Mainstream media has made us all believe that getting pregnant is super easy and requires little to no medical intervention. The reality, however, is quite the opposite. Starting a family is a huge deal and requires planning for a majority part of it. Most couples consult with a gynaecologist to ensure good health, track monthly cycles, and know the best time to try to get pregnant. If you have been trying to conceive but have been unsuccessful so far, it’s time to see a fertility specialist.

But hold on, before you go and look up ‘fertility doctor near me‘ on Google and rush to see the first doctor on the list, you need to know what exactly to look for.

What is a Fertility Specialist?

Fertility specialist, also called infertility specialist, are medical professionals who have completed additional years of training and have specialised in treating infertility. Their expertise lies in diagnosing and treating infertility and recommending effective treatment plans for couples who are trying to get pregnant.

While the conversation to see a fertility specialist starts with your gynaecologist, it is important to find the best fit for you through adequate research.

What are you looking for in your infertility specialist?

A good place to start looking for the best fertility doctor is to write down what you’re looking for in your healthcare provider.

• Are you looking for a more experienced doctor or the outcome of the treatment?

• Does the size and space of the facility matter to you?

• Do you want the doctor to be accessible even if you’re not on the facility premises?

Answering these questions will give you a fair idea of what works and doesn’t work for you.

Seek advice from people who have consulted the best ivf doctor in your network.

Although still slightly stigmatized, fertility treatments have become more common and accessible to us. You may know someone in your social circle who has consulted and got treated under the guidance of a credible infertility specialist. Talk to them and inquire about the treatment cost, duration, and post-treatment care. Ask for their opinion and get a recommendation for treatment options too. This exercise will be far more insightful than simply looking up ‘ivf doctor near me‘.

Find a fertility clinic that suits you financially.

Fertility treatment services are expensive in general, irrespective of the type of treatment you choose. It is thus important for you to get quotations from multiple doctors/clinics and consider the finances as an important factor to consider before deciding on your doctor.

Ask questions.

When you meet with a potential ivf specialist, make sure to ask questions that give you a clear idea of what to expect during treatment as well as the finances involved. Ask about the prognosis, the fertility doctor’s success rate, the cost and duration of treatment, the nursing team, and counsellors on board for emotional support. All of these will play an important role in your decision-making process.

It is okay to get a second opinion.

Going through fertility treatment is a unique experience for every couple. If you find a good, reputed fertility doctor with positive reviews but still find it inadequate for your needs, know that it is okay to get a second opinion and try somewhere else.

It is immensely comforting to know that advanced technology has made it possible for many aspiring parents to conceive and have successful pregnancies. However, it is also undeniable that the process is complicated, expensive, and emotionally taxing. To make the process easier and smoother, finding the best infertility doctor is a top priority when you embark on this beautiful journey.