Your Guide for Starting Fertility Care in the New Year

This time of year creates a sense of hope and optimism, helping to prepare us for the future. For some, this may mean seeking help to start or grow your family. If you’re planning on starting fertility care, we’re here to help make that first step a little easier. Let’s explore some of the ways you can help set yourself up for success. 

What to do Before Starting Fertility Care

If you are having trouble getting pregnant, know that you’re not alone. Infertility affects nearly 15 million people in the U.S. each year—impacting women and men equally. A common question we hear is when to seek help for infertility.

Our fertility changes as we age, and the chances of becoming pregnant naturally are only 20% during any given month. However, women under 35 who have tried unsuccessfully to conceive for at least a year or women over the age of 35 who have tried unsuccessfully for more than six months should seek medical advice from a fertility specialist. 

While you don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor, there are some tasks you should keep in mind before starting fertility care. The most important thing is knowing what your goals are and what your dream family looks like. Being able to communicate this to your fertility specialist allows them to create a treatment plan best designed to get you there. 

Your doctor may have recommendations to help get you started, like getting your body mass index (BMI) to a specific number or calling for diagnostic tests such as blood work or an ultrasound. Having a notebook or folder where you can keep all your documents and notes is a great way to stay organized throughout the process.

It’s important to know what to look for in a fertility clinic, as well.

Finding the Best Fertility Treatment Option for You

The fertility center you choose will be your trusted partner on your journey to parenthood, so it’s important to thoroughly research all your options before committing to one. When looking for the right fertility center, there are four main factors to keep in mind:

• Success rate: Are the clinic’s success rates on par, if not higher, than the national average? Do they make unrealistic promises, like you can expect to get pregnant during one cycle of IVF?
• Location: Are there locations near you, or will you have to travel farther than you want to attend your appointments? Similarly, what days and hours are their clinics open, and is there someone who can help answer your questions outside of your appointments?
• Available services: What kind of specialties are offered? Are their doctors board-certified, ensuring you receive the highest quality care possible?
• Staff reputation: What are other patients saying about their experience? Does it seem like they are truly listening to their patients?

The team at Fertility Centers of New England is here to empower you right from the start. We offer skilled medical care with a personalized approach to finding the right treatment for you by working one-on-one to determine the best path forward. You can rely on our team to answer your questions at any time and provide honest advice and personalized care.

Access to care is one of the most important factors when undergoing treatment, allowing you to maintain balance in your life. With nine locations throughout New England—including our newest in Falmouth, Maine—you’ll have the flexibility to visit the office closest to where you live or work. We will always meet you where you are. 

Understanding Your Fertility Treatment Benefits

Cost can be a major hurdle when it comes to accessing fertility care. While some states have insurance mandates that either cover or help with the cost of treatment, many patients may have to use self-pay options.

If you do have fertility insurance, our staff will work with you to determine what is covered and how to get the most out of your plan. This all happens before you have your initial consultation. Keep in mind you can still get your appointment booked if you have renewals or new coverage starting in 2024.

We’ve created some of the most cost-competitive programs at Fertility Centers of New England. This includes our IVF Assist program, one of the most comprehensive and affordable programs available. Other financing options are available, including CapexMD loans, which you can get instant approval on. Our expert staff will work with you to determine which is best for you.

For more information on affording treatment, you can download our guide on navigating the cost of IVF treatment.

When you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to help. Contact us today with any questions you may have about starting fertility care in the New Year or to schedule your initial consultation.