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With more than 50,000 fertility patients served, Alto Pharmacy understands the complexities of your fertility treatment. That’s why we offer a variety of resources to ensure you’re never alone in navigating your fertility medications.

3 Alto Pharmacy Resources to Ease Your Fertility Journey

Undergoing fertility treatment is an intense and deeply personal experience. A great fertility pharmacy partner understands this and goes the extra mile to put your care first.

Reliability and convenience should be non-negotiable in a pharmacy partner during IVF and egg freezing, processes that involve quick-moving and often rapidly changing protocols of fertility medications. But at Alto, that’s only the beginning. We believe that an exceptional fertility pharmacy doesn’t just deliver your fertility medications and necessary ancillary supplies on time — it becomes a partner in your journey.

With more than 50,000 fertility patients served, we understand the complexities of your fertility treatment. That’s why we offer a variety of resources to ensure you’re never alone in navigating your fertility medications.

1. Personalized fertility medication injection guides

It’s normal to be nervous about administering your first injections, but we’re here to walk you through them. In our injection guide videos, experienced pharmacists from Alto’s clinical fertility team share all the information you need to feel confident and ready, from unboxing your medications and preparing the syringe, to correctly injecting the medication and disposing or storing it safely. They also cover potential side effects and tips for preparing in advance.

And you won’t have to sift through years of outdated videos on YouTube to find the correct one for your medication: as an Alto customer, you’ll find your own unique playlist with videos for your specific fertility medications in the app. Some medications have different administration methods, including subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. We developed different injection guides for each administration method so you have all the relevant videos for your fertility medication protocol right at your fingertips.

2. One-on-one consultations with fertility-trained pharmacists

When questions arise during fertility treatment, there’s no substitute for one-on-one time with a fertility pharmacist. But at traditional pharmacies, it’s far too difficult to get a pharmacist’s undivided attention.

That’s not the case at Alto. Whether you’re wondering where to store medications while traveling or how to alleviate pain after an injection — actual questions Alto customers have asked our pharmacists — you’ll have direct access to a fertility-trained pharmacist who’s familiar with your medication protocol seven days a week.

Our pharmacists are available until 9 pm PST on weeknights and 6 pm PST on weekends. Since most fertility medications are administered as nightly injections, our extended hours mean you’ll interact with an actual person, not an automated recording, when it matters most. The best part? There’s no time limit. We’ll wait on the phone while you watch all of the video guides for your nightly injections and walk you through each one if it helps put your mind at ease.

We know that life doesn’t stop during fertility treatment, and sometimes you just need a quick yes or no right away. If a call isn’t convenient, you can ask as many questions as you need to via text or secure message in our app. Whichever communication method you use, you’ll still have a direct line to a fertility-trained pharmacist focused on your individual needs.

Exploring fertility treatment may feel like navigating unfamiliar territory at first. There’s so much new information to take in, from fertility medications and their sequence in an IVF or egg freezing cycle, to the jargon and acronyms you’ll often hear. We have an extensive library of fertility-focused content to help you deepen your understanding of fertility treatments and find useful information to make the best decisions for your needs.

Here are just a few of the resources we offer:

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Managing the Costs of Fertility Treatment

Choose a fertility pharmacy you can rely on

Too often, managing fertility medications only adds to the stress of fertility treatment, with hours spent waiting on hold to track down a medication delivery or navigate insurance benefits.

Choosing a reliable pharmacy partner can minimize stress during IVF, egg freezing, and other fertility treatments. Since 2016, we’ve supported more than 50,000 patients through their fertility journeys. As an Alto customer, you’ll never have to worry about whether medications will arrive on time — and you’ll have a supportive pharmacist by your side at every step of the way.

Learn more at alto.com/fertility or reach out at any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Managing your fertility medications can be stressful but learning more about their purposes and side effects can help with peace of mind. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of fertility medications.

Fertility Medications 101

There are many paths to parenthood. For some, the journey includes fertility treatments like egg freezing or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which help millions of individuals preserve their fertility options or conceive. And while these procedures can help you start the family you’ve always dreamt of, the process can sometimes feel like an overload of information and new things to learn.

Fertility medications are often one of the more overwhelming parts of the journey as they are prescribed on a tightly-timed schedule with specific doses based on hormone levels. Your doctor may decide to change your prescriptions throughout the process based on ultrasounds and bloodwork.

Managing your medications, which are often taken as nightly injections, can be stressful and may take some getting used to. However, learning more about the purposes and side effects of your fertility medications can help with peace of mind. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of fertility medications used for egg freezing and IVF.

The main goal of egg freezing is to retrieve as many mature eggs as possible from your ovaries: the more eggs you have, the higher your chances are of fertilizing one or more eggs and becoming pregnant as a result of IVF. This process involves ovary stimulation to induce follicle growth and egg production.

Stimulation medications used in egg freezing contain three important hormones that cause the ovaries to mature and release eggs: follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Your doctor may prescribe some of the following commonly used stimulation medications:

These oral medications are mainly used during ovulation induction (OI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments to induce the ovary to produce and release eggs. Both Clomid and Letrozole work by reducing estrogen levels, which then signals the body to generate more FSH.  

Created in a lab, these medications are biosimilar to natural hormones and mimic FSH in your body. They are taken at the beginning of an egg freezing or IVF cycle to help your body produce many follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that potentially contain an egg.

This medication contains LH and FSH. Like Gonal-f or Follistim, it is introduced early on in an egg freezing or IVF cycle to stimulate follicle production.

Novarel/Pregnyl are both a urinary extracted form of hCG (compared to Ovidrel which is a recombinant, or created in the lab). These hCG medications stimulate the body’s natural LH surge, inducing the final maturation of your eggs and triggering ovulation within 36 hours. They are usually the last injection of your IVF treatment.

This medication also contains hCG but in a recombinant, or lab-made, form. Similar to Novarel/Pregnyl, it is used to promote the eggs' final growth spurt and trigger ovulation.

If you have a decreased ovarian reserve, or if your body doesn’t respond well to the stimulation medications listed above, your doctor may also prescribe omnitrope, a growth hormone whose main purpose is to improve the quality of your eggs. 

Stimulation medications are usually taken as nightly injections. If you have questions about how to self-administer, Alto’s pharmacists are available to walk you through the process via in-app messaging or over the phone. You can also view our step-by-step guides on fertility injections.

When taking stimulation medications, you may experience some of the following known side effects:

Soreness, redness, or mild bruising at the site of injection

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your side effects.

Once eggs are released from the ovaries — known as ovulation — they cannot be retrieved by your doctor and used for the fertilization process, so ovulation suppression medications are critical to completing an IVF cycle. If your fertility journey involves an egg donor or gestational carrier, this type of medication may also be used to coordinate cycles.

Cetrotide/Fyramedel™ (ganirelix acetate)

These fertility medications work against a hormone called GnRH — which helps produce the ovary-stimulating hormones LH and FSH — to help prevent premature ovulation. Some of the common side effects are abdominal discomfort, headaches, and soreness at the site of injection.

This fertility medication stimulates an initial surge in LH and FSH but ultimately causes the body to stop production of these hormones during a process called downregulation. Common side effects include hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Once ovulation suppression medications are added to the schedule on top of the stimulators, some people develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OSH). In this condition, overproduction of follicles causes extreme swelling or pain in the ovaries. Your doctor may recommend taking medication to help control symptoms or canceling treatment until a future cycle.

In IVF, after your doctor has completed the egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized and then transferred to your uterus through a quick, non-surgical procedure. In this stage of the process, your doctor may prescribe progesterone and/or estrogen supplements.

Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by your ovaries after ovulation. It supports the lining of the uterus, making it easier for an embryo to become implanted. You might take vaginal, oral, or injectable progesterone, or a combination of different forms. These are some common progesterone medications:

Progesterone capsules, suppositories, lozenges

Watch out for the following common progesterone side effects:

Soreness or swelling at the site of injection, if taking progesterone injections

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection, if taking suppositories

Progesterone injections may also cause hard welts at the site of injection, though this is a less common side effect.

Estrogen is also a natural hormone that thickens the uterine lining. In IVF, estrogen is used to help the body prepare for implantation, often in the form of estradiol topical patches. The following side effects may occur. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Redness or irritation in the skin covered by the patch

Constipation, bloating, or stomach cramps  

Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sinus pain, or sore throat) 

The IVF medication schedule is precisely timed. To learn more about how these medications will be used in the context of your cycle, read our blog on the sequence of fertility medications in the IVF process: IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained

Prenatal vitamins can help put your mind at ease even before pregnancy

Taking simple prenatal vitamins is one of the most effective ways to ensure that you have the nutrients you need to nourish your baby throughout your pregnancy. It’s never too early to start taking them, and by beginning early, you can ensure that your body has the key vitamins and minerals needed during the earliest stages of fetal development. 

Read What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin to learn more.

We’re with you at every step of your fertility journey

Starting fertility medications may feel stressful, but you’re never alone in your journey. Alto’s dedicated fertility team will work with your physician to ensure your treatment plan is followed properly. And our fertility pharmacists are always available to answer any questions or walk you through your first injections. To learn more, visit us at alto.com/fertility; or reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with egg freezing, but thankfully there are individuals on the other side of it who are willing to share their experience. Read on to hear what egg freezing was like for two members of our team.

Two Women Share Their Egg Freezing Journeys

It would be a serious understatement to say that we are living in uncertain times. For those interested in parenthood, the unpredictability of COVID has, in some cases, delayed starting a family. It’s no surprise, then, that more and more people are now considering egg freezing, a process that allows you to freeze unfertilized eggs, store for future (or later) use, and leave open the possibility of starting a family in the future. 

And with ample room for reflection and planning, not to mention work-from-home arrangements conducive to frequent doctor’s appointments, the pandemic has proven to be a convenient time to start the process. Clinics across the country saw a significant uptick in egg freezing during 2020. 

While egg freezing can be an empowering process that provides otherwise hard-to-find control over your future, it’s also a significant emotional and financial investment, with an intensive medication schedule, too. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to expect, but thankfully there’s lots of individuals on the other side of it who are willing to share their experience. Read on to hear what egg freezing was like for two members of our team, and view our previous post on egg freezing and IVF for an overview of the process.

“It was always in the back of my head, and now I have the relief of knowing I’m preserving multiple options for the future.”

Grace, 27, a provider success specialist on Alto’s fertility team, knows firsthand how convenient it is to work from home while going through the process of freezing your eggs. “The pandemic was actually a great time to do it,” she says. “It was a lot more manageable to do the injections at home and be uncomfortable and bloated in my own space rather than at the office.”

Grace’s professional background in fertility motivated her to reflect on her own reproductive goals. She knew she always wanted kids, but since she didn’t see herself starting a family in the near future, egg freezing felt like an appropriate next step in her journey. 

Grace first started the process at 24, taking an AMH blood test to learn more about her egg count. She had fewer eggs in her ovarian reserve than the average for her age. After completing two egg freezing cycles in January and April of this year, she did not retrieve the minimum number of eggs she was aiming for and thus plans to do a third cycle to reach her goal of at least ten frozen eggs.

While the outcome isn’t what she had hoped for, she’s grateful that the test helped manage expectations, and to have learned earlier rather than later that her fertility journey will involve multiple rounds of egg freezing.

“After the AMH, I wasn’t sure if this would even work for me,” she says. “The results from the retrievals are better than nothing, and I’m really grateful I found out at age 26 and not at 30.”

Here’s more about Grace’s egg freezing journey, in her own words.

What was your experience of the egg retrieval like?

Grace: In my experience, the retrieval itself was actually the least intimidating part. By that point, your body has already done everything it needs to do. All that’s left is showing up for the quick procedure, which takes twenty to thirty minutes. It was all out of my hands so I tried my best to just relax. Because of COVID, no one else could come with me, which isn’t usually the case. Fortunately I had the added comfort of working with doctors I already knew since I completed the process at the clinic where I was working at the time.

What was the hardest part of the process?

Grace: For me, it was getting the numbers back after the first retrieval and learning that there weren’t as many eggs as everyone expected for my age — I got a total of nine eggs from my first two rounds combined and the typical range for a woman my age is fifteen or more. I’ll have to go through the process again if I want to reach a goal of a certain number of eggs for the future; generally the target is at least ten frozen eggs. 

It can feel isolating to have a low egg count if you know other people who went through the process and had a different outcome, like I did, which can feel as if your body isn’t working the way it’s supposed to. As disappointing as it is, at least I have this information early so I’m able to plan for other options.

What do you wish others knew about egg freezing?

Grace: I wish more women knew about the AMH test — which tells you the number of remaining eggs in your ovaries — and the importance of getting tested as early as possible. Knowledge is power. No one expects to have low numbers. From both my own journey and my work with lots of patients over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be to get this information when you're ready to start a family, at which point it may or may not be too late. 

The earlier you know your fertility status, the better. That way you can make an informed decision and plan ahead.

Grace: Candles and music got me into a calm headspace before the injections, when my anxiety would spike. Also, honoring what my body was telling me, taking naps when needed, and talking to coworkers who had gone through the process.

Why did you choose Alto for your fertility pharmacy?

Grace: Egg freezing medications can change on the day of a doctor’s appointment depending on ultrasound results, so being able to schedule same-day delivery, even on weekends, without paying extra was really important. It gave me greater peace of mind during what can be a stressful process.

And even though I worked in the field and was familiar with the process, Alto’s injection videos were so helpful, and the reassurance of knowing I could reach out to a pharmacist for support at any time made the whole experience more manageable.

“I wanted a safety net, and this was one thing I did have control over. It was a decision that was only mine to make.”

For Jess, 36, another member of our fertility team, turning 35 was the final push to move forward with egg freezing. “It was always in the back of my mind, but then other life events kept taking precedence and before I knew it, time was running out to make it worth the investment,” she says.

Since the idea of starting a family soon was unpredictable, she decided it was the right time to start the egg freezing process. It didn’t hurt that the experience would double as some user research, as she explains, “I was familiar with the pharmacy aspect of egg freezing through my work, but I wanted to understand the personal experience of actually going through the process.”

Although she completed her egg freezing cycle before the pandemic, she understands how empowering it is to be able to take your future into your own hands, something that’s taken on new importance over the past year. “I realized I couldn’t rely on a partner to be the person I’d start a family with,” she says. “This felt like the one thing I did have some control over.”

The retrieval went smoothly, yielding more eggs than expected, but Jess, who has also considered adoption, is still keeping her options open. For her, that’s one of the biggest benefits of egg freezing: not having to make any immediate decisions about parenthood, but knowing that there’s multiple possibilities still on the table. Below, Jess shares more about her experience with the process.

Jess: There were some delays and the retrieval date got pushed back a few times. I went in on the weekend, and it wasn’t my regular doctor, but I felt confident in my clinical team based on past conversations. I had some complications with blood pressure, but in general the process went well. I ended up with more eggs than expected.

I remember feeling alone afterwards and wanting to sleep all day, but I ended up meeting a friend at the beach, which lifted my spirits. Egg freezing is such an interesting experience because it’s super emotional for two weeks leading up to the retrieval and then it’s just done.

Jess: It’s a really emotionally intense process to navigate on your own. I was thankful to have coworkers who’d been through it to talk to. The delays were hard, too. There was one day when I had to get my blood drawn and it just wasn’t happening even after five tries. By the end, it felt like waiting itself had become such a big part of the process.

Jess: With egg freezing, medication can be complicated. The specific dosages can change based on hormone levels, which are measured through bloodwork and ultrasounds. It’s not uncommon for your doctor to change a prescription the day of an appointment, so if you get all the prescriptions filled ahead of time, there’s a chance some of the medications may not be used. If you use a pharmacy that manages your deliveries as you confirm you need the medications and offers same-day delivery, like at Alto, you can save a lot of money and avoid wasting the medication.

Also, definitely do some research on finding a pharmacy that will help you navigate insurance benefits and potential medication cost savings options.

Jess: I tried not to put my life on hold during the process and stayed active with camping and hiking. As long as I had my medication, I was comfortable. I also got a puppy just before starting the process, which was a big benefit and distraction.

Jess: I wanted to experience firsthand our fertility service, and it was also really important to have a reliable pharmacy partner that made it possible to avoid wasting medication. My clinic had been working with Alto for years, and it was comforting to know that they were in lockstep with each other. Being able to track deliveries in the app was also really reassuring. I didn’t have to worry about where my medication was when it was in transit.

Choose a pharmacy partner with flexibility for your egg freezing journey

Having a reliable but flexible fertility pharmacy partner is especially important during egg freezing, which can involve last-minute changes with medication. Alto offers free, same-day delivery and expert guidance on fertility medication. Our dedicated fertility specialists are also here to guide you through your first injections and work with your doctor to ensure your egg freezing treatment plan is followed correctly.

Visit us at alto.com/fertility or reach out via phone or the app to learn more.

Here at Alto we’re proud to support RESOLVE and National Infertility Awareness Week 2021. Learn more about who infertility actually affects and available family building resources.

National Infertility Awareness Week 2021

Here at Alto we’re proud to support RESOLVE and National Infertility Awareness Week 2021. This annual week of education and events seeks to increase awareness and acceptance of a disease often misunderstood. The truth is, infertility can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or gender.

If you are struggling with infertility, know that you are not alone. Alto’s dedicated fertility pharmacy team is here to support you. Together with RESOLVE we aim to reduce the stigma around infertility and increase awareness of available family building resources.

Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex. It’s often assumed to only affect women, but let's take a look at some of the surprising truths of infertility:

Studies suggest that Black women are twice as likely to face infertility as white women.

One-third of infertility cases stem from male factors — including low sperm production, chronic health problems, and lifestyle choices.

Approximately 25% of infertile couples have more than one contributing cause.

Knowing where to begin when exploring family building options can feel overwhelming. Consider finding a support group and learning about other’s journeys. Every path is unique but a solid support system is equally beneficial.

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

IVF & Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy 

Your Choice of Fertility Pharmacy Matters	

We are committed to providing exceptional fertility pharmacy care and doing our part to reduce the stigma around infertility. Our dedicated fertility pharmacy team understands the concerns of those affected by infertility. We've supported over 50,000 fertility patients with their medication needs, providing personalized support and cost-effective access to prescriptions that are key to treatment plans.

We work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to provide a better pharmacy experience, with pharmacist-led injection training, thoughtfully packaged supplies and ancillaries, insurance benefits coordination, and financing support.

Choosing the right fertility pharmacy can make all the difference. Learn more about our individualized approach and commitment to providing exceptional fertility pharmacy care.

National Infertility Awareness Week 2021 

Reverend Stacey, who is also the Executive Minister at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, sat down with us to share more about the challenges of fertility in the Black community, what fertility care providers can do to create more inclusive experiences, and some of her favorite memories in the history of FFCG. 

When it comes to fertility, there is a lot to navigate—from deciding which treatment option is right for you to figuring out how to afford the costs. In the U.S., about 11% of women experience infertility, and studies suggest that Black women are twice as likely to face infertility as white women. 

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn is trying to change this. After working as a health educator in Chicago and an education director at Planned Parenthood, she founded Fertility for Colored Girls (FFCG) in 2013. As a 501c3, FFCG’s mission is to provide education, awareness, and support to Black women/couples and other women of color who struggle with infertility—something Stacey wished she’d had when she was on her own infertility journey. 

With 14 chapters across the country spanning urban and suburban communities, and with more opening each year, FFCG provides services including educational programs, grant opportunities, counseling, and monthly support groups where women can share their experiences and receive support.

What are the reasons Black women are almost twice as likely to experience infertility as white women?

There are a few factors behind this. The first is that in the Black community, infertility is a taboo topic. And it’s not something we expect to experience. In our communities, we have believed the hype that Black women are hyper-fertile. Much of this comes from breeding myths during slavery around our ability to be able to give birth. But the reality is, these myths are incorrect. So it begins with how we have been socialized and educated around our own reproductive health and our Black bodies. 

A second reason is that there are many Black women and couples who don’t trust the medical system. And because of this distrust, we’re not accessing health care. We think doctors don’t take us seriously and impose their biases on us. And even today, we still hear stories of Black women and couples having surgeries done on them and being sterilized without permission.

A third reason has to do with research. Most of the research around reproductive health and treatment has primarily been done on white women. So when research shows that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not as successful with Black women, it’s because the trials haven’t included Black women. Once we start seeing more research done that includes black and brown women and other ethnicities then we’ll be able to tailor treatments better. 

A final reason has to do with marketing. We still have a number of fertility clinics that aren’t including women and babies of color and other ethnicities in their marketing. So Black women and couples don’t see themselves in the marketing and if you can’t see yourself, it makes it harder to feel welcome and to trust that you’ll get quality care. 

In addition to marketing and staffing, what other recommendations do you have for clinicians and fertility care providers to create a more accessible and equitable experience? 

I would say education. The staff working with women of color need to be educated. They need to be equipped with tools on how to be culturally sensitive to the Black women and couples that are coming into their spaces. Something I hear from Black women and couples is they want the doctor and team to partner up with them in their treatment—not to look down on them or talk at them. They want someone to walk with them on their journeys. 

Education can also help staff understand their own biases which, a lot of the time, they’re unaware of. It’s important they know what to say and what not to say to make sure they aren’t deterring Black couples. In addition, Black and other ethnicities need to be represented in executive roles and throughout the organization —from doctors to nurses to lab technicians. Making sure staff is inclusive, diverse, and culturally-educated.

Finally, they need to work with organizations like FFCG, who have their pulse on the community and can help them create relationships with the Black community. And they should be open to having these conversations not just during Black History Month, but all the time.

For the communities you work with and those who might not understand their family building options and the resources available to them, what do you want them to know? 

I want them to know there are multiple paths to parenthood. And though they are all different, they are not deficient. When I educate the women and couples I coach and that come to me, I help them focus on the goal, which is to be parents and to build a family. When you know the goal, then you can understand that you have other natural options, like IVF, intrauterine insemination, donor eggs or donor sperm, domestic adoption, et cetera. 

There is an option and a path that has been designed for everyone and I help them see that. Because when you have options, there are possibilities. I am very intentional about helping to open up the minds of the women and couples that I work with to help them see the goal. Because when you reach the goal of becoming a parent to a child, the reality is that you’re not going to love them any less because it is the child that God has sent you.

Is there a particular memory or moment that stands out for you since you founded Fertility for Colored Girls?

A powerful moment for me was when we gave away our first free IVF [cycle] to a couple. After experiencing a few unsuccessful IVF [rounds], they didn't have any money left and their state of Mississippi doesn’t have insurance toward infertility treatments. So they put their name into our raffle and won. They took the Megabus from Mississippi up to Chicago, Illinois to meet everybody that they had been talking to on the phone during prayer time. 

At this time, I was also one month away from giving birth to my daughter after seven in vitro cycles, so I really felt for them. Now they have five-year-old twins. This was significant because it was the first time we were able to provide physical resources to a couple in need. 

In addition to this, I am always so honored when women and couples call me and tell me they got a positive pregnancy test after IVF, or that their surrogate is pregnant, or their adoption just got approved. Often, I end up finding out before anyone else in their family does. I’m so honored that these women and couples trust me to share their journeys and their hearts. And most of them have never met me in person, they’ve just talked to me on the phone. 

These are women who have cried so many tears in silence and lived so long in shame, and they’ve found a successful path to starting a family. That is what gives me joy and fuels me to keep doing the FFCG work. It reminds me there’s still hope and the work that we are doing is not in vain. 

Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your work with FFCG and your mission?

I will add that I think you are able to have peace on your [infertility] journey when the mind, body and spirit are aligned. Because if any of those aspects are not aligned everything can really fall apart. Therefore, my approach, and the mission of FFCG, is to minister to each aspect of a person’s life as they are all equally important. 

In addition, it’s important for people to know the resources that are available to them through FFCG—from grants they can apply for to education to support in our prayer circles. Many Black women and couples struggle with having the resources and support to move forward, so I want to make sure they know this.

To support or donate to Fertility for Colored Girls visit the FFCG site. You can also learn more about the Black Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialists making history and bringing hope to their families on 2/25 at 6 pm CT. Register here.

At Alto, we know fertility treatment can be an emotionally, financially, and physically challenging experience. That’s why we believe choosing the right pharmacy can help you avoid additional stress caused by waiting for hours on hold, tracking down your medication delivery, and navigating insurance benefits.

If you’re considering fertility treatment for the first time, it’s important to understand the financial hurdles you may be facing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the financial options available and how we at Alto can help. 

For hopeful parents who are struggling to conceive, the costs of pursuing fertility treatment can often seem insurmountable. Though assisted reproductive technology (ART) makes it possible for many people experiencing infertility to become parents, the emotional and financial stakes are high. 

If you’re considering fertility treatment for the first time, it’s important to understand the financial hurdles you may be facing. However, there are ways to manage or lower the costs so you can move forward on your path to becoming a parent. In this article, we’ll explore some of the financial options available to intended parents pursuing ART and how we at Alto can help. 

If You Have Health Insurance, Start There

Unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover fertility treatments. As you dig into your plan’s details, you may find that some options are covered with contingencies, while others are not covered at all. It’s best to contact your insurance provider for an in-depth explanation of your fertility coverage. 

Be prepared to ask questions about whether your plan covers diagnostic testing, medications, treatments, and consultations. Ask if there is a cap on coverage or a waiting period required to try certain treatments. You want to walk away with a comprehensive understanding of what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

Several states have enacted legislation that requires insurance providers to cover infertility treatments. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine maintains this online database with information by state.

Many fertility clinics now offer no- or low-interest financing. As you seek out the clinic that’s right for you, inquire about what cost-assistance services are available. It’s perfectly reasonable to seek out a clinic that makes you feel confident and fits your budget.

There are also companies that provide personal loans specifically for fertility treatments, with flexible monthly payment options. At Alto, we’ve worked with companies like Lending Club, CapExMD and Origin Finance to help our customers get the fertility medications they need. (Great news: the Origin application fee is waived for Alto customers!)

Most companies allow you to apply online and some even provide budgeting tools on their websites so you can get an idea of what your monthly payments might be. 

There are grants available through government programs, nonprofits, and private companies that can help cover fertility treatment costs. Many are designed to benefit intended parents who demonstrate financial need while others were created to support specific groups, such as veterans or the LGBTQ+ community. There are even some that will award money to those willing to share their infertility story. 

These grants won’t usually cover all of your costs, but they can provide a significant boost. CoFertility keeps a database of fertility grants and other funding opportunities, as does RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. 

Fertility medications can represent a significant portion of your total treatment costs. At Alto, we’ll always advocate for you to ensure you get the lowest possible prices on your medications. We’ll run a thorough insurance benefits investigation and if your insurer requests a prior authorization, we can work with your doctor’s office to submit it on your behalf. Plus, we’ll remind you to collect any available manufacturer rebates with a monthly email.

If you’re uninsured, we can help you apply for income-based assistance programs like the Compassionate Care Program offered by EMD Serono. Even if you are still in the planning stages of your fertility journey, the earlier you can apply to the program, the better. Ideally, you will want to have approval before your fertility prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy. 

We accept ACH (direct) payments and offer a one percent discount for anyone who prefers this option over using their credit card. And don’t forget—with Alto, delivery of your medications is always completely free.

With mail-order pharmacies, you usually have to order your fertility medications all at once to ensure your precisely timed doses don’t get hung up in the mail. Because it’s difficult to predict exactly how much medication you will need, you often end up ordering excess. Not only will these leftovers add to your out-of-pockets costs, but you’ll also end up with wasted medication that you'll have to dispose of when you're done with treatment.

When you fill your prescriptions with Alto, we’ll hand-deliver your medications from our local fulfillment centers. That means we can deliver your medications every few days, avoiding overorders and minimizing how much you spend. 

Finally, we know that your time is the most valuable resource you have, so we’re focused on giving as much back to you as we can. Send us a simple message through the Alto app when you have a question, and keep all your medication information—plus expert advice—at your fingertips using our mobile app. You can also schedule refills and track your shipments from our pharmacy to your doorstep in real time. If you suddenly need to add a day of injections, there’s no need to stress or go running to the pharmacy. We’ll handle the details and coordinate delivery to your doorstep. 

If you’re interested in learning more, you can request a price quote online. Our care team and fertility specialists would be happy to answer your questions about navigating fertility medications. We know that the start of your ART journey can feel full of uncertainty, but we’re here to do whatever we can to make the process easier and more affordable. 

For more on choosing the right fertility pharmacy for your journey, read, “What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy.”

While it’s not always possible to predict the course of your fertility treatment, it can be helpful to set goals and parameters. Is there a maximum number of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles you’re willing or able to try? Are there other options you’d like to pursue first, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI)? What are the scenarios where you might try using donors or a gestational carrier, or consider fostering or adoption?

Once you have an idea of your budget, coverage options, and potential out-of-pocket costs, create a roadmap that outlines your treatment goals in relation to your financial, physical, and emotional well-being. 

Remember—dealing with infertility issues can take an emotional toll, especially if some options feel out of reach financially. Know that you are not alone, and there is a community of other hopeful parents you can lean on. Support groups like RESOLVE and The Fertility Tribe offer virtual meetups and online community groups. It’s also essential to lean on loved ones for emotional support during this time. The journey you’re taking isn’t easy, but you certainly won’t be walking it alone. 

Would you like to learn more about how Alto can help you manage your fertility treatment costs? Visit alto.com/fertility or give us a call at 1-800-874-5881. Our team is available 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends. We’re ready to be your partner through it all, from your first cycle to your last. 

Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or thinking about adding to your family, experts recommend starting to take a prenatal vitamin right away. Here’s what you should know if you’re ready to take a prenatal vitamin for the first time.

What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin

Whether you have recently found out that you are pregnant or are just starting to consider the possibility, prenatal self-care can feel a lot more complicated. Everything you do now has implications for two (or more!). 

The good news? A simple prenatal vitamin can help put your mind at ease. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure you get the key vitamins and minerals needed to nourish your baby through a healthy pregnancy. 

Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or thinking about adding to your family, experts recommend starting to take a prenatal vitamin right away. By beginning early, you’ll help seed your body with the nutrients it needs for the earliest stages of fetal development. Here’s what you should know if you’re ready to take a prenatal vitamin for the first time.

With a wide range of over-the-counter prenatal supplements to choose from, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider about the ideal choice for you. In some cases, your doctor might even prescribe a prenatal vitamin based on your unique nutritional needs. If you’re starting to do your research, here are the key nutrients your doctor will likely recommend supplementing. 

As you tour the ingredient label on any prenatal supplement, folic acid should be your first stop. This B vitamin helps the body make new cells and prevents congenital disabilities that affect a baby’s brain and spinal cord. 

Folic acid’s role in fetal development is crucial, so the CDC recommends all women of reproductive age take at least 400 micrograms per day. Birth defects of the brain and spine, known as neural tube defects, usually occur during the earliest weeks of pregnancy, often before many women know that they are pregnant.  

You will find that most over-the-counter prenatal supplements contain between 400 and 800 micrograms of folic acid. Sometimes, your provider may want you to take a little more, however any product with 1,000 micrograms of folic acid or more requires a prescription. 

You may also see this vitamin listed as “folate,” a general term for vitamin B9. Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate that is more stable when exposed to heat and easily absorbed by the body. 

Iron is a mineral that helps your body make blood cells that supply oxygen to your growing baby. It also helps prevent anemia, which occurs when your blood has too few healthy red blood cells. Your body needs more iron than usual during pregnancy because your total blood volume increases. The Mayo Clinic recommends supplementing with 27 milligrams of iron a day. 

Developing babies need calcium for bone growth. If you’re not getting enough, your own bone density could suffer. The general guideline is to take 1,000 milligrams per day while pregnant or nursing, which is the equivalent of three to four servings of dairy. Calcium can also be found in greens like spinach and broccoli. If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough calcium in your diet, be sure to look for this mineral in your prenatal supplement. 

Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and bone growth. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you get 600IUs of Vitamin D per day. 

Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These essential fats support heart and neurological health. DHA, in particular, is known to support fetal brain development. 

While dietary sources like fatty fish are the best source of omega-3’s, this can present an issue if you want to limit fish consumption while pregnant. Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can impair brain development in babies. For that reason, researchers at the Women's and Children's Health Research Institute advise that you take the recommended 200 milligrams of DHA a day in supplement form. 

The Mayo Clinic also suggests looking for a prenatal vitamin that includes vitamins C, A, and E; B vitamins; zinc; and iodine. Penn Medicine created this helpful chart to find the recommended daily allowance while you’re pregnant or lactating, but it’s important to consult with your doctor about your needs. 

The Mayo Clinic cautions against taking extra doses of your prenatal vitamin or doubling up on multivitamins as this could be harmful to your baby. You should always take your prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor. If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, there is no need to double up. Just take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

A quality prenatal vitamin combined with a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to ensure your body and growing baby get all the nutrients they need. Talk with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to eat well and supplement your nutrition before and during pregnancy. 

Prenatal vitamins pack a powerful punch, which can make them tough to stomach for some people. The iron in prenatal vitamins can cause constipation, so it helps to drink plenty of fluids, get physical activity daily (if your healthcare provider gives you the okay), and eat more fiber. If constipation becomes a problem, talk with your doctor. Trying another form of iron or a stool softener can help with constipation. 

Some people become nauseous when taking vitamins. If you’re already feeling queasy during your pregnancy, this can present a significant hurdle. Try taking your prenatal vitamin with a meal and experiment with different times of the day. Some people cut their pill in half and take one piece in the morning and the other at night. You might also consider trying a different vitamin brand as each will vary in size, shape, and smell. A gummy, chewable, or liquid option might provide a more palatable option as well. 

If you just can’t seem to stomach your daily pill, don’t give up on your prenatal completely. Your healthcare provider can help you find a solution that won’t sacrifice your nutritional needs. 

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you do not use additional nutritional or herbal supplements during pregnancy. The FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, and some ingredients could be harmful during pregnancy. 

The Mayo Clinic notes that one possible exception is ginger, which has been shown to help with nausea and is safe for pregnancy. 

Blog

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Two Women Share Their Egg Freezing Journeys

National Infertility Awareness Week 2021

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

Managing the Costs of Fertility Treatment

What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A Guide to LGBTQ+ Family Building

Fertility Acronyms, Explained

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

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