Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago

[Core Overview · Understand the Key Information in 30 Seconds]

• Institutional Positioning: A long-established private reproductive medicine clinic in Chicago, Illinois, USA, founded in 1997 and affiliated withPrelude Networkmedical network,SARTFull members; the laboratory is CAP-accredited, specializing in high live birth rates, transparent out-of-pocket pricing, and risk-refund packages

• Core Advantages: Success rate data is verified by the CDC, with live birth rates across all age groups exceeding the national average and a particularly notable advantage for patients aged 38–40; the official website provides transparent pricing and offers multi-cycle shared-risk refund options to facilitate patients' financial planning; the medical team combinesReproductive EndocrinologyReproductive Surgery Competency

• Best-fit audience: Prioritize verifiable, objective success rate data, seek to lock in budget risks in advance, have reproductive surgery needs, and represent LGBTQ+ diverse families.Egg donationPatients with surrogacy intentions

• Core Risk WarningIllinois law permitsGestational surrogacy, butChinese law explicitly prohibits surrogacy. Surrogacy is not protected under Chinese law and carries significant risks regarding parentage determination, household registration upon return to China, custody rights, and ethical issues.; Patient reviews are polarized, with some feedback indicating high consultation fees and poor communication experiences; insurance policies are constrained by Illinois state regulations on employer size, self-insured plans, and religious employer exemptions.

I. Basic Overview of the Organization

Development History and Qualifications

AFCCThe full name is Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, commonly referred to in Chinese asChicago Assisted Reproduction Center, established in 1997, has over 28 years of clinical experience in assisted reproduction and is part of the Prelude Network healthcare system.

• Legitimate Qualifications: A formal member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) in the United States, regularly reporting ART cycle and live birth data to SART and the CDC, subject to federal regulatory verification;Embryology LaboratoryAs a CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited laboratory, implement the unified cryogenic storage quality control standards of the Prelude Network

• Honor DescriptionRanked 17th nationally and first in Illinois among Newsweek’s 2026 “America’s Best Fertility Clinics”; achieved a composite score of 83.3/100 from The Fertility Record, ranking 32nd out of 382 clinics with an adjusted success rate percentile of 86.5%; Medical Director Dr. Michelle Catenacci recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and honored as a 2026 Exceptional Woman in Medicine

• Scale Positioning: Mid-sized specialty fertility clinic, with four partner reproductive endocrinologists and independent ancillaryCAP Embryology Laboratory, accepting patients from across the United States, Canada, and internationally

Geography and Campus Information

Four campuses are established, covering the Chicago metropolitan area:

• River North (Chicago Downtown Main Campus): 20 W. Kinzie Ave, Suite 1130, Chicago, IL 60654

• Gurnee Campus: 30 Tower Court, Suite F (CDC and SART Data Reporting Registration License Address)

• Downers Grove Campus

• Arlington Heights Campus

Operations and Service Support

• Specialized Clinical ServicesMonitoring opens at 6:30 AM on weekdays to accommodate working professionals; follicle monitoring appointments are available on weekends and holidays at the River North and Gurnee campuses.

• Patient SystemPrelude Connect Online Patient Portal: Centralized management of test reports, medical orders, bills, and follow-ups

• Target AudienceHeterosexual couples, single patients, LGBTQ+ families, and clients using third-party reproductive services (donor sperm or donor eggs)

II. Core Medical Team

All physicians are board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) and are partners at this clinic.

Michelle Catenacci, MD | Medical Director

Board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility; recognized for multiple consecutive years as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, including the 2026 Castle Connolly Exceptional Woman in Medicine award; serves as the official signatory responsible for submitting federal cycle data to the CDC on behalf of the clinic, leadingComplex infertility/IVF for Advanced Maternal AgePlan formulation.

Debra Schell, MD

Specialties: Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary SyndromePCOSinfertility conditions related to the thyroid and adrenal glands, with extensive experience in performing laparoscopic and robotic reproductive surgeries.

Eli Reshef, MD

A specialist in reproductive surgery, skilled in correcting reproductive tract malformations, myomectomy for uterine fibroids, and tubal repair and reconstruction, with the capability to perform surgical pre-treatment concurrently with IVF-assisted conception.

Olutunmike Kuyoro, MD (Dr. Tumi)

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, responsible for infertility assessment, ovulation induction protocol management, cycle monitoring, and embryo transfer management.

III. Full-Category Diagnosis and Treatment Service System

1. Core Assisted Reproductive Technologies

• Conventional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) with assisted hatching

• IUI Intrauterine Insemination: Natural cycle and stimulated monitoring cycle protocols, suitable for individuals with mild infertility or those using donor sperm

• Blastocyst cultureRoutine culture to day 5–6 blastocyst, with preferential single embryo transfer to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies.

• PGT Preimplantation Genetic Testing:PGT-AChromosome aneuploidy screeningPGT- M: Monogenic disease testing, PGT-SR: Screening for chromosomal structural abnormalities

• Fertility Preservationegg freezing, sperm freezingEmbryo cryopreservation; Oncofertility program for fertility preservation in cancer patients, involving gamete/embryo cryopreservation prior to chemotherapy or radiotherapy

• Sperm and Egg Donation ProgramsFresh donor egg cycles, frozen egg bank donations, and sperm provided in partnership with compliant sperm banks; frozen donor egg programs come with a commitment to guarantee embryo development.

2. Complementary Reproductive Surgery and Infertility Assessment Program

• AMH, AFC (Antral Follicle Count), Sex Hormones, FSH, HSG (Hysterosalpingography), PCOS Screening, Semen Analysis Full Panel for Fertility Assessment

• Laparoscopic and robotic gynecologic surgery: excision of endometriosis lesions, myomectomy, tubal repair, and correction of reproductive tract anomalies

• Early pregnancy monitoring and threatened miscarriage follow-up; referral to obstetrics once stabilized

3. Featured Sections

• LGBTQ+ Family Building Program with Genetic Carrier Screening and Psychological Assessment

• Medical Services for Gestational Surrogacy Under Illinois Law (Reminder: Surrogacy is prohibited in China)

IV. Core Clinical Advantages

1. CDC-verified, consistently high live birth rateOfficially reported data are subject to oversight by the CDC and SART. The patient age stratification closely aligns with national baselines, indicating no deliberate selection of younger, lower-risk patients. There is a significant advantage over the national average for the 38–40-year-old high-age cohort. The hospital has self-reported that its success rate has consistently exceeded the national average for more than 20 years.

2. Transparent and Open Self-Pay Price List + Risk-Sharing Refund PackageSet up a dedicated pricing page on the official website with transparent, itemized fees for all out-of-pocket services; offer multi-cycle packages and Shared Risk plans supporting up to three egg retrieval cycles, with refunds provided per contract terms in case of failure, enabling proactive financial risk management; implement tiered discounts for multiple frozen egg cycles.

3. High-standard CAP-accredited embryo laboratoryPrelude Network implements a unified quality control system with strict protocols for embryo culture. Liquid nitrogen storage cylinders are subject to mandatory retirement after 10 years, featuring dual internal and external temperature monitoring and 24/7 central alarm systems. Alerts are simultaneously sent to the laboratory and management team, ensuring the safety of cryopreserved gametes and embryos.

4. Morning + Weekend Monitoring ConvenienceUltrasound and blood draws for monitoring are available as early as 6:30 AM across multiple campuses. Core campuses operate on weekends, making it convenient for working patients and reducing the cost of taking time off work.

5. Integrated Reproductive Medicine and SurgeryWith in-house REI surgeons, patients with endometriosis, fibroids, or tubal pathology can complete surgical pretreatment, postoperative care, and the entire IVF process at our center without referral to external hospitals.

V. Success Rate Data and Scientific Interpretation

Important Notice: In the field of reproduction, distinguish between "clinical pregnancy rate (gestational sac visible on ultrasound)" andLive birth rate (delivery of a live infant), AFCC's external reporting metric to the CDC isCumulative live birth rate per intended oocyte retrieval cycle (including all embryo transfers in that cycle)which is a more valuable statistical indicator in the industry; population-level data are for reference only and do not equal individual treatment outcomes.

1. CDC 2022 Annual Report Data (Clinic ART ID: 300)

A total of 2,031 ART cycles and 848 intended oocyte retrieval cycles were reported for the year:

Table

Interpretation: All age groups are above the national average.The 38–40 age group exceeds the national average by 10.8 percentage points, demonstrating the most prominent advantage.; The age distribution of patients at this center closely matches the national distribution, ensuring a fair comparison. The hospital’s claim of “success rates higher than the national average for 20 consecutive years” is a long-term self-declaration by the institution and can only be verified using single-year CDC data.

2. Core factors affecting success rate

Ovarian reserve (AMH, antral follicle count/AFC), male sperm quality, uterine environment, endometrial conditions, embryonic chromosomal status, suitability of the ovarian stimulation protocol, and history of previous miscarriages; the most accurate personalized prognosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a physician during an in-person consultation following a full set of examinations.

VI. Cost Reference and Pitfall Avoidance Tips

The following are the self-pay cash prices published on the AFCC official website (as of September 2026).All without ovulation-stimulating drugs or additional screeningInsurance coverage varies by individual; final costs are subject to the clinic’s official written quote and package agreement.

Project-by-Project Reference (in USD)

• Reproductive Endocrinology Initial Consultation: $275

• Pelvic Ovarian Ultrasound Evaluation: $275

• Semen Analysis: $100

• HSG (Hysterosalpingography): $600

• IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – Natural or Monitored Cycles: $850–3,000

• IVF Single Cycle (including ICSI): $15,000

• IVF + ICSI + PGT-A Package (Biopsy, Embryo Freezing, Up to 6 Embryos Tested): $18,000

• Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) with Monitoring: $5,000

• Embryo Freezing (First-Year Storage):1,000

• Sperm Freezing: $250

• Egg Freezing Cycle: Starting at $8,000 (includes monitoring, anesthesia-assisted egg retrieval, and first-year storage; medication costs are separate; 15% discount on the second cycle within 6 months, 20% discount on the third cycle within 9 months)

• Fresh Donor Egg IVF, Single Cycle: $35,000

• Single-group frozen donor eggStarting from 23,250

• IVF Ovulation Induction Medications per Cycle:4,000

Featured Package Description

• Multi-Cycle IVF Package (up to 2 egg retrievals + 2 frozen embryo transfers): $20,000–$23,500

• Shared Risk Refund Package: Up to 3 egg retrieval cycles, with an 80% refund if unsuccessful; pricing is tiered by age: under 35Starting from 28,000; refund policies and exclusions are subject to the clinic agreement, as not all terms are fully disclosed on the official website.

Insurance Policy Notice (Illinois Local Rules)

Illinois Mandated Insurance Provisions: Group health insurance plans with 25 or more employees that provide maternity coverage are legally required to cover infertility diagnosis, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer. Plans with fewer than 25 employees, religious employers, and self-insured entities are exempt from this mandate. Lifetime fertility benefit caps commonly range from $10,000 to $25,000, and international patients typically do not qualify for local U.S. insurance benefits.

⚠Cost Risk Alert: Initial consultation fees vary by tier, with third-party reports indicating charges of up to $700; confirm the consultation fee schedule before your visit. Additional costs for embryo storage, supplementary testing, anesthesia, and pharmacy medications are charged separately and not included in package prices. Shared risk refund packages have strict exclusion criteria; review the agreement clause by clause before signing.

VII. Standard Patient Visit Procedure for International Patients

Remote Phase (Completed Domestically)

1. Consultation and Initial AssessmentSubmit previous test reports (AMH, sex hormones, AFC, semen analysis, uterine ultrasound, HSG, etc.) and consult with the clinic remotely to obtain a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate.

2. Insurance/Self-Pay Verification and Appointment SchedulingConfirm the self-pay plan and package terms, schedule consultations and ovarian stimulation appointments according to your menstrual cycle, and complete visa applications and pre-trip preparations.

Arrival Phase (Completed in Illinois, USA)

3. Initial Consultation, Follow-up Review, and Comprehensive Fertility AssessmentRecheck B-ultrasound, blood tests, and male semen analysis; Antral Follicle Count (AFC) is a key reference indicator used by the clinic to predict ovarian stimulation response and oocyte retrieval potential.

4. Expert ConsultationThe attending physician formulates the ovarian stimulation protocol, explains the risks and estimated success rate, and obtains signed informed consent

5. Ovulation Induction and Follicle Monitoring: Ovarian stimulation lasts approximately 7–12 days, with frequent transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests for monitoring; the morning monitoring window at 6:30 AM is designed to accommodate scheduling.

6. HCG trigger, oocyte retrievalOocyte retrieval via the transvaginal route under intravenous anesthesia 34–35 hours after trigger, with a target of 8–15 oocytes.

7. Fertilization, blastocyst culture, PGT biopsy, and vitrificationConventional culture to blastocyst stage on day 5–6, with genetic screening performed as needed

8. Embryo transferPhysicians and patients jointly discuss the number of embryos to transfer, prioritizing single embryo transfer to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies; luteal phase support medication is administered after transplantation.

9. Blood test for pregnancyBlood HCG test on day 9 after blastocyst transfer and day 11 after cleavage-stage embryo transfer; the clinic does not recommend home pregnancy tests due to their high false-negative rate.

10. Early Pregnancy Follow-up and Referral to Obstetrics: Early B-ultrasound monitoring after confirming intrauterine pregnancy; transfer to obstetrics once stable. All medical records, bills, and orders are continuously managed via the Prelude Connect portal.

VIII. Current Status of Patient Reputation and Reviews

• FertilityIQ Platform: 88% strong recommendation rate; a large number of out-of-state patients travel specifically for care. Positive reviews focus on the professionalism of Dr. Catenacci's team, the stability of the laboratory, and rigorous treatment protocols.

• The ProIVF platform has an overall rating of 3.4/5, with clearly divided reviews.

• High-frequency negative feedback: Initial consultation fees are relatively high, some doctors lack effective communication and empathy, there are complaints about upselling additional services, and some patients feel that communication time is insufficient.

Information limitations: Many high ratings come from successful cases of achieving pregnancy, while feedback on failed cycles is scarce. It is advisable to proactively clarify your expectations and cost boundaries with the provider before seeking treatment.

IX. Compliance Red Lines and Clarification of Common Misconceptions

Legal Boundaries of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Illinois, USA

1. SurrogacyIllinois law recognizes gestational surrogacy and allows intended parents to establish parental rights, butChinese law prohibits surrogacy in all forms. Foreign clients who travel to the United States for surrogacy and return to China face multiple risks regarding household registration, parentage recognition, custody, and entry-exit documents; this practice is strongly discouraged.

2. Gender selectionPGT is permitted only for medical indications, such as screening for genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities; non-medical sex selection alone also violates ASRM ethical guidelines in the United States.

3. egg donation and sperm donationIllinois permits this, with compliant gamete donation channels; commercial buying and selling of gametes is prohibited, and donors must undergo comprehensive screening for infectious diseases, psychological conditions, and genetic disorders.

4. Embryo cryopreservationLegal; storage duration and renewal rules are subject to the clinic agreement.

Clarification of Common Misconceptions

• ❌Myth 1: "You can freely choose the baby's gender with IVF in the United States" – Gender selection without medical indications violates industry ethical standards.

• ❌Misconception 2: “The package price covers all costs” — Most packages do not include fertility drugs, annual embryo storage fees, additional biopsies, anesthesia, or extra charges for follow-up visits.

• ❌Myth 3: A high success rate reported by the CDC guarantees your personal success. These figures represent averages for age-matched cohorts and are heavily influenced by individual ovarian, uterine, and sperm conditions.

10. Target Audience and Decision-Making & Action Guide

Priority Recommendation Group

1. Prioritize verifiable, objective live birth rates from the CDC and SART, especially for patients aged 38–40 undergoing IVF with their own eggs.

2. Requires reproductive surgery (for endometriosis, fibroids, or tubal repair) integrated with IVF treatment in a single facility, avoiding inter-institution referrals

3. Wants to lock in the budget and is willing to purchase a shared-risk refund package to manage financial risks

4. LGBTQ+ diverse families, egg donation surrogacy patients

5. In-service patients who prefer weekend and morning monitoring sessions and have high demands for time flexibility

Choose your circle wisely

1. They have extremely high expectations for doctor communication, emotional support, and humanistic care, and cannot accept a process-oriented communication style.

2. Budget is extremely limited, making it difficult to afford high initial consultation fees, medication costs, embryo storage, and other additional expenses.

3. The goal is surrogacy (which carries extremely high legal risks domestically).

4. Multidisciplinary intensive care management is required to synchronize complex and major internal medicine diseases

Decision-Making Action Advice: 5 Core Questions to Ask During an In-Person Consultation

1. Based on my age, AMH level, AFC, and medical history, what is the estimated cumulative live birth rate for my intended egg retrieval?

2. What items are included in the selected package? Please list all potential additional fees (consultation, anesthesia, medication, storage, biopsy) item by item. Are there any hidden charges?

3. What are the full exclusion clauses, refund conditions, and refund periods for the Shared Risk Refund Package?

4. If I need PGT, what are the submission platform, testing version, and reporting turnaround time?

5. How should the subsequent transfer following a failed cycle, renewal of storage fees for remaining embryos, and adjustment of treatment plans be arranged?