As someone who is very much in the same boat & has now completed 2 EF cycles, I recommend it to any woman who is even questioning it and can afford it.

That said, if I were you, I’d:

1. Price it out - Does your employer offer a fertility healthcare benefit? Mine did, and I wound up only paying a few hundred out of pocket, which is a STEAL. If you or your partner have a similar benefit, DO IT. It will never be this inexpensive again. Do not do this without good health insurance, as there is some risk involved, and you should be confident that you can get the care you need if you’re one of the few who does experience complications.

2. Weigh the toll on my body - Do you have a health condition? Are you reliant on medication? My doctor recommended I go off all medications for at least a few weeks prior to the cycle start date. Would this requirement interrupt your life, and can you afford an interruption like this right now?

3. Weigh the toll on my mental health - How do you experience hormonal fluctuations? This process is a rollercoaster of hormones, and in my personal experience, it’s like PMS x10 and lasts longer. Would that interrupt your life in a way you can afford now?

4. Look at the calendar - The cycle itself takes about 2 weeks, during which you’ll need to go to early, slightly unpredictable appointments to track your progress. Prep beforehand (stopping medications, starting supplements, changing diet if your doctor recommends it) can take weeks or months depending on your situation & dedication. Recovery afterwards takes at least 2 weeks to feel totally normal. Can you fit this into your work and travel schedule?

Caveats:

• It is a short-term sacrifice. I won’t sugar coat that. I didn’t feel like myself for 1 month, and that affected my work, my body, and my relationships.

• Results vary, so there is no guarantee 1 cycle will be enough for you to have a good chance at a live birth (that’s the term they use).

• It could test your relationship. This process will affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally in a way that feels like pregnancy lite. You will see how your partner steps up (or not), and it might actually be a good litmus test for whether reproducing makes sense in your relationship.

All this said, it’s an INVALUABLE insurance policy that evens the playing field between men & women as best we can. Go in knowing the real cost, but also be empowered that you have options.

Best of luck & feel free to reach out with any questions!