What are the benefits of visiting a fertility clinic?
A fertility clinic can help you find out why you are having trouble getting pregnant and offer fertility treatments to help you achieve your goal. Fertility clinics provide access to a wide variety of services in one convenient location.
When you visit the clinic, you will have an in-depth consultation with a fertility specialist to help identify the cause of your infertility and discuss your treatment options. The clinic provides specialized onsite facilities where you can receive your fertility treatments and support from trained professionals.
What types of services do fertility clinics offer?
Fertility clinics offer a wide variety of services to help you conceive, including:
- fertility testing and diagnosis of fertility problems
- fertility treatments, such as ovulation induction, surgical fertility procedures, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
- counselling on the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment
The exact services offered may vary by clinic. Check with your clinic to see which services it offers.
What are my chances of getting pregnant with the help of a fertility clinic?
There is no simple answer to this question. Your chances of success will depend on your age, your reason for infertility, the fertility treatment used, and other factors in your medical history. The best way to find out your chances of getting pregnant is to talk to your fertility specialist.
If you are comparing success rates between clinics, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Common measures of success rates include those for intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization. Make sure that you’re looking at the data given your situation and don’t feel shy about asking for this information if you’re unable to find it.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Fertility-Clinic-FAQ
Why should I visit a fertility clinic?
If any of the following apply to you, it may be time to visit a fertility clinic (find a fertility clinic near you):
- you are under 35 years old and have not been able to get pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse
- you are over 35 years old and have not been able to get pregnant after 6 months of regular, unprotected intercourse
If you are having difficulty conceiving, a fertility clinic can help you find out the reason for your fertility problems and offer treatment options.
How do I choose the fertility clinic that's right for me?
Choosing a fertility clinic is a very personal decision. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
- Choose a clinic that's conveniently located: Check out websites such as Fertility Match to find fertility clinics in your area. Some provinces have their own registry of clinics that offer publicly funded services.
- Check the success rates: Visit the clinic's website or contact the clinic to learn about their success rates (chances of becoming pregnant). Keep in mind that success rates can depend on many factors including your age, your reason for infertility and the type of fertility treatment used.
- Contact clinic patients: To get a feeling for what it is like to be a patient at the clinic, reach out to others who have been through treatment at the clinic. You can find them through infertility support groups or blogs. Remember that everyone's experience is different, so try to contact more than one person.
- "Interview" a few clinics: Contact the clinics to find out which services, support, procedures, and payment options they offer.
- Take a field trip: Once you've narrowed down your choice to a few clinics, visit them in person to get a "gut feeling" for the clinic. Does it seem clean and organized? Do you feel comfortable and welcome?
Learn more about finding the right fertility clinic for you.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Fertility-Clinic-FAQ
How long does it usually take to get an appointment with a fertility clinic?
This varies between clinics, depending on the type of consultation or treatment you’re looking for. Ask the clinic how long you may have to wait for an appointment, and contact the clinic if you have not heard from them by this time.
How should I prepare for my first visit to a fertility clinic?
You'll get more out of your fertility clinic visit if you come prepared. Before your visit, take a few steps to get ready:
- Contact the clinic to confirm your appointment time, find out what to bring, and whether you should arrive a bit early.
- Clear plenty of time in you and your partner's schedule so you will not be rushed getting to the clinic.
- Make a list of any questions you may have about your fertility or fertility treatment.
What do I need to bring to my first fertility clinic appointment?
This depends on the clinic. Your clinic may ask you to bring the following:
- your health card
- your partner's health card (if your partner is coming with you to the appointment)
- your insurance information (and your partner's information if applicable)
- information about your medical history (some clinics also require a copy of your medical file along with certain blood test results and the results of any infertility tests you have already had)
Most clinics recommend that your partner (if you have one) should come along to your first visit. You should also bring your list of questions for your doctor and a pen and paper to take notes.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Fertility-Clinic-FAQ
Visiting a fertility clinic can feel like entering a whole new world. By learning the do's and don'ts, you can get more out of your fertility treatment.
What should I do to maximize my chances of getting pregnant?
DO prepare for your fertility clinic visit. You'll get more out of your fertility clinic visit if you come prepared. It can be helpful to gather ahead of time your medical history, as well as any potential treatment costs.
DO follow your fertility treatment instructions exactly. Some treatments have very particular instructions and timing. If you make a mistake in following the directions, your treatment could fail. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do for the treatment, and follow the instructions exactly. If you have any questions about what you should be doing, ask your doctor or nurse.
DO make any lifestyle changes recommended by your fertility clinic team. Because your lifestyle can impact your fertility, it's important to follow through on lifestyle changes recommended by your treatment team, such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.
What should I avoid?
DON'T wait too long before getting help. A woman's fertility drops with age, especially after age 35. If you're over 35 and have been trying to conceive for at least 6 months, seek help by finding a fertility clinic.
DON'T be afraid to ask questions. Your medical team at the fertility clinic is there to help. Even if your question seems embarrassing, don't worry – they're professionals, and they won't judge you. Before your visit, write down a list of questions to ask.
DON'T try any herbal medicines or supplements without checking with your fertility specialist. Some herbal medicines and supplements can affect your fertility or interfere with your fertility treatment. If you are considering a new herbal medicine or supplement, check with your fertility clinic team before starting it.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Fertility-Clinic-FAQ
