The Cost of IVF and the Future of Reproductive Healthcare with Jessica Schaefer
Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin
Key Insights
Why did Jessica Schaefer decide to freeze her eggs?
She had just sold her company and gone through a divorce, making it necessary for her future plans.
What surprised Jessica about the egg freezing process?
The high cost of fertility drugs and the need to self-administer shots without proper guidance.
How much did Jessica spend on her first egg freezing cycle?
$15,000, but she plans to do it a few more times.
Why did Jessica take the trigger shot early?
She accidentally took it, which affected the number of eggs retrieved.
How did Jessica handle telling her colleagues about her fertility treatments?
She shared with a few women at her company, but it was still a sensitive topic.
What advice does Jessica give for making IVF more affordable?
Use HSA and savings, and consider startups making fertility treatments more accessible.
What concerns Jessica about VC-backed fertility companies?
They might cut corners to meet growth targets, affecting patient care and success rates.
How does Jessica plan to improve the fertility treatment experience?
By using AI and telehealth to provide better support and reduce patient anxiety.
Why does Jessica believe it's important to freeze eggs early?
Egg quality decreases with age, so freezing earlier improves chances of success.
What final advice does Jessica give to listeners considering fertility treatments?
Freeze your eggs now, regardless of your relationship status, to have options later.
Chapters
- Jessica froze her eggs after selling her company Bevel and going through a divorce.
- She documented her egg freezing process for Good Morning America, making it a public experience.
- Jessica is currently eight months pregnant and has been keeping this moment private.
Shownotes Transcript
