Patient: Dr. Malpani, how do I go about finding a better IVF clinic, especially after my first cycle failed? It’s so overwhelming with so many clinics out there.
Dr. Malpani: I understand your concern. Choosing the right IVF clinic is indeed a critical decision and can be quite challenging. It’s important to take ownership of this decision and not rely solely on someone else’s recommendation, even if that person is an IVF expert like me. Let me offer you some guidelines that can help you make a more informed choice.
Patient: That would be very helpful. Where do I start?
Dr. Malpani: I suggest breaking down the decision into two main components: the professional skills of the doctor and the emotional connection you feel with them. First, let’s talk about assessing the professional skills.
Patient: How do I evaluate a doctor’s professional skills?
Dr. Malpani: Start by creating a shortlist of clinics you’re considering. You can do this by researching online or asking for recommendations from trusted sources. Once you have a list, reach out to these clinics with a few key questions. Ask if they perform only blastocyst transfers for all their patients, if they do single embryo transfers, and if they routinely provide embryo photos to all their patients. This can be done easily via email or a phone call.
Patient: Why these specific questions?
Dr. Malpani: These questions are designed to gauge the clinic’s professionalism and transparency. Clinics that are open about their procedures and willing to share information proactively are more likely to be trustworthy. If a clinic is hesitant to provide this information or avoids your questions, it’s a red flag.
Patient: Once I have this information, what’s the next step?
Dr. Malpani: The next step is to visit the shortlisted clinics and interview them. This is where the emotional connection component comes in. During your visit, pay attention to how the doctor interacts with you. Do they respect your intelligence? Are they proactive in sharing information? Do they make you feel comfortable and confident about the process?
Patient: What should I be looking for during these visits?
Dr. Malpani: Look for a doctor who trusts and respects you as much as you do them. You want someone who will treat you as a partner in your IVF journey, who will explain everything clearly, and who will be transparent about the process and the potential outcomes. This mutual respect and trust are crucial because the reality is, the outcome of every IVF cycle is uncertain. Being well-informed and having a good rapport with your doctor can significantly improve your overall experience and satisfaction, regardless of the outcome.
Patient: That makes sense. It sounds like the relationship with the doctor is just as important as their technical skills.
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. A good doctor will not only have the necessary technical skills but will also take the time to ensure you understand what’s happening and why. This builds your confidence and helps reduce anxiety, which can positively impact the overall outcome.
Patient: What if I still have doubts after visiting a few clinics?
Dr. Malpani: It’s perfectly normal to have doubts. Seeking a second or even a third opinion can help clarify things. Make sure to ask the same questions and compare the responses. This can help you make a more informed decision.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. Your advice has made me feel much more prepared and confident about finding the right clinic.
Dr. Malpani: You’re very welcome. Remember, taking an active role in your healthcare decisions is crucial. If you’d like a second opinion, you can fill out the form on our website with your reports, and I’ll provide a free second opinion here. For direct advice, you can also book a video consultation with me for INR 3000/- here. This could help ensure you’re on the right path and potentially save significant costs in the long run.
Patient: I appreciate that. I’ll definitely consider it if I have any further doubts. Thank you for your time and guidance.
Dr. Malpani: My pleasure. Take care and feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance. We’re here to support you every step of the way.