Contact us

If you're interested in partnering with us to improve outcomes, or offering Pomelo as a benefit to your employees or members, we'd love to hear from you.

For candidates interested in joining our team to reinvent maternity and neonatal care, please apply directly to the open roles listed on our Careers page.

hello@pomelocare.com

Press Release: Pomelo Care and Penn Fertility Care at Penn Medicine Present Clinical Trial Results Showing Group Preconception Care for Fertility Patients Improves Fertility-Related Quality of Life

Written by
October 28, 2025
Share this post

New York, NY, October 28, 2025 - Today, Pomelo Care, the national leader in evidence-based healthcare for women and children, and Penn Fertility Care at Penn Medicine presented results from a randomized clinical trial demonstrating for the first time that group preconception care for fertility patients measurably improves fertility-related quality of life, particularly among patients who do not become pregnant. The findings were presented at the 2025 American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Scientific Congress & Expo.

While the benefits of group care have been demonstrated in the prenatal and postpartum phases, this care delivery model has not previously been applied to patients undergoing fertility care. This joint study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of group care for fertility patients, as well as effects on fertility-related quality of life, mental health, and fertility treatment outcomes.

“This study not only demonstrates for the first time that group preconception care is viable for women undergoing fertility treatment, but also underscores the power of collaboration across teams in the fertility space,” said Anuja Dokras, MD, MHCI, PhD, Executive Director, Women's Health Center for Clinical Innovation at Penn Medicine. “Group care has long been recognized for its benefits during pregnancy, and applying this model before conception is a novel approach with real promise. We’re grateful to our partners at Pomelo Care and across Penn Medicine for making this important work possible.”

In this randomized clinical trial, 147 female participants undergoing fertility care were randomized to usual care or the intervention of 8 group sessions in addition to routine fertility appointments and followed for 12 months. Sessions focused on mental health, fertility testing and treatment, and nutrition and lifestyle, and were facilitated by a group care expert, infertility specialists, a psychiatrist, and a nutritionist. Feasibility was defined as the proportion attending at least five sessions, and acceptability was assessed through satisfaction ratings. The study was designed to detect differences in fertility-related quality of life at 12 months. The study also compared changes in depression and anxiety scores as well as fertility treatment outcomes.

Key results include:

  •  Improved Quality of Life: At 12 months, fertility-related quality of life scores improved for those participating in the group sessions, with statistical significance specifically among patients who did not become pregnant during follow-up.
  • High Engagement & Satisfaction: 58% of participants in the intervention arm attended at least five sessions; overall attendance was 61% with a mean satisfaction score of 4.9 out of 5.

“We’re grateful to our colleagues at Penn Medicine for their collaboration on this pioneering study,” said Isabelle Von Kohorn, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Pomelo Care. “These results show the potential of innovative, group-based models to improve the experience and outcomes for women on their fertility journey, and we’re proud to help advance research that can help improve high-quality, patient-centered care. This partnership is an important part of our work to address gaps and deliver evidence-based care for women and families across the United States.”

About Pomelo Care

Pomelo Care is the national leader in evidence-based healthcare for women and children. We deliver personalized, high-quality care across every stage of life—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum, infant care, pediatrics, and menopause. Our hybrid model combines 24/7 virtual clinical care with on-the-ground community support, including in-person doula services. This approach addresses the medical, behavioral, and social factors that most significantly impact outcomes for women and children. Leveraging data science, research, and new technologies, Pomelo identifies and manages risks early to drive better health outcomes and avoid unnecessary costs. We partner with commercial and Medicaid health plans, employers, and providers to expand access to care and deliver measurable results across the healthcare system. Learn more at pomelocare.com.

About the Women's Health Center for Clinical Innovation at Penn Medicine

The Women’s Health Center for Clinical Innovation (WHCCI) at PennMedicine is the first of its kind in the country. Established by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2021, WHCCI’s vision is to drive improvements in patient health and healthcare delivery by utilizing innovative approaches, including rapid cycle iterations, digital health, and implementation science.The Center offers a variety of programs and resources to aid providers, trainees, and staff in the development of innovative solutions, including project management, consultation, mentorship, monthly events, and programming. Learn more at WHCCI.

Media Contact

Julie Halpin
julie.halpin@pomelocare.com

Share this post

Stay Connected

Stay in the loop - Sign up now to receive the latest news, research, and exciting stories directly to your inbox.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
AICPA SOC
All clinical services are provided by licensed physicians and clinicians practicing within an independently owned and operated medical practice, Pomelo, P.C. or affiliated professional corporations. Pomelo Care, Inc. does not provide any medical, nursing, or other healthcare provider services.