If you've struggled with infertility, you know what it's like.Selecting a fertility clinic to help you on your journey is a tremendous decision that requires a lot of evaluation and planning.Take some time to evaluate the options available to you and compare at least 2 or 3 different clinics so you can find the best one for you.
Step 1: List the things that are important to you in the fertility clinic.
It's a very personal process to choose a fertility clinic.There are some things that would be important to anyone, but there are likely other things you don't care about.Some things to consider are: Treatments offered Eligibility criteria Counseling and emotional support services available Cost location The clinic's birth and multiple birth rates Compassion and empathy of staff Waiting time for sperm or eggs if applicable to your situation
Step 2: Talk to people you care about.
Friends and family can be great sources of emotional support if you are considering fertility treatment.You may need help before, during, and after treatment.If any of your friends or family members have undergone fertility treatment, they can give you advice.Recommendations from friends and family can be useful.Just because they favor a particular treatment doesn't mean it will be right for you.
Step 3: Ask your doctor to give you a recommendation.
Many of your doctor's patients have struggled with infertility.Your doctor may recommend a particular clinic based on their experiences.Your doctor knows more about the reputation of infertility specialists and the clinics where they work, so they can give you more valuable recommendations.It's a good idea to check out more places before making a decision if you have a strong recommendation from your doctor.Your doctor's recommendation is what it is.It doesn't mean that you have to use that clinic if it's not right for you.
Step 4: To find out what's covered, check with your insurance company.
Fertility treatments may not be covered by your insurance company if you rely on private insurance.Some insurers won't cover the costs of treatment even if the procedure is covered.Only 16 states in the US have laws regarding insurance coverage of fertility treatments, and only a few of them mandate coverage for private insurers.Even if the law doesn't mandate coverage, you can upgrade to a plan that includes fertility treatments.Fertility treatments may be covered by insurance in other countries.In the UK, fertility treatments are covered by the National Health Service.
Step 5: You can find fertility clinics in your area.
You can do a lot of research on fertility clinics online.Find out if your country has the authority to regulate fertility clinics.You can usually find a list of fertility clinics on the organization's website.To get an idea of the options available, you can type "fertility clinic" followed by the location's name.Fertility clinics have websites where they introduce you to their practice.There is a fertility clinic search available on the website of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in the UK.
Step 6: You can check the information on clinics websites.
If you're looking at a fertility clinic's website, keep in mind that these websites usually function as an advertisement for the clinics services, so the information available on the site may be skewed.Always verify the information on a clinic's website.If you are looking at clinics in the US, you can use the CDC's interactive map to verify their data.
Step 7: Personal visits to at least 2 or 3 clinics are recommended.
You should have at least 2 or 3 so you can compare if you have a longer list.To narrow down your choices, contact them to set up initial consultations and look at the information you found online.The initial consultation is free at most fertility clinics.They'll use that time to give you a tour of the facilities and explain a little about the treatments they offer and what you can expect if you decide to get treatment there.
Step 8: If you can't go to a clinic in person, schedule online interviews.
Depending on your situation, you may not be able to make it out to the clinic for a personal interview with the infertility specialist at a particular clinic.Many specialists will talk to you through video chat.Virtual tours on clinics' websites can be used to learn more about the facility and resources.
Step 9: There are questions to be asked at each clinic.
Asking the same questions at each clinic allows you to compare them more easily.You should ask what is important to you.What is your success rate with patients like me?Is it possible to breakdown the cost of your treatment?What other expenses might I have to pay that aren't included in the overall cost?How can I get in touch with you if I have a problem?What are the side effects of my medications?What kind of emotional support do you have?
Step 10: There are doctors and nurses at each clinic.
Typically, when you go to the clinic in person, you'll have the chance to talk to at least one infertility specialist as well as some nurses who work there.If you want to make sure you're choosing the best clinic for you, ask them any questions you have.It's probably not the right clinic for you if you don't feel comfortable opening up to the doctors or nurses about your medical history.If you want your fertility treatments to work, you have to trust the doctors and nurses who are working with you.
Step 11: Discuss the availability of emotional support.
Fertility treatments can cause anxiety and even depression.It's important that you have emotional support during and after your treatment.If you have a partner, they'll need emotional support as well.It's a good idea for a couple to have their own counseling sessions to discuss infertility issues.You might think that you don't need counseling because you have a close friend or family member who you often go to for guidance and emotional support.Friends and family members are not a substitute for a professional.
Step 12: You can talk to patients if you have their names.
Patients can give you an idea of what the treatment process is like and how they got along with the doctors and nurses.Talking to former or current patients gives you an idea of what to look out for.Patients who have nothing but praise for the clinic should not mention anything negative about their experience.It's a roller coaster of an experience when it comes to fertility treatment.A patient's experience is unlikely to be perfect.
Step 13: The different clinics have different services.
You should have enough information to compare the clinics you've visited after conducting your interviews.You should highlight the answers you liked and consider the clinics that made you feel more comfortable.You should reach out to the clinics if you have any more questions after you've gone over the information.Full information is needed to make a decision.
Step 14: The total cost for each clinic should be computed.
An overall cost for treatment is likely quoted by each clinic.Everything you will need to complete treatment may not have been included in the blanket cost.If you end up needing multiple cycles of treatment, you'll want to know how much it will cost.You have to pay extra for counseling sessions if the clinic has counselors on staff.The total cost of treatment is not included by many clinics.If a cycle is unsuccessful, some clinics will give you a partial refund, so you can use that money to pay for another cycle.
Step 15: Do you have a budget?
Before you make a final decision on which fertility clinic you want to use, it's a good idea to sit down and figure out how you're going to pay for it.Fertility treatments can cost $30,000 in the US if your insurance doesn't cover them.Financing options are available if your fertility treatments are not covered by insurance.Taking out a loan is required for these options.Before you accept the loan, make sure you can afford the payments.There are scholarships available for fertility treatments.Some give you a cash reward while others provide you with free services.If you want your treatments to be more affordable, talk to your doctor or infertility specialist.
Step 16: Once you have decided which one you want, contact the clinics you visited.
It's a good idea to call or email the other clinics you visited and let them know you've decided not to use them.Call the clinic you've chosen first to make sure they can still accommodate you.When making a decision, don't be afraid to go with your gut.Getting fertility treatment is emotional and personal.The staff at the clinic and your comfort with them are more important than anything else.