by Iris Waichler, MSW, LCSW
One of the most important decisions you make as you begin your infertility treatment is selecting the right doctor. I was fortunate. I was working at a hospital that had an infertility clinic and a friend was the head nurse there. She helped me decide which doctor was the best fit for me. When I realized we were going to need help conceiving a baby, I knew my husband must be comfortable with our doctor. I set up an appointment and we prepared some questions. I decided to sit back and let the two of them get acquainted. The doctor had my husband’s immediate approval because of his buffalo belt buckle, and his story of traveling to Montana via motorcycle every summer to stop in small towns and meet the locals. I instantly liked him because he spent over an hour offering us his undivided attention, answering all our questions, and reassuring us that his experience and success with egg donor patients my age helped improve our chances of becoming parents.
If like me, you need more than “how I spent my summer vacation” as a criteria to select a fertility doctor, or reproductive endocrinologist, there are many places to go.
- The AFA Physician Network can be accessed here: http://theafa.org/resources/physician_network/all
This site also features a therapist referral network, as well as one that is focused primarily on LGBT friendly providers.
- The Centers for Disease Control site can be accessed here: http://www.cdc.gov/art/ART2007/PDF/COMPLETE_2007_ART.pdf
It offers a compilation of fertility treatment success rates from doctors and clinics all around the country. It takes 3 years to collate the data so the most recent report is 2007. The information is broken down by states, cities, patient age, and diagnosis.
- You can also check the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies site at http://www.sart.org/frame/detail.aspx?id=3893 . It offers similar information you can use to compare.
Unexpected things happen. Our clinic underwent internal staff upheaval and our doctor, along with others, was forbidden to see or contact patients. It was at a key time for us as we were undergoing our first embryo implantation. We were frustrated and angry. The clinic referred me to another doctor that would not take phone calls. We refused to work with that doctor because he wouldn’t speak with us to address our questions. People feel especially vulnerable during infertility treatment, but I strongly support self advocating if necessary. We ultimately worked with a physician that we interviewed over the phone, since timing was key in my treatment. We nicknamed him “the Lone Ranger” because he had his mask on when he did my implantation. We never did see his face, but the surgery was a success!
Spend time figuring out what is important to you when choosing your physician. Bedside manner, geographical proximity, years of experience with women of your age category and/or diagnosis, number of cycles performed annually, success rates in your age range, support staff, availability, and treatment philosophy are some key categories. Add some of your own. Do the research! It can make all the difference when you embark on your infertility treatment.
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