If you are having trouble conceiving or know someone who is then you’re not alone. In fact, one out of every six couples of reproductive age who are trying to have a baby is unable to do so.
But where do you start in the quest for help in having a baby? The first step is to find out if you do indeed have an infertility problem.
Some obstetrician-gynecologists and urologists are trained to deal with patients having difficulty getting pregnant.
Doctors with specific training who specialize in infertility are often board certified in reproductive endocrinology, which means the doctor has also passed a rigorous examination in the field. Experience is the most important characteristic in infertility treatment.
Fertility Clinics and Infertility Specialists
The best place to go for in-depth analysis of a fertility problem is a fertility clinic – a program of fertility specialists offering a range of fertility services, including ART. These programs differ from one clinic to the next, but the basic services are quite similar. Most patients are referred to an ART program by their doctor.
Many clinics offer a team approach, which usually includes a reproductive endocrinologist responsible for ovulation stimulation, egg recovery and embryo transfer, and for monitoring once the embryos have been returned to the uterus.
The laboratory director is responsible for preparing the eggs and sperm, for the embryo culture, and for any required freezing (cryopreservation), thawing, and intracytoplasmic sperm insemination (ICSI). The nurse coordinator interacts with the patients and the other team members. Many clinics also include mental health counselling in addition to ultrasound experts and endocrine lab staff. Large clinics usually offer a wide range of services, although smaller programs with smaller patient loads may achieve good results as well.
Tips for Choosing A Top Fertility Clinic – Success Rates
All clinics should provide documentation on success rate statistics as well as a breakdown by age and diagnosis. When comparing fertility services, ask how the success rates are calculated.
And because some services cite only national statistics when discussing success rates, couples should be wary of claims not based on a provider’s own experience. Keep in mind that the success rate should be for those who fit your particular patient profile, such as their age and cause of infertility.
Couples should ask about the staff’s medical training, how long the service has existed, and how many patients it has treated. To get an idea of a program’s strengths and weaknesses, talk with former or current patients. Consumers should evaluate how each fertility service tabulates its success rate and consider how meaningful these figures are.
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