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The Emotional Roller Coaster of Fertility Testing and Treatment

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, taking the next step to see a fertility specialist can be daunting.  You may worry about how multiple appointments will affect your work schedule.  Or, maybe you’re worried about the cost of treatment.  These are valid concerns, so choosing the right doctor and practice is very important when undergoing fertility testing and treatment.

Working with the right team

At Park Avenue Fertility, your initial visit is with Dr. Levi.  He listens to your full medical history and then develops a plan of action unique to you.  You can expect to undergo bloodwork and 3-4 diagnostic tests initially.  These diagnostic tools evaluate your hormone levels, ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.

Before fertility testing and treatment is started, the billing coordinators meet with each patient to review treatment cost.  Whether you have comprehensive insurance coverage or are paying for your treatment yourself, you will never be surprised by a bill from PAF.

The diagnostic treatment period is vital to achieving success with your subsequent treatment.  During this time, Dr. Levi and the nurses get to know you better and will answer any questions you might have.

Once the diagnostic phase is complete, Dr. Levi will meet with you and determine your course of action.  Whether timed intercourse, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) is best for you, he and the team at PAF will explain what to expect and guide you through the process.

Finding balance during fertility testing and treatment

Now that you’ve invested substantial time and energy in fertility treatment, it’s easy to let thoughts of the process become consuming.  You may find it hard to focus at work.  Or maybe you spend hours online, researching all forms of treatment.  These are natural inclinations.

Try to keep your usual routines.  If you usually watch TV in the evening with your partner, resist the urge to miss your favorite show because you want to research the latest trend in fertility.  If you have pizza night with your in-laws each Wednesday, keep that going.  You can discuss your treatment as little or as much as you want.

Taking care of you

While much of your attention may be focused on your fertility treatments, it’s important to stay mindful of your physical and mental health. Make a point to set aside time for you.

Consider yoga, meditation, or mindfulness training.  Take your dog for a walk.  Go on a hike with a friend.  If a beach is near, take a walk in the sand, even if it’s cold out.  There’s nothing like a sea breeze to clear your mind.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

When going through fertility treatment, it can be tempting to cope with stress and uncertainty in unhealthy ways, like smoking, drinking or eating unhealthy foods.

Eating healthfully is very important during fertility treatment.  Not only will you feel better, but your chances of success may also be improved.  Choose whole-grain carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.  Avoid processed foods and concentrated sweets.  Drink plenty of water.

If you smoke, take steps to quit.  Make this a priority while going through fertility treatment.  It may be difficult initially, but you will feel much better once you stop smoking.  And, it could improve your fertility.

An occasional glass of wine with dinner is perfectly fine, but if you find yourself turning to alcohol to soothe your nerves, try some of the suggestions above instead.

If you are ready to begin your fertility treatment and would like to learn more about the Park Avenue Fertility approach to fertility and wellness, contact us to schedule a visit today.