Embarking on the journey to parenthood is a life-changing decision, and selecting suitable fertility clinics, too, is a crucial step in the process for millions of hopeful parents each year. Whether you live in a rural area with only one or two clinics nearby or a metropolitan area with dozens of options, sorting through potential providers (and knowing how to evaluate them) can be overwhelming.
This blog will discuss the most critical factors when choosing the best fertility clinic. Finding a practice that aligns with your unique needs will ensure you have the smoothest experience possible and impact your chances of success.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR A FERTILITY DOCTOR:
If you are still trying to figure out where to turn as you begin your search for a fertility care provider, here are a few places to start.
- Your Obstetrics / Gynecologist: Ask your Gynecologist doctor about their recommended fertility specialist.
- Friends and family: If you are comfortable asking the trusted people in your life, you will likely discover that, for more than you expected, you have gone through infertility.
- Google: If you’re looking for information on fertility doctors and clinics, the internet can be an excellent tool to help you get started. By simply performing a quick online search, you can find a wealth of resources that can provide valuable insights into your area’s top fertility specialists and centers. From patient reviews and ratings to clinic success rates and treatment options, a plethora of information is available at your fingertips to help you make informed decisions about your fertility care. So, whether you are just starting your search or looking to switch providers, the internet is a great place to begin your journey toward building your family.
How do you choose the best Fertility Clinic?
When planning your fertility journey, choosing the right fertility clinic is paramount to your success. Even if you have already undergone unsuccessful treatment cycles, finding a clinic that meets your needs is still possible. By combing through reviews, websites, and referrals, you can better understand what each fertility clinic has to offer. This will enable you to make an informed decision and choose a clinic that aligns with your needs and preferences. With the right fertility clinic on your side, you can begin your journey towards parenthood with confidence and optimism.
As you begin your search, we recommend asking the following questions to help narrow your options and find the best fertility clinic.
- Are the doctors board-certified reproductive endocrinologists? Do they have the highest possible training in infertility and reproductive health?
- What makes a particular fertility doctor your best option? The robust medical education they undertake gives them the best tool to assess your unique situation and determine the best next steps. After years of intense training, they must pass extensive knowledge-based tests to receive their certification. In short, board-certified doctors are the elite option in family building.
- How many locations does the Fertility Centre have?How many doctors work at the Fertility Centre? The more doctors a center has, the more extensive their clinics tend to be. This can be necessary based on personal preference and proximity. Location is a significant factor in deciding which clinic fits you best.
- Multiple providers vs. single provider fertility clinics: Smaller practices offer pros such as establishing a closer relationship with your doctor and the clinic staff and feeling like you are receiving hyper-individualized care. However, they might also have cons, such as convenient appointment times, waiting lists, and fewer supplemental resources (on-site labs, nutrition counseling, and support groups). The pros could be convenient office locations for larger practices with multiple providers. There are many appointment slots, and they can offer supplemental resources like on-site labs, nutritional counseling, and support groups. The cons for a more extensive practice could be feeling like a number or seeing new faces in the clinic at each visit. That said, if an extensive practice is good at what they do, it will ensure you always feel comfortable and cared for, not just another number.
- What is the fertility clinic’s success rate? This is very important. Clinics that share their results are most committed to providing transparency to their future and current patients, as they must report accurately.
- How does the fertility clinic communicate with patients? As patients become more technologically savvy, fertility clinics should keep pace. It might not be the right fit if the clinic only communicates via phone, has a frustrating patient portal, or takes a long time to get better.
- Consider your preferences: Please take some time to consider your personal preferences before choosing a clinic. Do you prefer to communicate with your healthcare provider via text or message? Do you have any specific expectations regarding response time? How often do you prefer communicating with your primary doctors versus clinic nurses?
- Does the clinic perform extensive testing? Diagnostic testing is another critical component of modern, state-of-the-art clinics. Let’s discuss why and what testing services you should look for as you evaluate your options.
- Fertility Testing Facilities: Before jumping into fertility treatment, it’s essential to undergo extensive fertility testing to understand the root cause of infertility. Skipping the diagnostic stage will typically lead to more unsuccessful cycles, a longer time to pregnancy, and immense frustration- not to mention costing you a lot more money by taking the time to assess the shape and size of your uterus and the state of your fallopian tubes/ ovaries. Review your hormone levels via bloodwork, and your doctor will have a complete picture of what you need to succeed.
- What treatment options does the fertility clinic offer? For those new to the world of fertility, it may come as a surprise that there exist alternative options to in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF is an available option, it is only sometimes the most productive, and it is also the most invasive and expensive route to parenthood. If you are new to the world of fertility, you might be surprised to learn that there are other options than just heading straight to in vitro fertilization (IVF). While IVF does not offer the highest success rates, it is also the most invasive and expensive pathway to parenthood. Make sure you choose a clinic that gives you a variety of treatments and not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some examples of other therapies include timed intercourse, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), crypto preservation, and surrogacy. A clinic with a broad range of treatment options will give you the best chance for success and a positive experience.
- Do they have an in-house laboratory? Smaller fertility clinics will not have on-site embryology andrology labs, while larger practices might. Either way, your clinic must use the highest quality control standard within the labs they utilize. Consider where the clinic’s labs are located, how samples or gametes are transferred to and from the labs, and what quality-control procedures are in place. It would be best to feel comfortable and confident in every aspect of a clinic’s operation… even the parts you don’t see.
- What insurance do they accept? What is their pricing? If you are lucky enough to have coverage under your health insurance plan, one of the most important things to consider is whether the clinic accepts your insurance. That will help you cover much of the treatment cost. Unfortunately, many insurance policies still do not cover fertility. Make sure you are lapping into every benefit to which you are entitled. You can look into grants, loans, and financing options, including packages that fertility clinics might offer.
- Does the fertility clinic offer holistic support? All that’s needed for fertility treatment are lab coats, microscopes, and medical procedures. Still, many other ways to supplement your journey have been proven to increase your chances of having a baby and improve your experience.
- Does the clinic have a nutritionist who will help you establish a fertility–friendly diet or manage a particular health issue (such as PCOS)?
- What about mental health resources? The strain infertility can take on your emotional well-being, your relationship, and day-to-day life can be pretty challenging to navigate. Having the support of a professional counselor can make a world of difference.
- Are there support groups or yoga classes available? Supplemental offerings like these are not just simple perks a clinic can offer; they can genuinely affect your success as a patient.
With all these factors in mind, take a deep breath. Now you know where to look for a fertility clinic and what to ask to find the best one. Trust your gut instincts. Be confident in your decision, and always advocate for yourself first. Take advantage of every resource possible and tell your doctors at 9M Fertility Centre at Pune – Dr. Supriya Puranik, Dr. Nameeta Mokashi Bhalerao, and the fertility care team, all your queries and doubts to ensure we at 9M Fertility support you throughout your birthing journey.
From all of us here at 9M Fertility Centre at Aundh Pune, we wish you the best of luck on the path to parenthood.