Finding the Right Fertility Doctor

Aug 13

Let’s talk about how to find the right fertility doctor for you. While these tips are specifically for fertility doctors, you can use these tips when you’re trying to find any doctor.

The doctor-patient relationship is so important. You want to connect with your provider and ensure that you feel confident in the care you're receiving.

1. Think about logistics

Fertility care is often more than one visit. It can be an initial consult, follow-up testing (sometimes done at different times in your menstrual cycle), and another follow-up visit after testing. Treatments can often take multiple visits.

Given your time visiting your fertility clinic, it’s important to consider logistics like location when finding the right doctor.

I recommend looking at places that will be easy for you to visit and then finding your doctor within those locations.

Another logistic to consider can be insurance coverage. If you are fortunate enough to have fertility benefits (which I believe everyone should, but not everyone does), then ask your insurance company if there’s a clinic or doctor they contract with to help narrow down your search.

2. Consider the whole clinic

This one might surprise you. I mention this to my patients a lot. I could be the most compassionate and brilliant doctor in the world, but if I didn’t have Pacific NW Fertility and, specifically, the IVF lab, I would not be able to provide the success rates I do.

I love having partners who can help me care for my patients because it unites multiple minds in someone’s fertility treatment. We collaborate as one and genuinely care for people as a team.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of the IVF lab. I am so proud of our lab at my clinic, including the incredible lab directors contributing to our success rates.

The size of the clinic matters. As a medium-sized clinic, we always have embryologists doing things like genetic testing of embryos and egg freezing.

If you go to a smaller clinic with a solo practitioner, you’ll get one-on-one care and know who you’ll see, which is wonderful. However, this person is probably not doing IVF all the time, might not have an in-house embryologist, or might be unable to provide the type of care you need.

So, consider your individual needs and the whole clinic as you seek your fertility doctor.

3. Try referrals

Word-of-mouth recommendations can be essential. Going online can be helpful, but realize that not every comment will give you the whole picture.

I recommend asking these questions among your network (trusted primary care doctor, your OBGYN, your friends, your family, or anyone you know in healthcare) to narrow down your search:

Do you know anyone who has had fertility treatments?
If so, who did you/they see?
What was your/their experience?
Did you/they feel comfortable in the care?
Would you/they recommend the clinic?

Online resources can be helpful, but take everything with a grain of salt. Utilize word-of-mouth when you can, and don’t jump to conclusions based on the first online review you see.

4. Seek doctors that provide support for your needs.

Not every clinic or doctor specializes in every person’s needs, which can help narrow your search.

If you’re looking for support in surrogacy for LGBTQ+ family building, PCOS, endometriosis, or recurrent pregnancy loss, go through the website for a first look. Ask yourself, “Is this place dedicated to helping people like me?”

Ask around and look for a clinic that is well-versed in what you need. If you can't find that information on the website, you could always call the clinic and ask and say, “Hi, I’m looking for egg freezing. Is this something you specialize in, or do you do once in a while?”

5. Do a deep dive after your visit.

After the initial consult, I’d love for you to take the time to consider if you’ve found the right doctor. Some questions to ask yourself include:

Do I feel respected?
Do you feel listened to?
Were there clear directions on what the next steps are?
Were they open to my additional questions?

I have another YouTube video on red flags for fertility doctors (and doctors in general), so I’d recommend watching it for more guidance.

Do a self-check when you’re hiding information or feeling ashamed about something with your doctor. Your doctor should be open to you. It’s a collaborative relationship.

Don't hesitate to get a second opinion if you have a gut feeling that this isn’t the right connection. Find the right doctor for you. You don’t have to go with the first doctor to the first clinic. Be empowered by checking out multiple places. Don’t settle.

I hope this post is helpful. Comment in my YouTube video with any questions you have, and stick around for more learning.

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive health, finding the right fertility doctor

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Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’