Kari Sproul von Goeben

Dr. Sproul von Goeben was invaluable to us as we went through donor egg IVF. Her understanding and knowledgeability about my diagnosis, the medications and protocol she placed me on, and her referral to an endocrinologist to help manage my thyroid issues, I believe, is the reason for our successful transfer!

I would highly recommend Dr. Sproul von Goeben. She (and the staff at FIRM) are very helpful and responsive. When we try for a second child in another year or two, there is no doubt that we will return to see Dr. Sproul von Goeben!

For the transfer cycle, I was told the clinic’s typical protocol is Estradiol pills (Estrogen support), Endometrin vaginal suppositories, and injectable progesterone in oil (Progesterone support). I started estradiol pills 4 days after stopping birth control pills and then the Endometrin and injectable progesterone in oil the day our eggs were thawed & fertilized. So just those 3 medications unless Dr. Von Goeben specifically states otherwise. 1. Last birth control pill on ____ (date) 2. Start Estradiol 1mg taking 3 pills twice a day Four days later 3. Cryo Monitoring appointment was about 12 days after I started Estradiol. 4. Thawed and fertilized eggs the next day. And started progesterone support 5. Our transfer was 5 days later! Of our 6 frozen eggs, all six made the thaw, 5 fertilized, and 3 made it to day 5 blastocysts.

This clinic was very upfront about fees for cycles. Also recommended a pharmacy with decent prices for fertility medication. We paid over $30,000 to the clinic as part of the guarantee cycle (plus office visits + ultrasounds)

For us, Dr. Sproul von Goeben recommended single embryo transfer. She explained how getting two babies for one cycle can seem like a good idea, but oftentimes pregnancy with multiples can come with extra risks for mother & babies, and that twins can be delivered early and need time in the NICU, etc. I was comfortable with the decision. I had a failed embryo transfer with another doctor years ago (fresh cycle) and transferred 2 embryos, and neither implanted. I won’t dive into issues with the other doctor/clinic here. I will just reiterate that Dr. Sproul von Goeben and the FIRM have my full trust in taking care of my health and helping us to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

From our first appointment and beginning steps, Doctor VonGoeben was kind and compassionate. She made sure both me and my husband understood everything and would always answer all our questions. She gave us facts and statistics, and allowed us to make our own informed decisions. I was able to advocate for myself if there was something I disagreed with, and always felt in charge and in the know with my treatment and protocols. We started with an IUI and moved to IVF. We have gone back for another transfer and plan to go back again when the time is right for another.

Trust her. Ask your questions, she will never make you feel stupid for asking something or wanting to fully understand more.

We started in 2017 with all the fertility diagnostic testing. We then had a Clomid cycle and IUI which did not result in a pregnancy. We decided to wait a while before going back and moving forward with IVF. In 2018, we had our first egg retrieval and created 6 embryos, after PGS testing we had 2 normal embryos. We transferred both, and did not get pregnant. We immediately did another egg retrieval but added the drug Omnitrope to our protocol, this resulted in 11 embryos. After PGS testing, we had 3 healthy embryos, and 1 that needs retesting. We did a frozen embryo transfer in March of 2019 that gave us our daughter. We did another frozen embryo transfer in January of 2021 and are currently pregnant with our son.

We had partial coverage with insurance but we typically paid between $6,000-$10,000 (including medications) per egg retrieval

Doctor VonGoben is an advocate for single embryo transfers. During our first transfer, we elected to put both our embryos in, and unfortunately we did not get pregnant. For our second and third transfer, we went with a single embryo like she recommended and got pregnant both times.

Update: I have now had a failed FET with Dr. von Goeben - she's still a very compassionate Doctor and I'll be moving forward trying for our baby again with her despite our failure. Dr. Sproul von Goeben has provided great bedside manner and answered all questions thoroughly. She seems to genuinely care and I hope to see her for IVF one day. While I haven't yet become pregnant I have hypothalamic amenorrhea and lean PCOS so I think that it may be a tougher diagnosis to tackle than some.

Since I work 40 hours a week I can't be as selective with my appointment times but if there is flexibility then I would try to see Dr. Sproul von Goeben in this office. I had to see another doctor a couple of times and didn't find that he was as good a fit for me.

Updated review: Failed FET with low dose (I have a AMH of 15 but low egg quality so OHSS is a huge concern) Gonal-F, Menopur, Lupron trigger as retrieval meds and oral estradiol and PIO / endometrin suppositories as transfer meds. If we can manage to afford another retrieval she suggested even lower doses of Gonal-F (I had 56 eggs retrieved but I only had 2 PGS normal 5-day blastocysts and 1 PGS normal 7-day blast which may have a likelihood to miscarry). I did not get OHSS from my retrieval so the Lupron only trigger definitely avoided it. My concern is that I had so many immature eggs so I think perhaps a higher dose Lupron trigger would have matured them (I have a 16 BMI hence the low dose). I also had a long length of stims which I've read can cause some egg quality deterioration. Previous review: I used Letrozole and trigger shots 6 times (one with Clomid combined) but have yet to become pregnant (I'm 29 with hypothalamic/anovulation/lean PCOS)

Updated review: I've now spent about $35K for 6 timed intercourse cycles and one failed FET plus some early testing. We're preparing for an ERA currently. I imagine we'll have to do another retrieval so financially a hurdle in the near future. Previous review: I would estimate that every cycle of ovulation induction cost me about $600 all OOP not including the testing before beginning treatment

She highly prefers eSET which I agree with

She speaks pretty fast but is willing to explain i details any questions we had. She was warm and compassionate to our situation. Since I have diminished ovarian reserve, she gave me percentage about using my own eggs, known donor or unknown donor. Our chances were higher with a donor egg.

Be active participant with your appointments. Ask questions and write down answers as it’s hard to process all information and retain it. Be in your own time line.

The protocol was to be on endometrim, pio shots, and estrogen pills before and after embryo transfer. It took 8 days to get a positive result and wouldn’t trade it all for anything. I stopped treatments at 12 weeks and was supported by firm and dr van goeben until the very last day. Overall great experience.

In the beginning I was being quoted more than I was prompted to. But with a simple phone call, we were able to settle the price well. Since they had recently moved to a different billing place, I do have a balance with them I’m still disputing.

We weren’t given the option but I would still stick with single set. There’s always a chance of splitting and I’d rather have the chance of knowing 1 embryo was placed.

Dr. Von Goeben (having gone through infertity treatments herself), is very warm and welcoming. She is compassionate, in one of the hardest industries. She has been very patient and thorough with my husband and I which has helped us a lot.

Trust her and follow her lead. She knows what she is doing and it’s a process that may take longer than you want.

I’ve been treated for unexplained infertility since late 2017. I began with the normal testing, including testing for my husband. We then went into clomid and clomid plus trigger shot plus IUIs. I ended up needing surgery to remove some cysts that were not resolving on their own. We are now moving into IVF.

IUI Cycles-$500-$600 a cycle. Clomid was covered under my insurance at the local pharmacy. IVF- early stages so unsure of the exact costs. Early indication suggest $7-$8k a round plus medications. Our insurance will not cover it nor the medications.

She was amazing. She made me feel comfortable at each appointment, and she laid everything out in an easy to understand way. She definitely had a plan at each appointment, she was kind, and she remembered little things about my son who joined me at a few appointments. She really knows her stuff, and I trust her advice and recommendations completely!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and speak up if you have concerns!

I really wanted to do a fresh transfer, especially since we live on the opposite side of the country from the FIRM in Jacksonville, but she felt like we were going to be happier long term if we went for a larger wuantity of embryos and a frozen transfer. I’m glad I trusted her and followed through with that treatment plan, although she did offer to back off the medications and allow us to go for a fresh transfer with less embryos. I used Gonal F (225 units for 13 days) and Menopur (1 vial-75 units for 13 days), along with cetrotide (7 days) and 2 Lupron triggers. The medications were easy to inject, and I ended up with zero side effects. I had 16 mature eggs at my retrieval, and 12 day 2 embryos. I’ll find out the final embryo count in 2 days.

$8,200 for a single IVF cycle (10% military discount included), which included anesthesia, ICSI, and cryo. My medications were about $2,800. My FET will be $3,000 plus the cost of medications (around $300, I believe).

We have not done our frozen transfer yet, but I will update once it’s done!

Dr. Von Goeben is such a blessing! We had seen two other providers prior to her and my care was subpar. One of whom even missing underlying conditions and denying testing even though I asked for it. Once I switched to Dr Von Goeben she immediately saw what I saw, Ordered the appropriate tests, explained that she felt like we needed to start at the beginning so that nothing is missed. So we did. She re-evaluated me as if I were a new patient. She looks at me as a whole and not just another person she is trying to get pregnant. She is thorough. Patient. Answers every question with honest answers, making sure you understand everything she’s said. She is empathetic. She genuinely is rooting for us and doing everything in her power to help us get AND STAY pregnant.

Be 100% honest with her. Trust her. Be willing to be patient and follow through with her directions. She really does know what she is talking about.

First thing we did was reevaluate my case. From sonohistograms to a TON of blood work. She also discovered I had an underlying condition that needed to be treated by an Endocrinologist so she referred me to an amazing one. She also referred me to an amazing OBGYN. Once all of the underlying “mess” was streightened out we did a round of birth control to keep my lining thin and allow a cyst to heal. Then a round of 100mg of Clomid for 6 days, followed by a trigger shot & an IUI. Which I am currently in the tww from. Because of my past treatment, she knew I would respond to the Clomid & She feels IUI will work for us since I did get pregnant (ended in loss) with my last IUI. She feels that my underlying undiagnosed Hashimoto’s with Hypothyroidism was the cause of my previous losses... I can’t share my results yet.... because I don’t have them! (Hellos two week wait.)

All diagnostic things are covered by my insurance. And a detailed list of FIRM’s pricing for all services can be found on their website. I believe an IUI CYCLE is around $650 with meds or extra scans.

Friendly, warm, kind, and knowledgeable. Never rushes you or the appointment, takes the time to think about the questions before answering. Actually thinks about you while you aren't in front of her and will reach out to colleagues if she feels the need.

Tell her all of your concerns so she can address them and help guide you through the process. Don't feel stupid for asking questions or for her to clarify.

First went to letrozole since I was already on that protocol, got pregnant right away, miscarried. So continued with letrozole for a while. Then switched to clomid because it tends to work better for pcos patients and gradually increased dosage, tried IUI and timed intercourse during this time about 18-24 mos. Conceived and miscarried again and had an ectopic pregnancy that ruptured had to have a tube removed. Changed course to IVF due to ectopic pregnancy and 1 tube. Have done 2 rounds of IVF stimulation with menopur, gonal f, and Ovidrel trigger shot and 2nd round with menopur, clomid, and hgh, also with an Ovidrel or novarel trigger.

They even will open on the weekend d but the appointment has to be scheduled by Friday

Annual HIV check spouses insurance didn't cover $1200, nurse anesthetists $250, pgt testing and freezing $3000, plus medications, hgh not cover $1500

Dr. Von Goeben was always welcoming and kind. Always smiled and seemed to care. Sometimes I felt like she didn't listen what I wanted or felt like I needed though. She would disagree with me a lot on testing I wanted done. She did however always explain why and talk to me about it all. She listened to what I had to say and while not always agreeing, she gave me a reason why. It meant a lot that she always gave me hugs especially after my failed embryo transfer. She was somewhat comforting and maybe could somewhat relate to what I was going through. Overall she is a very kind person and I think she does want to help me become a mom

Don't be afraid to speak up for what you want

For my IUI's I was on Clomid which all failed. I don't remember much from those cycles. For my IVF I was taking Gonal F and Menopur. I believe I was on 300 of Gonal and 150 of Menopur. Then Cetrotide was added. Unfortunately I had to stay on the Gonal and Menopur a little longer than normal because my follicles were not exactly where they wanted them. I took the Lupron trigger shot and they retrieved 22 eggs. Of those 22, 19 were mature and fertilized with ICSI. Only 9 made it to biopsy and freeze and of this 9 PGS tested embryos, 7 were normal. Dr. Von Goeben was unable to do my actual retrieval. I then had a polypectomy done for multiple polyps. Then I was placed on birth control for about 2 weeks. After stopping that, I started taking estradiol 1 mg tabs, 3 in the morning and 3 at night (worked up to that). I had my day 13 scan and my lining was not thick enough. So she extended my estrogen by a week. After the next scan my lining was good and was told to start Progesterone supp. I took those for 6 days and on the 6th day had my embryo transfer. My transfer went very smoothly. Unfortunately it failed.

Everything was out of pocket. My IUI's were each over $700 and that didn't include the $50 bottle of Clomid for each cycle. My IVF was $6000 for ultrasound monitoring appointments, egg retrieval, and transfer. On top of that we had to pay extra for the anesthesia and ICSI. Also the medications which were almost $5,000. Then the PGS testing which was $2,000 for the biopsy paid to the clinic and over $1,700 for the testing paid to the lab.

My doctor strongly insists only 1 embryo be transferred for my age because of the risk of multiples. I asked after my failed transfer of 1 about doing 2 for the next one and she still recommends 1

Dr. Kari seems to care about you and she seems to say all the right things until your next appointment when you realize she says exact same things like a recording machine again. I think she could of adjusted some details after first unsuccessful IUI, but we proceeded right to the second one with the same “program “

Take control in your hands!! You are the owner of your body! If you just need the doc to perform a procedure go there, but if you’re new to the whole thing, I would look for someone else

Dr. Kari treated me as a perfect book patient, who ovulate on day 14. Every single visit she would give me a pregnancy test to pee on just to make sure I’m not pregnant and then charge me like $15 for it. She also did not care much about my schedule

$500 for IUI, $150 copay for every visit, ultrasound 300

She’s very understanding to the situation at hand and does her very best to explain options and success rates of the various options. I normally don’t have any hesitation in asking more questions or seeing if she has any explanations as to why something didn’t work.

Write down all your questions!

We did first round with letrozole/Gemara as I have PCOS and they said women with PCOS can have a better reaction with those drugs vs Clomid. Day 12 came and the eggs weren’t we they needed to be so we started clomid instead. Came back and then did timed intercourse. The 2nd two times we did clomid with timed intercourse (150mg/day for 9 days) and this round we are following the same rx but going to try for an IUI

Insurance isn’t covering any of this so each ultrasound is $125. Pregnancy test is $10. Trigger shot is $115 (I think) if you administer them at home or $140 in the office?

My experience has been wonderful. She makes me and my husband feel comfortable every time, easy to talk to and very caring. Every appointment she always explains , walks ya through next steps, etc. I would highly recommend her to anyone of my friends.

If you are looking for a compassionate, yet knowledgeable doctor. She’s the one to go too!

My husband and I are under the umbrella of unexplained infertility. Before going to Dr. Von Goeben we tried clomid twice through our GYNO and had an HSG test, all we clear. Unfortunately, the clomid didn’t work after over a year and half of trying a little help with clomid we decided to see a fertility specialist. First steps was bloodwork to check health and egg reserve which is normal. Next times was IUI we have that that four times with not success. Here we are 2.5 years later still trying to start a family. It’s very frustrating when my husband and I are health.

Around $800 each IUI cycle

She is incredibly smart and up to date on current treatment options. I liked that if I came in with something I'd read off the internet she was willing to have a discussion about why or why not that particular treatment would apply to me. I did not like that when I wanted to try things she would say there wasn't a "medical indication" for what I wanted to try- when Infertility is unexplained that is exactly the issue, that no one knows what might work, and I wish she were more open to anecdotal information and not entirely research reliant.

Try and trust her. Infertility is hard, but she is really good at what she does.

My first born child ;-) I have insurance so I don't know

She felt strongly about single embryo transfer. That is what I wanted so I didn't push it, but I felt that had we wanted a multiple transfer it would not have been received well.

She’s the best doctor I have ever been to ... I wish all doctors were like her. She always explained everything in full detail and gave me very realistic expectations even when they weren’t the best. She went above and beyond researching information for a complication I was having and I honestly think if I had any other doctor I would not be holding my son right now.

None... she is amazing and will cover everything you need

Unsure as my insurance was able to cover some of it

My safety was always a priority and they suggested doing only one embryo transfer at a time

Dr von Goeben is great, easily available, tries to explain everything Sometimes talks fast but will repeat herself if needed. I can tell she cares about me with the good outcomes and the bad. Knowledgable about next steps as I am not the typical patient I feel.

If you dont I understand, ask agai

Had frozen embryos, transferred one, resulted in pregnancy but then miscarriage. Trying again

Consultation was free. Preliminary ultrasounds were extra in addition to the embryo transfer. Genetic testing was extra if you wanted it

Prefers single transfer in my situation but says she will do 2 if I want

She is friendly and thorough on her explanation of everything. She does have a tendency to talk very fast so it’s sometimes hard to take in everything she is explaining all at once. She seemed to be understanding of my issues. It seems like She is on the lesser aggressive side when it come to treatments.

To make sure you have a pen and paper ready. She gives a ton of information but is a very faced pace speaker.

After going over all my test results that were previously done by my gynecologist office. I was told I wouldn’t need Ivf that she would like to start with iui. After 2 unsuccessful iuis I was told by another Dr at the practice that it looks like iui won’t work and IVF is needed.

The initial consultation was $100.00. All test besides semen analysis were already done by my gynecologist. The follow up was also $100.00. I have spent about $800-$900 per iui

I don’t have any experience with this topic yet.

I like talking to our doctor. She is super realistic about our chances of success for each treatment options and seems to be very current on all research in the field. She is very no nonsense without being cold or overly clinical.

To be your own advocate. And take notes!

She recommended medicated IUIs with trigger shot. She said less aggressive cycles (meds along or IUI alone) were typically ineffective for people with unexplained infertility. She said medicated IUI gave best odds other than IVF.

Most of the testing costs were covered by insurance, but each visit I had a 65 dollar copay. My IUI cycles were around 1200 including medication and not covered by insurance.

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Dr VG is a kind, compassionate, and well educated physician. She's knowledgeable, honest, and concerned about her patients. She explained all of our options and kept me posted throughout each of my procedures.

Listen to what she has to say. She's very knowledgeable.

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