Fertility Institute of North Alabama

FAQS

Frequent Roadblocks to Getting Help

I’m not sure if I need to see a specialist quite yet. How do I know?

If you meet the criteria of infertility, it’s advisable to seek an assessment sooner rather than later, as time is crucial for female reproduction. This is especially true if you are over 35 years old, as this marks the beginning of a rapidly declining phase in a woman’s fertility. It’s better to ensure that your ovarian reserve is adequate rather than assume so, to avoid future regrets.

How many unsuccessful cycles should I undergo before starting fertility treatment?

This varies depending on your age, diagnosis, overall history, and emotional state. Dr. Davenport believes in treating you at your own pace. He will candidly advise if it’s time to move to a more aggressive step or if it’s acceptable to continue with a conservative approach. Your emotional endurance is as important as your physical needs in this decision.

I need to understand the ethics behind the various treatment options. What should I do?

Dr. Davenport is passionate about discussing these issues. While he won’t make the decision for you, he will provide all the tools you need to make an informed choice with a clear conscience.

I feel like I need fertility help but cannot afford these services. What should I do?

FINA is committed to helping everyone find the most affordable approach to treat infertility. Many patients find conservative treatments to be less costly than expected. For more aggressive treatments like IVF, we offer INVOcell as a more affordable option for qualified patients and have partnerships to help make treatment affordable for everyone.

I’ve been told by another provider that I need IVF, but I’m unsure if I should proceed. Do you offer second opinions?

Yes, Dr. Davenport is willing to offer a second opinion and answer any questions you may have about your next steps.

I have frozen eggs, sperm, or embryos at a different facility. Does your clinic accept transport of these specimens?

Yes, we accept transport of specimens from outside clinics. It’s best to schedule a consultation so Dr. Davenport can assess your situation and ensure this is the best and most efficient course of action for you.

I have had my tubes tied or a vasectomy and am now remarried and would like children. Is this possible?

Yes, we can help overcome both. A tubal ligation can be addressed by either tubal reversal or IVF. A successful pregnancy after a vasectomy can be achieved by performing a sperm extraction along with IVF.

I’ve been told that I have endometriosis and need IVF. Is this true?

Sometimes IVF is necessary to overcome endometriosis, but not always. It’s best to discuss the location, severity, stage of endometriosis, and prior treatment with Dr. Davenport before making this decision.

I’ve been diagnosed with cancer and don’t have time to freeze my eggs or sperm before treatment. What should I do?

Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, it may be possible to delay treatment onset by 1-2 weeks without risk. Sometimes, it’s also possible to preserve some eggs or sperm even after cancer treatment has begun. Consult your oncologist and schedule a consultation with Dr. Davenport as soon as possible to coordinate cryopreservation of your reproductive tissue.

I’ve been diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” by another clinic and am hesitant to move on to IVF. How will I know the best next step?

Sometimes IVF is necessary with this diagnosis, and other times a cause may have been missed. Dr. Davenport can review your past workup and treatment course to determine if IVF is the best next step or if a more conservative and cost-effective approach is possible.