quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Information or Misinformation?

Fertility Buyers Beware

By Teri Brown

These groups can provide details on approved assisted reproductive treatment options and offer information on the validity of fertility clinics. He says there are a number of advocacy groups that couples can use to ensure the reliability of the center they are reviewing, and these sites can point them in the right direction.

When searching for a good fertility center, it is important to remember that reputable fertility centers are members of the Society for Assisted Reproduction and participate in the Centers for Disease Control voluntary registry. They also employ board certified and fellowship trained reproductive endocrinologists.

"A number of centers claim great success in their treatments," says Dr. Werlin. "Each fertility center is required to report their data to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports the success rates of fertility clinics from across the nation. However, it should be noted that the success rates may differ from clinic to clinic based on the age group of patients they treat, severity of patient's infertility, type and variety of treatments offered, etc."

Your personal health care physician may be the best starting point. Referrals are often the first and most reliable source for qualified specialists. Your specialist can both answer your questions and point you in the right direction for more information. Be cautious, tenacious and rely on your instincts. "Above all else, trust your gut," says Dr. Potter. "If something doesn't feel right, keep looking.

Want to see more?

• The Infertility Marketplace: How Success Rates Are Advertised
• The Infertility Marketplace: Terms You Need to Know
• The Infertility Marketplace: What to Ask a Healthcare Provider
• Talk about it!