Infertility is on the rise, and it’s becoming one of the common reproductive health challenges affecting many couples. Treatment is personalised to the specific cause of infertility and may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or advanced fertility treatments such as IVF when clinically needed. Hence, couples should remain attentive while choosing an IVF clinic. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Amrita Singh, a fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Preet Vihar, Delhi, shared certain questions that couples should ask before deciding on the right clinic for them.
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What is the clinic’s experience and expertise in this area?
Dr Amrita highlighted that couples need to choose a clinic with experienced fertility specialists, trained embryologists, and supportive staff, which will be critical when dealing with complex cases.
How important is the IVF laboratory when selecting a fertility clinic?
The IVF laboratory is critical because this is where things like fertilisation, embryo culture, and embryo selection happen. “Patients should ask about the laboratory’s quality standards, safety protocols, accreditation, air quality controls, electronic witnessing systems, and the expertise of the embryology team,” said Dr Amrita. A good laboratory with strong quality controls can be an important contributor to the safety of the embryo, consistency, and successful outcomes of treatment.
Do they have transparent pricing and financial counselling?
“Fertility treatment can include a number of components, including consultations, investigations, medications, and procedures. Couples should ask for a clear breakdown of all the costs they will be expected to pay so they can see if there are any hidden costs during the treatment,” Dr Amrita highlighted. The clinic should be able to provide financial counselling and flexible payment options, which include EMI facilities, to help patients plan and manage the financial aspects of their fertility treatment.
What are the success rates of the clinic?
Visit the fertility consultant and understand about the age-specific success rates, as the results can vary based on individual factors.
Does the clinic provide comprehensive fertility diagnostics and treatment?
The clinic should help couples with tailor-made treatment plans and even diagnostic testing. The clinic should include treatments like IUI, ICSI, fertility preservation, and donor programs along with the IVF procedure. This will help couples to seek the right treatment at the right time.
Will the clinic be able to offer emotional support?
The infertility journey in itself can be emotionally taxing for couples. Counselling and patient support services can be beneficial for couples.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
