If you have been facing the issues of reproductive challenges on your own and have been advised by your doctor that it’s time to consult a fertility treatment center, then of course you will want to know what to look for in such a facility. After all, this is not like figuring out where you’re going to eat lunch today ‘ a fertility treatment center may be a big part of your life for many years to come, and will be involved in one of the most sensitive and difficult issues that probably any couple will need to face. So then, what are some points to keep in mind?

Is It Close to Home?

Again, a fertility treatment center is probably going to be someplace that you will need to visit more than once, so it pays to have one that is within easy driving distance. Additionally, the tests and treatments that you will need to undergo may become somewhat uncomfortable, so you will want a place that is near home so that you can get back to bed as soon as possible! Most major hospitals in big cities have a fertility treatment center included in their OB/GYN section, so if you’ve been referred by your own gynecologist or urologist, you may ask him or her if they know of one close by. These centers are typically staffed by some of the best physicians around, and because they are in a large hospital, you can immediately be attended to if you develop any type of health complications from your treatments.

What is its Reputation?

A fertility treatment center is there for one reason and one reason only ‘ to help you and your partner get pregnant. Checking up on their success rate for such results is not out of line and you shouldn’t feel as if you’re being pushy or nosy.

Ask how long the doctors on staff have been performing the different procedures, how long they have been practicing, and when was the last time they went to a seminar on new treatments available.

Your potential fertility treatment center should be trying to win you over as a patient, so they should never act as if they are put off by your questions or are offended by your asking.

How do they treat you?

Some fertility treatment centers are run by a solo practitioner, others by 2 to 6 member groups, while others are ‘mega’ clinics with over 15 doctors. Regardless of the size of the group, be sure you are getting the attention you deserve. You should never feel like a number with a revolving door of doctors. Obviously they will have many patients to see in the course of any day, but if they are impatient or even downright rude with you, then it’s time to move on to the next fertility treatment center on your list. Remember, you will be paying them probably a good deal of money for your treatment and care, so you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity as well.

For some couples, they have tried to make all the lifestyle changes they possibly can, and realize that medical intervention is the only viable option for them. In this case, what are some common fertility treatments for these couples? What are the side effects, and are they typically successful?

Assisted Reproduction Fertility Treatments

Assisted Reproduction is the phrase used in the medical community to describe medical intervention for couples facing infertility. Here are some common fertility treatments and how they work:

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). This procedure which is also known as artificial insemination is often combined with hormone treatments to boost egg production, and can help couples with low sperm count, unexplained infertility, or cervical mucus problems. Semen is collected, and then delivered via a catheter inserted through the women’s vagina and cervix to her uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF may help those with pelvic or tubal damage, or male infertility. It is the most commonly used of all the fertility treatments available. The woman takes drugs to stimulate egg production, which are surgically removed. Then eggs and sperm (from her partner or a donor) are collected and combined outside the body, and inserted into her body to develop after fertilization takes place. “In vitro” means “in glass” (that is, in a test tube or laboratory dish).

Sperm Donation. Fertility treatments do also include those necessary when a male partner is not present or does not have viable sperm. This procedure is performed using sperm from a typically anonymous donor; of course, a sperm donor can be a male friend or associate.

Donated Egg. This can help those whose infertility problems are due to premature menopause or some other disruption of ovulation.

Surrogacy, Traditional and Gestational. In traditional surrogacy, another woman carries and gives birth to a baby conceived with her egg and your partner’s sperm (through artificial insemination). In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries and gives birth to a baby conceived with your egg and your partner’s sperm, then transferred as an embryo to her womb.

Fertility Treatments Available for You

The proper procedure that is best for you and your partner is one that only you or the two of you together can decide on, of course with your doctor’s help. Many of these fertility treatments listed are very expensive, so of course your own personal budget will need to be considered. Additionally, there are some who have religious beliefs or moral opinions about many of these fertility treatments, and of course this is a personal decision as well. The bottom line is that while so many of these options are becoming more and more common, and safer as well, the final decision will need to be yours. After all, you are the one who will need to live with the consequences and responsibility of this decision for the rest of your life. So, speak openly and honestly with your doctor and be sure that you completely understand all of these many choices so as to make the most informed decision possible.