If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you’re not alone. Infertility affects 1 in 7 couples, and we understand the emotional toll it can take. To shed light on this complex issue, we’ve enlisted the expertise of two distinguished gynaecologists and fertility experts, Dr Spies and Dr Santigo, from Vida Fertility
In this article, we’ll explore what infertility means and provide guidance from our two experts on how to assess and address fertility challenges.
What is infertility?
Infertility is a medical condition characterised by the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (or six months if the woman is over 35). It can also encompass the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. If you and your partner find yourselves facing fertility challenges and aspire to become parents, here are steps to help you navigate this journey.
Ask for a complete diagnosis from a Fertility Specialist:
If you find yourself in the above situation, the first and most important thing to do is to arrange a consultation with a fertility specialist. Both partners may undergo comprehensive fertility exams to identify potential issues and conduct in-depth evaluations and recommend suitable treatments tailored to your specific needs. Fertility testing encompasses hormonal assessments, semen analysis for the male partner, imaging studies like ultrasound, and other diagnostic tests to uncover any underlying factors affecting fertility.
Explore Personalised Fertility Treatment Options:
Fertility treatments vary based on the underlining causes identified. Common interventions may involve medications to stimulate ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) using your own gametes (eggs and sperm) or donor’s ones. The fertility specialist will also rule out other fertility issues like immunological alterations, displaced implantation window, clotting or thyroid problems, uterine pathologies… Each fertility treatment is unique as each patient is different and should undergo the right treatment for her/him/them.
Educate Yourself about fertility:
Dr Spies says: “It’s true that more and more patients come to the clinic with a deep knowledge of fertility and fertility treatment. But it’s usually because they’ve underwent 3 or 4 cycles already. Not because they were well informed from the beginning. And they all admit very sadly they’d wished to have known better sooner.” Empower yourself with knowledge about fertility, reproductive health, and available treatments. Being well-informed enables you to make informed decisions and actively participate in your fertility journey, where time is always a key factor. “This is why we always advice to seek for several opinions and ask for a medical consultation, says Dr Spies. At Vida, most of our first consultation are online as our patients come from abroad to Spain, and we can arrange it very easily and quickly.”
Choose your fertility clinic
Choosing a fertility clinic can be very overwhelming. Many choices in every country, all around the world. Here we listen to Dr Santiago who admit this is a tricky question to answer for a doctor! But if she was in a patient’s shoes, she says: “I would first select the country depending on the legislation that works best for me. Then I would contact around 4-5 top clinics you can find on google, platforms, forums etc focusing on the treatment I know I need. I’d ask for the costs, and for my chances with my circumstances, not the general success rates. This first contact will also give me a first emotional approach of the kind of communication and support I would have with these clinics, and I would have an online consultation with only 2 of the best ones for me after this first contact.” As you can see, personalised treatment and emotional support are key in this decision; and there was no mention of going to the first gynaecologist next door. Following the previous advice of getting as many information as you can, we invite you to think out of the box and look for the best clinic for you, even out of the country.
Be an active part of your fertility journey
- Embrace Lifestyle Changes & Build a Support Network:
Your fertility specialist may advise lifestyle modifications to enhance fertility. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and effectively managing stress. “Patients often ask us if they can do more to help their fertility treatment, explain Dr Santigo. Emotions and stress are a big part of the deal and coping with infertility can be emotionally challenging. Consider seeking emotional support through counselling, support groups, or open conversations with your partner to share your feelings and concerns.” Creating a strong support system is vital. Share your journey with close friends, family, or support groups who can offer encouragement, understanding, and practical guidance
- Plan the financial aspect of a fertility treatment:
Understand the financial aspects associated with fertility treatments. Insurance coverage varies, and some treatments can be costly. Investigate your insurance policy and explore potential financial assistance programs. Again, explore your options. Dr Spies, medical director at Vida Fertility underline “in Vida Fertility, an average IVF costs £4,500 and an average Egg Donation £6,800, and we have no waiting list. Patients also consider Spain to buy all their medication at a more affordable price”. All of these are very important aspects that need to be considered when you plan such an important project.
Every fertility journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Seeking professional guidance early in the process, like Vida Fertility, will help you better understand your options and create a personalised plan. Remember, you’re not alone in facing the challenges of infertility, and there is hope on this path.
If you’d like to arrange a first consultation with Dr Spies or Dr Santiago, contact Vida Fertility here and tell them your story. Take the first step.
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