Couples can only get the answers they need about infertility and the options by asking the right questions. This is why couples must think about questions ahead of the consultation with a doctor or fertility specialist. Here are some common questions to help get the ball rolling.
Couples need to know exactly what is causing infertility. Around 15% of U.S. couples are infertile. The cause of fertility could be the woman but in about a one-third of the cases, the cause is male-factor infertility and many situations the cause of infertility is unknown. If there is an underlying condition, couples need to know if this will worsen or if the cause can be treated.
At this stage, couples will have already had some tests performed to determine the cause of infertility, but further tests may be needed. For example, blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, tests to look for blockages or scar tissue.
Treatment will depend on the cause of infertility. Treatment may involve a course of medication, surgery or both. If the cause cannot be treated, couples may wish to find out more about the options for in vitro fertilization (IVF)
When considering IVF, a couple should ask the fertility specialist about the success rate of the clinic. The specialist should be able to give couples the statistics for pregnancy rates as well as live birth rates. For example, the fertility treatment may have a 37% success rate, but only a 28% live birth rate per cycle.
Infertility is not an easy topic to discuss with friends and family or even with a health professional. Often couples are too nervous to ask the right questions; writing questions down before visiting with a physician can help when seeking out answers. Not getting the important answers can delay a couples’ IVF journey. Being armed with information prior to starting a fertility treatment is the best way to manage expectations and determine the best possible path to creating a family
