Finding a Fertility Specialist
If you’re experiencing infertility, an important initial step in your infertility treatment is finding a fertility specialist. Finding the right fertility specialist for you is essential because it enables you to consider different infertility treatments, such as IVF and infertility drugs, as well as assess the costs of various treatment options. But what factors should you consider when looking for a fertility specialist and when should you look for a fertility specialist? What kinds of questions should you ask a fertility specialist during an initial consultation?
When Should You See A Fertility Specialist?
It is recommended that a woman see a fertility specialist if she is under the age of 35 and has been trying to get pregnant for a year, or if she is over 35 years old and has been trying to get pregnant without success for a period of 6 months.
How to Choose A Fertility Specialist
A fertility specialist can help you get pregnant more quickly and prevent unnecessary emotional and financial stress by identifying the exact cause of infertility in your individual case:
- Ask your doctor for a referral. Your doctor is an excellent place to start when it comes to finding a fertility specialist.
- Ask friends and family. Ask your loved ones who have undergone infertility treatment who they can recommend.
- Compile a list of reputable doctors in your area. Choosing a fertility specialist that lives close to you is advantageous because it reduces travel time, thereby reducing unnecessary stress.
Infertility Treatment and Insurance Coverage
Another important area to consider when starting infertility treatment is whether or not different treatment options are covered by your employer’s insurance plan.
Check with your human resources department or health insurance provider before beginning any infertility treatment plan.
Points to Discuss with A Fertility Specialist During An Initial Consultation
An initial consultation is a crucial step to finding the right fertility specialist for you.
Here are some important areas to discuss during an initial consultation:
- Background: Find out what the doctor’s medical background is. Ask about his qualifications: learn about what degrees he holds and any memberships he has with medical associations.
- Success Rate: Inquire about the specialist’s success rates with different ART treatments, including what percentage of patients have had a successful pregnancy with each type of treatment. In addition, be sure to inquire about what procedures the doctor himself has performed
- Doctor’s Accessibility: Learn about when and how you can contact the fertility specialist. Does she have a special call time during which she can attend to your questions? Will you be seeing the same doctor throughout the course of your infertility treatment?
- Accessibility of Services: Learn about the hours of operation of the labs and of different staff members. Find out whether tests and treatments are available on the weekends and whether certain services are also available at different locations.
- Costs: Learn about fee structures. Are there different payment plans available to you? What types of assisted fertility treatment options does your health plan cover?
- Support: Learn about whether the fertility centre has support groups in place, or whether fertility counseling is available through the clinic. Such fertility support networks can help you cope with infertility by alleviating much of the stress and anxiety that often accompanies the process
.
Be sure to write down your questions prior to meeting with a potential fertility specialist so that all your concerns are answered. Be sure also to write down answers to these questions during the consultation to help you make your decision.
