Sometimes, married couples are still not blessed with a child despite repeated efforts to conceive. In the past, this means that such couples would either have to adopt or to resign themselves to being childless. Fortunately, fertility treatments have advanced to such a degree that such couples can seek the advice and services of fertility specialists to help them have a child of their own.

Seeking fertility treatment

If you are one such couple, you may be pleased to know that there are many fertility specialists available in this country. Currently, many of them accept couples who approach them directly as well as those who are referred to them by another specialist.

Fertility centres offer the following services:

• Fertility treatments. In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common treatment that has a proven track record, and is often prescribed for many childless couples.
• Counselling. Many childless couples face emotionally stressful events that can affect their relationship. Counsellors will help guide couples to overcome these stressful events on their journey to conceive a child.

How do you choose?

You can do a little research on the choices available to you before settling on one you think is best for you.

• Compare success rates. This one is a bit tricky, as every woman’s success rate may differ from another woman’s, so a high overall success rate is no guarantee that you will become pregnant. Still, it doesn’t hurt to go to one that has a decent success rate. Just keep in mind that success rate should not be the only deciding factor.
• Ask questions. A reputable fertility centre will be upfront with you, even with less-than-pleasant facts or news. Generally, be on guard if they promise outrageous things such as 100% guaranteed success rate – a reputable centre would establish expectations among their clientele.

Once you have decided on a fertility centre, feel free to pick up the phone to schedule an appointment.

The best time to visit a fertility specialist is within the first 2 weeks of your period. This is the time when tests and examinations would offer the most accurate insight into your ability to have children.

The cost

Fertility treatments do not come cheap. A single in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, for example, may cost anywhere between RM14,000 and RM20,000 and some couples may need two or three IVF treatments before a successful pregnancy takes place. Additional costs may be incurred in the form of preliminary examinations, medications and more.

So, make sure you have your finances in order before you take the plunge!

The duration

Most types of fertility treatment nowadays cause only minimal disruption of your normal routine. Assuming all goes well (fingers crossed!), you will need to take a few days of leave to allow the fertility specialist to do the necessary.

Reference:

Mayo Clinic. Available at www.mayoclinic.com

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