Laurel Fertility Care

01/29/2026

Let's talk about something important: weight and fertility. 🌱

We know this can be a sensitive topic, which is why our approach is rooted in compassion, science, and real medical support and not fad diets or quick fixes.

Here's the truth: weight can affect your fertility in significant ways. For many people, especially those with PCOS, excess weight and insulin resistance can throw off the hormonal signals your body needs for ovulation. This can make getting pregnant more challenging, whether you're trying naturally or with fertility treatments.

The good news? Our physician-led weight management program uses breakthrough medications that actually address the root causes of metabolic dysfunction.

We're talking about:
💚 Medical treatment guided by board-certified specialists
💚 Personalized nutrition plans that work for YOUR life
💚 Exercise guidance tailored to your body and goals
💚 Support and compassion at every appointment

This isn't about hitting a certain number on the scale. It's about helping your body function at its best. Whether you're preparing for IVF, trying to conceive naturally, or simply focusing on your overall health, we are here for you.
Ready to start your personalized journey?
📞 Call us: (415) 673-9199
🌐 Learn more: https://laurelfertility.com/weight-loss/

01/28/2026

Let's talk about something that doesn't get talked about enough: male fertility.
For some reason, when people think "fertility issues," they usually think it's automatically about the woman. But here's the thing. Male factor fertility plays a role in about half of all cases where couples are having trouble conceiving.
In this video, Dr. Smikle breaks down what we actually look at when testing male fertility. S***m count, motility, and morphology. And why getting tested is the first step to understanding your options.
And here's what a lot of people don't know: even with low s***m count, there are solutions. Treatments like ICSI (intracytoplasmic s***m injection) have helped countless families when natural conception wasn't working.
The bottom line? Testing gives you answers. And answers give you options.
Guys (or partners of guys), what made you finally decide to get tested? Or what's holding you back? Let's normalize this conversation.
(Questions? Our team at Laurel Fertility Care is here for real, judgment-free conversations.)

01/26/2026

Trans and nonbinary individuals deserve comprehensive, affirming fertility care—and timing matters. Many people don't realize that fertility preservation is an option to consider before starting gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery. At Laurel Fertility Care, we help patients navigate these important decisions with compassionate, expert guidance.

Key things to know about fertility preservation:
🌱 Egg or s***m can be preserved before starting hormones
🌱 Preservation can last 10+ years with cryostorage
🌱 In many cases, reproductive function can return after pausing hormones (typically 3-6 months)
🌱 You don't have to start family-building right away—preservation gives you options for the future

Our team provides care that's:
✓ Gender-affirming in every interaction
✓ Trauma-informed and culturally competent
✓ Flexible and privacy-centered
✓ Aligned with your unique goals and timeline

Serving the Bay Area from our San Francisco, Oakland, and Modesto locations.
Questions about your fertility options? We're here to help: laurelfertility.com/trans-nonbinary

Access inclusive, gender-affirming fertility care designed for trans and nonbinary individuals exploring preservation, IVF, and parenthood.

01/24/2026

The best kind of reunion! 💕
This sweet family returned to our Modesto office to introduce their daughter Malana to Dr. Smikle and Leslie Barahona, and to plan for baby #2 with a transfer this summer. From graduation day 2023 to family building in 2026 - we're honored to be part of their story!
Here's to growing families and making dreams come true! 🌟

📞 (415) 673-9199 | laurelfertility.com

01/23/2026

💙 Did You Know? Your Insurance Might Already Cover Fertility Treatment! 💙
California's SB 729 is now in effect—and you may have access to fertility coverage you didn't know about!
What's Now Covered:
Many large group health insurance plans in California must now cover:

Fertility diagnosis and treatment
Up to 3 egg retrievals
Unlimited embryo transfers
Fertility medications and support services

Who Can Benefit:
The law uses a more inclusive definition of infertility, recognizing that many paths to parenthood require medical support, including single parents by choice and LGBTQ+ families.
Check Your Coverage:
✓ Contact your HR team to see if your employer's plan qualifies
✓ Call your insurance provider to confirm your benefits
✓ Reach out to us if you need help understanding your options

Don't let this opportunity pass you by! The coverage is already active! 💚

01/22/2026

Ask Dr. Smikle Anything! Your Fertility Questions Answered 💙
We know you have questions about fertility, and we want to hear them! Dr. Collin Smikle, Medical Director and founder of Laurel Fertility Care, is taking YOUR questions and providing honest, expert answers.

Wondering about:
- IVF success rates and what they really mean?
- When to consider egg freezing?
- Treatment options for PCOS or endometriosis?
- Male factor infertility and how it's treated?
- LGBTQ+ family building options?
- What to do after pregnancy loss?
- Anything else fertility-related?

Drop your questions in the comments or send us a message. Dr. Smikle will be answering them in an upcoming post and blog feature. This is your opportunity to get real answers from a doctor with over 20 years of experience helping families throughout the Bay Area.
No question is too simple or too complex. We're here to provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

📩 Ask your questions in the comments or DM us
📞 Call 415-673-9199 to schedule a consultation
🌐 Visit laurelfertility.com to learn more

01/21/2026

Welcome to Laurel Fertility Care Oakland
Take a look inside our Oakland office, where every detail is designed with you in mind. Our East Bay location offers the same personalized, compassionate care that has defined Laurel Fertility Care for 20 years.
At our Oakland office, you'll find:
✨ A warm, welcoming environment
✨ State-of-the-art fertility treatment technology
✨ Expert care from Medical Director Dr. Collin Smikle and our dedicated team
✨ Comprehensive services including IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and LGBTQ+ family building
Whether you're just starting out, trying again, or feeling overlooked, our Oakland team is here to help you navigate every step of your fertility journey.
📍 Conveniently located in Oakland to serve the East Bay community
📞 Call 415-673-9199 to schedule your consultation
🌐 Learn more at laurelfertility.com

01/20/2026

Career taking priority right now? You're making smart choices for your future.

If you're a San Francisco professional wondering about egg freezing, here's what you should actually know (without the medical jargon):

THE TIMELINE:
Most people think egg freezing takes months. Reality? About 2-3 weeks from your first appointment to retrieval. That's it.

THE PROCESS:
- Initial consultation (30-45 min)
- Hormone injections for 10-20 days (you do these at home)
- Monitoring appointments (we work around your schedule)
- One retrieval procedure (about 20 minutes, light sedation)

THE RESULTS:
On average, one cycle retrieves 8-15 eggs. Your age matters more than anything else - women under 35 typically get the best outcomes.

THE COST:
Yes, it's an investment. But many tech companies now cover egg freezing as a benefit. We'll help you navigate your insurance coverage.

WHY OUR SF PATIENTS CHOOSE US:
"I could walk from my office in the Financial District. The early morning appointments meant I didn't miss work." - Maddie L.

Our San Francisco location is designed for busy professionals. Early morning and lunchtime slots. Close to BART. In and out efficiently.

Ready to learn more? Book a consultation or drop your questions below.

📍 San Francisco Financial District
☎️ 415-673-9199
https://laurelfertility.com/treatments/egg-freezing/

Explore compassionate, expert-led egg freezing options designed to preserve your fertility and give you more choices for the future.

01/14/2026

Get to Know Dr. Collin Smikle 💙
Have you ever wondered about the expert guiding your fertility journey at Laurel Fertility Care? Meet Dr. Collin Smikle, our founder and Medical Director, whose dedication to helping families grow spans over 35 years.

Why Patients Trust Dr. Smikle:
From Yale Medical School to Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital to groundbreaking research at UCSF, Dr. Smikle's path has been defined by excellence in reproductive medicine. He's board certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology, bringing deep expertise to every treatment plan. But what our patients appreciate most? His compassionate, personalized approach. Dr. Smikle takes time to listen, explore innovative solutions, and create treatment plans that truly reflect YOUR unique story and goals.

A Research Pioneer:
Dr. Smikle's research on oocyte development and PCOS at UCSF has contributed to our understanding of how to optimize fertility treatments. With 25+ published medical papers, he combines cutting-edge science with genuine human connection.

Your Partner in Parenthood:
Whether you're just starting to explore fertility options, facing challenges conceiving, or ready for advanced treatments like IVF, Dr. Smikle and our team are here to walk beside you with expertise, empathy, and unwavering support.

Ready to start your journey with a team that sees you, hears you, and believes in your dream?
📞 Call us at 415-673-9199
🌐 Visit laurelfertility.com

01/13/2026

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, and understanding their impact on fertility is crucial for those planning to build their families.

In this educational video, Dr. Collin Smikle, Medical Director of Laurel Fertility Care, discusses how fibroids can influence conception and fertility.

At Laurel Fertility Care, we provide comprehensive fertility assessments that include evaluation of conditions like fibroids, ensuring every patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

📞 415-673-9199
🌐 laurelfertility.com

01/12/2026

From ultrasound photos to baby onesies. This is what growing dreams together looks like. 💚👶
At Laurel Fertility Care, we don't just provide treatment; we walk alongside you through every step of your fertility journey. From your first appointment to that incredible moment when you see your baby's heartbeat on the ultrasound, to welcoming your little one into the world and we're here for all of it.
Dr. Collin Smikle, our Medical Director, reminds us why this work matters: "There's nothing more rewarding than watching the families we support transition from treatment to parenthood. Each ultrasound image represents hope realized, and each baby represents a dream fulfilled. This is why we do what we do."
If you're ready to start or continue your fertility journey with a team that truly cares, we'd be honored to be part of your story.
📍 Convenient locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and Modesto
📞 Call us: (415) 673-9199
🌐 Learn more: laurelfertility.com

01/09/2026

"Many patients are surprised when getting pregnant the second time is harder than the first. But it's incredibly common. Your body changes (age, hormones, and physical factors all play a role). The good news? With proper evaluation and treatment, most patients conceive successfully."
Dr. Collin Smikle, Medical Director

Learn more about secondary infertility by checking out our latest blog post: https://laurelfertility.com/secondary-infertility-treatment-how-to-get-pregnant-after-your-first-baby/

Fertility care that sees you—personalized, compassionate treatment for IVF, egg freezing, LGBTQ+ family building, and more. Trusted fertility experts in the Bay Area and Central Valley.