Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below for answers to the most frequently asked recipient questions.

Embryo Program FAQs:

1. How does the Embryo Creation Program work?

With the Embryo Creation Program, recipients choose their egg donor from ASB’s egg donor database and their sperm donor from one of our partnering sperm banks to create an embryo profile that fits their family. The egg donor will undergo a donor stimulation cycle and the retrieved eggs will be fertilized fresh by the donor sperm. The fertilized eggs will be monitored for 5 to 6 days to see how many develop into embryos. The embryos will undergo preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) and then will be vitrified (frozen) until the recipient is ready for transfer. Once the PGT-A results return, the recipient will choose the embryos they wish to transfer. Learn more about the Atlantic Shared Beginnings Embryo Creation Program here.

2. How does the Embryo Selection Program work?

Embryos within our Embryo Selection Program are high-quality embryos that are already created with donor eggs and donor sperm and are available for selection. The majority of the embryos within this program are PGT-A tested. Recipients will select the embryo profile that fits their family and can begin the process for embryo transfer as soon as medically cleared. Learn more about the Atlantic Shared Beginnings Embryo Creation Program here.

3. What is the clinic clearance letter?

The clinic clearance letter is a document from Atlantic Reproductive Medicine that communicates that the patient has completed all required compliances, has been cleared for treatment, and has qualified for the guarantee. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping.

4. What if no embryo develops with fertilization in the Embryo Creation Program?

If a good-quality euploid (chromosomally normal) embryo does not develop with the first fertilization attempt in the Embryo Creation program, new donors will be selected by the recipient, and more eggs will be fertilized at no extra charge. Learn more about the Atlantic Shared Beginnings Embryo Creation program here.

5. Do I get to see photos of the donors in the Embryo Creation Program?

Yes, childhood and current photos are available to recipients who are moving forward with an ASB donor program.

6. Can I use my partner's sperm in the Embryo Creation Program?

No. Both Embryo Programs use only donor sperm. If you wish to use partner sperm, ASB offers this option with our Fresh Egg Donor Program. Learn more about the Atlantic Shared Beginnings Fresh Egg Donor Programs here.

7. Can I use the same embryo profile for all my transfers?

Yes. Recipients have the option of purchasing multiple embryos from the same embryo profile if available.

8. Is embryo genetic testing an option?

Genetic testing is included in the ASB Embryo Program. Our Embryo Program guarantees a euploid (chromosomally normal) embryo. You can learn more about PGT-A here.

9. Is embryo sex selection/family balancing an option in the Embryo Program?

Sex selection/family balancing is an option in the Embryo Selection Program as those embryos have already been created and PGT-A tested. Recipients will be able to see the gender of the embryos on the database.

Sex selection/ family balancing is not an option for theEmbryo Creation Program. Recipients in this program will get to choose which embryo(s) they wish to transfer once PGT-A results have returned, but we have no way of knowing the genders of the embryos before testing. In some cases, all of the embryos may be female. In other cases, all of the embryos may be male. In still other cases, the embryos may be a combination of both male and female. Therefore, only in the third case would the recipient be able to choose the sex of the embryo that they wish to transfer.

10. If I get pregnant, can I buy more embryos from the same profile for future use?

Yes. If embryos are remaining from the embryo profile, these can be purchased with our Embryo Selection Program.

11. Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?

Yes. Recipients have the option of creating or selecting embryos to ship to their local reproductive clinic, or they can come to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine for their embryo transfer.

12. Can I transfer more than one embryo?

No. Atlantic Shared Beginnings and Atlantic Reproductive Medicine follow the American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines. When transferring embryos that were created using donor eggs, a single blastocyst transfer is recommended. ASB follows that recommendation for both the Embryo Creation Program and the Embryo Selection Program.

13. Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?

Yes. You may ship your cryopreserved embryos to your local clinic. 

14. If my insurance includes fertility benefits, how will this work?

Atlantic Shared Beginnings does not have contracts with insurance carriers. Patients may file insurance claims on their own to request reimbursement from their health insurance. Some plans may provide reimbursements. Atlantic Shared Beginnings will provide a receipt for the program the patient has chosen, but it is not an itemized bill, and ASB cannot guarantee that a patient’s insurance plan will provide reimbursement. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance company before filing.

15. Can I use my own donor sperm with the Embryo Creation Program?

No. With the Embryo Creation Program, recipients will need to choose the sperm donor of their choice from one of ASB’s partnering sperm banks. ASB only partners with the most reputable sperm banks in the country. The sperm costs are included in your program fee. You will work with our program director for sperm selection. Learn more about the Atlantic Shared Beginnings Embryo Creation Program here.

16. Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?

Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. Your records will be reviewed, and the participating clinic will discuss which tests, if any, will need to be repeated and why.

17. Can I use my own egg donor with the ASB Embryo program?

No. Private or known egg donors are not allowed with the ASB programs. Please reach out to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine (ARMS) if you are interested in screening a known donor, as ARMS offers treatment with known donors.

18. How are embryos in the Donor/Donor program chosen?

With the Embryo Creation Program, recipients choose their egg donor from ASB’s egg donor database and their sperm donor from one of our partnering sperm banks to create an embryo profile that fits their family. Once embryos are created, our program director will review the PGT-A results with you for embryo selection. 

With the Embryo Selection Program, embryos have already been created. You will be able to view the egg donor profile as well as the sperm donor profile of embryos to find the right fit for your family. Recipients will also be able to view the embryology grades and gender of the embryos. We work closely with recipients to help them through the selection process.

19. Can I use my own egg donor?

Private or known donors are not allowed in the ASB guarantee programs.

20. What are the pre-cycle compliances for the Embryo program?

If planning an embryo transfer at Atlantic Reproductive Medicine, precycle compliances consist of labs that include infectious disease testing for both partners, pre-pregnancy labs for the intended parent who will carry the pregnancy, a visit with a reproductive psychologist, saline ultrasound, an annual exam visit with OBGYN, and in some cases OB medical clearance.

21. What is the cost of the Embryo Creation Program?

With the Embryo Creation Program, recipients have the option of selecting the One Euploid Embryo Guarantee for $33,500 or the Two Euploid Embryos Guarantee for $36,500.

22. What is the cost of the Embryo Selection Program?

With the Embryo Selection Program, recipients have the option of choosing a High-Quality Euploid Embryo for $18,500 per embryo or a High-Quality Untested Embryo for $12,500 per embryo.

23. Are there any age restrictions for participating in the Embryo Program?

If planning an embryo transfer at Atlantic Reproductive Medicine, one intended parent needs to be under the age of 50. 

If a patient wants embryos shipped to a local clinic, we would defer the age restrictions to those of the local clinic. A clinic clearance letter would be required by ASB prior to shipping the embryo which states that the recipient is under care of the receiving clinic and they intend to perform the transfer.

Fresh Donor Egg Program FAQs:

1. What makes the ASB Fresh Donor Egg Program different from egg banks and other programs?

Unlike frozen eggs from egg banks that must survive the freeze/thaw process, ASB Fresh Donor eggs are fertilized with either partner sperm or chosen donor sperm as soon as the eggs are retrieved. This increases the chance that good-quality embryos will develop and increases the rate of pregnancy and live births. Learn more about the ASB Fresh Donor Egg Program here.

2. How does the Fresh Donor Egg Program work?

The Fresh Donor Egg Program guarantees that qualifying intended parent(s) will have a good quality day 5 or day 6 blastocyst or the entire cycle will be replaced at no additional cost to the recipient. This includes all donor fees and embryology lab fees. 

Once the intended parent(s) complete all pre-cycle compliances, they will select an egg donor. ASB will contact the egg donor to verify availability and confirm cycle dates. Once ASB program payments and contracts are completed, the egg donor will start her treatment cycle.

The eggs will be fertilized fresh on the day of retrieval with either partner sperm or chosen donor sperm. 

Learn more about the ASB Fresh Donor Egg Program here.

3. What are the required pre-cycle compliances that intended parents need to complete before moving forward with the ASB Fresh Donor Egg Program?

Precycle compliances consist of labs which include infectious disease testing for both partners, pre-pregnancy labs for the intended parent who will carry the pregnancy, a visit with a reproductive psychologist, saline ultrasound, annual exam visit with OBGYN, semen analysis within 6 months, carrier screen for sperm source, and in some cases OB medical clearance.

4. What is the clinic clearance letter?

The clinic clearance letter is a document from Atlantic Reproductive Medicine that communicates that the patient has completed all required compliances, has been cleared for treatment, and has qualified for the program. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping.

5. How many fresh eggs will I get?

ASB offers two fresh egg packages: 1) A One Embryo Guarantee package where the lab will select the number of eggs to fertilize or 2) A traditional one-to-one cycle package where the recipient will receive all of the donor’s eggs, up to 18 mature eggs.

Learn more about the ASB Fresh Donor Egg Program here.

6. How much does the Fresh Donor Egg Program cost?

The One Embryo Guarantee costs $27,500. The option to receive all eggs from a donor cycle (up to 18 eggs) costs $36,500. PGT-A is an additional cost of $3,000. Click here for more details.

7. What if no embryo develops after the fertilization step?

If a good quality blastocyst does not develop with the first fertilization attempt, the intended parents will select a different egg donor to cycle at no additional cost.

8. Do I get to see photos of the donors?

Yes, childhood and current photos are available to recipients who are moving forward with an ASB donor program.

9. Can I use my own egg donor?

Private or known egg donors are not allowed within the ASB programs. Please reach out to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine (ARMS) if you are interested in screening a known donor as ARMS offers treatment with known donors.

10. Is embryo genetic testing an option?

Yes. Genetic testing (PGT-A) is an option at an additional fee that is paid to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine. The program does not guarantee a euploid blastocyst.You can learn more about PGT-A here.

11. Can I buy more of the same donor eggs for future use?

Yes. If there are available cryopreserved eggs from your donor or if the donor will be cycling again, you may purchase more eggs.

12. Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?

Yes. Recipients have the option of creating embryos to ship to their local reproductive clinic or they can come to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine for their embryo transfer.

13. Can I transfer more than one embryo?

No. Atlantic Shared Beginnings and Atlantic Reproductive Medicine follow the American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines. When transferring embryos that were created using donor eggs, a single blastocyst transfer is recommended.

14. Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?

Yes. You may ship your cryopreserved embryos to your local clinic. 

15. If my insurance has fertility coverage, how will this work?

Atlantic Shared Beginnings does not have contracts with insurance carriers. Patients may file claims to request reimbursement from their health insurance plan, but there is no guarantee of payment from the patient’s insurance carrier. Atlantic Shared Beginnings will provide a receipt for the program the patient has chosen, but it is not an itemized bill. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance company before filing.

16. Can I use my partner's sperm?

Yes. A semen analysis is a pre-cycle compliance that will be completed prior to embryo creation to determine if partner sperm can be used.

17. Can I use donor sperm from a known sperm donor?

Yes. A semen analysis is a pre-cycle compliance that will be completed prior to embryo creation to determine if the known donor sperm can be used.

18. Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?

Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. Your records will be reviewed, and Atlantic Reproductive Medicine will discuss which tests, if any, will need to be repeated and why.

19. How do patients select an egg donor?

When you sign up for an ASB program, you will be given access to the egg donor database where you will view complete medical history, family history, genetic carrier report, reproductive psychology vignette, and photos of the donor. We will work closely with you to help you through the selection process to find an egg donor that fits your family.

20. How soon can the donor I select get started?

As soon as all pre-cycle compliances are completed, the selected donor is contacted for availability and date confirmation. We will work to cycle the donor as soon as possible, typically within 2-3 months.

Frozen Egg Donor Program FAQs:

1. How does the Frozen Egg Donor Program work?

With ASB’s Frozen Egg Donor Program, recipients will select an egg donor that has frozen eggs available, and will also select an egg lot size of either 8 mature eggs or 12 mature eggs. These frozen eggs can be fertilized with the recipient’s partner sperm or donor sperm. The frozen eggs are available upon request.

2. What is the clinic clearance letter?

The clinic clearance letter is a document from Atlantic Reproductive Medicine that communicates that the patient has completed all required compliances, has been cleared for treatment, and has qualified for the Frozen Donor Egg Program. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping.

3. What are the required pre-cycle compliances that intended parents need to complete before moving forward with the Frozen Donor Egg Program?

Precycle compliances consist of labs which include infectious disease testing for both partners, pre-pregnancy labs for the intended parent who will carry the pregnancy, a visit with a reproductive psychologist, saline ultrasound, annual exam visit with OBGYN, semen analysis within 12 months, carrier screen for sperm source, and in some cases OB medical clearance.

4. How much does the Frozen Donor Egg Program cost?

Recipients can choose the lot of 8 mature frozen eggs for $16,000 or the lot of 12 mature frozen eggs for $24,500. Embryology (fertilization) fees are paid separately to the clinic. Recipients have the option of adding on an embryo guarantee for $3,000.

5. What is the embryo guarantee?

Recipients can add the embryo guarantee to their egg lot cost for an additional $3,000. This guarantee ensures that qualified recipients will receive at least one quality Day 5 or Day 6 embryo, or the egg lot will be replaced with a new egg donor.

6. Do I get to see photos of the donors?

Yes, childhood and current photos are available to recipients who are moving forward with an ASB donor program.

7. Can I use my own egg donor?

Private or known egg donors are not allowed within the ASB programs. Please reach out to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine (ARMS) if you are interested in screening a known donor, as ARMS offers treatment with known donors: www.atlanticfertility.com

8. Is embryo genetic testing an option?

Yes. Genetic testing (PGT-A) is an option at an additional fee that is paid to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine. The program does not guarantee a euploid blastocyst. You can learn more about PGT-A here.

9. Can I buy more of the same donor eggs for future use?

Yes. If there are available cryopreserved eggs from your donor or if the donor will be cycling again, you may purchase more eggs.

10. Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?

Yes. Recipients have the option of creating embryos to ship to their local reproductive clinic or they can come to Atlantic Reproductive Medicine for their embryo transfer.

11. Can I transfer more than one embryo?

No. Atlantic Shared Beginnings and Atlantic Reproductive Medicine follow the American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines. When transferring embryos that were created using donor eggs, a single blastocyst transfer is recommended.

12. Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?

Yes. You may ship your cryopreserved embryos to your local clinic. 

13. If my insurance has fertility coverage, how will this work?

Atlantic Shared Beginnings does not have contracts with insurance carriers. Patients may file claims to request reimbursement from their health insurance plan, but there is no guarantee of payment from the patient’s insurance carrier. Atlantic Shared Beginnings will provide a receipt for the program the patient has chosen, but it is not an itemized bill. It is the patient’s responsibility to check with their insurance company before filing.

14. Can I use my partner's sperm?

Yes. A semen analysis is a pre-cycle compliance that will be completed prior to embryo creation to determine if partner sperm can be used.

15. Can I use donor sperm from a known sperm donor?

Yes. A semen analysis is a pre-cycle compliance that will be completed prior to embryo creation to determine if the known donor sperm can be used.

16. Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?

Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. Your records will be reviewed, and Atlantic Reproductive Medicine will discuss which tests, if any, will need to be repeated and why.

17. How do patients select an egg donor?

When you sign up for an ASB program, you will be given access to the egg donor database, where you will view complete medical history, family history, genetic carrier report, reproductive psychology vignette, and photos of the donor. We will work closely with you to help you through the selection process to find an egg donor that fits your family.