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Infertility

Choosing a Fertility Specialist

It is generally recommended that the selection process starts with looking for a board certified reproductive endocrinologist. Additional information is available through medical directories found in public libraries and through the RESOLVE physician referral list, which lists only fertility specialists that meet their special requirements in training and practice. RESOLVE is a national organization that provides information, support and advocacy for couple experiencing infertility.

When selecting your fertility specialist, we recommend that you ask questions like these:

Will you accept virtually all patients, regardless of their risk factors or fertility status?
What are your success rates and on what are they based on?
What kinds of services do you offer?
Will we be seeing one physician in the group?
Are you up to date with your technology, training, and research? Please describe.
Are you open 7 days a week for the convenience of patients?
Do you have counseling available for emotional and financial support?
Do you work with a particular urologist for evaluation of the male?

For in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, you should inquire as to whether or not:

the program is a member of SART
(the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology).
the laboratory is licensed and accredited.
the center submits annual data to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Overall, it's important to remember what you want from the fertility specialist. He/she should be compassionate, highly-skilled, and available for you questions. The practice should also offer a wide range of treatment options and design a special treatment plan that is right for you. You may also want to ask about the facilities themselves since you may be spending a lot of time there - where are they, are they accessible, are they modern and patient-friendly, do they have a private waiting area, how is the parking, etc. We suggest that you visit the facility in person to see for yourself, before you schedule your first appointment.