Choosing a fertility clinic is a particularly critical decision that should not be taken lightly. It can be very overwhelming when couples are faced with trying to make a decision that will have such an important impact on their life…
There is such an abundance of fertility clinics to choose from that the options can seem endless. In order to find the right fertility clinic to meet your needs, be sure to take the time to thoroughly research any clinic you may consider. Although it is easy to do, don’t just choose the first place that returns your initial call; pursuing fertility testing and treatment is a big step and can also involve a large amount money and certainly lots of time. You should choose only the very best.
Be Knowledgeable and Informed
Choosing a fertility clinic is a very personal, yet subjective decision. Often women or couples are referred to a particular clinic in their area by word-of-mouth. Suggestions may come from your gynecologist or from friends and relatives. Sometimes clinics are known by ads and news articles or they can be found through simple internet searches.
Even if you are given a recommendation, it is prudent to do your own research in advance of visiting a clinic. It is to your benefit to be a well-informed and knowledgeable consumer when visiting a clinic for the first time.
Evaluate Clinic Options
When researching possible fertility clinics, there are several ways to find information:
- Most fertility clinics have valuable information on their website
- Speak to a clinic representative over the phone or in person
- Speak with current or former patients (via local infertility support groups)
Review fertility clinic success rates documented on the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies website. SART is the primary organization of professionals dedicated to the practice of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the United States. One of the most important functions of SART is to help patients locate and contact infertility clinics and view national and individual clinic IVF success rates.
Additional information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. According to the CDC the success rate of infertility clinic, is the ratio of how many live births are recorded for the clinic against the number of procedures which have been performed. This rate is calculated for all infertility facilities and it is designed to provide a general guide for non professionals. This allows the public a means to understand the overall efficacy of the infertility clinic and illustrate any potential differences between facilities.
Ask Questions
A fertility clinic is only as good as its doctors and staff. Questions to consider when choosing a fertility clinic include:
Do the doctors and staff take time to answer all of your questions?
It is never a good sign when you cannot get answers to your initial questions upfront. If the doctors or nurses aren’t willing to meet with you before you make your final choice, it is very possible that they may not have time for you when you are a patient. It is also important to determine if staff members are available to questions via email or over the phone throughout the course of treatment as well.
When and where were the doctors trained?
It is important to determine if they are board certified reproductive specialists. Are they members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)?
Does the fertility clinic have an andrologist and reproductive surgeon on staff?
If you’re dealing with male infertility issues, having an andrologist available is important. If you’re dealing with endometriosis or any other structural issues, a reproductive surgeon available at the clinic is definitely a plus.
How many reproductive specialists work at the clinic?
Will your case be managed by one doctor or a team, and who will you see during your visits? If your case is complex, having a team can be beneficial. On the other hand, seeing a different doctor at every appointment can feel rather impersonal.
How long have the director and staff been with the clinic?
The longer employees stay with the fertility clinic, the more likely the working environment runs smoothly, creating a positive atmosphere for you and your partner.
Before you choose a fertility clinic, be sure to meet the staff and take time to interview your potential doctor. You will want to find out if the staff is experienced with your fertility issues, and how they plan to work with you. If you decide to pursue testing and treatments, you may be working closely with the clinic staff for a long time, therefore, you will want to find a team that not only cares, but also knows how to best help you.
The Center of Reproductive Medicine (CORM) serves the greater southeast Texas area at three conveniently located clinics in Houston, Webster, and Beaumont. The fertility specialists at CORM are dedicated to providing a nurturing and positive experience for all fertility treatment patients. The entire professional staff at the Center of Reproductive Medicine work together as a team and are dedicated to examining and investigating the specific cause of each fertility issue, recommending and implementing the best infertility treatment with a minimally invasive approach. Call now to schedule a consultation with a CORM physician to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goal of becoming pregnant.