Sanaz Ghazal

During our initial appointment, Dr Ghazal wanted to know everything about us. Not just our medical history, but our family values, careers, and fertility goals. After understanding is as people, she helped us strategize how to work around our infertility in the most cost effective way. We wish we had found her sooner, as we were clearly going down the wrong road. Dr Ghazal dedicated a lot of her time to us, calling us directly with news and always ready to answer our questions. She was never unreachable. She constantly searched for answers, tweaked our protocol, and devised new strategies until we landed on something that worked. I believe our case would have scared most fertility doctors away, but she took us on whole and gave us total dedication. Knowing Dr Ghazal was in our court simply made us feel secure at a time when nothing feels secure.

Dr Ghazal is all about the numbers, and will tell you professionally when your emotions are pushing you in a direction that’s counter productive. That input may make you feel disappointed, but remember, she’s got your best interest in mind. For example, she will not hesitate to cancel a transfer or egg retrieval if your numbers are not spot on. In the moment, that feels like one setback, but in the grand scheme, she’s saving you from future worse news and disappointment.

I’m sorry, as I cannot speak to this very well. Here is what I do know: 1. Prior to transfers, we did PRP’s 2. We did tried both controlled transfers and natural transfers. Natural transfers worked best for us.

I unfortunately do not have these numbers in front of me at the moment. A full egg retrieval (including lab fees like fertilization and cryopreservation) was around $20,000. An FET (including lab fees) was around $6,000

Nothing good came from our time at Rise Fertility with Dr. Ghazal. From the moment we stepped foot in the office to our last day (8 months total), it was mistake after mistake and failure after failure. We brought over 4 healthy embryos from another clinic. We started out with an egg retrieval since we were told by Rise that our insurance would cover it AND we could do an embryo transfer in the same cycle. We had a zoom with the financial coordinator and she double confirmed that we had insurance coverage. During the retrieval I was overmedicated and was hyper stimulated resulting in zero normal embryos. PLUS because my hormones were so poorly managed, I was unable to do an embryo transfer like Dr. Ghazal planned. To add insult to injury, we we found out that the egg retrieval was NOT covered by insurance and that we owed $27k. So we had to pay for a retrieval that we never would have done in the first place if we knew insurance didn’t cover it. Dr. Ghazal was not apologetic and offered no remorse. We were not offered any sort of discount or refund. We moved on to a frozen embryo transfer since we already had embryos made. Our first transfer failed (HCG 0), which can happen. So we moved on to a second embryo transfer, which also failed (HCG 0). I have no history of endometriosis or uterine issues. We are strictly male factor infertility. I requested that Dr. Ghazal speak to colleagues or mentors on what could be going wrong. She came back and admitted to transferring the embryos at THE WRONG TIME! She seemed confident in how to figure out proper timing and we went ahead with a 3rd transfer that ALSO failed. After the 3rd fail, Dr. Ghazal did not call us herself to let us know…the IVF Coordinator (who is not even a nurse) called to tell us. Next we did a biopsy called EMMA & ALICE, which Dr. Ghazal never called and reviewed with me. Months later I had another doctor look at the results and found out it was normal. We lost 3 precious embryos and over 50k due to Dr. Ghazal’s lack of knowledge on the IVF process and her poor managed business.

Do not choose Dr. Ghazal as your Reproductive Endocrinologist. There are plenty of amazing REs out there.

IVF (egg retrieval): Microdose lupron Follistim 375 Menopur 225 ( 3 vials) Lowered significantly to 1 Menopur and 225 Follistim when the doctor realized this was too aggressive of a protocol for me Transfers: modified natural due to having a normal, predictable cycle

From the moment I sent the email to her for a consultation she made me feel so comfortable. I was going through my second miscarriage at that time, and my previous doctor made me feel like a number. There was no sympathy or compassion. I contacted her before my miscarriage was even complete because I knew I was not going back to my previous doctor. She quickly responded to my email with condolences and empathy toward my situation. She set up a consultation just to hear my story and decide on the next steps, which I found very comforting. The fact that she was interested in hearing my story meant so much to me. The day I went in for my consultation, she immediately gave me a hug and told me how sorry she was for what I was going through. She listened to my story, and didn't interrupt me. After that we set up a follow up consult (so my husband could attend) to discuss the next steps and future plans. During our conversation she was so honest and informative about everything, but also gentle with how she delivered it. She said that she was personally handling all the ultrasounds, test results, and transfers. I LOVED this because it ensured that I would receive all the information and receive it truthfully. She showed me all of my test results and explained everything in great detail, and how each of those tests help determine our next steps. Things that my previous doctor never did. She showed me that I had a fibroid on my uterus and a cyst on an ovary that I was not informed of from my previous doctor. Thankfully she told me that she wasn't concerned about them, but we would keep an eye on them. It was just nice to know about those 1) because it's regarding my body and health which is important to know about in general, and 2) I can have all the facts about my situation to better understand what my next steps need to be. After she thoroughly answered all of my questions she explained that she wanted to do some additional tests since I had recurring miscarriages. We also needed to transfer all medical records and my last embryo to her office. This was an easy and hassle-free transition as her office did most of the work behind the scenes. We discussed our options and made a decision which unfortunately has been put on hold due to this virus. The entire process from initial consult to where we are now has been so easy and comfortable. We have spent so much on this process already, which unfortunately I feel was wasted with my previous doctor. I like to call this ivf process our "journey" because it's like any journey you take. There are up's and down's, hills and mountains to climb, rough roads to take, deep waters to swim through, but it's better to go through those with someone you can rely on to help you through them. I am confident that in the end my journey will have been worth every penny while working with Dr. Ghazal. I look forward to continuing my journey with her and her team! God bless her and OC Fertility!

Don't be afraid to ask her as many questions as you need. She is there to answer them and to help you through this time. She will make sure you feel comfortable and well informed before you even leave her office.

At this time we are at the beginning of my cycle, so I can not answer this just yet. I can say that she assured me that we will make sure that the treatment plan that we use is working well, and if not adjust it accordingly. She explained that my treatment will be determined by my test results and how my body responds to medications so we can have the best possible outcome.

I was given different options based on my situation, so I would say it would depend on your cycle and everything that needs to be done. My IVF cycle total was around $15,000. This does not include medications or any other tests outside of the cycle. Medications can range anywhere from $2,000+ depending on which treatment plan you are on. The positive about these prices (in my opinion) is that it is significantly less than my previous clinic and I feel that I am getting better care here at OC Fertility.

She is very informative about all the risks and possibilities. She will give you her medical opinion, but knows that it is ultimately your decision and will do her best to give you a positive outcome regardless of your choice.

Dr. Ghazal was peaches and cream sweet during my first appointment, but due to the nature of our infertility and embryo adoption, my husband and I had questions and needed clarification so we scheduled a second appointment. I've never been treated so rudely nor have I been so personally attacked by a doctor. I left the office in tears and my husband was furious. I received word about 2 weeks later that she was no longer employed by HRC and that our file was being transferred to Dr. Frederick in the Newport Beach office, who performed our transfer as schedule, unfortunately not resulting in a pregnancy.

Don't be her patient. Run away. Run far, far away.

Starting with a week of Birth Control, then Lupron injections combined with alternating Estradiol and PIO injections, accompanied by Baby Aspirin daily. 5 days before transfer I started a prednisone pack.

For transferring embryos to the clinic, medications, and one FET cycle, the cost was about $7,000.

Dr. Ghazal did not perform our transfer; however, we had discussed transferring two embryos due to the quality of the embryos and my age (which we ultimately did).

Strengths: Dr. Ghazal is highly trained and has a lot of great experience in the field and she has the highest fertility rates in the clinic. When you ask her a question, she is straightforward, authentic, and detailed. When she shared information that I considered bad news for me, she was compassionate and did it in such a way that made me feel that there was hope for my situation. The only downside is that I did not get much contact with her and everything is communicated through her nurses and coordinators. Yet, when she did meet with you over the phone or in-person, she made you feel as though she was present with you and not trying to rush off to the next patient.

If you want a doctor who will be available by phone or text or more available, Dr. Ghazal is not the one.

Because I am an older person, with great eggs but with numerous complications with my uterus, the goal was to try to go slightly more aggressive with my medications, so that I can produce a lot more eggs for my egg retrieval, in the hopes that when the eggs are fertilized, I can get the most genetically normal embryos possible. Then I would freeze these embryos, fix the problems with my uterus, and then do a frozen embryo transfer. The goal is to be successful in maintaining a pregnancy and reducing the chances of miscarriage. I believe the drug protocol is similar for most IVF cycles, just the dosage may be different. The overall goal is to have one successful IVF cycle with great outcomes in regard to have a number of genetically normal embryos.

For one cycle of IVF, including genetic screening of any embryos, and freezing embryos, I was looking at a bill around $21,000 out of pocket. This estimate also includes the price of fertility medications for the one cycle. You can also tack on an additional $2000 to 3000 for diagnostic procedures conducted prior to treatment planning. These are all out of pocket costs.

My doctor had a strong preference for single embryo transfer, primarily because there is a higher success rate for a single embryo transfer. Also, she explained that if you place more than one embryo into the uterus, you never know whether one of those embryos will split and produce twins and triplets. So she wants to reduce the chance of multiple unexpected growing babies.

I've just started my journey at HRC but so far Dr. Ghazal has been warm, welcoming, and very thorough with her plan to handle our specific case. She understands the problems we are currently facing with our MFI, and currently undergoing the process to find out what if any diagnosis I have for my fertility.

Be honest and open throughout the process.

Since my husband has severe MFI, he would have to undergo a TESE or mTESE to extract sperm so that they can then be frozen and injected directly into my eggs via ICSI. This would also help our fertilization rates as an embryologist does this task skillfully. We do not yet know my current course of action as I have not completed all necessary testing.

Right now we do not know the total cost for a single round of IVF as we will be discussing these details in our upcoming appointment.

She believes that if you want one baby, you transfer one embryo. If you want two babies, you transfer two. No need to transfer two embryos if you just want a single child.

Dr. Ghazal is wonderful with patients. She explains thoroughly the process, always discusses the risks as well as the success rates. She does not sugar coat things. If she feels something is not going to give the best result she shared that with her patients. She is the best doctor I've ever had.

Be honest with her. Tell her your goals and fears so she can address them and discuss them with you.

I used a microdose lupron protocol for my first IVF cycle. For me Idid ok with an end result of two embryos. I did not get to transfer because they did not pass pgs testing. The next month I did my first IUI with Dr. Ghazal but had a NP do the procedure. It was an awful experience with the nurse and all I wanted was my doctor. Now I am at a new clinic where Dr. Ghazal has moved and am starting a new IUI.

My insurance covered 80%of my treatment so it was very doable for us cost wise.

She openly shares what she thinks is best which is eSET but allows the patient to decide ultimately. However she will never do something that could be unhealthy or dangerous to the patient.

Dr. Ghazal was knowledgable, friendly and helpful. I fully trusted her during all my treatments and believe she was always looking out for me and my future family. She explained everything to me and my husband and answered all our questions and concerns. We did our own research and would come to appointments asking her opinion. We always felt Dr. Ghazal gave honest feedback backed with the appropriate research for her opinion. She gave us time to process and recommendations as she saw fit.

Be direct and open to your expectations and wants. Ask questions.

For my egg retrivals: I began birth control once my period started then I was given my schedule and ordered my meds. I had lupron in the am and then eventually menopur and gonal f in the evenings. I was also taking vitamin d, metformin, dha, folic acid, co-enzyme q10 and a prenatal. I had 4 ultrasound/lab appointments. My first retrieval yielded 29 eggs, 13 fertilized, 9 embryos on day 5, 5 normal embryos. For my fresh transfer I took progesterone vaginally and estradiol shots. My fresh transfer of 1 embryo resulted in a negative pregnancy test hcg= 0. My second retrieval yielded 25 eggs, 20 fertilized, 10 embryos on day 5, and 5 normal embryos. For my frozen transfers, I took lupron and baby aspirin as well as progesterone in oil shots and estradiol shots. I was taking a prenatal, metformin, vitamin d and dha vitamins. My first frozen transfer of 2 embryos resulted in a chemical pregnancy. My second frozen transfer of 2 embryos resulted in a twin pregnancy and I delivered twin boys in 2018.

Egg retrieval with a fresh transfer and my specific meds: about $22,000. Frozen transfer with my specific meds: about $5,000.

I liked the fact that it was my choice and Dr. Ghazal shared her opinion based on my ultrasounds and labs.

Dr. Ghazal is a highly knowledgeable individual. She is on top of the current research and statistics. She is straight forward and doesn't sugar coat the possibilities or outcomes. As well as, supportive and compassionate. This process in itself is very stressful, Dr. Ghazal is always very calming and caring. She was always easy to talk to and ask questions. She never mad me fell like I was bothering her or asking dumb questions. My relationship with Dr. Ghazal was very open because she's very personable.

Stay on top of the office staff.

Metformin and Levothyroxine leading up to cycles and continued throughout. Injectable stimulation lupin, menapour, and 1 other. Two egg retival cycle, with PGS testing. Transferred 1 chromosomal healthy embryo. Currently pregnant, but may be loosing. :(

Hystroscopes were $500 each partial insurance coverage. 24,000 for two cycle retrieval, pgs testing, and transfer. There were other expenses along the way. Medications were separate. Ultrasounds once pregnant are $270

Didn't have a choice. Only 1 embryo resulted in healthy.

Dr.Ghazal is very professional and knowledgeable.She always answered all our questions and explained our procedure in details. We worked with her for a whole year, unfortunately, it did not work due to poor egg quality.

Do your best not to work with Dr. Ghazal's coordinator Natalija and request for another one from the beginning

Gonal F, Menopur, Centrotide Metformin and Omnitrope

Our IVF and medication were partially covered by health insurance

Only had one normal embryo in three IVF's

She has been our biggest cheerleader.. our daughter was born with a genetic defect despite PGS testing and passed away at 7 weeks. She has taken good care of us, treated us gently and helped us explore all options when it comes to growing our family after our loss.

Do your home work.. she’s extremely intelligent, and I’ve found that it’s easier to communicate when you have done your research.

Dr. Ghazal is superwoman. She was highly empathetic in her approach during all of our meetings. I felt safe throughout the procedures (she did polyp removal, egg retrieval, and transfer). She never promised that anything would work, but seemed to believe that it could, which was enough to keep us going. Of course the fact that it did work made everything better. I went back after my daughter was born to visit the clinic and the lab...the gratitude for everyone who helped us become parents was overwhelming. We are forever grateful. We are about to try for round two in the coming months.

Hang in there. If you're at a fertility clinic, you're in a hard spot. Hang in there. Good luck. It's not really advice, it's more just I feel for them.

I do not remember the specifics of the treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval ~8K? Genetic testing ~5k? Transfer - ?? Medication - 5k?

We did not have the option, although I believe I remember Dr. Ghazal suggesting that we NOT do multiple if given the opportunity?? I'm not sure.

My infertility journey started 4 years ago and has not been easy. I first found Dr Ghazal after I had an Unsuccessful IVF round and the Dr I was seeing had horrible bedside manners. He only cared about the money and nothing else that was when my coordinator told me to switch to Dr Ghazal when she was in Fullerton. I have had nothing but Success with Dr Ghazal she approached my IVF journey in a different way and she was successful twice and I now have a beautiful baby boy and 2 frozen embryos in storage. I can not thank Dr Ghazal enough for making our dreams come true. I don’t know what I would do without her she is a god send.

Don't give up. Dr Ghazal will make your dreams come true.

All I can remember is she had to do the highest dose of meds for me in order for my cycles to be successful.

I think I spent around $50,000 for 3 cycles with all testing and meds.

I haven’t had much success with my IUI treatments. Being a pharmacist I’m hyper aware of the side effects of the drugs I’m on. I hear a lot of stories where patients only see nurses or PAs. I appreciate that Dr. Ghazal is the one only treating me (obviously I don’t see her on blood draw days)

Listen, be prepared for some realistic expectations

The truth is based on my labs and my husband’s SA and my age. The truth was IVF was ideal. But we also believe that diet and nutrition plays a vital part in our health and fertility health so we wanted to try IUI first, now we realize that we will probably have to go one step further and do IVF

I would say approximately $2500 total per IUI (one cycle was cancelled to too many follicles)

My doctor believes in eSET since the goal is healthy baby and healthy mom and multiples have too many risk associated with it, along with risks with my “advanced maternal age”

Dr. Ghazal made a very foreign and scary process manageable. She was personally available for every question and answered with thorough compassionate answers. I couldn’t imagine going through the process with anyone else.

Don’t hesitate to pick Dr Ghazal, she’s amazing.

My insurance covered all costs besides my deductible.

We chose not to test our embryos (because of age, low risk and it was our first cycle) and transferred 2 fresh embryos.

Since the first appointment with Dr. Ghazal we felt we could fully trust her and the clinic. She took the time to listen to our story and understand our explanations, and provided us with a clear path forward. She was always available for follow-up calls and clarifications. Most importantly, we never felt alone in this journey and fully trusted her and her knowledge. We are so grateful we found Dr. Ghazal and the Rise Team!

You’re in great hands! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and know that the Dr. Is there for you!

I was diagnosed with endometriosis and came to Dr. Ghazal after a few failed IUI cycles. Dr. Ghazal went straight to the point and advised that IUI wasn’t the most effective strategy in my case. We decided to move forward with hormonal stimulation and egg retrieval, and that went according to expectations! We retrieved 10 eggs of which 6 resulted in normal and great quality embryos (she recommended PGT testing).I also had barely any side effects. I wanted to address my endo before the transfer, and Dr. Ghazal was open about it. Thus, I first did a laparoscopy which resulted in the removal of several adhesions. After that, Dr. Ghazal motivated me to start the hormonal protocol for the transfer and we transferred a day 5 embryo which resulted in my very first pregnancy!

Treatment Costs were almost entirely covered my insurance. I was responsible for copays ($25 each visit) and for the out of pocket cost of egg retrieval and embryos conservation (around $12K)

Compassionate and took her time to speak with me and answer all questions I had. When I wanted a second option for my tubal blockage dx she was happy to write me another order. Every time I came in I was greeted with a smile and a hug. She was always concerned about how I was feeling.

If a same sexual couple ask to have an HSG performed first to check for any cervical or tubal issues. Always ask questions and not be afraid to receive the answers. Know that infertility is a journey

We used 5 mg Femora both cycles as I was diagnosed with PCOS which we found from the numerous blood tests I had done. And received a trigger shot both cycles before insemination. Both cycles were monitored by blood work and ultrasound.

1 round of IUI was about $1600 not including the sperm vials

None

Amazing bedside manner, very knowledageble and speaks in my best interest with great recommendations. Very sweet and personable, honest and frank with answers and plan. Always addressed me by my name and personally did all of the ultrasounds and email updates.

Come with all your questions, don't be scared to ask her.

Antagonist protocol. Menopur 1 vial and Gonal F 300IU then started ganirelix later on with Pregnyl HCG trigger shot.

Efficient well oiled, personalable. Dr. Ghazal personally did the monitoring ultrasounds - she has a scribe with her who is recording the sizes.