These and other questions are at the forefront when choosing the right fertility clinic. In this article, we look at the top tips when choosing the fertility clinic that suits your needs.
Where Is the Clinic Located?
The location of the fertility clinic is just as important as choosing the location of a house. A treatment plan can entail several visits at various times of the day, if only for a 20-minute appointment. Having access to a fertility clinic in Kitchener can save time, money, and headaches, especially if appointments are made during work hours.Are the Fertility Doctors Certified?
Only a reputable fertility clinic will have interviewed and gained reliable references of each of the staff members, particularly the fertility doctors and specialists. Having the peace of mind of being able to place your trust, and future, in the hands of a respected member of the medical field can help alleviate the stress of infertility treatments.How Much Experience Does the Clinic Have?
When investigating the status of the clinic, the length of time the clinic has been opened is not equivalent to the experience the doctors and nurses at the clinic have. In terms of success rates, discuss the experience your physicians have in performing various treatments. This can include the number of times the clinic has performed each treatment and the types of cases the treatment assisted.What Is the Clinic’s Success Rate?
Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions such as the success rate of the treatment clinic. Ask the representative for stats and written evidence, speak to former patients, and research the clinic online. It should be noted in Canada, a fertility treatment centre cannot commercially advertise success rates but can offer detailed information on their treatments and facility.Does the Clinic Have Its Own Lab?
When researching the types of treatments available, investigate the behind-the-scenes ability of the lab. Ask about the advanced technology used, the accreditations of the lab, and if any research is performed at the facility. While not all clinics have the funding to offer a range of services, it is important to know that the services you or your partner need will be available in some form of capacity.Are the Tests and Egg Fertilization Conducted in the Lab?
One of the largest concerns with choosing the right fertility clinic is the range of services available on-site. Inquire as to if specialized testing, the andrology lab, and the embryology lab are handled by one team to protect quality-control measures.Do the Doctors and Staff Answer Over Text, Email, or Phone?
As fertility treatments can be a complex process, it is important the couple has viable access to their appointed doctor and clinic staff. Consider a consultation to gauge the quality and quantity of communication before the treatment begins. A reputable team will be open to questions and regular contact for inquiries, concerns, and questions.What Treatments and Tests Does the Fertility Clinic Offer?
Before deciding which fertility clinic to use, know which treatments are available as the testing is as individual as the person themselves. Inquire whether all available treatments are offered at one facility or if any of the testing requires for samples or appointments at another facility.Look for a fertility clinic that offers:
- Female and male fertility assessment/investigation
- Natural cycle monitoring
- Ovulation induction
- Semen assessment
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
- Donor sperm insemination
- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)
- Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Blastocyst Culture
- Assisted Hatching
- Cryo-preservation of embryos, oocytes and sperm
- Third-party reproduction program (donor egg, donor sperm, and gestational carrier)
- Early pregnancy assessment clinic
- Treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss
- Medical management of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies
- Fertility options for same sex couples
- Fertility options for men with history of vasectomy
Do They Offer After-Service Support?
The journey to conception can be a long road full of ups and downs. It is important to work with a clinic that offers after-service support, regardless of the outcome. Services may includenutrition programs, acupuncture, counselling, and fitness programs to help boost your mood and encourage good health.
What Are the Financing and Funding Options?
As many fertility programs can cost thousands of dollars, there may be couples that delay treatment with some deciding it is not affordable. There are programs for fertility funding in Ontario. Before any monetary decision is made, discuss the following with a clinic representative.- Is Insurance Accepted? There are fertility treatment centres that are readily accepted by some personal insurance companies. Fertility insurance programs can cover a number of weeks, certain types of procedures, or a portion of the total cost of selected treatments.
- What Are the Costs for Various Tests and Treatments? The pay scale for fertility treatment depends on each clinic. Inquire on the pricing of tests and treatments. During the initial consultation, it is important to understand if the fee includes monitoring, prescribed medications, additional counselling services, and embryo storage.
