The decision to pursue treatment with a fertility clinic is not a casual one. Ultimately, you are trusting a clinic and its staff with a large financial, emotional, and physical investment.
So how can you be sure you're partnered with a clinic you can rely on?
Review the success rates: Look for clinics that have high success rates in terms of pregnancy and, importantly, live birth rates. These can typically be found on the clinic's website or by asking the clinic directly. Be mindful that there can often be several nuances to stated success rates like age and other factors, so it's important to be detailed in your evaluation.
Understand the reputation: Research the clinic's reputation by reading online reviews, asking for referrals from friends or family members, and speaking with healthcare professionals or others with direct and personal accounts who have experience with the clinic.
Vet staff experience and qualifications: Look for clinics with experienced and qualified staff, including fertility specialists (reproductive endocrinologists; REI for short) , nurses, and support staff. In general, you will also want to select a clinic that maintains a staff of embryologists on site to ensure your eggs / embryos are well-handled and protected.
Evaluate the range of services offered: Consider the range of services offered by the clinic, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), egg freezing, egg-donation, sperm-donation, and genetic testing. A clinic that offers a comprehensive set of clinical services is likely to be well-practiced, solicited by a broad range of women, and more adept at meeting your specific needs.
Ask about the facilities and technology: Consider the clinic's facilities and technology, such as state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and technology for fertility treatments. You should consider prioritizing a clinic that maintains an on-site lab, rather than one that ships and stores eggs and embryos off-site. On-site labs enable more direct oversight and protection of eggs and embryos, mitigate the risk of damage due to transfer and transport, and enable smoother turnaround times.
Align on patient support and care services: Look for clinics that provide comprehensive patient support and care, including emotional support, financial counseling, and guidance through the fertility treatment process.
Ensure transparency and communication: Choose a clinic that is transparent and communicative with patients, providing clear and concise information about the treatment options and expected outcomes. The fertility process will natural create a number of questions for you, so it will be important to select a partner that is responsive and equipped to support you throughout.
Still have questions? Contact a Conceivable Concierge for more information on how to evaluate fertility clinics, or schedule a free consultation!