Fertility Specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian
If you’ve been trying to become pregnant for more than a year, it may be time to see a doctor about fertility testing. Start by speaking with your primary care physician or gynecologist, who can refer you to an infertility specialist. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we have world-class experts in reproductive medicine and groundbreaking technology to help you become a parent.
There are many reasons that people may be infertile, from genetic disorders to sexually transmitted diseases and autoimmune conditions. A few of these disorders can be corrected with treatment. Others require invasive procedures like surgery, cryopreservation (freezing), and embryo transfer.
Regardless of the cause, infertility can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. For many couples, the inability to conceive can lead to feelings of guilt and anger. In addition, infertility can impact the quality of relationships with partners and the overall well-being of families.
For the most part, infertility is treatable, but there are many barriers to accessing care. The most obvious are cost and insurance coverage. The cost of fertility tests and treatment is prohibitive for most, while only 18 states have active mandates that include coverage for fertility testing and ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures [2]. www.in-fertilityclinic.com/index.do
Even with access to care, some patients still face insurmountable barriers. Many are underinsured or uninsured and lack the knowledge to navigate a complex health care system. In addition, they often do not understand that they are eligible for a variety of public and private insurance coverage options to reduce their costs.
Infertility can have a profound impact on individuals and families of all backgrounds, especially in groups where childbearing is highly valued or seen as “one’s duty to God” [3]. As a result, it is essential that infertility be recognized as a medical disorder with the same urgency and importance as other chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
NewYork-Presbyterian has two leading centers that provide world-class expertise in fertility diagnosis and treatment, including the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and the Fertility Institute of New York at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. The Cohen Center has a national and international reputation for providing breakthrough technologies, cutting-edge treatments and exceptional comprehensive care that help women and men become parents.
Fertility services at the center are offered in state-of-the-art facilities that feature examination and consultation rooms, labs for blood work and IVF evaluations, and a dedicated procedure room. Its team of specialists includes highly trained gynecologists and reproductive endocrinologists who are expert in the latest fertility treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Before starting any treatment, talk to your doctor about your goals and what options are available for you. It’s important to set limits on how many procedures are acceptable, and what your expectations will be if the first treatment is unsuccessful. Having a clear plan can also reduce anxiety during treatment and help prevent feelings of hopelessness if pregnancy does not occur.