Hello,
From our Senior Health Editor, Olivia DeLong at BabyCenter:
1. What is a fertility clinic?
A fertility clinic is made up of reproductive endocrinologists, nurses, urologists, embryologists, phlebotomists and other specialists who specialize in infertility. These clinics provide support and care for couples experiencing fertility issues, offering procedures, protocols, and testing for those wishing to conceive.
2. When should a person consider going to a fertility clinic?
Your ob-gyn may recommend you see a fertility specialist if you've had regular, unprotected sex for more than a year without conceiving (or six months if you're older than 35).
Other individuals or couples may also choose to see a fertility specialist if they've been diagnosed with a condition that would impact fertility and would need fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures to become pregnant.
3. What should a person look for in a fertility clinic?
It's important that you feel comfortable at your clinic. Be sure you connect with your doctors and nurses, are able to ask questions, and generally feel at ease when visiting the clinic and talking to the staff members. You may have to have regular (sometimes daily) visits so it's important you are comfortable with your health team at the clinic.
Other things you'll want to consider:
-The services and procedures they provide: Do they just do IVF and IUI or will they also perform routine procedures such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy (HSG) or offer drug or supplement regimens?
-Logistical details, such as where the clinic is in relation to where you live and what their hours are.
-Payment plan options: Do they have financial options in case you need a payment plan or other arrangement?
4. What conditions can a fertility clinic treat?
Fertility clinics work with individuals or couples who are having trouble becoming pregnant. They offer medication protocols, certain surgeries or procedures, IUI, and IVF to treat fertility problems.
Medical protocols can include drugs like Clomid or even certain supplements like CoQ10 (or a combination of both), surgeries may include an HSG to check for blocked fallopian tubes, and of course, the main procedures IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization).
5. What are some risks of IVF?
Medication risks
Some side effects that usually come along with IVF protocols include bruising at the injection site, and other side effects such as vomiting, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge, mood swings, and fatigue. These symptoms are usually mild and don't last long. There is also the risk of over ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can be painful until egg retrieval. In very rare cases OHSS can cause more serious problems such as dehydration or trouble breathing.
Egg retrieval risks
Although risks are rare, some egg retrieval risks include: mild to moderate pelvic pain, injury to any nearby organs (very rare), or pelvic infection.
Transfer risks
There can be some mild cramping during the transfer, and you may have some spotting after the procedure. As with any surgery or procedure, there is the risk of infection, but you're likely to receive medication prior to -- or after -- the transfer to lower your risk.
Also, depending on your protocol and transfer plan, there is a higher risk of having multiples if more than one embryo is transferred.
Perinatal risks
According to ACOG, there are also some perinatal risks associated with IVF. These include: multifetal gestations, prematurity, low birth weight, small for gestational age, perinatal mortality, cesarean delivery, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, preeclampsia, and birth defects.
If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to ask. I am happy to field any inquiries.
Matthew Orsini
Sr. Media Relations Manager
What to Expect, BabyCenter
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