Fertility Care Has Become an Important Part of Health Care. These Philly Physicians Are Making It Work for More Patients

Fertility care can be a complex and overwhelming topic. In simple terms, it refers to medical interventions for those who are struggling to conceive. But as health care has evolved, and concepts like wellbeing, patient empowerment, and long-term health have come into focus, fertility treatment has also changed significantly. IVF and IUI are common fertility treatments, but many people don’t fully understand how they differ or when to seek treatment. Similarly, fertility preservation—often referred to as egg freezing—is gaining awareness, yet many are unsure of the right time to start the process. Advances in third-party reproduction have expanded options for single patients, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those in need of donors, making family-building more accessible than ever. 

“Fertility isn’t just about getting pregnant—it’s about giving people more options for how they want to build their families,” says Dr. Deanna Brasile, a reproductive endocrinologist at Main Line Fertility in Philadelphia.

She and other physicians at the practice are part of a new generation of physicians helping to drive this change by meeting the needs of modern patients, who often have to navigate complex decisions about when and if to have children. Through a model built around preserving patients’ fertility window while making fertility care easier and more navigable for all types of patients, they’re aiming to serve that need. 

The model requires a range of innovative approaches, including advanced fertility preservation, emotional and mental health support, a focus on accessibility, and more.  Through these focused efforts, practices like Main Line Fertility are providing patients with a supportive framework that empowers them to confidently choose their own path to parenthood.

“We help them build a plan so that patients know what’s in their future. We try to remove that stress,” she says.

As a result, today’s fertility care is increasingly an important part of patients’ overall approach to their health. To understand that change, and how patients could benefit from it, we spoke to the physicians helping to lead the way. 

The Rise of Fertility Preservation

Part of this shifting approach has been enabled by technological advances in medicine. Modern improvements in freezing techniques have significantly increased the survival rates of eggs during thawing. This has made egg and embryo freezing a reliable and relatively predictable process, allowing physicians to plan farther out into the future.

But these scientific breakthroughs have also emerged alongside a growing need. More people are delaying parenthood to find the right time in their career, relationship, or health, and fertility preservation provides a proactive way to keep future reproductive options open. In response, physicians like Brasile apply fertility care not as a reactive solution to infertility, but as a form of reproductive planning that empowers individuals to take control of their futures.

“It’s like an insurance policy. We insure our cars, we insure our homes—why not our fertility?” Brasile says.

To get started, Brasile emphasizes fertility check ups in your late 20s or early 30s. A fertility check-up can provide patients with insights into their reproductive health, through measurements such as low ovarian reserve, irregular ovulation, or unexpected hormonal imbalances. 

A check-up can also identify underlying conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, which may impact fertility down the line. After the check up, Brasile can either provide care, recommend lifestyle changes, connect the patient with a specialist, or just provide the patient with time to consider their options. In either case, the patient is empowered to start making decisions about their care. 

“A fertility check-up enables people to take control of their reproductive timeline, rather than being caught off guard later,” Brasile says. 

Creating a Plan Together

Of course, allowing patients to make more decisions is only beneficial if those decisions are informed and evidence-based. This is why the modern approach to fertility care emphasizes comprehensive patient education right from the start of treatment.

“Fertility treatment in general can be a very cloudy area for most patients, and can be a really scary thing,” says Dr. Jenna Kahn, fertility specialist at Main Line Fertility. “One of the first things I do with my patients is educate them about what fertility is supposed to look like, how reproduction happens, and how we use that physiology to guide our workup and treatment options. Some patients come in thinking that if they still have a period, they can get pregnant, and that isn’t always the case.” 

Kahn discusses factors like the age-related fertility decline and the particular biological and practical demands of different kinds of treatment, so that patients can develop a long-term plan with her that gives them the best chance of conceiving the number of children they want.

Education is crucial not only for the patient but also for everyone involved, especially when trying to conceive with a partner. In the past, the responsibility for care often fell primarily on the female partner, who would typically be the one to visit the clinic. Today, modern fertility care takes a more holistic approach, considering all factors essential for success. This means engaging both male and female partners in the process—having them tested for fertility and educating them on the most effective strategies. For Kahn, this also involves addressing the widespread misinformation circulating online, particularly on social media, as many patients come to the clinic stressed and misinformed.

“I have patients who put so much pressure on themselves, believing that they’re the reason they aren’t getting pregnant, when in reality, male infertility plays a role in nearly half of cases,” Kahn says. “A big part of what I do is debunking myths and making sure they have accurate, science-backed information.”

Talking About the Challenges

It’s a model that creates more frequent and deeper connections between physicians and patients, and that also allows physicians to better address patients’ wellbeing. 

“The emotional aspect of fertility treatment is just as important as the medical side, and that wasn’t always acknowledged in the past,” says Dr. Shannon Alexa, a fertility specialist at Main Line Fertility. 

Facing fertility challenges can bring about significant stress, anxiety, and guilt, as patients must make important life decisions while planning their treatment. When conception involves the use of donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, the weight of these decisions and their long-term implications for the child can add additional emotional strain. At Main Line Fertility, physicians address these concerns by offering personalized support and fostering open, thoughtful discussions about all available options.

“We’re helping people create families. We’re helping people deal with emotional loss and trauma, and you need to be emotionally available and vulnerable to your patients,” Alexa says. “You need to be able to build trust. I think that the stronger the relationship and the trust between the provider and the patient, or the provider and the couple, the better the care overall is going to be.”

As more female physicians have entered the workforce, and more diverse perspectives are represented, the ability of different types of patients to connect with their physician has improved. Main Line Fertility has also integrated mental health resources, including an onsite psychologist  and support groups, into their model of care, so that if a setback arises, patients have the help they need. 

Making Care Work for Everyone

Main Line Fertility has implemented a comprehensive approach to accessibility, making their care welcoming to all individuals, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status. While every patient receives a personalized care plan, they believe it is equally essential to foster an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels supported and valued. 

“We do the best we can to be inclusive in language, in our practice itself, and in making sure that every patient feels welcome when they walk in the door,” says Dr. Allison Bloom, reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at Main Line Fertility. “That means using the right pronouns, avoiding assumptions, and ensuring our staff is trained in inclusive care.”

Navigating the healthcare system can be a stressful experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community in particular, and Bloom regularly sees patients who fly in from other states to access care in Main Line Fertility’s safe environment. These measures can be practical as well as emotional. One of the biggest barriers to fertility care for LGBTQ+ individuals and single parents is insurance coverage. Many insurance policies still define infertility as the inability to conceive after a year of trying, putting same-sex couples and single individuals in a confusing situation when trying to get coverage. Main Line Fertility works with patients to petition for expanded insurance coverage and navigate financial options.

Another key advancement that sets Main Line Fertility apart is the development of a specialized third-party reproduction team with expertise in serving the LGBTQ+ community. This team is dedicated solely to supporting patients who are using donor eggs, sperm, or surrogacy, making sure they receive both expert and sensitive guidance throughout the complex medical and legal aspects of the process.

“Using a donor or surrogate isn’t just a medical decision—it’s a highly emotional and logistical journey,” Bloom says. “Having a dedicated team means patients get specialized care that anticipates challenges before they arise.”

Through this contemporary approach, each patient’s fertility care is as unique as their own needs. But one commonality is that the depth of the experience becomes a major part of patients’ lives. Bloom notes that sharing that journey has become a benefit for both physician and patient.

“They share ups and downs with us–there’s tears of sadness, tears of joy. When they get pregnant and we graduate them, they’re happy but also sad because they’re not going to see us every week,” Bloom says. “We’re part of their story, and we’re grateful to be a part of it. And I always say thank you for letting us take care of you. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey.”