Laurel Fertility Care

02/06/2026

We just had to share these adorable photos! 💕
One of our wonderful patients reached out to let us know they'll be coming back to see us soon to grow their family, and sent along these sweet pictures of their daughter Juliana. We agree with mom, she is cute as a button! 🌸
There's truly no bigger compliment than when families who've had success with us choose to return for baby number two. It means the world to us, and we're already looking forward to being part of the next chapter of their story.
Juliana, we can't wait to help you become a big sister!

02/03/2026

One of Dr. Smikle's favorite parts of being a fertility specialist? Getting to meet the babies he's helped bring into the world.
"There's nothing better than seeing these little faces and watching families grow together. It brings me so much joy, and it never gets old." - Dr. Smikle

Moments like these are what drive our team at Laurel Fertility Care. Every giggle, every milestone, every family photo is a reminder of why this work matters so deeply to us.

If you're ready to start your own journey to parenthood, we'd be honored to walk alongside you. Our team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.
📞 (415) 673-9199
🌐 laurelfertility.com

02/02/2026

If you're trying to conceive and have been dealing with unexplained weight loss, anxiety, or irregular periods, your thyroid might be playing a role.

Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can affect ovulation, cycle regularity, and early pregnancy. The good news? When it's properly managed, most women with hyperthyroidism can conceive and have healthy pregnancies.

Our latest blog breaks down how hyperthyroidism impacts fertility, what symptoms to watch for, and the steps you can take to stabilize your thyroid before trying to conceive.
If you've been wondering whether your thyroid could be affecting your fertility journey, this is a great place to start.

Read the full article:

Hyperthyroidism affects ovulation and pregnancy, but proper treatment helps most women conceive. Get the facts on thyroid health and fertility.

02/02/2026

This Black History Month, we want to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: the barriers Black women face when it comes to fertility care.

From higher rates of fibroids and PCOS to delayed diagnoses and systemic inequities in healthcare access, the challenges are real. And they're not about biology. They're about a system that hasn't always worked for Black women and families.

As a Black-owned fertility clinic, we know these struggles firsthand. That's why we're here to provide care that truly listens, honors your experiences, and supports you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.You deserve a team that sees you, hears you, and advocates for you. That's what we're committed to at Laurel Fertility Care.

What does equitable fertility care mean to you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
📞 (415) 673-9199
🌐 laurelfertility.com

01/30/2026

Real talk: building your family as an LGBTQ+ person means navigating a lot of questions that cishet couples never have to think about.
Who carries? Which donor bank? How do we explain this to family? What does "biological parent" even mean in our situation? How much is this going to cost?
And sometimes the hardest part is just finding people who get it.
What's one thing you wish you'd known earlier in your family-building journey? Or one question you're still trying to figure out?

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