Realizing it’s time to seek fertility care can be hard and we know that facing fertility challenges is a heavy, stressful and often lonely time. Many of us have been where you are now and understand the tremendous amount of strength it takes to make that first step. You’re not alone. 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy and knowing when to seek help ensures that all available options are as effective as possible.
Realizing it’s time to seek fertility care can be hard and we know that facing fertility challenges is a heavy, stressful and often lonely time. Many of us have been where you are now and understand the tremendous amount of strength it takes to make that first step. But you’re not alone. 1 in 8 couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy and knowing when to seek help ensures that all available options are as effective as possible.
If you’re a couple and have been attempting pregnancy without success for over a year (or less if you’re over 35), it’s time to talk. If you’ve been trying for less time but are still concerned, it’s never too soon to seek help or just some useful information.
While a referral isn’t necessary, you can always ask your doctor for one. Your first visit is a chance for us to get to know one another and plan for some simple testing which will help us to determine which treatment option is right for you. Even if you decide not to pursue treatment, you’ll gain valuable information, allowing you to better plan for the future, so there’s never any pressure.
If you’ve already taken the next step of scheduling a consultation or are considering it, we hope the following information helps you to learn more about what to expect, making the unknown a little less intimidating.
Allow plenty of time when planning your schedule for the day. You can expect to be at our center for approximately 90 minutes during your first encounter. In order to maximize your time and experience during the appointment, we recommend the following prior to your arrival:
First and foremost, you’ll have ample time to meet with your physician, an important opportunity for you to learn about one another. Your medical and reproductive history will be discussed in detail, as well as any prior fertility testing and/or treatment you may have already had. The focus of the initial visit is making a plan for evaluation/testing which, typically, begins that very day. Once complete, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled when results will be discussed and a treatment plan made.
Following your visit with your physician, you’ll have an opportunity for discussion with one of our financial counselors regarding the financial/insurance implications of the proposed evaluation. They’re here for you, so feel free to ask any questions you may have. Questions will certainly arise following your first appointment, but no need to worry. You’ll meet with them, again, once you and your physician have discussed treatment options during your follow-up appointment.
The extent of completion of your initial evaluation during your first visit will depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle that day, but plan on having some labs drawn and, perhaps, a pelvic ultrasound. You will likely meet with members of our nursing staff, as well, who will become excellent resources and advocates as you move forward.
You have options when it comes to fertility care, and patients who’ve been to other centers tell us there’s a clear difference at PREG. We believe this is due to the attention and time we provide to our patients to ensure that each encounter is as informative and reassuring as it is empowering. Our number one goal will always be delivering the experience you expect and deserve, and we strive to offer:
We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” treatment approach at PREG. Individualism demands options, and we’re here to make sure you’re fully aware of all that are available to you so you can proceed confidently. We understand that some patients prefer a more aggressive and efficient approach while others feel more comfortable starting with simpler treatment options. The results of your initial testing will guide us as we discuss during a follow-up appointment your options and how they compare and contrast.
We’re South Carolina’s largest network of fertility centers with IVF labs in Greenville, Columbia, and Summerville along with offices in Mount Pleasant, Spartanburg and Asheville, NC, ensuring far-reaching access to exceptional fertility care, both in South Carolina, and beyond. Some of our physicians see patients at more than one center, and a similar patient experience and level of excellence is to be expected at all.
We understand that taking the first step towards pursuing fertility evaluation and treatment may seem intimidating, and our focus on you as an individual ensures that you’ll never feel like “just a number” at PREG. We believe in education and empowerment, we believe in options, and we believe in access to care, even when a little creativity may be required, but always with your overall health in mind. Your experience matters, and we hope our approach translates into fewer patients dropping out of fertility treatment and more realizing their dream of family.
It just takes one call. Our team is here to support you wherever you are in your fertility journey with the highest level of thoughtful, individualized fertility care.
Receive news and updates on all things infertility. Sign up for the PREG newsletter today.
