At the Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, we often meet with couples who come in with the misconception that fertility treatments have a low rate of success. They want to know the magic formula or medical secrets that will give their treatments the greatest chance of having a baby.
Our clinic has infertility treatments down to a science; we’re confident that we can help any couple eventually achieve a pregnancy. Because the process is such a crucial and significant moment in your life, we want you to feel just as confident as we are that you’ll achieve a pregnancy. So, here are some tips to help make your procedures more successful.
1. Know What to Expect
The first thing we’ll do when you come in for your first appointment is outline the possible causes of infertility, the tests and treatments involved to solve the problem, and the costs associated with those procedures (including what may be covered by insurance). We also spend a great deal of time discussing the natural chance of fertility each month; we can’t always expect a 100 percent fertilization rate every month, and it’s normal for treatments to take several months before we achieve a viable pregnancy. Going into your procedures with realistic expectations, instead of stressing out if you do not become successful in the first month or so, will lay the groundwork for success as we continue treatments.
2. Stress Less
It’s essential that you relax and stress less as you’re going through the treatment process. We know that’s easier said than done. But stress can be very detrimental if you’re trying to get pregnant. For example, when women are very stressed, their cycles can get disrupted and that can not only cause infertility, but interfere with our plans to overcome infertility as well. So as difficult as it may be to reduce stress during this challenging time, it’s important to trust the process and our team here at AZCREI.
3. Maintain Your Overall Health
Reducing your stress will aid in improving your overall health. You’ll also want to take other measures to maintain your wellbeing, because it’s important to be as healthy as possible going into your pregnancy. Eliminate activities that can potentially be detrimental to your pregnancy—like smoking, alcohol, or excessive caffeine—and start good habits like exercising and eating a nutrient-rich diet. We also encourage our patients to take extra folic acid or prenatal vitamins. If you’re not sure of how you should be taking care of your body before (or during) pregnancy, we’ll go over the types of vitamins you need and the steps you should be taking to maintain your health during your initial consultation at our office, and we’re always here to answer your questions.
4. Understand That We’re on Your Team
Everyone in our office—from Dr. Gelety to our front office staff—is on your side. Although every couple’s situation is different, we’ve done this hundreds of times and know what needs to be done to help you have a baby. There’s nothing that makes us happier than when our past patients come back holding their healthy bundle of joy; knowing we helped them achieve their dream of having a family gives our work meaning. Our team and experience are invaluable resources to you during this time; we’re here to help you through the process, listen to your concerns, and answer any questions you have along the way.
5. Commit to the Process
More than likely, you’ll have to visit our office several times for treatments and tests before you become pregnant and we can refer you to your OB/GYN. We’ll give you an idea of how many appointments will be required and approximately how long those appointments will take ahead of time so you can properly anticipate the time you’ll have to commit to the process. Our team is flexible, and we have a lot of experience in integrating the fertility treatments into our patients’ daily lives, but the appointments still need to be planned around your personal, work, and family’s schedules. It’s also important to stick with your medication or hormone schedules outside of the office too.
Our goal will always be to help you have a successful pregnancy. Our team at Arizona Center for Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility is here to walk with you through the process and help you start or grow your family. Contact us today by calling (520) 326-0001 or visit us online to schedule your visit.