Ivy Fertility Launches Six Sage Reproductive Center Locations in Key Midwestern Markets

Five Physicians in St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Chicago will provide greater access to high-quality fertility care closer to home

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ivy Fertility, a leading national fertility company focused on compassionate and comprehensive family‑building care, today announced the launch of Sage Reproductive Center, a new Midwestern fertility practice bringing together four reproductive endocrinologists and an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist to serve patients across six clinics in St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago.

The launch marks Ivy Fertility's expansion into three new states in the Midwest and reflects the company's continued commitment to expanding access to high-quality, personalized fertility and reproductive care. Sage Reproductive Center will offer comprehensive services spanning fertility evaluation and treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, male infertility, LGBTQIA+ and third-party reproduction, recurrent pregnancy loss and other reproductive health needs.

The founding physician partners of Sage Reproductive Center include reproductive endocrinologists Amber R. Cooper, MD, MS; Ellen Hayes, MD; Fabiola Balmir, MD; and Juan Alvarez, MD, alongside Sara Rizk, MD, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and experienced gynecologic surgeon.

Together, the physicians bring extensive clinical experience and a shared commitment to evidence-based medicine, exceptional patient care and supporting patients across the many paths to fertility preservation and family building.

Supported by Ivy Fertility's physician-led model and established administrative, operational and technological infrastructure, Sage Reproductive Center enables its physicians to remain focused on delivering individualized care while providing patients with the resources and support of a national fertility organization.

"What makes Sage Reproductive Center special is the physicians who are coming together to build it," said Amber Cooper, MD, MS. "We share a commitment to excellent medicine, thoughtful patient care and giving patients the information and options they need to make decisions about their reproductive health and family building. I'm excited about what we can create together for patients across the Midwest."

"Sage Reproductive Center gives us the opportunity to build a practice around the kind of care I believe in: excellent medicine, individualized treatment and genuine compassion," said Ellen Hayes, MD. "I'm excited to continue caring for patients in Milwaukee and to help people navigate their own unique paths to fertility preservation and family building."

"There is something special about bringing together physicians who share the same commitment to excellent medicine and compassionate care," said Fabiola Balmir, MD. "I'm excited to be part of Sage Reproductive Center and to bring this team's shared vision to patients throughout the Midwest."

Founding Physician Partners

Amber R. Cooper, MD, MS, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with extensive clinical and leadership experience in reproductive medicine. Dr. Cooper completed her OB-GYN residency and REI fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis and earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation. She is an internationally recognized expert in the use of artificial intelligence and automation in fertility care, and her clinical interests include IVF outcomes, fertility preservation, ovarian aging, genetics and hysteroscopic surgery.

Ellen Hayes, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist and OB-GYN who has cared for patients in Wisconsin for more than 15 years. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago, she completed her OB-GYN residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and REI fellowship at Emory University. Dr. Hayes has been consistently recognized as a Top Doctor by both Milwaukee Magazine and MKE Lifestyle Magazine and is known for her evidence-based, collaborative approach and commitment to helping patients navigate their individual paths to family building.

Fabiola Balmir, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist with extensive experience in fertility and reproductive medicine. Originally from New York, Dr. Balmir graduated from Columbia University and earned her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her OB-GYN residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, followed by fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Magee-Womens Hospital. She has also served as Director of Medical Education and Outreach within an academic practice and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Patients Top Choice. Dr. Balmir is passionate about empowering patients with knowledge of their reproductive options and building meaningful connections throughout their care. She is fluent in French.

Juan Alvarez, MD, is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. He earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and completed his OB-GYN residency at Emory University School of Medicine before completing his fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Alvarez has particular expertise in third-party reproduction, fertility preservation, diminished ovarian reserve and the impact of obesity on fertility. As both a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a fertility specialist, he has a special interest in LGBTQIA+ fertility care and education. He is passionate about patient education and building strong, collaborative relationships with his patients.

Sara Rizk, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with fellowship training in pelvic surgery from Emory University. An experienced gynecologic surgeon and seasoned OB-GYN, Dr. Rizk has worked closely with reproductive endocrinologists and fertility patients throughout her career. She brings extensive surgical expertise and a collaborative, patient-centered approach to reproductive and women's health.

With the addition of the Sage Reproductive Center team, Ivy Fertility now includes 75 physicians across 18 practices and 35 locations in 12 states.

To learn more about Sage Reproductive Center and Ivy Fertility, visit www.SageReproductive.com and www.IvyFertility.com.

About Sage Reproductive Center
Sage Reproductive Center is the premier Midwestern destination for comprehensive family‑building services include diagnostic testing, egg freezing, IVF and Ivy's proprietary Gentle IVF, male infertility treatment, LGBTQ+ and third-party reproduction options, and support for recurrent pregnancy loss. The organization includes six clinics across the Midwestern U.S., including St. Louis, Milwaukee and Chicago. Sage Reproductive Center is part of Ivy Fertility; a leading national fertility company focused on compassionate and comprehensive family‑building care.

About Ivy Fertility
Ivy Fertility is globally recognized as pioneers and innovators in the field of advanced reproductive technologies, in-vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, andrology, and fertility research. Ivy is the originator of Gentle IVF, a patient-centered approach to treatment that reduces the physical and emotional burden of care without compromising outcomes. Ivy Fertility includes Celenova Fertility, Dallas IVF, Fertility Associates of Memphis, Fertility Centers of Orange County, Idaho Fertility Center, IVF Fertility Center, Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nevada Fertility Center, Northern California Fertility Medical Center, NOVA IVF, Pacific Northwest Fertility, Reproductive Partners Medical Group, Sage Reproductive Center, San Diego Fertility Center, Santa Barbara Fertility Center, Utah Fertility Center, and Virginia Fertility & IVF. By developing new procedures such as Gentle IVF, achieving scientific breakthroughs, and teaching the latest techniques, Ivy Fertility upholds its commitment to exceptional outcomes and continually contributes to the development of the entire fertility community. The Ivy team is passionate about its family-building mission and works tirelessly each day to help patients become parents.

SOURCE Ivy Fertility