Question 1

Does The Fertility Center offer egg donation for IVF treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, The Fertility Center provides a full donor egg program for patients who cannot conceive with their own oocytes. The process begins with a physician consultation, followed by mandatory counseling to address emotional considerations. Patients can choose between anonymous egg donors from accredited banks or known donors, with all donors screened according to FDA and CLIA standards. After donor selection, eggs are thawed, fertilized via IVF, and resulting embryos are transferred in a fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycle. The clinic’s experienced embryology team and REI Protect accreditation ensure high‑quality handling of donor eggs and embryos, contributing to strong pregnancy outcomes.

Question 2

Who are the fertility doctors and specialists at The Fertility Center?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center’s medical team is led by board‑certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists. Key physicians include Dr. Valerie I. Shavell, MD, a Cornell‑trained reproductive endocrinologist with expertise in PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss, and fertility preservation; Dr. Emma Giuliani, MD, a Michigan State‑trained specialist focusing on oncology‑related fertility preservation, endometriosis, and genetic counseling; Dr. Gary R. Jones, MD, who brings naval hospital experience and a focus on ovulation induction and IVF; Dr. Sarah Bjorkman, MD, a board‑eligible reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN; and Dr. Mili Thakur, MD, who also practices reproductive endocrinology. The founding physicians, Dr. William Dodds and Dr. James Young, established the practice in 1991, and their legacy continues through a multidisciplinary team that includes senior embryologists, fertility nurses, and dedicated counselors.

Question 3

What fertility treatments and services does The Fertility Center offer?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center provides a comprehensive suite of assisted reproductive technologies and supportive services. Core treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and ovulation induction using oral agents (Clomid, Letrozole) or injectable hormones (FSH, HMG). The clinic also offers egg freezing, embryo freezing, and fertility preservation for oncology patients. Third‑party options are robust, featuring donor egg, donor embryo, and donor sperm programs, as well as reciprocal IVF for same‑sex female couples and gestational carrier services for same‑sex male couples. Advanced genetic services such as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT‑A) and monogenic disorders (PGT‑M) are available through Ovation. Additional support includes counseling, emotional support groups, and a Family Building Fund to assist with financing.

Question 4

What is the history and background of The Fertility Center?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center was founded in 1991 by Dr. William Dodds, with Dr. James Young joining in 1994 to expand the practice throughout Michigan. Over three decades, the clinic has helped thousands of patients achieve parenthood, becoming one of the largest reproductive medicine practices in the state. The center earned the REI Protect Seal of Approval, reflecting rigorous safety standards and accreditation. Leadership transitioned to Dr. Valerie Shavell and Dr. Emma Giuliani, who continue the founders’ philosophy of patient‑first, individualized care. The clinic’s growth includes multiple locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Mason, and partnerships in Northern Michigan, supported by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, embryologists, and counselors.

Question 5

Does The Fertility Center treat single women seeking fertility treatment?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center explicitly supports single women who wish to build a family. The clinic offers individualized treatment plans that may include IVF with donor sperm, donor egg, or embryo donation, as well as fertility preservation options such as egg or embryo freezing. All single patients are required to meet with a fertility counselor to discuss emotional and psychological aspects of third‑party reproduction, a service provided at no charge. The comprehensive approach ensures that single women receive the same high‑quality assisted reproduction services, laboratory technology, and support as any other patient.

Question 6

What IVF laboratory technology does The Fertility Center use?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center partners with the Ovation IVF Laboratory, which operates under CAP or TJC accreditation and holds CLIA certification. The lab employs electronic witnessing and IVF‑specific sensor monitoring platforms to ensure precise embryo handling and reduce human error. Cryostorage tanks are monitored continuously for temperature stability, and the facility utilizes time‑lapse imaging for embryo development assessment. Quality control is reinforced through regular policy reviews and a dedicated embryology team that maintains optimal caseloads for focused attention. These technologies, combined with the REI Protect Seal of Approval, support high‑quality embryo culture, blastocyst transfer, and frozen embryo transfer (FET) procedures.

Question 7

What are the IVF success rates at The Fertility Center?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center reports IVF outcomes that consistently exceed the national average, reflecting the clinic’s commitment to high‑quality assisted reproduction. Success data are submitted annually to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), ensuring transparent, third‑party verification of live‑birth rates. While specific age‑stratified percentages are not disclosed on the website, the clinic highlights that its success metrics are audited and published through these national registries, providing patients with reliable, benchmarked results. The emphasis on personalized treatment plans, advanced laboratory protocols, and a REI Protect Seal of Approval further supports the strong pregnancy and live‑birth outcomes reported by the practice.

Question 8

Does The Fertility Center provide fertility treatment for same-sex couples?

Accepted Answer

The Fertility Center is fully inclusive of same‑sex couples and offers tailored reproductive options. For female couples, the clinic provides donor sperm services and reciprocal IVF (ROPA), allowing both partners to be biologically involved in the pregnancy. Male couples can access egg donation and gestational carrier programs, with the clinic coordinating donor egg procurement, embryo creation, and carrier selection. All third‑party pathways include mandatory counseling and legal guidance to ensure a smooth process. The clinic’s LGBTQ‑friendly policies, combined with its REI Protect Seal of Approval and experienced team, make it a supportive environment for building families of all configurations.

The Fertility Center

About The Fertility Center

The Fertility Center — Patient Reviews

The Fertility Center — FAQ

Contact & Location

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