Selecting the right assisted reproductive technology (ART) program is a crucial step in addressing infertility challenges. It’s important to consider several factors regarding the program’s credibility, cost, convenience, and specific details. Here’s a series of questions designed to guide you in making an informed choice.
Regarding Credibility:
- Does the program adhere to the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)?
- Is the program a member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)?
- Is the IVF laboratory accredited by the American College of Pathologists and SART, or by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?
- Are the physicians board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility?
- Does the program report its results to the SART Registry and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?
Cost and Convenience:
- What pre-cycle screening tests are needed, what are their costs, and will they be covered by insurance?
- How much does the ART procedure cost, including medications per treatment cycle?
- Will I need to pay upfront? If so, how much, and what payment methods are accepted?
- If applicable, who is responsible for submitting bills to the insurance company?
- What are my financial obligations if the treatment cycle is canceled before egg retrieval or embryo transfer?
- What are the costs associated with embryo freezing, storage, and transfer?
- How much work time will my partner and I need to take off?
- If necessary, what low-cost lodging options are available?
Program Specifics:
- How many physicians will be involved in my care?
- To what extent can my own doctor participate in my treatment?
- What types of counseling and support services are available?
- Who do I contact (day or night) if an issue arises?
- Does the program freeze embryos?
- Are sperm donors, egg donors, or embryo donors available through the program?
- Is there an age or baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) limit?
- Do they offer intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)? If so, when and what is the cost?
- Is assisted hatching available? If yes, when and what is the cost?
- How many eggs/embryos are typically transferred?
The CDC is a great resource for finding ART success rates for each reporting program across the United States. It’s also wise to check for any significant changes in the program since the initial information was released in 2000, such as:
- Staff changes
- Changes in egg retrieval, embryo culture, or embryo transfer procedures
- Changes in the number of cycles performed
- Changes in miscarriage rates, live birth rates per initiated cycle, or multiple pregnancy rates
If you’re exploring at-home options, you might want to check out Make A Mom for their unique reusable insemination kit, or learn more about how home insemination works through their how it works page. Additionally, if you’re looking for a sperm donor, Vegas Pregnancy offers a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas. For more insights on the process, visit Healthline, which provides excellent resources on IVF and home insemination.
To further enhance your understanding of your anticipated timeline, you can check out our post on expected baby arrival dates. Also, consider visiting Modern Family Blog for more authoritative information on this topic.
In summary, choosing an ART program requires a careful evaluation of its credibility, associated costs, and the details of the services provided. By asking the right questions and utilizing available resources, you can make a well-informed decision that best meets your reproductive needs.