Knowing what fertility clinics do can help you navigate your options and ensure that you receive the appropriate care and support on your journey to parenthood.
Read more about fertility clinics for surrogacy here, or fill out our online form and get help connecting to all of the with a fertility clinic today.
What is a Fertility Clinic?
A fertility clinic is a medical facility specializing in diagnosing and treating infertility issues. These clinics provide a range of services designed to help individuals and couples conceive, offering advanced reproductive technologies and personalized care. Whether you’re facing challenges with conception or seeking assistance through surrogacy, a fertility clinic can be an invaluable partner in your journey.
What Do Fertility Clinics Do?
Fertility clinics offer various services, including:
- Infertility Testing: Comprehensive evaluations to identify potential fertility issues.
- Infertility Treatment: A variety of treatment options tailored to individual needs.
- Specialized Procedures: Advanced techniques to maximize the chances of conception.
Each fertility clinic has slightly different services, so you can’t expect every clinic to do everything we list, but as you research your clinic, you can ask about the services here and whether you may need them.
Infertility Testing
To begin the journey, fertility clinics conduct thorough infertility testing, which may include:
- Bloodwork: Assessing hormone levels and overall reproductive health.
- Ultrasound: Visualizing the reproductive organs to detect abnormalities.
- Hysteroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the uterus.
- Semen Analysis: Evaluating sperm quality and quantity.
Procedures Done at Fertility Clinics
Fertility clinics perform several key procedures to assist with conception. Here’s a breakdown of some common methods:
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
A procedure where sperm is directly placed into the uterus to facilitate fertilization.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
An advanced treatment involving the retrieval of eggs and sperm, which are combined in a lab to create embryos before being transferred back to the uterus.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
A specialized form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, often used in cases of male infertility.
Egg Retrieval
A procedure in which mature eggs are collected from the ovaries, typically performed under sedation.
Embryo Transfer
A thin catheter is inserted through the cervix and into the intended mother’s or surrogate’s uterus, where the selected embryos are deposited for implantation.
Specialized Services
In addition to standard procedures, fertility clinics often offer specialized services, including:
- PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): Screening embryos for genetic conditions before transfer.
- Egg, Sperm, or Embryo Freezing: Preserving reproductive materials for future use.
- Egg and Sperm Donation: Facilitating donor programs for individuals needing donor eggs or sperm.
How Fertility Clinics Work
The process at a fertility clinic typically involves:
- Initial Consultation: Meeting with a fertility specialist to discuss your medical history and concerns.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Developing a tailored plan based on your specific needs and fertility goals.
- Monitoring and Follow-Up Procedures: Regular check-ups and assessments throughout the treatment process to ensure everything is progressing as planned.
When choosing a fertility clinic, it's important to research the services they offer, their success rates, and the areas of expertise of their staff. This ensures that you select a clinic equipped to address your unique fertility challenges.
Fill out our online form to get recommendations from our surrogacy specialists for clinics that families have used successfully.
Key Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
To make the most of your consultation, consider asking the following questions:
- What services do you offer?
- What are your success rates for treatments similar to mine?
- What are the qualifications and experience of your staff?
- What are the costs associated with the treatments, and do you offer financing options?
- How will my treatment plan be monitored, and what can I expect during follow-ups?
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you go to a fertility clinic?
During your first visit, you’ll meet with a specialist who will assess your medical history, conduct necessary tests, and discuss potential treatment options.
Why do people go to fertility clinics?
People visit fertility clinics for various reasons, including difficulty conceiving, recurrent pregnancy loss, or the desire to use assisted reproductive technologies.
What is done in a fertility clinic?
Fertility clinics provide diagnostic testing, various fertility treatments, and advanced reproductive procedures to help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy.
What is the process at a fertility clinic?
The process typically involves an initial consultation, testing, creating a personalized treatment plan, and ongoing monitoring throughout the treatment.