It happens. You get the feeling. You’re ready to start a family. So you start trying. And trying. But nothing’s happening yet. You’re starting to wonder whether the stork needs directions! But don’t worry, it doesn’t necessarily mean something’s wrong. It might just mean you could use a little help.
The standard advice in the medical setting is that if you’re under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more, or if you’re over 35 and have been trying for at least six months, it’s a good time to see a fertility specialist. A fertility doctor can help determine why you might be struggling and provide the information or treatment you need to help you conceive.
Much like finding a great partner, a good job or the perfect pair of shoes, it’s important to weigh your options to find the right fit so you have the best possible experience. Here are some tips for how to find the fertility doctor that’s right for you.
1. Look around.
Perhaps the most obvious first step is to determine which fertility practices exist in or near your city or town. Your insurance provider might point you to a particular provider, or you can ask around to see who other patients recommend. There are also many websites that allow you to learn about success rates, read patient reviews and educate yourself about the process.
2. Do your research.
It’s important to do your own research and get to know the doctors with whom you might be working. What works for your friend or coworker might not be the right choice for you. That’s why you should spend some time understanding how different practices operate, what services they provide and what their business models look like. Are the doctors highly trained? Do you like the team’s communication style? Is the office location convenient? Are you comfortable with the amount of access you’ll have to your doctor? Think about what’s most important to you to feel like you’re getting the best experience.
3. Ask the right questions.
Asking the right questions will ensure that you have clear expectations about what your next steps will be. It will also ensure that you are comfortable and compatible with the team that will be walking you through your fertility journey. We recommend making a list of questions ahead of time to help you get the answers you need to find the right doctor, to understand options and recommendations for your specific situation, and to get a clear view of the timelines and costs associated with your treatment plan.
4. Learn about the science and the practice’s success rates.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been helping people in the United States get pregnant since 1981. The technology has come a long way in the last 40 years. As technology continues to advance, success rates are on the rise. Review a practice’s pregnancy rates and live birth rates resulting from fertility treatments. Chance are you will have better odds working with a practice that has higher success rates.
5. Understand the services the practice offers.
Different practices might offer different services. From medication to artificial insemination to in-vitro fertilization to surrogacy, there’s an entire spectrum of fertility services available today. Not every practice offers every service.
6. Evaluate potential costs.
Fertility treatment can be expensive. Depending on where you live and what insurance coverage you have, it can also be complicated to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Some states mandate full insurance coverage for IVF, while others might offer partial coverage or no coverage at all. Different fertility practices offer different billing structures and payment plans, too. Some might offer all-in-one packages where others allow you to pay as you go. It’s important to clarify with your provider what you can expect to pay for your treatment plan.
7. Trust your gut.
You know when something just “feels right?” It’s critical that you listen to your gut when deciding who to trust to help you achieve your dream of starting or expanding your family.
8. Consider Caperton Fertility Institute.
You have many choices when looking for a doctor, and we hope you’ll consider Caperton Fertility Institute. With clinics in Albuquerque, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, our team is comprised of Board-Certified OBGYNs and the only Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist living and working in New Mexico. CFI’s brand promise is compassionate care, advanced technology and proven success. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website.