Applications Now Open for the 2025 Nest Egg Foundation IVF Grants!

The Nest Egg Foundation is here to help dreams of family-building come true for residents of Connecticut and New York. With up to $20,000 in IVF grants for 2025, we’re offering hope and tangible support to those navigating the challenges of infertility.

Making IVF Treatment More Accessible

Infertility can be an overwhelming journey, and for many, the high cost of treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) adds another layer of stress. While insurance coverage often falls short, the Nest Egg Foundation is dedicated to bridging that gap. Our grants provide life-changing financial assistance for IVF, covering services that can make all the difference in helping people grow their families.

Applications are open from February 4 to March 14, 2025.

A Legacy of Compassionate IVF Support

Since 2015, the Nest Egg Foundation has proudly supported individuals and couples on their fertility journeys. To date, 27 grants have been awarded, resulting in 18 beautiful babies, one ongoing pregnancy, and more families currently in cycle. Our grants, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, can be used at partner clinics, including The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (CARS).

Special grants are also available for egg donation and those experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. By working together, the Nest Egg Foundation and its partner clinics make IVF more accessible, transforming dreams of parenthood into reality.

Who Can Apply for an IVF Grant?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be full-time residents of Connecticut or New York and U.S. citizens for at least four years.
• Have a household income of $125,000 or less (for singles) or $200,000 or less (for couples).
• Meet medical criteria, including:
  • Age 25–44
  • BMI of 38 or less
  • Non-smoker status (for both partners).

• Consultation with a Reproductive Endocrinologist within the past nine months and fertility testing within the past year.

Applicants from all backgrounds and family structures are warmly welcomed, including LGBTQ+ individuals, single parents by choice, and those using egg donation.

How to Apply for an IVF Grant

If you’re ready to take this step toward your dreams of parenthood, visit our application page to get started. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by our Evaluation Panel, which includes medical professionals, financial advisors, and mental health experts. Notifications will be sent directly to grant recipients after the review process.

Learn More About the Nest Egg IVF Grant

Visit the Nest Egg Foundation Application Page for full details, FAQs, and application tips. Together, we’re making IVF—and parenthood—more accessible, one grant at a time.

What are Treatments for Infertility in Women?

If you are struggling to conceive, you are not alone. To help have a baby, some women may benefit from infertility testing and treatment.

At the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, your growing family is our priority. Whether you have questions about your options or are ready to start infertility treatment, our fertility specialists are here to support you.

Testing for Infertility

Fertility testing is recommended for women who have had a difficult time conceiving naturally for a year if they are under 35 or for six months if they are over 35. Women may struggle with infertility for a number of different reasons, and our comprehensive fertility testing accounts for all possibilities.

For example, polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common health condition that causes a hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation. This is a treatable cause of infertility affecting around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age.

To ensure that your fertility results are thorough, your testing may include:

• Bloodwork—Tests AMH and FSH levels
• Endometrial biopsy—Tests uterine lining for infections, polyps, or issues preventing embryo implantation
• Hysterosalpingogram—X-ray to determine if fallopian tubes are blocked
• Hysterosonogram—Evaluates pelvic organs for signs of infertility
• Hysteroscopy—Scans the uterine cavity for intrauterine pathology
• Laparoscopy—Scans the pelvic organs for possible signs of infertility

This allows our fertility specialists to fully assess the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvis to determine what each individual woman needs, which allows our specialists to develop custom-tailored treatment plans specific to you.

LGBTQ+ Families

Every individual or couple who wants a family should be able to achieve that dream, and The Center is here to help in any way we can. LGBTQ+ individuals who are looking to grow their family can also benefit from fertility testing and treatment. You and your partner can receive testing to determine your options and make a decision that fits your family best.

How We Help Grow Your Family

Depending on your individual circumstances, our fertility specialists may suggest a variety of treatments to restore fertility, ranging from medications to surgical procedures. Additionally, you’ll have several options for fertility assistance, including:

Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a safe, in-office procedure that can be performed if no causes behind infertility are found. During this procedure, a sample of sperm is inserted into the uterus using a speculum and syringe. Your provider will ensure your comfort and safety throughout, and they can make recommendations as you move forward in your fertility journey.

In Vitro Fertilization

Depending on your medical history, test results and family building goals, you may benefit from in vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure consists of collecting mature eggs and fertilizing them in our state-of-the-art IVF lab before transferring them back into the uterus. During the IVF process, you will need routine blood tests, pelvic ultrasounds, and self-administered hormonal injections. You will also have the support and care of our fertility specialists and nurses to guide you through every step and address any concerns that you have.

Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation

Performed in conjunction with IUI and IVF fertility treatments, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is the process of inducing ovulation. This is achieved through certain fertility medications, which our fertility specialists will recommend based on your needs and fertility evaluation results.

Explore Your Fertility Options with The Center

If you struggle with infertility, know that you have plenty of options for successful conception. The experienced team at The Center is here to support you throughout your fertility journey.

To learn more about your fertility options, contact our fertility specialists today!

IVF vs IUI

IVF vs IUI

If you are considering fertility treatment, you likely have a lot of questions. Which form of treatment is right for you? What can you expect during the process? How much will treatment cost? You can learn more about two of your options—IVF and IUI—in this breakdown.

With nearly four decades of experience providing successful fertility treatments, the specialists at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services are here to be your fertility partner.

IVF vs IUI: Understanding Your Fertility Options

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are two common fertility treatments that we recommend to our patients. Our board-certified fertility specialists work with women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals to determine the best treatment plan based on individual medical history and family-building goals.

Both IVF and IUI can lead to a successful pregnancy; however, there are a few important distinctions between these procedures: 

What is IVF?

IVF involves a series of advanced procedures to collect, fertilize, and successfully develop an embryo. During the IVF procedure, mature eggs are collected and fertilized with sperm in our state-of-the-art IVF lab. Once fertilization has occurred, we’ll transfer the best embryo into the uterus, with the goal that it will successfully implant into the uterine lining and develop into a fetus.

This form of assisted reproduction is a great option for couples or individuals who experience conditions that cause infertility—such as endometriosis—or who are unable to conceive naturally. It can be done using your and your partner’s egg and sperm, or you can use a donor. We’ll perform routine testing and monitoring through every step for the best chances of a successful outcome.

What is IUI?

IUI is a quick procedure that increases the likelihood of pregnancy by inserting sperm directly into the uterus. Once a sperm sample is provided, our fertility specialists will concentrate moving, or motile, sperm and remove any non-motile sperm. Using a speculum and a syringe, the concentrated sperm is guided through the cervix and deposited into the uterus.

This procedure can be performed in one of our offices, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Our fertility specialists will work with you to time the procedure with your menstrual cycle. We may also recommend certain fertility medications to increase ovulation and the chance of a successful pregnancy.

IVF vs IUI: Financing Your Fertility Treatment

Before undergoing IVF or IUI, it’s important to understand what to expect in terms of timeline and costs. Because IVF involves more steps, monitoring, and testing, this treatment may be more costly than IUI. However, IVF can be an effective fertility treatment for individuals with a low probability of success following multiple IUI attempts.

At The Center, we’re here to guide you through the financing process of your fertility treatments. Our Financial Service Representatives will meet with you to review cost expectations, insurance coverage, and financing options. Having a baby should be an attainable goal for everyone, and we’re here to help make that a possibility.

IVF vs IUI: Which is Right for Me?

If you need support growing your family, IVF and IUI are two effective fertility treatments available to you. You can start your fertility journey at The Center cby making a consultation with one of our fertility specialists.

Contact us to request an appointment today.

IVF near Middlebury CT

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a conception method that can help those who have fertility issues conceive a child. If you’re in Middlebury, Connecticut, and considering IVF to expand your family, The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services can help. We offer fertility care that begins with a fertility assessment and, depending on your needs and family-building goals, can include IVF services. 

Four Decades of IVF Success in Middlebury CT 

The Center has been providing fertility care for four decades. Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists are experts in their field. They will provide you with the fertility and IVF care you need in a way that’s attentive to your needs and past experiences. Our nurses also have extensive experience and training in fertility care. Our team is here to help you on every step of your IVF journey. 

Fertility struggles and treatments can bring up a lot of emotions. Our fertility specialists provide care from a place of compassion. We help with the emotional aspects of infertility, as well as financing stresses such as insurance coverage. When in our care, you’ll have access to a psychologist who has over ten years of experience working with those dealing with the stresses of infertility. 

State-of-the-Art IVF Lab 

One of the most overlooked and yet critical components of helping our patients achieve a successful, healthy pregnancy can be attributed to the advanced technology and procedures practiced in the laboratory. That’s why The Center has a highly advanced IVF lab that does its best to simulate a natural uterine environment. Our IVF lab: 

• Minimizes the impact of toxic environmental factors 
• Employs high air quality filtration 
• Uses highly advanced mini-incubators 

The successful outcomes of our patients can also be attributed to the skill and dedication of our highly experienced embryologists and lab team. In addition, our IVF lab has specialized equipment to monitor the progress of your embryo and perform procedures such as cryopreservation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), biopsies, and preimplantation genetic testing. 

All the equipment we use is hooked up to remote monitoring systems and backup generator systems to ensure that it functions 24/7. A cloud-based alarm lets our team know if there is anything to be concerned about so it can be handled immediately, prioritizing the safety and health of the embryos in our care. 

IVF Procedures The Center Offers 

Since The Center began offering IVF in 1985, we have kept our success rates above the national average. The Center offers IVF procedures, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic testing. 

IVF procedures involve a sperm fertilizing an egg outside of the uterus in our IFV lab. The fertilized embryo is then cultured in our lab until it reaches the blastocyst stage; then, the healthiest embryo is transferred back to the uterus for implantation, hopefully resulting in a pregnancy.  

Assisted fertilization, also known as ICSI, is also an option that can be used in conjunction with IVF. This method improves the treatment of severe male factor infertility, like low sperm count. A single sperm is injected into an egg to improve the chance of fertilization. Then, the embryo is transferred back to the uterus for implantation. 

Assisted hatching can enhance pregnancy rates when used with certain IVF treatments. A small opening is made in the embryo’s shell right before implantation, making it more likely that the embryo will implant on the uterine wall. 

The right option for you will depend on you and your partner’s medical/fertility history. Your fertility specialist will help you review all your options and choose the right path. 

Learn More About Growing Your Family Through IVF 

If you’re interested in growing your family using IVF, schedule an appointment at The Center in Middlebury, CT, to learn more. Our fertility specialists will support you through the IVF process with compassion and dedicated care. Contact us to schedule an appointment today. 

Fertility Testing near Branford CT

Fertility testing is a common first step in someone’s fertility journey if they have concerns about their ability to conceive. It gives you important information to move forward in your journey to parenthood. The specialists who are part of The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services have been helping future parents learn more about their fertility and treatment options for over four decades. 

A Compassionate Approach to Fertility Care 

The fertility journey is described as an emotional rollercoaster by many people. Our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists understand the emotions that come with fertility treatment and will offer compassion when addressing your fertility concerns. 

Our fertility specialists will walk you through the fertility testing process so you know what to expect. Once your fertility testing is complete, we will review what we’ve discovered and help you determine how to move forward on your path to parenthood.  

Our specialists welcome any questions you may have about fertility testing and fertility treatments. These questions help us ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision and make you more comfortable with the process. 

When Should I Consider Fertility Testing? 

Fertility testing is not the first thing everyone does when planning to conceive a child. If you are under 35 years old, you should consider fertility testing after one year of trying without success. If you are over 35 years old, consider a fertility evaluation after trying for six months. Those over 40 should plan for fertility testing after three months. 

In addition to these age guidelines, you may want to consider fertility testing if: 

• You have any diagnosed reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis or PCOS. 
• You experience heavy, absent, or irregular menstruation cycles.  
• You have experienced recurrent miscarriages.  
• You have a family history of infertility.  
• You have a partner who experiences male infertility. 

If you menstruate and have irregular cycles, this can indicate you may not be ovulating or could potentially have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can affect fertility. Those with endometriosis may also benefit from fertility testing when trying to conceive. 

If you have a history of miscarriages, seeking out a fertility test can also determine and help treat any potential causes of your miscarriages.  

Fertility Testing for Men and Women 

Comprehensive fertility testing can be completed for both men and women. There are many causes of infertility, and your fertility specialist will work to uncover any underlying reasons why you have been unable to conceive. Infertility is a common issue that affects 1 in 6 couples. You are not alone. 

Fertility testing begins with reviewing your and your partner’s (if you have one) medical history. Your fertility specialist will request that you provide us with this information before your appointment in order to make your first visit with our fertility specialists as productive as possible. 

Your medical history, as well as any known family medical history, may inform your fertility specialist of potential reasons you are struggling to conceive. It’s also important to include information about your attempts to conceive before the appointment so we know what you’ve already tried. 

Fertility testing for females may include: 

• Pelvic Exam and Transvaginal Ultrasound 
• Ovarian Reserve Testing 
• Ovulation Testing 
• Blood testing to check hormone levels (AMH, FSH) 
• Pre-conception health screening blood testing 
• Diagnostic hysteroscopy 
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check Fallopian tubes 
• Semen Analysis 
• Male Hormone Testing 
• A hysterosonogram 
• A laparoscopy 

These tests allow your fertility specialist to learn more about your hormones, ovarian reserve, ovulation, and the structures of your reproductive system. Male fertility testing often involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, as well as a semen analysis or a Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay (SDFA) to check the health and motility of the sperm. 

Schedule an Appointment for Fertility Testing Today 

If you’re struggling to conceive or want to learn more about your fertility before beginning your journey to parenthood, schedule an appointment at a CARS facility near Branford, CT. Our fertility specialists will help you manage any feelings you’re experiencing throughout the fertility testing process. 

Genetic Testing near Farmington CT

Genetic testing is an important step in the IVF process. Fertility specialists at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services use genetic testing to ensure that you have the best success with your pregnancy as possible. Our locations near Farmington, Connecticut, offer genetic testing, so you can come to the office that’s most convenient for you.  

Genetic Carrier Screening 

An important genetic testing option when family planning is genetic carrier screening. This form of genetic testing provides you with information about the risk that you may have a child with a genetic disorder.  

Comprehensive genetic carrier screenings let you know if you or you are a “carrier” of a genetic disorder. The screening tests cover over 100 genetic disorders, from spinal muscular atrophy to cystic fibrosis. Your fertility specialist will likely recommend these screening tests for both parents.  

Genetic carrier testing gives you and your fertility specialist more knowledge. If both parents are carriers of a genetic condition, your fertility specialist can discuss what this may mean for your child and your options moving forward. 

Preimplantation Genetic Testing 

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is commonly used to determine which embryo has the best chance of success during IVF. Our state-of-the-art facilities are capable of PGT testing and IVF, so you can complete your fertility and pregnancy journey with a fertility specialist you are familiar and comfortable with.  

There are a few types of PGT testing, such as: 

• PGT-A 
• PGT-M  
• PGT-SR 

PGT-A (Aneuploidies) checks for the chromosomal abnormalities of an embryo. If an embryo is missing or has a few extra chromosomes, it can affect the ability of the embryo to implant correctly, often resulting in failed implantation or miscarriage. 

PGT-M (Monogenic/Single-Gene Disorders) is used when a patient has increased risks for specific genetic conditions controlled by a single gene, such as Huntington’s or sickle-cell disease. 

PGT-SR (Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements) is performed when one or both partners have a rearrangement of chromosomes. It also looks for these specific inherited abnormalities to determine if an embryo may develop them.  

Your fertility specialist will provide you with genetic counseling and provide you with the knowledge to understand your embryos’ genetic testing results and next steps.  

What Happens After Genetic Testing is Complete? 

Once genetic testing is complete, they will be analyzed. Your fertility specialist will contact you when your testing has been completed, and they have the results. We will review them with you so you understand all the information your genetic testing has provided. You are welcome to ask any questions you may have about your results.  

As our IVF lab completes the PGT testing for your embryos, they will grade the embryos to ensure the healthiest one is transferred into the uterus for implantation. This helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce potential health issues for you during your pregnancy and your baby.  

Schedule Genetic Testing near Farmington CT  

If you’re ready to begin the genetic testing process as part of growing your family, you can do so at The Center. Our team will walk you through the process so you know what to expect and ensure you have all the information to move forward and grow your family.   

Contact us to schedule a genetic testing appointment at our Farmington, CT, location today. 

LGBTQ+ Family-Building Services near New London CT

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services helps all types of families achieve their family-building goals, including couples and individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re looking to have children, we can help you begin LGBTQ+ fertility services near New London, Connecticut.  

With the expertise of our board-certified reproductive endocrinologists, our state-of-the-art IVF laboratory, and our egg donor program, we can provide the fertility resources and services you need.  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) 

Assisted reproduction allows same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals to have biological children. These advanced procedures can be performed using donor eggs, donor sperm, and/or a gestational carrier, each of which our fertility specialists can help you through the process to obtain.  

We may recommend fertility testing to help us identify and create the most personalized ART treatment plan for you. Some of your options include:  

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) 

IUI is a method of inserting sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix. Before inserting sperm through a catheter, we concentrate it to ensure that only motile (or moving) sperm is used. The process itself is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that our specialists can complete at our Hartford, Branford, or Farmington, CT, office locations. Lesbian couples or menstruating individuals can choose this method to become pregnant using donor sperm.  

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 

IVF is a form of assisted reproduction that involves fertilizing a mature egg outside of the body. Through several different procedures, we can extract mature eggs, fertilize them with sperm in our IVF lab, and transfer them into the uterus. Same-sex male couples can use a gestational carrier to complete the IVF cycle.  

Same-sex female couples also have the option of reciprocal IVF. During this process, one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, while the other partner carries the resulting embryo after it has been fertilized with sperm. Reciprocal IVF can be a great option for same-sex female couples who both desire to have an active role in the process and/or if one partner has an underlying condition preventing a healthy pregnancy. 

Finding a Donor  

An important part of helping our LGBTQ+ patients have children is ensuring that they have donor eggs or donor sperm. To support our patients, the CARS Egg Donor Center can provide viable eggs for couples or individuals undergoing IVF. Each of our egg donors is thoroughly vetted by our specialists based on their health, habits, family history, and age.  

Additionally, our specialists can help LGBTQ+ individuals undergoing any form of assisted reproduction find a trusted sperm donor. We are here to support you through every step of your fertility journey, including recommending trusted resources to help you obtain donor eggs and donor sperm.  

LGBTQ+ family building often involves legal processes and considerations, which our specialists are here to guide you through. We ensure you have the resources needed to meet your family goals.  

Fertility Preservation 

Along with helping LGBTQ+ individuals and couples have children, the Center can help you preserve your fertility through egg freezing. Anyone hoping to have children in their life can benefit from cryopreservation, including transgender individuals who are planning to undergo gender-affirming care and would like to have biological children.  

Oocytes (eggs) are frozen and stored through the process of cryopreservation. We keep these specimens consistently monitored and protected until you are ready to begin the process of IVF.  

Start Your Fertility Journey at the Center 

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is proud to support all individuals on their path to parenthood. If you are ready to begin your fertility journey with us, you can contact us to schedule LGBTQ+ services near New London, CT, today. 

IVF in Connecticut

Starting a family is one of the biggest decisions that you’ll ever make. While the process of building a family can be both exciting and fulfilling, it can also be challenging for some people. Fortunately, couples and individuals who need assistance can consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (The Center) is proud to offer IVF in Connecticut. With offices all over the state, including Farmington, Hartford, New London, Branford, and Middlebury, CT, we’re proud to help aspiring parents from all over. 

The IVF Process 

The IVF process is an emotional process that’s often challenging, but ultimately worth it when you welcome your baby into the world. Generally, the process takes 6-8 weeks and follows these steps: 

• Consultation – Getting to know new patients is the first step towards designing a treatment plan that works for you. During this time, our team will review your medical history and family-building goals, go over the IVF process, and answer any questions you may have. 
• Fertility Testing – To help us understand your needs, you’ll go through some fertility tests. This can include bloodwork and physical exams. A minimally invasive procedure may also be necessary to look for any signs of structural causes of infertility. Once you’ve undergone some tests, our team can design a customized plan for you.  

• Ovarian Stimulation – Next, our fertility specialists will prescribe you medication that increases the odds of creating viable eggs during ovulation. There are several treatment options for this step, which allows our team to choose the protocol that best suits you based on your fertility testing. Usually, this is done by injecting hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Additionally, these hormones can be safely and easily self-injected at home. Our team will then monitor your hormones and follicles via regular ultrasounds and bloodwork. Once they’ve fully developed, another injection called a “trigger-shot” will induce ovulation.  
• Egg Retrieval – The second round of hormone injections, or “trigger shot,” kickstarts ovulation and releases mature eggs. This allows multiple eggs to be released during the same cycle. The mature eggs are then collected by your fertility doctor using a minimally invasive procedure known as aspiration. After an egg is harvested, it can be either fertilized or frozen for later use. The egg retrieval procedure will be performed in our surgery center and under anesthesia for your comfort.  
• Sperm Collection – At this stage, a semen sample will need to be submitted. Once your partner or donor has supplied a semen sample, our embryologists will separate the sperm cells and examine the strongest specimen.  
• Fertilization – After both the egg and sperm have been collected, they’re placed in a petri dish for 3-5 days for fertilization in our state-of-the-art lab. It features the latest technology and procedures for successful fertilization and embryo development. However, not all eggs are able to be fertilized, just as not every fertilized egg can grow into an embryo. This is why our team collects several samples.  
• Embryo Transfer – If an egg is successfully fertilized and a viable embryo develops, it will be transferred into the uterus for pregnancy.  

Who is a Good Candidate for IVF? 

The IVF process is a viable option for adults from all sorts of backgrounds. The Center offers consultations and fertility treatments to prospective parents, including LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. That being said, IVF is a major process, which means you will need to determine whether or not it’s the right option for you. 

Some of the most common reasons why people seek fertility treatments like IVF include age, relationship status, and medical history. Some patients are single parents who wish to have a child, while others are in committed relationships but haven’t been able to get pregnant. Others are simply over the age of 35. 

Regardless of your circumstances, The Center features a compassionate team who are prepared to provide you with the proper care and treatment throughout your IVF journey. 

Learn More About IVF in Connecticut 

If you are considering IVF or having difficulty conceiving, contact The Center a consultation today. We pride ourselves on offering expert level care and compassion to aspiring parents looking for IVF in Connecticut. Contact us to get started today.