Get Answers to the Most Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
|
Select a topic to view the answers and
more details.
How long should we try to get pregnant before we should see an infertility specialist?
- For women 35 and younger, we recommend trying for pregnancy for one year before seeking
help from a fertility specialist. For women over the age of 36, we recommend
trying for pregnancy for six months before consulting a fertility
specialist. If you are 35 and younger and have a complicated gynecological
history, you should be seen sooner than a year.
^ Top of Page
What does Reproductive Endocrinologist mean?
- Reproductive
Endocrinologists are medical doctors who are certified in the OB/GYN specialty,
finish a fellowship and an additional 3 to 4 years of training in Reproductive
Endocrinology.
^ Top of Page
What is causing our infertility?
- Many factors can contribute to the causes of infertility and these factors
can be from one or both partners. Blockage of the fallopian tubes, the
lack of ovulation, poor semen parameters, and age are a few of these
reasons. Sometimes even fertility specialists cannot pinpoint the cause of
patients’ infertility and this is referred to as ‘unexplained’
infertility. Regardless of the source of our patients’ infertility, we strive to
offer a wide range of techniques to achieve pregnancy.
^ Top of Page
How do you test for infertility?
- Some of the common tests include checking hormone levels in blood,
hysterosalpingogram (fallopian tube x-ray), semen analysis, and ultrasound.
^ Top of Page
Can most of the fertility tests and treatments be done at your office?
- With the exception of the HSG (which is performed at Swedish Outpatient
Radiology on the 3rd floor of our building), all other blood draws,
ultrasounds, inseminations, and all in vitro fertilization related treatments
are performed in our clinic.
^ Top of Page
What is an HSG (hysterosalpingogram)?
- The hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray examination performed in the
Swedish Outpatient Radiology Department by one of our physicians. It is used to
determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and to evaluate the uterine
cavity. This information is important because at least one tube must be open
to allow the sperm to travel through the tube to contact the egg and for the
fertilized egg to travel back to the uterus. The cavity of the uterus must
also be normal to allow the fertilized egg (embryo) to implant and develop
normally.
^ Top of Page
What infertility services does your clinic offer?
- Along with consultations, basic evaluations and
second opinions, we offer diagnostic testing, intrauterine insemination,
ultrasound, a full range of Assisted Reproductive Technology services,
including in vitro fertilization, ovum and embryo donation, and preimplantation
genetic diagnosis. We have a state-of-the-art Andrology and
Embryology Lab, staffed with skilled and innovative professionals.
^ Top of Page
Can the doctors at Pacific NW Fertility perform my surgery?
- Both of our physicians are skilled and experienced surgeons. They perform
surgery at Swedish Hospital, as well as performing minor procedures in the
clinic’s own ambulatory surgery center.
^ Top of Page
What should I bring to my first appointment?
- If you have a partner, please invite them to accompany you to
your appointment(s). If you have had any previous fertility treatment, please
provide us with those records. If you or your partner have had sterilization
surgery, the operative note would be helpful. Please bring your insurance
card and any benefit information you wish to bring.
^ Top of Page
What will my first appointment like?
- The first appointment is meant to
acquaint our physicians with your
medical and pregnancy history. Most of
your first visit will be in consultation
with one of our physicians, with a
possible vaginal ultrasound at the end
of the visit. Before your first
appointment, we have you and your
partner (if applicable) complete a
questionnaire through our Patient Portal
in our website. By the end of your first
appointment, our physicians and staff
will try to ensure you understand all
the recommended diagnostic testing and
treatment options for you.
^ Top of Page
Will my insurance cover any of the infertility test and treatment?
- Pacific NW Fertility is contracted with
several medical insurance companies.
Some of these companies cover an initial
consultation and diagnostic testing,
while others cover fertility treatments.
Not all insurance companies cover
fertility. Washington is not a state
where the coverage of infertility
services is mandated. We encourage you
to consult with your insurance provider.
^ Top of Page
Is fertility treatment expensive?
- Some patients are surprised that the
initial treatments, like intrauterine
insemination, are not very expensive
(under $1000). If your best chance for
pregnancy includes any form of ART
(Assisted Reproductive Treatment), the
treatment cycles can range anywhere from
a few thousand to several thousand
dollars.
^ Top of Page
If I want to have donor sperm inseminations, how do I get started?
- First, you need to schedule a new
patient visit with one of our providers.
Next, there are required screening lab
tests that need to have been done
recently or can be done in our clinic.
When your testing is completed and
reviewed by a clinician, you may begin
treatment.
^ Top of Page
How do I schedule a semen analysis?
- If your partner is a patient of our clinic, simply phone the Andrology Lab
at 206-515-0002. If you have been referred to our laboratory by your own
physician, we need a written order from
your physician before you can make an
appointment in the lab.
^ Top of Page
Is there an age limit for infertility treatment?
- There is no age limit for patients who wish to discuss
the probability of becoming pregnant and the likelihood of delivering a healthy
baby. However, age has a major impact on fertility, it is not reversible and not
all fertility treatments are successful in older women. Our Egg Donor Program
has an age limit for donor egg recipients. They must have the cycle
complete by their 51st birthday.
^ Top of Page
If I am still getting my period every month, doesn’t that mean I am still fertile?
- Not necessarily. In an effort to produce a period, the female
body does not have to release a lot of hormones in order to allow for
menstruation. Menstruation is not evidence of the other complicated
processes that are required to achieve pregnancy.
^ Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
phone number: 206-515-0000
email: