with progerstone suppositories

He was very considerate of my preferences (no progesterone shots and wanting only one egg retrival)

Dr. Forman is truly an expert and has the most positive energy and pointed advice. I tried several clinics before him with no success, I was able to have 2 out of 3 successful IVF cycles with him in my 40s. His advice, attention and guidance were instrumental to my outcome. His staff is super professional and the equipment, office systems and billing are super organized.

You will be in the best hands you can get!

Dr Forman was patient and kind. He made sure to see us at every appointment that was necessary. He always explained exactly what was happening and what the next step was. When I had any questions he or his staff always called / emailed me In a very timely manner. I would highly recommend Dr Forman and his wonderful staff.

IVF

15,000

I was in amazing hands with Dr. Forman and the entire staff. I always felt taken care of and that the staff cared about me as a person. I was very nervous about the IVF process, but all of the nurses and doctors were there to support me and answer any questions I had. During my daily morning appointments, I enjoyed seeing the nurses and each visit was short, efficient but somehow also enjoyable despite the bloodwork. During each procedure (transfer and retrievals), the doctors and nurses were extremely calm, reassuring, and made me feel safe. I always looked forward to going to the office to see Dr. Forman and the entire staff as they constantly made me feel better and like I was making good progress. I could not recommend them more and now after 3 retrievals and 1 transfer, I have my baby boy.

Don't hesitate to reach out to him with any questions you have throughout the process. He is the most responsive doctor I've ever met, as well as someone who is caring and empathetic. He responds to emails very quickly and always gives his honest opinions while also helping patients stay positive.

Due to my diagnoses, Dr. Forman suggested that I do IVF. Also, he also recommended that I had a fallopian tube removed due to a tube blockage, so this was the protocol we went with. He referred me to another doctor at Columbia who successfully removed my fallopian tube. Then, I did 3 egg retrievals in order to get the number of embryos that I was hoping for, followed by a successful frozen embryo transfer. For the retrievals, I used Menopur, Gonal F, Cetrotide, HCG and Leuprolide. For the transfer, I was on Estradiol tablets and progesterone injections. After 3 rounds of retrievals and 1 transfer, it resulted in a successful pregnancy and I now have my baby boy.

My treatments were covered under my insurance so I paid co-pays, coinsurance and my deductable.

Dr. Forman recommended single embryo transfer given my age and other factors.

My experience with Dr. Eric Forman at Columbia University Fertility Center highlighted several strengths that made him an exceptional doctor throughout my fertility journey. Quite honestly, I can't find any weaknesses. He was outstanding! Expertise and Knowledge: Dr. Forman demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge in the field of fertility and IVF. His recommendations and treatment plans were based on a thorough understanding of my specific case, making me feel confident in his expertise. Thoughtful Approach: Dr. Forman's approach was thoughtful and patient-centered. He took the time to explain every step of the process, ensuring that I fully understood my options and felt comfortable with the decisions we made together. Exceptional Responsiveness: Despite the significant time zone difference (we live in Hong Kong), Dr. Forman consistently responded to my emails within 24 hours, even during early mornings, evenings, and weekends. This level of responsiveness provided invaluable support and reassurance during a stressful time. Meticulous Coordination: Dr. Forman's meticulous coordination of the treatment plan was evident in every detail, from the timing of trigger shots to overseeing the transfer procedure personally. His attention to detail contributed to the success of the IVF process. Dedication and Commitment: Dr. Forman's dedication and commitment to my fertility journey were unwavering. He went above and beyond, even arranging for post-transfer bloodwork on his day off. Exceptional Clinic Organization: The organization and precision within Dr. Forman's clinic and laboratory reflected his commitment to excellence. This high degree of systematization and attention to detail added to my overall sense of trust in his care. International Patient-Friendly: Dr. Forman's willingness to accommodate my international schedule and facilitate remote monitoring demonstrated his flexibility and consideration for patients who may not reside in the same location as the clinic. Successful Outcome: Ultimately, the most significant strength was the successful outcome of the IVF process. Thanks to Dr. Forman's expertise and guidance, I am now expecting a baby, fulfilling my dream of starting a family. In summary, Dr. Eric Forman's strengths as a fertility specialist and my experience as his patient were characterized by his exceptional expertise, thoughtful and patient-centered approach, outstanding communication, dedication, and commitment to excellence. These strengths were instrumental in making my fertility journey a successful and positive one.

One piece of advice for future patients of Dr. Eric Forman would be to actively engage in open and honest communication with him throughout your fertility journey. Dr. Forman's exceptional responsiveness and dedication to his patients make him a valuable partner in your path to parenthood. Be sure to share your concerns, questions, and preferences openly, as this will enable him to tailor his expertise to your unique needs and provide you with the best possible care and support. Effective communication will foster a strong doctor-patient relationship, making your experience with Dr. Forman even more positive and successful.

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis: October 2022 Male factor infertility. Dr. Forman recommended IVF as the best option for their fertility, considering the partner's age and desire for multiple children. 2. Egg Retrieval prep: February 2023 First round of egg retrieval. Days 1-3: Follistim 300 IU & Menopur Powder 2 vials. Days 3-8: Follistim 300 IU, Menopur Powder 2 vials & Ganirelix. Day 9: Ganirelix, Trigger Shot & Lupron. Ultrasounds every other day to track follicle growth. Bloodwork to track ovulation. Last ultrasound prior to retrieval showed 8 mature left ovary and 5 mature right ovary. 3. Egg Retrieval procedure: Scheduled on a Sunday so Dr. Forman did not perform however, a very skilled doctor preformed. General anaesthesia administered 15 minutes prior to procedure. To my surprise, we retrieved 22 egg follicles. 16 were mature. 4. IVF with ICSI: given our MFI diagnosis, Dr Forman recommended ICSI. 13 of the 16 mature follicles fertilized. 5 made it to embryos 5. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Following Dr. Forman's recommendation, we proceeded with PGT, leading to the identification of four healthy embryos. He sent us multiple studies that support higher rates of implantation on PGT-normal embryos. This was important for us, especially since we were traveling from Hong Kong for transfer. 6. Sonohysterogram: In April, we had a sonohysterogram in Hong Kong as per Dr. Forman's guidance, with normal results. 7. Natural Transfer and International Coordination: July 2023, Dr. Forman accommodated our international schedule. I was able to go home to Michigan and spend time with family while doing outside monitoring at a local clinic. Outside monitoring consisted of initial bloodwork and ultrasound cycle day 4 for baseline. Then, a week later another round of bloodwork and ultrasound followed by 5 days later bloodwork and ultrasound where a mature follicle was found. At that point, Dr. Forman meticulously coordinated the trigger shot on a Saturday for a Monday ovulation and then a Friday embryo transfer. We flew to NYC on the Thursday for a Friday afternoon transfer. 8. 5-Day Embryo Transfer: What truly stood out was Dr. Formans meticulous coordination of the trigger shot, ensuring that he could personally oversee the transfer procedure. This was immensely meaningful to us, especially considering the significant distance we had traveled. The transfer was quick and easy. 9. Successful Pregnancy Outcome: The 9-day post-transfer bloodwork confirmed a successful pregnancy, with Dr. Forman delivering the news personally to us on his day off!

IVF egg retrieval with ICSI and PGT: ~$20k Egg retrieval medication & injections: $3k FET natural cycle: $3k

Dr. Forman strongly advocates for single embryo transfer with PGT to maximize pregnancy success while minimizing health risks. He prioritizes the well-being of both the mother and the baby by reducing the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, associated complications, and long-term health issues.

As a patient of Dr. Forman, I've felt that we're in this together and that he wants the best possible outcome for me and my husband. From the very first meeting where we never once felt rushed, he explained all of our options. And when we needed to change our approach, he didn't force it upon us but rather allowed us to come to the decision on our own as this is a very personal process and often times there isn't just one way to proceed. I never doubt he has our best interests at heart and that, along with his priceless communication skills, gives us peace of mind that we're in the right place with the right doctor.

Be patient and try and relax - allow Dr. Forman to guide the process.

We started with oral meds and IUIs. My IUI first cycle we tried Letrozole but I didn't respond well so we went back to Clomid and did a double IUI. When that didnt work, I took a cycle off from monitoring but took Clomid to ensure I ovulated and keep things moving forward. Dr. Forman had mentioned injectable meds as a course of treatment but I was resistant and concerned about multiples. After reading a blog of a patient successfully pregnant via injectables, I decided to follow his advice and move ahead with them for the next cycle. And it worked - we were pregnant! I was NOT expecting it and was fully prepared to move on to IVF. Unfortunately, we had a miscarriage - and we were prepared for it as Dr. Forman saw the signs during an early scan. He never gave us false hope but was very pragmatic in managing expectations. We're now onto IVF and retrieval cycles - our first one did not yield as many as expected, but we're learning from it and hoping to have more success this 2nd time around.

My IUI cycles were not covered by my insurance - no monitoring or medication. I now have monitoring coverage but nothing for IVF or medication.

We are doing PGS testing on the embryos and Dr. Forman will only transfer one at a time (when we get there).

Dr. Forman has a rare combination of being so knowledgeable and professional, et so soft spoken and humble. He explains everything with utmost patience and detail. He has the most meticulous bedside manners and a very reassuring mannerism. He is the most responsive doctor ever!! No matter the time of day, the kind of question we had, if he was in the office or out. Dr. Forman responded to each and every email PROMPTLY. If a question arose during a time sensitive circumstance or stressful situation, we never worried because Dr. Forman is just an email away. I feel privileged to be a patient of Dr. Foman

You are lucky to be his patient. I did very thorough research before starting my treatment-there is no doctor like him. He provides the most exceptional care.

We did one IVF cycle with Dr. Forman and got positive results with our first transfer.

My insurance covered most of the treatment cost. My only expenses were the deductible expenses and the PGT testing which insurance does not cover

I saw Dr. Forman for two reasons. 1. In 2019/2020 for egg freezing. This went smoothly and in one cycle we froze 25 eggs (I was 35 yrs old). 2. In 2023/2024 to create embryos from my frozen eggs and test them for genetic issues. I got pregnant naturally in 2023, but had to terminate at 22 weeks due to fetal hydrops, caused my a rare genetic condition I never knew I had. We were told this condition would show up in 50% of our pregnancies if we continued naturally, which we were not willing to risk. So we went back to Dr. Forman to fertilize my previously frozen eggs, test the embryos for my rare genetic condition, and conduct an embryo transfer to try to get pregnant. We had success throughout. Dr. Forman is incredibly careful, thorough, cautious, and transparent. He and his team walked us through every step of the process over the course of several months. We always felt like we were in great hands. Unlike many other patients, I didn’t go there because of infertility issues, but had I encountered those, I wouldn’t consider going anywhere other than Columbia Fertility.

You might not always see him, but he examines every detail from your ultrasounds, bloodwork, and any conceivable other piece of information from every single visit, and strategizes to come up with the right solutions. All of the doctors and nurses at Columbia Fertility are fantastic, and you’re always in good hands.

From my 25 frozen eggs, 5 survived to the blastocyst stage. 4 made it through testing. Dr. Forman recommended I do another cycle of egg retrieval to ensure I’d have enough embryos to have 2 children (he preferred to have 3 embryos for each potential child). But my insurance wouldn’t cover another round. So we came up with an alternative strategy. We decided to try 1 transfer, and if it worked, I’d still have the desired 3 remaining embryos for baby #2. If it didn’t work, we’d do another cycle to ensure we had enough embryos. Thankfully, the first transfer worked!!! Saving us a solid $25K. Very grateful for this.

Can’t say. My insurance was very thorough. Costs OOO were minimal.

I came to Dr. Forman from another clinic in which I had a hard time reaching the doctor and nurses. A good friend recommended Dr. Forman and said that he was the best with communication and she was definitely on point! From the very beginning, Dr. Forman clearly laid out all of the options that we had along with potential benefits and drawbacks. He makes himself available to you for any questions that you have which makes the experience both unique and special. No question was ever a dumb question and he answered quickly and clearly. We would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Forman to any other couples dealing with infertility.

Don't be scared to ask questions - he is there for you every step of the way!

When I started with Dr. Forman, I had already attempted IUI once which failed. We tried a second IUI cycle, but I didn't respond well to the Letrozole the second time. Dr. Forman thought I might have spontaneously ovulated. We discussed next steps and decided to move to IVF in my next course of treatment. I had a successful egg retrieval in which we were able to obtain 19 eggs. He used a combination of gonal-f, menopur, cetrotide as an antagonist, and then a lupron and novarel trigger. The 19 eggs created 8 embryos and 4 embryos made it to day 5 to be frozen. Dr. Forman and I discussed PGT (genetic) testing for the embryos and that freezing the embryos was the best course of action. After the egg retrieval, I had a sonohysterogram to check my uterus and a hysteroscopy to remove a small polyp. Once I got my next period, I started Letrozole and responded well. I also started progesterone supplements which I continued using through the first 10 weeks of conception. Dr. Forman used an HCG trigger and I had my successful embryo transfer a few days later!

Most of my costs were covered under insurance. My company insurance has a $600 deductible and $75,000 allowed for fertility benefits. The most expensive costs were some of the medications during my egg retrieval cycle and a $250 out of pocket charge for a machine used related to ICSI.

Dr. Forman and I discussed transferring one embryo only due to my age and the probability of success.

Dr Eric Forman is one of the best doctors I have ever worked with. He is determined to help you achieve your goals! He answers emails/questions during this off time (evenings, weekends, vacations) just to set your mind at ease. 10/10 communication. He makes you feel as though you’re his only patient and truly cares about your journey. He’s smart, professional, and kind. The practice is extremely organized and on top of your care- you will not be disappointed!

Trust the process!

After my first FET ended in a chemical. We started birth control, then 5 days of letrozole and increased my progesterone from 2 to 3 times a day. Success!

I was able to have my retrievals, medication and freezing covered by insurance through a second job I had. Once I used up my insurance I paid for my FET which are 4,500 for monitoring, blood work, and transfer

No i dont believe you should transfer more than one PGT tested embryo

Like so many other reviews have said, Dr. Forman is the best doctor ever. It was bittersweet to graduate from the clinic as I do not think I will ever see another doctor who is as responsive and communicative. As a patient, you have access to his direct work email, and he will respond to all questions the same day. Even on vacation. It made us feel so cared for to know he would answer any question or concern we had. In person, Dr. Forman can be shy and has a direct bedside manner. But he cares very much and it comes across when he delivers tough or very good news. If you are someone who needs a doctor with a “warm and fuzzy” bedside manner, I would also consider Dr. Turocy or Dr. Insogna at the clinic. Both doctors were extraordinarily compassionate to me on two of my hardest days at the clinic. I did 4 IUIs, 4 egg retrievals and 4 transfers at Columbia. I stuck with Dr. Forman because he always changed my protocol after each unsuccessful attempt and had a new plan for us. I appreciated how he tailored my treatment and did not stick with the standard protocol when it did not work for me.

This is more general advice and not directed at Dr. Forman, but I would advise to “prepare for a marathon but hope for a sprint” when it comes to fertility treatment. I was not prepared for how long it would take me to get pregnant and even Dr. Forman was optimistic that after I got 3 euploid embryos from my first two egg retrievals it would be enough for two children. Spoiler, it was not and my journey with him was way more challenging than I ever thought. Always be your own advocate and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Dr. Forman always has a thoughtful plan for his patients care and will give a detailed explanation if you have any questions about it.

After trying timed intercourse, I had 3 consecutive IUIs with clomid. When those failed, I moved on to 2 egg retrievals with different doses of menopur and gonal F. I then had 2 failed FETs with euploid embryos. Due to insurance, we then pivoted and did a fourth IUI with letrozole which failed. Dr. Forman then suggested we try a fresh transfer with two embryos. We did a third egg retrieval with menopur and gonal F but I was only able to do a fresh transfer with 1 day 3 embryo that failed. Dr. Forman suggested we try a fresh transfer again and hope to transfer two embryos, so we added in microdose Lupron to my fourth egg retrieval and we were able to get 2 day 3 embryos to transfer. That fresh transfer resulted in my first real pregnancy test.

I am very fortunate to have good insurance coverage.

Dr. Forman prefers eSET but will transfer two embryos if you had multiple failures. When we decided to transfer two embryos, he clearly explained the risk, but we all agreed that anything to help increase my chance at success was worth trying. Just be prepared for the possibility of twins if you transfer two embryos! We were shocked (and thrilled!) after all my failures that both embryos decided to implant.

I feel so lucky to have found Dr Eric Forman. He is very compassionate, good communicator, knowledgeable and he really advocates for what it’s best for his patients. During the embryo transfer, he was very gentle and he explained everything step by step. I felt very comfortable in his care. He would go out of his way to communicate with me even on off hours to let me know the results of my genetic tests and always kept me updated. Overall, I’m satisfied with the care he provided. I can confidently say that he’s one of the best doctors I’ve ever met.

I recommend Dr Eric Forman and for a prospective patient, he is one you can trust. He is very knowledgeable, caring and professional.

I did one IUI cycle with Dr Forman but it didn’t work because of male factor. My husband and I then decided to do IVF as recommended by Dr Forman as it has more successful rate which in fact, it is, as I am now almost 3 months pregnant with our first. With one round of IVF, it was successful. I went through the egg retrieval process, which I believe was the most challenging part. We did ICSI and genetic testing. Then finally the embryo transfer which was done by Dr Forman. The whole process took about 3-4 months with waiting from insurance approvals etc. I’m still on hormonal support until about 10 weeks.

Doing IVF takes such a leap of faith -- we trusted Dr Forman completely, so that was very important. He managed expectations and mapped out possible next steps in case of a negative result, always giving us a realistic sense of hope. He is the top of his field and doing cutting edge work in a super well-run lab. I felt in the best hands. (And I've heard from girlfriends at other practices who did not come close to sharing that experience). I recommend Dr Forman and his team whole-heartedly.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or to express your concerns! Dr Forman is a great listener and teacher, in that he explains complex medical/technical/statistical concepts in a digestable way.

IUI + Clomid x2 -- negative x2 IVF round 1 -- Follistim (150IU-->200IU) + Menopur (1 vial) + Ganirelix + Novarel -- 8 eggs, 4 mature, 2 fertilized, 1 embryo to day 5, normal PGT -- nautral cycle frozen embryo transfer -- 1 live birth (now a 2.5 year old!) IVF round 2 -- GonalF (300IU) + Menopur (2 vials) + Cetrorelix + Ovidrel -- 8 mature eggs, 2 fertilized, 1 embryo to day 6, normal PGT (6BA) -- natural cycle frozen embryo transfer -- 9 weeks pregnant!

two rounds of IUI covered by insurance first round of IVF not covered by insurance (Aetna) -- NYS sliding scale grant covered some costs -- out-of-pocket approx $12K second round was covered by insurance (Cigna)

None. I did not want to risk twins, so fully supported eSET.

Dr. Forman saw my results from another clinic and since I am young and doing IVF for genetics, customized my medication for ME. I did low dose of medications and clomid at the beginning of the cycle. This protocol improved the quality of the eggs and the quantity compared to my first clinic! I did outside monitoring since I live far from NYC, but went in for retrievals, the transfer, and one visit after.

Ask him all the options, including natural cycle for transfer, which helped me reduce the number of injections I needed to do!

clomid for 5 days, then I think gonal-f, menopur- lowest doses He used low doses to help get more eggs and eggs of higher quality. He customized the protocol for me; unlike other clinics that do the same basically for everyone!

covered under insurance for the most part. after I exceeded my insurance, it was about $14k for retrieval cycle, plus extra for genetic testing of embryos.

He likes to do eSET, but interestingly, he said sometimes they split into twins once in utero! So cool!

Dr. Forman knows his stuff. He is exactly the type of doctor I needed to help me through this journey...compassionate, not afraid to try something different, patient, and extremely communicative. After moving on from IUI to IVF, I went through 4 egg retrievals and 5 embryo transfers until my first positive pregnancy test. Each egg retrieval, Dr. Forman laid out a new plan and was clear about the process and why we were trying that plan. He regularly communicated and even emailed me before all my retrievals to wish me luck. If I had questions throughout my cycles, he was only an email away and would answer his emails in record time. Additionally, Dr. Forman made sure to perform every embryo transfer. Each time my transfer failed, he would call me personally and encourage me to keep trying. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have believed a positive pregnancy test to be possible but he told me that if we keep going we will get there. Sure enough, after an embryo transfer that I never thought would work, we saw our positive test! Dr. Forman forever changed my view on what a doctor should be like. I will miss Columbia and working with him because I am not sure I will ever find someone as great at him.

Write down your questions and ask them! Dr. Forman is shy in person, but he is always willing and available to answer your questions, big or small. If you don't understand why you are doing something, ask for clarification! I always trusted his plan, but he is so smart that sometimes the details behind his methods are not always explained. There were a few times why I didn't understand what we were doing and once I asked and he explained his thought process, it was much more clear!

I did an agonist protocol for 3 retrieval cycles. Each time the dosing was slightly different. For the first two cycles, we stuck with a relatively higher doses of Gonal F + Menopur. On my second cycle, we also added in Clomid so that I would produce some of my own hormones. For my 3rd cycle, we did a lower dose of Gonal F as we were aiming for a fresh transfer following my retrieval and did not want to risk OHSS. For my last retrieval cycle, we did the long agonist IVF protocol using lupron prior to my cycle and then adding in stims. This produced the most amount of eggs and embryos out of all my cycles. For my transfers, we did 3 frozen medicated, 1 fresh and 1 frozen natural transfer. We tried different strategies with my medicated transfers including a traditional medicated transfer, one using lupron prior to the transfer, and one with PRP implantation 2 days prior to the transfer. The medicated transfer with PRP implantation 2 days prior to the transfer resulted in our positive test.

Monitoring appointments were extremely efficient at Columbia. You schedule online during a certain time frame. Once you get to the clinic you check in and sit in the waiting area. The most I ever had to wait to be called in for bloodwork/ultrasound was 20 min and that was because it was a crazy weekend and there was not as much staff. Usually, I was in and out of monitoring appointments within 15 minutes. Sometimes, I didn't even get a chance to sit before my name was called. I always felt like a human and not a number during monitoring.

Luckily, most of my care was covered under insurance. The only thing my insurance did not cover was PGT testing which was $3,000 per cycle. I maxed out my insurance after 3 retrievals and 3 transfers, so I had to cover one retrieval out of pocket and 2 transfers out of pocket. I believe the total cost for retrieval with PGT testing was around $17,000 and the transfers were around $2,500.

Dr. Forman is a big proponent of eSET. However, he is open to working with you and will listen to how you feel. For my final 2 transfers, I had a multiple embryo transfer. After 3 failed transfers, Dr. Forman was very open to the idea of transferring 2 embryos.