Infertility Support Group

In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.

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mommatobe 09/21/2014

After a year and a half my husband and I have decided to seek out a fertility clinic. My normal OB recommended a clinic that is connected to a huge hospital and has a very large staff. I was also recommended to a one doctor clinic by a friend. The larger clinic seems very credible and I am sure my doctor would not recommend a clinic that was not a a good one. The smaller clinic has a doctor who's wife experienced the EXACT same fertility issues I am. His ratings are great and regardless of the size of the clinic he seems to have more experience with my condition (endo). How do I choose? My insurance covers NOTHING and both clinics are over two hours away. Any suggestions? Also, what are some things I should be looking into when deciding on a clinic?

YvonneKB 09/22/2014

You can go to the www.SART.org website and pull up both clinics to compare their statistics. I'd also go to their individual websites to see if they have any testimonials and sometimes (since you'll be paying out of pocket), they list the prices they charge for various procedures on the website.
Good luck to you.

deleted_user 09/22/2014

Make sure you look at the hours they are open and the days too. Some small clinics do big procedures in bigger towns as well. For example, the clinic closest to me is 45 minutes away.... I could see a doctor there and get ultrasounds & blood work. No IVF's, IUI's, saline washes, etc. were performed there. You had to drive an additional 1.5 hours for those.
I also chose based on how many practicing doctors were at each clinic. The more doctors, the better!!!

Good luck!!

PolkaDotGirl 09/22/2014

I would meet with both for consultations, and then decide.

LMWT 09/23/2014

I agree with polkadot... I would have a consult with both and decide from there. All docs have different bedside manner and your gut feeling may tell you which way you should go. I have gone to both a larger, newer clinic with 3 docs as well as a smaller older clinic with one doc. They both have their pros and cons. But I am sure after meeting the docs and some of their staff you will know who to go with.

Good luck!

MRSstrong 09/23/2014

First, good luck with getting an RE and beginning the process. It seems scary at first, but is so empowering!

There are so many factors to look into, so weigh those that mean the most to you. You can look up each Dr's success rates, and read about how people like the staff. If you get to IVF, you will most likely be conversing with nurses more than your Dr, so it's good to feel comfortable with everyone. Different places also have different costs and shared plans which can be helpful. Maybe one of the places even has affiliations with a clinic close to you, so you can have most of your blood work done closer to home? It's worth asking.

I wish you luck!

hsteacher 09/23/2014

I went to two different places for consult. One was 45 min and the other 4 hours away....I went with the 4 hour away simply because of bedside manner, statistics and word of mouth from others. Best wishes

hineschica 09/24/2014

Definitely take logistics into mind, but comfort is also a huge factor. I've heard it said that you wand to "love" your RE and/or staff. Depending on where your journey takes you, you might be talking to and seeing these people every day or multiple times a week. You want to make sure you feel completely comfortable with them, can ask all the questions you want to ask without feeling like a burden, can cry on them if your emotions so require, and can get the care you need.

Good luck!

mommatobe 09/25/2014

Thank you so much for all the advice. First consultation is scheduled for the 6th of October.

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