The Kindbody Blog
Your resource for all things fertility, wellness, and women's health
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- Checking whether fertility preservation is included in your employer benefits
- Understanding what your health insurance may cover
- Asking whether eligible expenses can be paid through an HSA or FSA
- Exploring Kindbody’s financing and monthly payment options
Why Talking Openly About Fertility Matters
Public conversations like this can also help normalize fertility care and reinforce an important message: there is no single right path when it comes to reproductive health or building a family.
Some people will freeze their eggs. Some won’t. Some will pursue IVF, donor options or other paths to parenthood. Others may decide they don’t want children at all.
The goal isn’t to convince everyone to make the same decision. It’s to make sure people have enough accurate information to make their own.
Start with Information, Not a Decision
You don’t have to know whether you want to freeze your eggs before speaking with a fertility specialist.
A consultation can simply be an opportunity to learn more about your reproductive health, ask questions and understand the options available to you.
You may decide egg freezing makes sense now. You may decide to wait. You may decide it isn’t right for you at all.
What matters is having the information to make that decision for yourself.
Your future doesn’t have to be figured out today.
Thinking about your fertility or considering egg freezing? Explore egg freezing at Kindbody to learn what to expect, from your first consultation through retrieval and storage.
Explore egg freezing at Kindbody
" ["post_title"]=> string(67) "AOC Is Freezing Her Eggs. Here’s What to Know About Egg Freezing." ["post_excerpt"]=> string(193) "Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's decision to freeze her eggs is bringing new attention to fertility preservation. Here's what to know about age, the egg freezing process, and access to care. " ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(62) "aoc-is-freezing-her-eggs-heres-what-to-know-about-egg-freezing" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-08-14 11:25:18" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-08-14 15:25:18" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=12049" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#5804 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(12041) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "38" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-08-05 13:56:53" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-08-05 17:56:53" ["post_content"]=> string(5931) "The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has released updated guidance for diagnosing and treating recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) because of the risk of underdiagnosis of this distressing problem. In the past, a person was only diagnosed with RPL if she had three or more consecutive clinical losses prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy. But anyone who has had a second early loss can tell you this is something we should try to avoid.
Consecutive losses means multiple miscarriages in a row, with no live births in between. However, the problem with this is that some genetic causes of RPL don’t affect every pregnancy, because some pregnancies are still able to be genetically normal. And clinical losses means only losses that were confirmed pregnancies by ultrasound. However, women often miscarry before an ultrasound can be done. This is called a biochemical pregnancy. If you don’t have easy access to first trimester pregnancy care and ultrasound, you could be pretty far along and still meet this definition. Finally, different medical societies have used different cutoffs for when a miscarriage becomes diagnosed as a stillbirth, 20 versus 22 weeks.
The updated definition of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) now includes two or more miscarriages before 22 weeks. Key criteria include:
- Non-consecutive losses: You do not need to have miscarriages in a row to qualify.
- Biochemical pregnancies: Losses confirmed only by a positive pregnancy test are included.
- Exclusions: This definition does not include molar or ectopic pregnancies, which have distinct, known causes.
Causes of RPL are generally grouped into four categories:
- Genetic
- Uterine
- Immune
- Medical
The most common genetic cause is aneuploidy, where the egg fertilizes abnormally and has an abnormal number of chromosomes. This causes 50-60% of all losses and can just happen. We recommend testing every miscarriage for chromosome problems if you have had a miscarriage already. This isn’t always possible, but if it is abnormal, it can spare you a lengthy and expensive evaluation. Another cause is called balanced translocation. This is when a piece of one chromosome has broken off and reattached itself to another chromosome. You have all the correct amount of DNA but if you separate the chromosomes to make an egg or a sperm, that egg or sperm will have an abnormal amount of DNA and this causes a 50% miscarriage rate in people who have this. The test for this is a chromosome test on both parents. Genetic diseases can cause miscarriages and these can be tested with genetic carrier screening. Finally, sperm DNA fragmentation is a cause of miscarriage. The embryo has a normal chromosome number (euploid) but other DNA problems affect the ability of the embryo to grow and implant properly.
Uterine causes are diagnosed with imaging of the uterus with a saline sonogram, X-ray dye test of the uterus (HSG), or a scope to look inside the uterus with a camera called hysteroscopy. We can diagnose birth defects of the uterus such as a uterine septum, which can cause recurrent miscarriages. Also, fibroids or polyps may increase the risk of miscarriages when they interfere with the uterine cavity. These can be corrected with surgery. Finally, we can test the uterine lining for chronic infection called chronic endometritis with a biopsy. This is treated with antibiotics.
Immune causes of recurrent miscarriage cause the blood to clot abnormally and are treated with blood thinners. These are checked with a blood test. However, the number of tests we do for this diagnosis has decreased because we have discovered that blood clotting problems that are genetic (familial thrombophilias) are not associated with miscarriages as much as we used to think.
Finally, medical causes can contribute to RPL. Exposures to toxins and endocrine disruptors, microplastics, and other toxic substances can cause miscarriages. Tobacco, nicotine, THC and alcohol are all associated with losses. Obesity, poor diet, chronic inflammation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and lupus are also associated with miscarriage and need to be optimized.
So what is new? First, we now consider two or more losses to be the diagnosis of recurrent miscarriage. Second, these losses don’t need to be consecutive. This means that you can get an evaluation sooner. You don’t need to have three miscarriages to justify testing your next loss for chromosome abnormalities. Likewise, you should be able to get uterine and parental genetic testing after only two losses, especially if these are very early losses or biochemical pregnancies. This is great news, as it allows a faster diagnosis and a shorter time to having a healthy baby.
" ["post_title"]=> string(70) "A New Approach to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: What Patients Need to Know" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(442) "The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has released updated guidance for diagnosing and treating recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) because of the risk of underdiagnosis of this distressing problem. In the past, a person was only diagnosed with RPL if she had three or more consecutive clinical losses prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy. But anyone who has had a second early loss can tell you this is something we should try to avoid." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(69) "a-new-approach-to-recurrent-pregnancy-loss-what-patients-need-to-know" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-08-05 13:56:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-08-05 17:56:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=12041" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#15978 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(12013) ["post_author"]=> string(2) "23" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-07-29 14:23:27" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-29 18:23:27" ["post_content"]=> string(3898) "Experiencing a pregnancy loss is deeply difficult, both physically and emotionally. If you have experienced a loss, it is important to know that you are not alone, and there is support available. Many people find it helpful to understand when to reach out for medical guidance and what steps can be taken for future planning.
When to Seek Evaluation
While a single miscarriage is often a random event occurring due to factors outside of anyone's control, healthcare providers suggest seeking further evaluation if you have experienced two or more pregnancy losses.
- You are 35 or older and would like guidance on future planning.
- You have a history of medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.
- You have experienced a pregnancy loss in the second trimester.
- You are concerned about your physical recovery or your emotional well-being.
Understanding the "Why"
When seeking answers, testing may focus on identifying underlying factors such as:
- Chromosomal abnormalities: Often the most common cause, these changes usually occur by chance and are not caused by anything a patient did.
- Uterine conditions: Structural differences that may affect implantation or growth.
- Hormonal or metabolic conditions: Including thyroid disorders or poorly controlled diabetes.
- Autoimmune conditions: Such as antiphospholipid syndrome, which can often be treated successfully.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors: Such as smoking, excessive alcohol, or environmental exposures.
It is important to note that even after a thorough medical evaluation, sometimes no specific cause is found. While this can be frustrating, it is also common.
Looking Toward the Future
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that most people who experience recurrent pregnancy loss go on to have a healthy baby. Advances in reproductive medicine have made personalized care more accessible, and many contributing medical conditions are treatable.
Prioritizing Emotional Health
The impact of loss on mental health is significant. Feelings of grief, anxiety, guilt, fear, or anger are normal and valid, regardless of how early the loss occurred. Seeking support—whether from partners, family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals—is a vital part of the recovery process and future planning.
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a medical condition that warrants compassionate care and evaluation. With the right medical support and emotional care, the outlook for a future successful pregnancy is generally very encouraging.
" ["post_title"]=> string(57) "Moving Forward After Pregnancy Loss: When to Seek Answers" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(325) "Experiencing a pregnancy loss is deeply difficult, both physically and emotionally. If you have experienced a loss, it is important to know that you are not alone, and there is support available. Many people find it helpful to understand when to reach out for medical guidance and what steps can be taken for future planning." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(56) "moving-forward-after-pregnancy-loss-when-to-seek-answers" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-07-29 14:30:05" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-29 18:30:05" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=12013" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [3]=> object(WP_Post)#15974 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11973) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-07-09 12:00:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-09 16:00:00" ["post_content"]=> string(4992) "This article was originally published by MedCity News:
The challenge isn’t just access to fertility benefits, it’s how those benefits are structured and delivered. Here are three emerging themes that can help employers better align cost, quality and experience.
Employers are continuing to expand fertility benefits, but many still don’t have a clear understanding of what they’re actually paying for. With the White House encouraging businesses to expand fertility coverage, employers have an opportunity to lead – not by simply increasing spend, but by demanding better outcomes.
A recent survey from the Purchaser Business Group on Health underscores a broader issue in U.S. healthcare, cost does not consistently correlate with quality, and prices continue to rise without clear rationale. Employers are spending more each year on healthcare, while employees are often left navigating complex treatment options, uneven access, and limited support. The result is frustration on all sides: rising costs for employers, inconsistent care for employees, and a widening gap between the promise and reality of benefits.
Nowhere is this more evident than in reproductive health, a space where pricing varies widely, outcomes are high stakes, and employees expect coverage (and are willing to switch jobs to get it). Seventy percent of large employers now offer some fertility benefits, but few have a clear understanding of what they’re paying for, or how to measure quality and outcomes. With fertility costs rising faster than wages or inflation, reproductive health benefits have become essential to recruiting and retaining top talent.
The challenge isn’t just access to fertility benefits, it’s how those benefits are structured and delivered. Across the industry, three themes are emerging that can help employers better align cost, quality and experience.
First, look “under the hood” when evaluating healthcare options. Don’t just look at the price tag; compare the outcomes. High-quality medical care saves money in the long run and leads to better results. Accurate diagnostics, advanced lab practices, and evidence-based protocols increase the likelihood of pregnancy and reduce the number of failed IVF cycles – saving time, money, and emotional strain for employees.
Second, prioritize collaboration, not fragmentation. Fertility care works best when clinicians, labs, and pharmacies operate in a more coordinated way. Collaboration enables faster, better-informed decisions, reduces referrals, and shortens the time to pregnancy. It also lowers costs by avoiding redundant testing and treatment. For employees, integrated care means less logistical stress and more confidence in the process.
Third, demand transparency in drug pricing. IVF medications can be one of the most opaque and wasteful parts of the process. Typically, patients receive their rebates at the end of the year, if at all, while leftover drugs go unused. More transparent approaches, including upfront drug pricing, same-day delivery, and as-needed dispensing, reduces waste and helps employees with financial planning.
As employers continue to expand fertility benefits, the focus is shifting from access alone to value, how care is delivered, what outcomes are achieved, and how employees experience the process. Fertility is no longer a niche offering, expectations around quality, transparency, and results will continue to rise.
" ["post_title"]=> string(83) "MedCity News: Our CEO David Stern Shares a Smarter Approach to Fertility Benefits " ["post_excerpt"]=> string(327) "Employers are continuing to expand fertility benefits, but many still don’t have a clear understanding of what they’re actually paying for. With the White House encouraging businesses to expand fertility coverage, employers have an opportunity to lead – not by simply increasing spend, but by demanding better outcomes. " ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(80) "medcity-news-our-ceo-david-stern-shares-a-smarter-approach-to-fertility-benefits" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-07-08 17:00:22" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-08 21:00:22" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11973" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#15973 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11964) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-07-01 18:33:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-01 22:33:00" ["post_content"]=> string(2577) "Doctor: Dr. Rachael Cohen
Treatments: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Choosing Kindbody was one of the best decisions we made on our IVF journey. From the very first appointment, Dr. Cohen made us feel confident and supported. She knew exactly what my body needed, which protocol to use, and guided us with honesty, clarity, and compassion every step of the way. I came in with over 50 questions, and she answered every single one without hesitation.
From day one, we knew in our hearts that we were in the right place. Our experience was made even more special by the incredible Kindbody team who walked this journey with us. Dana, our ultrasound technician, brought warmth and reassurance to every appointment and always took the time to answer my questions. Anjelica was truly my rock detail-oriented, caring, and invested in every step of our process. Kiana, from the lab team, kept us smiling with her positivity and constant encouragement. And Charity and Kevin, along with the entire embryology team, cared for our embryos with such precision and love, keeping us informed and supported through every update and transfer day.
Our first embryo transfer took place in July 2024, and one year after graduating from Kindbody, we are blessed beyond words with our Kindbaby, Lovelynn, who is now 9 months old. She is healthy, happy, and the absolute light of our lives. She is our miracle, and we are forever grateful to the team who helped make our dream happen.
As we reflect on this past year with deep gratitude, we are excited to share that we are planning our next frozen embryo transfer for the end of January or beginning of February, hoping to grow our family once again. Returning to Kindbody feels like coming home to the place where our fears were met with compassion and our hopes turned into miracles. To anyone considering IVF or beginning this journey: it is not easy, but you do not have to walk it alone. With the right care, the right team, and the right support, hope is always possible. Kindbody gave us more than fertility care they gave us trust, confidence, and our family. We will always be thankful. IVF is… Joining a club you never wanted to be a member of, but realizing the members are legends.
" ["post_title"]=> string(15) "Celibeth Thomas" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(417) "Returning to Kindbody feels like coming home to the place where our fears were met with compassion and our hopes turned into miracles. To anyone considering IVF or beginning this journey: it is not easy, but you do not have to walk it alone. With the right care, the right team, and the right support, hope is always possible. Kindbody gave us more than fertility care they gave us trust, confidence, and our family. " ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(15) "celibeth-thomas" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-07-08 10:55:21" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-07-08 14:55:21" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11964" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#15935 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(11956) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-06-23 12:00:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-06-23 16:00:00" ["post_content"]=> string(7844) "As Pride Month comes to a close, we're proud to highlight a family-building story that reflects the power of perseverance and support. Our colleague, Matt shares the surrogacy journey he and his husband, David, went through and the lessons they learned along the way.
Can you share what first led you to explore surrogacy as part of your path to parenthood, and what that decision-making process looked like for you?
When we met, we already had two beautiful girls, Madden and Kate, from Matt's first marriage. We decided we wanted to expand our family — together. But as two men, biology makes things much, much more complicated.
When we embarked on the journey, we considered all of the options. Given our family make up and circumstances, we opted to use an egg donor and a gestational carrier to grow our family. The decision-making process involved weighing the pros and cons, meeting with many professionals, including both surrogacy and adoption agencies, fertility specialists, and talking with other parents of queer families. It also involved a lot of financial planning and the help of fertility benefits, which are invaluable for employers to offer in order to ensure family equality and equity, and to foster an environment for all employees to grow a family if they desire.
What were some of the most unexpected emotional or logistical challenges you encountered during your surrogacy journey?
We had a lot of stops and starts in terms of finding the right family-building partners. We had conversations with several potential gestational carriers, and a couple were people we knew. In several instances, just when it seemed we’d found the right fit, things changed, which left us feeling hopeless in the moment. But we knew it was important to persevere. Eventually we found our first carrier, who was amazing and just the right match for us.
Logistically, there are just SO many things to consider. It can be overwhelming. You have to coordinate with fertility clinics and agencies and legal teams and hospitals.
The lack of inclusivity throughout the process was also striking. We encountered forms that assumed a traditional mother-father structure, regulations that had not kept pace with the many ways families are formed today, and insurance policies designed around a narrow view of parenthood. One challenge we did not anticipate was securing coverage for our newborn when Ellie was born. Resolving the issue required months of conversations with our health insurance provider and ultimately filing complaints with the state insurance agency. The policies were not well equipped to address alternative pathways to parenthood, creating unnecessary hurdles during an already significant life event. To the insurer’s credit, after careful review of our concerns, they not only resolved the issue for our family but also updated their policies to better support and serve a broader range of families.
How did you experience working with your care team at Kindbody, and in what ways did that support shape your journey?
In Kindbody, we immediately found a welcoming and supportive environment. And it started at the top with our amazing REI, Dr. Amber Cooper. Our amazing nurse practitioner, Julia Hoven, who was our go to day-to-day, was our biggest advocate. She was there to celebrate with us in the highest of highs and lowest of lows, being one of the first to hold both of our girls when they were born. (Our youngest KindBaby’s middle name is Julia after her).
Our journey was so impactful that it led me (Matt) to work for Kindbody as a senior client success executive managing partnerships with key enterprise clients. Were it not for my personal experience and a passion I have to help others navigate this journey, I wouldn’t be in this role. I truly believe Kindbody is the right reproductive health partner to support this journey for families.
I tell my clients all the time that family building is an incredibly emotional journey. Whether someone is part of the LGBTQ+ community, pursuing single parenthood by choice, or building a family with a partner, the process represents a deeply personal hope and dream. It is far more significant than a routine healthcare appointment, and it often comes with a wide range of emotions. There are moments of excitement and joy, as well as uncertainty and disappointment.
At Kindbody, our goal is to walk alongside individuals and families through every step of that journey, regardless of how their family is formed.
As a father through surrogacy, what moments during the process stand out most vividly to you now when you reflect back?
For me (Matt), the most eye-opening part of our journey was gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a family. Every path to parenthood comes with its own challenges, and experiencing the process firsthand gave me an even greater appreciation for the resilience, commitment, and hope that so many people bring to it. It reinforced just how meaningful the dream of having a family is and the lengths people are willing to go to make that dream a reality.
But despite all of this, nothing is more vivid to me than two moments: On October 7, 2021 and October 19, 2023, seeing our beautiful daughters for the first time. Seeing David’s face and tears and emotion as he was realizing a dream he thought he may never get to fulfill. Holding those baby girls. Introducing them to their older sisters. It did and has made it all worth it during the challenges. And it’s why advocating for family equality is so important to both of us.
During PRIDE month, what message do you want other LGBTQ+ individuals or couples considering parenthood to hear about building a family today?
This journey has taught us the value of perseverance and the importance of visibility. There are many people who wonder whether they can fully be themselves and still build the family they dream of. Our message is simple: don't give up.
Be patient. Family building is often a long and emotional journey, and it is important to set realistic expectations along the way. Build a strong support system because you do not have to do this alone. Just as importantly, take care of yourself. Whether you are experiencing moments of joy or facing setbacks, make time for self care. Take a break when you need one. Talk to a therapist. Spend time doing things that bring you happiness. Do not lose sight of your own well being.
Most of all, know that you are valued, supported, and not alone. There are people, communities, and organizations like Kindbody who stand ready to come alongside and support you.
" ["post_title"]=> string(54) "Pride in Every Path to Parenthood: A Surrogacy Journey" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(267) "As Pride Month comes to a close, we're proud to highlight a family-building story that reflects the power of perseverance and support. Our colleague, Matt shares the surrogacy journey he and his husband, David, went through and the lessons they learned along the way." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(53) "pride-in-every-path-to-parenthood-a-surrogacy-journey" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2026-06-22 13:06:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-06-22 17:06:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://kindbody.com/?p=11956" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(6) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["before_loop"]=> bool(true) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#5895 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(12049) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2026-08-14 11:11:12" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2026-08-14 15:11:12" ["post_content"]=> string(13805) "Thinking about freezing your eggs? What AOC’s story highlights about fertility preservation.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently shared something deeply personal with millions of people: at 36, she has started the process of freezing her eggs.
Ocasio-Cortez shared the news on Instagram, where she has been documenting parts of the process, including giving herself fertility medication before a television interview. She said she had been considering egg freezing for some time and had been saving to pay for the procedure herself.
The Associated Press reported on Ocasio-Cortez’s decision and her decision to talk openly about an experience many women navigate privately. Ocasio-Cortez said she hopes sharing the process will help other women better understand their fertility and options.
“This is a choice that I am making to feel more in control of my life,” Ocasio-Cortez told the AP.
Her decision has put a new spotlight on egg freezing and a much broader issue: how much do people actually know about their fertility before they are ready to start a family?
“When a public figure brings attention to fertility and the importance of understanding your reproductive health, it can help shine a much-needed light on an area of healthcare that has historically been surrounded by stigma and often not openly discussed,” says Dr. Amber Cooper, founding physician at Kindbody.
For anyone who has wondered whether egg freezing might be right for them, here’s what to know.
What is Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is a way to preserve eggs now for possible use in the future.
The process involves stimulating the ovaries with hormone medications so that multiple eggs can mature during one cycle. Those eggs are then retrieved, evaluated by an embryology team and frozen using a rapid-freezing process called vitrification.
If you choose to use the eggs in the future, they can be thawed and fertilized with sperm through IVF. Any resulting embryo may then be transferred to the uterus or frozen for future use.
Egg freezing does not guarantee a future pregnancy, but it can preserve reproductive options.
Why Does Age Matter?
Fertility is an important part of reproductive health, but many people don’t learn how fertility changes with age until they are actively trying to become pregnant.
People with ovaries are born with the eggs they will have throughout their lifetime. Both the number of available eggs and their genetic integrity generally decline with age.
When eggs are frozen, they retain characteristics associated with the age at which they were retrieved. That is one reason age is an important part of a conversation with a fertility specialist about whether and when to consider egg freezing.
“Having access to accurate, evidence-based information about fertility preservation and other reproductive health options empowers women with the knowledge they need to make the decisions that are right for them and their future,” says Dr. Cooper.
Why Do People Choose to Freeze Their Eggs?
There is no single reason and no single timeline.
Some people know they would like children someday but aren’t ready yet. Others haven’t met the right partner, are focused on their career or education, have health considerations, or simply want to preserve more options for their future.
The decision is highly personal. And learning about egg freezing doesn’t mean deciding to do it.
A fertility evaluation can provide information about your reproductive health and ovarian reserve and give you an opportunity to talk with a specialist about your goals, age, health history and what egg freezing could realistically offer you.
What Does the Egg Freezing Process Involve?
An egg freezing cycle typically takes about two weeks.
During that time, hormone medications help the ovaries develop multiple mature eggs. Regular bloodwork and ultrasounds allow the care team to monitor how the body is responding and adjust medications when necessary.
When the eggs are ready, a final “trigger” injection helps prepare them for retrieval.
Egg retrieval itself is a short procedure performed under sedation. The retrieved eggs are evaluated by embryologists, and mature eggs that are appropriate for freezing are vitrified and stored for potential future use.
Many people return to normal activities the following day, although recovery can vary.
The number of eggs retrieved and ultimately frozen differs from person to person. Depending on age, ovarian reserve, family-building goals and response to medication, a physician may recommend considering more than one cycle.
Egg Freezing is Personal. Your Treatment Plan Should Be, Too.
There is no universal number of eggs someone needs to freeze or a treatment protocol that works for everyone.
A fertility specialist can help develop an individualized plan based on factors including age, ovarian reserve, medical history, goals and response to medication.
That personalized guidance is important because egg freezing should not be presented as an insurance policy or a guarantee of having a baby later. It is one tool that may provide additional reproductive options for the future.
The Conversation is Also About Access
Ocasio-Cortez has said she had been saving for egg freezing for years. Her experience highlights another reality of fertility preservation: cost can determine who has access to it.
Egg freezing can represent an out-of-pocket expense, particularly when fertility medications and storage are included. Insurance coverage varies considerably, and many people still do not have fertility preservation benefits.
Employer-sponsored fertility benefits can help close that gap.
When employers provide coverage for fertility preservation and other reproductive healthcare, they can make these options available to people who might otherwise be unable to absorb thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
“We founded Kindbody to make fertility care like egg freezing more affordable and accessible for everyone,” says Dr. Cooper. “My work is fundamentally about educating and empowering people to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future.”
Kindbody works with employers to provide fertility and family-building benefits, which may include egg freezing depending on an individual’s plan. For those without coverage, understanding self-pay costs, insurance and financing options can also be an important part of the initial conversation.
Access to fertility preservation shouldn’t depend solely on someone’s ability to save enough money to pursue it.
Understanding Your Fertility Financing Options
If egg freezing isn’t covered by insurance or an employer benefit, paying the full cost at once isn’t the only option.
Kindbody offers several financing and payment options designed to help make fertility care more accessible. Depending on the program and eligibility, options may include monthly payment plans, flexible financing terms and financing for services such as egg freezing, IVF, IUI, fertility medications, genetic testing and other family-building care.
For egg freezing specifically, Kindbody also offers access to programs that can combine treatment and storage costs into more predictable pricing, along with monthly payment options.
Because every person’s coverage and financial situation is different, it’s worth exploring all of your options before assuming fertility preservation is out of reach. That may include:
- Checking whether fertility preservation is included in your employer benefits
- Understanding what your health insurance may cover
- Asking whether eligible expenses can be paid through an HSA or FSA
- Exploring Kindbody’s financing and monthly payment options
Why Talking Openly About Fertility Matters
Public conversations like this can also help normalize fertility care and reinforce an important message: there is no single right path when it comes to reproductive health or building a family.
Some people will freeze their eggs. Some won’t. Some will pursue IVF, donor options or other paths to parenthood. Others may decide they don’t want children at all.
The goal isn’t to convince everyone to make the same decision. It’s to make sure people have enough accurate information to make their own.
Start with Information, Not a Decision
You don’t have to know whether you want to freeze your eggs before speaking with a fertility specialist.
A consultation can simply be an opportunity to learn more about your reproductive health, ask questions and understand the options available to you.
You may decide egg freezing makes sense now. You may decide to wait. You may decide it isn’t right for you at all.
What matters is having the information to make that decision for yourself.
Your future doesn’t have to be figured out today.
Thinking about your fertility or considering egg freezing? Explore egg freezing at Kindbody to learn what to expect, from your first consultation through retrieval and storage.
Explore egg freezing at Kindbody
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to freeze her eggs is bringing new attention to fertility preservation. Here’s what to know about age, the egg freezing process, and access to care.
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