I need IVF information, How to chose a doctor?

Question

I am looking into IVF. I know what the procedure includes but I have looked at a million websites and I am not sure how do you chose a doctor? There are so many and they all have wacky statistics.

All the money that gets dished out, I really want to make sure I pick a decent one. Sad thing is, where I live, there are only like 3 within 100 miles. They don't seem to have good success rates.

How do you pick a doctor? It all just seems so confusing to me.

I only have enough money to have one go at this. I have other children, the only reason I am doing IVF is because I was 21 and dumb and had my tubes burnt. Can't do the reversal due to back in '05 I had a ruptured tubal pregnancy. Lost my right tube. And of course, there really is no reversing a burnt tube.

I am hoping that all it will take is one try. I know all woman hope that.

I would adopt but the cost is so much for that.

So any advice, opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

Is there one that your doctor remands? I would start there. Then call all of them and see which one you fill the most comfortable with! I would say your chances are higher just because you have already been pregnant before! I wish I had the choice between clinics! I have 2 choices one is 500+ mile and the one my doctor uses in 800+ miles.

Answer 2

When we were looking at fertility clinics, we got some recommendations from our doctors . . . DH asked his primary and I asked my gynecologist.  We then called the recommedations and the ones in our area and requested more info.  They, or course, sent us all of the "pretty stats", dvds, brochures etc . . .

We then went to visit some of the clinics in person and set up times to meet with the doctors.  Some of the things that mattered to me were hours - I wanted a place that I could do testing before work and somewhere that was open on weekend in the event that my timing fell on the weekend . . . I didn't want them manipulating the meds and my body to work with their schedule!  Just to give you an idea, the place we selected did our IVF egg retrieval on Christmas Day!  When it is time . . .it is time!  I would hate to have my cycle cancelled because it was a holiday or someone was on vacation!

Most of all - it was about the doctor and his/her team.  Stats are good, but we were very impressed by the philosophy of our doctor.  He believed in reducing risks and reducing high multiple births whenever possible.  He was great at explaining things to us and someone was always available to answer any of our questions.  IVF is a long, stressful process . . . it is important that you trust and even like your doctors.

Almost forgot - our fertility clinic was also big in using alternative treatments along with fertility treatments.  They had a Mind / Body Support group that I participated in to help with the stress, they had a nutrionist and acupuncturist on staff, too.   Some women did acupuncture before and after their IVF and found it amazing, they also had counselors etc . . . it was a really supportive and nurturing environment.

Good luck!