10 Considerations for Choosing the Right Fertility Center

With roughly 1 in 8 Americans – 41 million people – struggling to conceive, it’s not surprising that I regularly meet people outside of my practice who have a lot of questions when they learn I am a reproductive endocrinologist providing fertility medicine. Their curiosity reflects the importance—and high stakes people place on the decision to pursue fertility treatment and the profound impact it can have on their futures.

From my perspective, it’s never too early for a woman—or a man—to reach out to their doctors if they suspect difficulty with their fertility. I tell people to consult with a physician for a consultation if they are under 35 and have been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for over a year, or six months if they are over 35, and less than that if they are over 40. Age plays a major role in fertility. If women have other conditions, including not menstruating regularly, having gone through chemo or if they’ve had radiation to their pelvis, a family history of early menopause or fertility troubles, a PCOS diagnosis—or if they think they should be seen sooner—they’re probably right. They should be their own advocates and make an appointment for an evaluation. Getting expert information—and reassurance—earlier in their journey can have a better impact on their outcome. There’s a lot we can do when we have the benefit of time.

The most common question people ask me, by far, is how to choose a fertility center. I work at RMA, which is recognized as a leading fertility center, so I’m biased. I’m incredibly proud of our stellar results. Over the past 25 years, we have empowered thousands of women to take control of their family planning through egg freezing and welcomed over 50,000 babies into loving families through the most advanced treatment options and patient-centered fertility care being offered today.

But one thing I’ve learned in my 15 years in this role is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every woman or couple. There are consistent ways to evaluate each clinic to find the one that fits you and aligns with your needs and values.

Here are 10 objective criteria to apply when choosing a fertility center:

1. Specialized Expertise: First and foremost, seek out a reproductive endocrinologist, these are OBGYN physicians who’ve been trained to evaluate and deliver specialized care to couples who wish to get pregnant. In addition you want to seek out a reputable clinic using the latest technology and techniques, and with deep expertise in delivering the kind of specialized care needed for treating your specific fertility issues. Whether you're dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or male factor infertility, choosing a center with experience in your particular condition can improve your chances of success.

Some centers are well-known for their robust research programs. You want to know if they prioritize research, publishing findings in medical journals and more. We actually offer fellowships and train the next generation of fertility specialists at RMA.

2. Success Rates: IVF centers are required by law to report their success rates to the CDC. You want to be able to see their track record of success in achieving pregnancies and live births. While success rates can vary depending on factors such as age and diagnosis, a clinic with consistently high success rates likely indicates a great deal of expertise and quality care.

3. Personalized Treatment Plans: Every individual's fertility journey is unique, and an ‘off the shelf” approach may not be suitable for you. Look for a clinic that offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and goals. You also want to know that your team is planning the most efficient care and use of resources—and prioritizing time-to-pregnancy as part of your care plan.

4. Comprehensive Services: Consider the range of services offered by the fertility center. From diagnostic testing and fertility preservation to assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), choose a clinic that provides comprehensive care under one roof. The heart of everything we do is onsite IVF laboratories.

5. Supportive Care Team: Infertility treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging, so it's essential to have a supportive care team by your side. Look for a clinic with compassionate and empathetic staff who prioritize your well-being throughout the entire treatment process. Every patient at RMA gets one-to-one nursing with their own dedicated nurse to guide them through the process.

6. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Assess the clinic's facilities and technology to ensure they meet high standards of quality and safety. State-of-the-art equipment and modern amenities can enhance the overall patient experience and contribute to better treatment outcomes.

7. Transparent Communication: Effective communication between you and your fertility care team is crucial for a successful treatment experience. Choose a clinic that values transparency and provides clear, honest, and timely information about your treatment options, progress, and any potential challenges.

8. Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Take the time to research patient reviews and testimonials to gain insight into others' experiences at the fertility center. Positive reviews and success stories can provide reassurance and confidence in your decision.

9. Cost and Insurance Coverage: Fertility treatment can be costly, so it’s essential to consider the financial aspects when choosing a clinic. Inquire about treatment costs, payment options, and insurance coverage to ensure you can afford the care you need.

10. Location and Accessibility: Finally, consider the clinic's location and accessibility. Choose a center that is convenient for you to access, considering factors such as travel time, parking, and public transportation options.

Ultimately, choosing a fertility center is a deeply personal decision based on each individual’s needs, preferences, and circumstances. Visiting clinics, reading reviews, and ultimately trusting the chemistry you experience with a clinician will factor into landing the right partner to help you navigate the journey to parenthood with support, expertise, and care. Recently, a patient named Sarah (not her real name) found me after failing to conceive with two rounds of IVF at another center.  Her friend had success at RMA and she was interested in utilizing PGT-A, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, a type of genetic testing used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, to improve her chances for success.

Working together, we formulated a plan that included IVF with genetic evaluation of her embryos during the first month of treatment.  Once she had several embryos cryopreserved, we set about treating her endometriosis in order to achieve the proper environment for implantation.  I am happy to say that Sarah was successful in her first transfer under my care!

Choosing the right fertility center involves doing your homework and making sure you find the center that has the best fit for your situation.