You may have been referred to a gynaecologist because until now your wish to conceive has not been fulfilled. That does not mean that there will be no chance for a spontaneous pregnancy in the future.
Absence of a natural pregnancy may be caused by the male, the female or both partners. Also unhealthy lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use or being overweight may influence your fertility. Sometimes it is not possible to find a clear cause that really explains why no pregnancy has occurred yet. That can make it hard to find an optimal solution in terms of treatment.
In the fertility Clinic Voorburg we usually start with a thorough intake for you and your partner, when available. After that and necessary tests we can make an estimation of your chances for a spontaneous pregnancy. This will determine whether it will be useful to start treatment immediately or that it would be better to take advantage of your natural chance for a longer period. This advice will be based on several issues including your personal preference, age, the duration of your wish to conceive, your medical history, the chances for success of the treatment and the treatment burden and risks for you.
Besides this it is most important what your own personal view on the proposed possibilities is. When you start treatment your chances to conceive per treatment cycle will be 15-30%. In comparison, chances for an average healthy couple in the first year trying are 15-20% per menstrual cycle. When age progresses chances go down. For women above the age of 42 the Dutch Health Insurance does not refund fertility investigations or treatment anymore, because general chances for success are estimated to low.
Through this leaflet we inform you about our Fertility Center and the possible tests and treatments of fertility disorders. Do you still have questions after reading? Ask this to your doctor.
Fertility Center Voorburg / Reinier de Graaf Group
Providing high-quality care in the treatment of infertility is the central aim to our multidisciplinary Fertility Center. The team consists of gynecologists, fertility doctors, doctors in training to gynecologist, interns, analysts, IVF nurses and doctor assistants. We work closely with the urologist-andrologist, internist, psychiatrist, medical psychologist, clinical chemist, social worker and dietitian. Because the Fertility Center is also part of training and education of doctors, you may see different doctors during the care process.
It is also possible that you are asked for permission
- whether a co-assistant may attend an interview, examination or treatment.
- to participate in a scientific study to improve the treatment of infertility.
We find it important that you indicate your preference. This does not affect the quality of the treatment. The gynecologist with whom you have your first appointment is your main care provider. With him or her you can always make an appointment if you have questions or if there are things you like to discuss. It is our custom to make difficult decisions together with you. For this purpose, a separate appointment is always made, preferably not by telephone, so that you can be sure that all aspects of your specific situation are discussed.
First appointment
Your first appointment with the gynecologist preferably takes place together with your partner, when available, when you have the wish to conceive together. All aspects relating to your specific situation and those of your partner can then be discussed. During this extensive intake the doctor discusses the spontaneous pregnancy chance and the fertile period in the cycle. The relationship between your age, the duration of the child's desire and the spontaneous pregnancy chances will also be discussed. Just like the personal history of you and your partner. The gynecologist also discusses your social situation. In addition, you sometimes receive a physical examination and the doctor discusses the follow-up steps.
Costs and insurance
Whether your treatment is fully reimbursed depends on your insurance. We advise you to inform your health insurer. Before the treatment both you and your partner receive an invoice. This may have financial consequences for you and your partner due to ‘wettelijk eigen risico’.
The Dutch patient association for fertility problems
Freya
Postbus 476
6600 AL Wijchen
Phone: (024) 645 10 88
Website : www.freya.nl
Freya informs you about treatment options, insurance issues and addresses of relevant authorities. You can also register as a member.