Mosaic Life Care offers consultation and other services regarding infertility treatments for patients who are in the stage of family planning. See some of the most frequently or commonly asked questions regarding infertility.
Why am I not getting pregnant? What tests do I need?
After taking a detailed medical history, testing is the first thing we discuss with patients. Not every person or couple needs the same tests at the same time. We individualize the recommendations for each person or couple based on their history. In general, a fertility evaluation involves checking sperm (semen analysis), eggs and ovulation (hormone blood tests), uterus and fallopian tubes (ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram). However, we don’t always do everything at once. We take the approach of starting as easy, simple and cost effective as possible, and then we build from there if more tests or steps are needed. We can add testing and add treatments as we go.
What can we do about it? How does fertility treatment work?
Again, at this early stage, we find most people or couples have no idea what fertility treatment options are available or how they work. In most cases, we can start with simple treatments, so we spend time explaining a typical ovulation induction cycle. When we give medication, we always monitor the cycle with ultrasound and bloodwork so we can see what and how well it’s working and control ovulation. This allows us to adjust future cycles if needed. This also takes all the guess work out of timing ovulation and sex. We don’t simply give patients a prescription for six months and tell them to come back if they’re not pregnant.
When needed, we can provide IUI (intrauterine insemination) with partner sperm or donor sperm. IUI involves the same ovulation induction medication and ultrasound, but then we send the patient home with a specimen cup for their partner to collect a specimen at home the following day. We concentrate the specimen so we can inject it high up in the uterus.
In cases of donor sperm, we only use contracted cryobanks. We don’t use directed or known donors.
In cases of severe male factor infertility, tubal factor, diminished ovarian reserve, etc., we can assist in scheduling with an IVF clinic and start explaining what that process will look like.
How much does it cost?
We provide an information sheet for patients to contact their insurance company to find out what, if any, fertility treatments are covered. If something is not covered, we provide a list of discount options to pay for the medications and services. Payment is required at the time of service.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Yes! There are many things out of patients’ control, so they should optimize the things they ARE able to control.
- Working toward a healthy weight can make a significant difference in success.
- Getting mild/moderate exercise like walking, even if weight loss is not achieved, is beneficial in reducing insulin resistance.
- Eating a healthful diet and getting adequate restorative sleep are vital.
- Take a prenatal vitamin.
- Not smoking, avoiding marijuana are important.
- Minimize alcohol and caffeine.
- Men should not use testosterone.
- Stress is tricky to address because we all have stress, and it impacts us all differently. But being in a constant state of fight or flight signals the body that this is not a safe time to conceive. So, we recommend patients do the best they can to be as healthy as possible prior to conception.
