Talking to Your Healthcare Provider

Overcoming the emotional hurdle

Perhaps you and your partner fit the criteria of couples who should see a healthcare provider about fertility difficulties. Yet it's hard to make that first appointment. You keep putting it off.

If this is the case, your hesitation is understandable. It's common for people to find reasons to avoid going to a healthcare provider. You're afraid of failing. You're concerned about how much it might cost. You think the procedures are too involved, too high tech. Well, consider some facts:

• The majority of infertility cases—85 to 90%—are treated with conventional therapies, such as drug treatment or surgical repair of reproductive organs.[1]
• Fewer than 5% of infertile couples in treatment actually use in vitro fertilization (IVF), a treatment that might be considered "high tech."[2]
• Your insurance may cover some of your testing and/or treatment costs. See Paying for Treatment to learn more.

If you want to conceive, it's important to overcome the emotional hurdles and take action. The sooner you see a healthcare provider, the sooner a problem may be diagnosed and treated.

Deciding what kind of healthcare provider to see.

Some couples first talk to their general physician. Others meet with their OB/GYN. And some go directly to a Fertility Specialist, also called a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).

As you make your choice, you should realize that not all healthcare providers have the training and experience to deliver a full range of fertility treatments. At some point, you may need to see a Fertility Specialist.

Getting ready for your visit.

Preparing for your visit will help reduce anxieties. For more information see Suggested Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider and My Fertility Plan to help guide your way.

Before you make that appointment...

Check into your insurance coverage before your see your healthcare provider. Your policy may determine what kind of healthcare provider you see, what kinds of fertility tests you undergo, and in what sequence. Call Fertility LifeLines™ at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879) to have a benefits specialist help you sort all this out. All calls are free and confidential.