Choosing the right fertility center is all about research and preparation. Conception and fertility are naturally fraught with emotion, and finding not only a successful clinic but a supportive one is the key to having the best possible outcome and the best experience possible in an otherwise stressful endeavor. Before deciding to visit any fertility center, you should research what exactly is involved in fertility treatments and determine how far you are willing to go in the process. From this point, research into the fertility centers available and interviews with the different specialists associated with the center will help you make an informed decision on how to proceed with your goal of having a biological child.
Following the exhaustion of all private attempts to become pregnant, many couples chose to participate in fertility treatments in the hopes of having a child of their own. These treatments have advanced considerably over the years, but they can include invasive and painful testing, regular ingestion or injection of strong drugs and hormones and undergoing stressful and uncomfortable procedures. Treatment also can involve a lot of paperwork, including charting each fertility cycle, as well as regular visits to the fertility center to chart progress. Doing research into the process of fertility treatments can prepare couples for the road that lies ahead.
After you have a good idea of the types of fertility treatments available, choosing the right fertility center is the next step. Some countries maintain a database that documents the success rates of every registered fertility center in the country. This can provide a starting point for you to choose a center. It is important to keep in mind, however, that the success rate of the fertility center is not the most important aspect. It also is important that the center is accredited by a regulating agency in your country.
After you have made a short list of possible centers, it is time to dig deeper into each of them. Research the history of each center, making sure that it has good quality control, has strong ethics and has not been a part of any major lawsuits. Following this step, make an appointment to tour fertility centers and meet with the specialists with whom you would be working.
Before the interviews, come up with a list of questions to ask. Questions such as how long the staff has been working there, what procedures are done, what the age limits for treatment are, how many eggs are transplanted during in vitro fertilization and how many cycles are done per year are good starting points. If at any time, the clinic staff seems too rushed or impatient with the questions being asked, it is best to move on to the next fertility center. One of the most important parts of fertility treatments is the attention to detail and the flow of information between doctor and patient. The staff being unwilling or unable to answer questions is a good indicator that the center might not have its patients’ best interest in mind.
Choosing the right fertility center can seem daunting. It also can be stressful, especially when the procedures themselves can be confusing and emotionally draining. Thorough research and visits to the center can relieve a lot of the strain placed on you when making this life-altering decision. This will allow you to choose the best possible fertility center to help you bring your future child into the world safely.