At CFC, a significant aspect of the daily routine involves engaging with surrogates on the topic of fertility doctors. Our team emphasizes the importance of understanding what to look for in a fertility doctor, recognizing the uniqueness of each fertility journey, and the need to approach the selection process as an interview. Above all, advocating for oneself is crucial throughout this significant process of choosing a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). The goal is to empower our surrogates to take an active role in their fertility journey and ensure they find the right professional support.
What is a fertility doctor?
A fertility doctor, also known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist, is a medical professional specializing in reproductive medicine. These doctors focus on diagnosing and treating issues related to fertility and reproductive health. They are trained in obstetrics and gynecology with additional specialization in reproductive endocrinology, which involves addressing hormonal functioning and its impact on reproductive health.
Fertility doctors work with individuals and couples who may be facing challenges in conceiving a child. They employ a variety of treatments and interventions, such as fertility medications, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), and surgical procedures to help individuals overcome fertility issues. Additionally, they provide guidance, support, and personalized treatment plans to help individuals achieve their reproductive goals.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fertility Specialist
The following are some important factors to consider when searching for your fertility doctor or service:
- Success/pregnancy rates
- Qualifications and experience of personnel
- Types of patients being treated
- Support services available
- Cost
- Convenience-Location
- Recommendations & Reputation
Success Rates of IVF doctor
To further your research, the success rates of reproductive clinics are available at the following links:
It is important to note that these numbers are two to three years old and can sometimes be reported differently by different centers, so these figures should not be the only factor that you consider.
Sample Questions to Ask a Fertility Doctor
The following are sample questions that may help you make an informed decision:
General Questions to ask at Fertility Consultation:
- What procedures do you offer?
- How much experience do you have in these procedures and what are your success rates?
- What are your criteria for seeing patients (e.g. waiting list, age limits, single vs. married, etc.)?
- What screening tests are required?
- What is the time commitment?
- Does the program meet and follow ASRM guidelines?
- Does the program report its results to the SART Registry and the CDC?
- Is the program a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology?
- How many physicians will be involved in my care?
- Are your physicians board certified in reproductive endocrinology and in good medical standing?
- What types of counseling and support services are available?
- Do you have an outline of the costs of the tests and procedures I may need?
- What are your available payment options?
- Is staff accessible to answer questions about treatment, forms, or payment?
- Do you accept insurance?
- What are the on-going storage costs of tissues (sperm, eggs, etc.)?
Specific Questions for IVF Doctor:
- What are your requirements/screening regarding surrogates? ie, Number of pregnancies, number of c-sections, BMI, etc.
- Are you open to using a protocol that an experienced surrogate has previously used (at another clinic), do you require medical records from previous deliveries? If so, at what point?
- Do you require surrogate (experienced) to travel to you for screening?
- Will you accept previous psychological assessments?
How to choose a fertility clinic
Choosing the right fertility clinic is a crucial step for surrogate mothers embarking on the rewarding journey of helping others build their families. Begin by researching and compiling a list of fertility clinics in your area, considering factors such as their reputation, success rates, and the expertise of their medical team. Seek recommendations from other surrogates or individuals who have undergone fertility treatments. Evaluate the clinic’s communication style and the level of support they offer to surrogate mothers throughout the process. Accessibility, financial considerations, and the range of services provided are also essential factors to weigh. Schedule visits or virtual consultations to get a feel for the clinic’s environment and ensure it aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a fertility clinic that not only meets your practical needs but also resonates with you on a personal level, fostering a positive and supportive experience throughout your surrogacy journey.
We hope that you will use this list as a guide when searching for a fertility clinic. We are of course available to help you with any research you may want to do as well. CFC’s personal referral service can assist with setting up appointments with various fertility clinics on your behalf. For further information about CFC explore our surrogacy agency reviews.