When choosing a fertility specialist, it’s not always an easy decision. In fact, there’s much to consider before you and your partner make your choice. In performing your due diligence its essential to review the clinic as a whole. After all these are the people with whom you’ll take the most important journey of your life; the path to parenthood.
Fertility treatment is a complex process influenced by a number of factors both personal and clinical. Before you begin treatment, you want the surety that your doctor and support staff are not only a good fit medically but actually make you feel a part of the process. You want to proceed with confidence that you’ve chosen well. Here we offer seven factors we believe important when choosing a fertility specialist.
Factors That May Affect In Selecting Your Specialist
Obviously, conditions may change over time so always confirm the most recent reviews and data. Remember fertility treatment is first and foremost a personal experience so schedule a consultation before you decide on a fertility specialist. What you’re going through is highly emotional and often stressful. Your emotional comfort is important to your success. Here are our top seven factors to consider before choosing a fertility specialist.
- Location
When you’re undergoing treatment, you’ll make frequent visits to your clinic. Appointments for testing, monitoring your ovulatory process, administering certain medications, egg retrieval and implantation all take place in the clinic. That means you’ll want a convenient location.
However, if you live in a remote area or very small town look for a clinic near a larger metropolitan area. Consider the success of your treatment depends on the quality of the lab as well as the embryologist. Typically, clinics in larger cities have labs that use more advanced technology than smaller or more remote areas. Be sure you inquire about the lab your clinic uses.
- Availability
Your fertility specialist may be right next door, but if their hours don’t align with your schedule you may have conflicts. The clinic should at least offer early, late or weekend opportunities for bloodwork and monitoring. Additionally before choosing a fertility specialist make sure they offer immediate response and a 24/7 hotline, including during weekends and holidays, when you have urgent questions or concerns.
- Success Rates
Of course, you should consider the success rates of your fertility specialist before you choose. The success rates and stories of success offer a way to narrow your search. But please keep in mind each and every case of infertility is unique and success depends on diagnosis and the course of treatment.
- Doctors’ Expertise
Before choosing a fertility specialist consider the doctors’ expertise. Most clinics have a few doctors on staff. As a fertility specialist, the physician with whom you work must be a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist (REI).
Double board-certified REIs have a thorough understanding of the female reproductive system as well as reproductive biology. A fertility specialist REI goes through a more comprehensive training (3 years more) than a general OB-GYN. This training provides the necessary understanding of the reproduction process enabling the physician to navigate the steps involved in advanced reproductive technology. If a fertility specialist does not have these credentials, keep moving.
- Support Services
Fertility treatment is a holistic undertaking. That means make sure your clinic offers support services before choosing a fertility specialist. Services such as nutritional support and counseling, emotional wellbeing and mental health services, peer support groups and the like. Although the clinic may not actually employ dietitians, counselors or sponsor a support group they should offer referrals. These support services contribute greatly to the overall success of your fertility treatment journey.
- Reviews
Infertility impacts one in eight females in the US. That means you’ll find plenty of reviews online for fertility specialists. There are doctor-specific review sites with detailed patient reviews of your potential fertility specialist. These reviews may offer some insight into the clinic and the doctor. You should consider those factors before choosing a fertility specialist.
- The “Vibe”
Ultimately, trust your gut. Did you leave the consultation feeling cautiously optimistic? Were you uncomfortable? Did the physician and support staff (treatment coordinator, financial person, clinicians) listen to you and answer your questions to your satisfaction? Or did you feel rushed through any aspect of the consultation? How does your partner feel? Compare notes and trust your instinct before choosing a fertility specialist.
Your Goals Are Our Goals
Choosing the right fertility specialist is instrumental to your fertility treatment success. Consider these seven factors and take notes during your consultation. Contact LA IVF before choosing a fertility specialist. Our staff is knowledgeable, professional and, above all, compassionate. Your goals are our goals and we’ll do all we can on our journey together.
