5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Choosing a Fertility Clinic
“Are you starting your fertility journey and on the hunt for your fertility clinic?
Maybe you already selected your clinic, but have yet to initiate any procedures. ”
In this article, I open up about what I sincerely wish I had known before making the crucial decision of choosing my fertility clinic. I’ll be honest, at that time, it didn't cross my mind too much; all I really wanted was a consultation regarding the possibility of freezing my eggs.
Coincidentally, a close friend of mine was at the beginning of her own fertility assessment, and she suggested her clinic and doctor.
The clinic happened to be just a 5-minute walk away, so I thought, ‘why not?’ I naively assumed that clinics couldn’t differ that drastically and that my friend had done her research.
Without doing my own research, which I now know is essential, I got a referral from my doctor and requested to see the same doctor my friend was seeing.
Needless to say the outcome was less than ideal for so many reasons.
So, after undergoing my fertility assessment and completing my first round of egg freezing, I came to the decision to switch clinics and I am so glad I did!
Here are five insights that I wish I had known before choosing my fertility clinic:
5 Insights I Wish I Had Before Choosing My Fertility Clinic
1. Start with the Clinic Reviews and Recommendations:
Begin your search by exploring the clinic website and perusing clinic reviews. Keep in mind to take reviews with a grain of salt (negative reviews are inevitable), but what you’re looking for are patterns that can provide valuable insights.
Look for common complaints about the clinic or consistent praise for certain doctors. On the website, see if they have resources or content geared towards supporting single mothers by choice.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to individuals who have actually undergone similar procedures at the clinic.
Their firsthand experiences can provide invaluable guidance as you make your decision.
2. Assess the Clinics or Doctor’s Success Rates
During your initial consultation, ask about the clinic's and/or doctor's success rates.
In Canada, the success rates are not prominently displayed, so discussing them with your doctor is important.
In the US, you might find clinic statistics on the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology’s website.
Some fertility clinics will highlight their success rates on their website. The thing to keep in mind is that success rates vary based on procedures and age groups, so focus on the rates relevant to your situation.
For my first egg freezing, I was not put on the right drug protocol based on such a low number of follicles that grew.
Whereas when I switched to the second clinic with a different doctor, I had tripled the number of follicles that grew. I did not ask my doctor about her success rates, but I wish I did.
3. Don't Hold Back Your Questions:
Use your first consultation as an opportunity to address all your queries.
Come prepared with your questions, as it’s not always easy to get an appointment with your doctor once the process starts.
Some areas to explore are getting to know your doctor, exploring your options, and understanding the entire process. .
Discuss topics like treatment plans, cost estimates, who will be managing your care, procedure specifics, age limits for procedures, and communication protocols.
Ask them, if you have more questions post appointment, how can you communicate with them moving forward.
Having a clear understanding upfront can alleviate a lot of the uncertainties and ensure you're making well-informed decisions.
I wish I had been more prepared when I had my first consultation and knew what to ask my doctor.
4. Access to Your Medical Team Matters:
This one is more important than you realize until you start your fertility journey.
Understand how you'll communicate with your medical team throughout your process.
The accessibility and support you receive from your nursing team and doctor will significantly impact your experience.
Ask at which point during the process you will be able to meet with the doctor and who will be performing your procedures.
Compare clinics in terms of communication methods—whether it's through an app, phone calls, or emails.
During my initial clinic experience, the communication was one way through an app for my protocol instructions.
It was a terrible experience. In contrast, my second clinic promptly called me after each visit, provided instructions and accommodated my questions.
Also, consider continuity of care, having a dedicated nurse and consistent support can provide a sense of comfort when experiencing challenges or in my case unexplained infertility.
5. Consider Your Comfort at the Clinic:
How you feel within the clinic environment matters. Tune into the overall atmosphere and interactions.
Are you greeted warmly? Is the administrative staff empathetic? Do you feel at ease when talking to nurses and technicians? How is the process when navigating through the clinic.
I really appreciated that when I checked in with the smiling receptionist, they would send me directly into a room versus having me sit in the waiting room with all the other couples.
It’s a small thing but it made my experience better not having to feel alone in my journey because I didn’t have a partner next to me. Listen to your gut and evaluate your comfort level from the moment you enter the clinic.
Feeling supported and at ease during each step of your visit is vital.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fertility clinic is a significant step in your journey to becoming a single mother by choice. By considering clinic reviews, success rates, open communication, access to your medical team, and your overall comfort, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs. Remember that this journey is about empowerment, and finding the right clinic partner can genuinely enhance your experience. Reflecting on my own experience, I wish I had asked more questions and understood what to look for in a fertility clinic. My hope is that these 5 insights will help you make a more informed decision.
Because no woman needs to go through this process alone.
- Reema
As you embark on this journey, I invite you to explore the depth of support I offer through my Choice Mom coaching services. With my extensive coaching experience and firsthand understanding of the challenges you're facing, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you're seeking clarity in your decision-making process, need guidance in navigating the complexities of becoming a single mother by choice, or simply wish to feel empowered and supported, I offer personalized coaching to meet your needs.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free 30min consultation to discuss if coaching is right for you.
Let's explore how we can work together to ensure your path to single motherhood is filled with confidence, clarity, and unwavering support. You can also connect with me on Instagram to learn more about my journey, coaching insights, and valuable resources.
