Fertility clinics give you access to a team of specialists that include reproductive endocrinologists (REIs), fertility nurses, and embryologists. This team will perform fertility tests, provide treatment support, and oversee laboratory procedures like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Because the right team may positively impact your journey, it’s important that you’re happy with your clinic and the care its staff provides. Keep the following considerations in mind when choosing a clinic.
First impressions matter, so it’s important to trust your initial feelings for the clinic’s people and environment. Treatment is very personally demanding—your clinic should be a place where you feel at ease.
Your fertility and sex life can be sensitive subjects. It’s important that you feel comfortable discussing personal topics and asking questions. Being as open as possible helps your doctor give specific advice that’s right for you.
Sometimes, clinical specialists work together in the same fertility clinic. Other times you may need to visit specialists at other clinics or hospitals.
Before choosing a clinic, ask about the doctors on staff and the support they will provide. Verifying if certain services like blood work or procedures are handled off-site can give you an idea of what you can expect in the future.
If you have coverage for fertility treatment, confirm that the clinic accepts your insurance and what services are covered under your plan.
Know that costs can vary from clinic to clinic. Ask to see a breakdown of what’s included in each treatment package.
Some clinics may also offer payment plans or financing for medications or more expensive treatment options—check to see if these options are available to you.
Learn more about the cost of fertility treatment here.
Many clinics offer additional treatment options, which may include technologies such as embryo, oocyte, or sperm freezing, or a donor bank.
Ensuring a clinic provides a full range of services can give you peace of mind that your fertility professionals will be able to fully support your needs.
For lab processes like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), embryologists keep embryos in special incubators that mimic the environment of the female body. Some labs may even use time-lapse technology that allows for more frequent, undisturbed viewing of embryo development, or workflow systems that help ensure lab organization and prevent lab errors.
Infertility treatment cycles can be physically and mentally exhausting. Having a network of emotional support throughout treatment is very important.
Check whether your clinic offers counseling, support groups, or resources to help you navigate your fertility journey.
It’s best to verify your eligibility before considering a treatment facility. If your insurance covers IVF, you’ll also want to make sure the clinic accepts your insurance, and find out if they are in-network.
Because fertility treatment cycles involve a lot of appointments, it’s important to consider a clinic that’s conveniently located. You should also ask about affiliated doctors and health centers, so you know how much travel may be needed for procedures or consultations that can’t be completed in-office.
Success rates can vary between clinics due to the types of patients they treat and the treatments they offer. When considering a clinic, ask how many treatments they’ve carried out, their clinical pregnancy rate, and their live birth rate each year for individuals like you.
It’s most important that you feel comfortable and confident in your healthcare team, so take your time to find the clinic that’s right for you. Creating a discussion guide before your appointment can help you organize your thoughts and remind you of the topics you want to discuss with your fertility doctor.
Organize your thoughts with this customizable guide that will help lead early discussions with your fertility specialist.
Find out what to expect at your first fertility visits, from initial tests to next steps in your journey.
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