Starting your cycle
Starting an IVF cycle is stressful enough, doing it with an out-of-state provider just increases that stress. That is why we have developed an out-of state monitoring program to help women that need ultrasound monitoring without having to travel to their provider. We follow your physicians instructions and with be able to accommodate your schedule. Most all cycles, whether retrievals or transfers, will need 2-3 ultrasounds during that cycle. All reports can be faxed or emailed to your physician within 2-3 hours after the exam is finished.
Please Call True Health Acupuncture at 702-475-0870
You can also book online on the True Health Acupuncture website.
1481 W Warm Spring Rd #129
Henderson, Nevada 89014
My name is Michelle Aukerman. And I just have to say that Joyce at True Health Acupuncture is probably the best ultrasound technician I have ever had in my life and I’ve been through several. She’s very personal and talks through everything and if something goes wrong, she says OK how do we make this right? What’s the next step we need to take? You don’t hear that from any other ultrasound tech, they're so jaded. The comfort environment at True Health Acupuncture is unmatchable. It does not feel like a doctor's office and everybody is so warm but when it comes to Joyce, she is completely unmatched. It’s like having your own mother right there with you. I highly highly recommend her.
Thank you, the Aukerman’s
Michelle A.
This is the second pregnancy that I came to Joyce for my outside monitoring. I have been very nervous about the whole process, but Joyce guided me through each and every ultrasound. Although the monitoring went smoothly, upon achieving pregnancy I developed some bleeding. Of course, I panicked. Joyce explained everything that was going on with my bleeding and helped me through this anxious time. I don’t know what I would have done without Joyce’s calm demeanor. And the added bonus is having acupuncture treatment right there at True Health Acupuncture, the office Joyce works out of. I will always be truly thankful for the amazing experience that I received from both Joyce and True Health to be a part of my fertility journey.
Joyce is an exceptional individual who made a significant impact during my IVF journey. I had the privilege of meeting her when I needed support, and she was able to perform ultrasounds when our IVF Dr was unable to accommodate us. Her ability to confirm our twin pregnancy was incredibly reassuring. Joyce took the time to explain everything she was observing, which not only made the experience more memorable but also helped alleviate my anxiety. Her compassionate approach truly made a difference in my experience.
For many couples, IVF brings hope — especially after discovering male factor infertility. But what happens when retrieval fails? When ICSI doesn’t work? Or when test results show that the male partner's sperm isn’t viable?
It’s devastating, confusing, and deeply personal. But you’re not alone. This post explores backup options and emotional support available to couples facing this difficult fork in the road.
There are times when:
No sperm is found during micro-TESE
Sperm DNA fragmentation remains very high
Sperm motility and morphology are too poor for fertilization
Multiple failed IVF cycles leave no clear cause — but no embryos
If this happens, your fertility team may recommend an alternative: donor sperm.
It’s normal for this topic to bring up:
Grief
Guilt
Identity and masculinity questions
Worry about genetics and bonding
Conflict between partners
But the truth is this: Parenthood is more than biology. Grieving a genetic connection is valid — and so is exploring all paths to becoming a parent.
Be honest about feelings — but avoid blame
See a fertility counselor or therapist trained in third-party reproduction
Talk to others who’ve chosen donor sperm or donor embryo options
Revisit what your goals are: Is it about having a child? Passing on genetics? Carrying a pregnancy?
Even before things get difficult, planning ahead can protect your chances:
If a sperm sample is borderline, freezing multiple ejaculates can prevent delays in IVF
Stored sperm can be used for ICSI or backup if retrieval fails
Some clinics let you choose a donor and have vials shipped in case it's needed
This avoids emotional pressure in the moment if a cycle doesn’t yield viable sperm
Screened for infections, genetic disorders, and health history
Anonymous or known options
Some banks allow “open ID” donors (child can contact at age 18)
From couples who’ve completed their IVF family building
Lower cost than donor egg/sperm separately
Growing in popularity for couples with multiple infertility factors
You may feel isolated — especially as a male partner — but there is support:
Male infertility peer groups (e.g., through RESOLVE.org)
Therapists specializing in fertility grief and decision-making
Online communities where men openly talk about donor use and parenting
If you’re the female partner reading this — please know how much emotional weight men often carry silently. Invite them into the process, and give space for complex emotions.
This journey may not look how you imagined it — but it can still lead to a loving, beautiful outcome. Whether that’s through your own sperm, donor sperm, or embryo adoption, your path to parenthood is valid, meaningful, and worthy of support.