Fertility Clinics

Fertility clinics assist individuals and couples in their efforts to become parents. Whether it is a first child or multiple children, a fertility clinic can help you achieve your goal of having a child. Read on to learn about the various services offered by these clinics and how they can help you become a parent. Regulations and self-regulation of fertility clinics vary. While there are some guidelines in place to protect patients, the industry remains largely regulated by the private sector. The United Kingdom, for example, requires clinics to be licensed, oversee the storage of embryos, and have a code of practice that they must abide by. In the United States, the government should consider enforcing regulations that force for-profit clinics to disclose the risks of multiple pregnancies and consider the number of treatments performed. Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of fertility treatments. Some fertility clinics have risk-sharing programs that require patients to pay a flat fee for six IVF cycles. These plans are generally around $20,000 and are refundable if the treatments fail. The reason they're called risk-sharing programs is that they share the risk for the treatments, so the clinic and patient are both at risk. After a consultation, a fertility clinic will examine your overall health and medical history. You'll be asked about your menstrual cycle, whether you've had any fertility treatments before, and the length of time you've been trying to conceive. You'll also be asked about the timing of your intercourse and whether you've had any previous complications or pains. It's important to choose a clinic that offers flexible appointment times that fit your schedule.