Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Do I need a referral to become a patient at FINA?

No. You do not need a referral to schedule a new patient appointment with FINA. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider before your visit.

What should I expect at my first fertility appointment?

Your first visit is an opportunity for our fertility team to learn about your medical and fertility history, discuss your goals, and begin determining the appropriate next steps. Depending on your individual situation, additional testing may be recommended before a treatment plan is developed.

Does fertility treatment always mean IVF?

No. IVF is only one of several fertility treatment options. Depending on your diagnosis and goals, treatment may include medications, monitored cycles, intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, or other options. Our goal is to recommend treatment based on your individual needs.

Do you offer general gynecological services?

No. FINA specializes in fertility evaluation and treatment and does not provide routine gynecological care. We recommend maintaining an established relationship with your OB/GYN for routine women’s health and gynecological needs.

Treatments & Services

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This helps increase the number of sperm that have an opportunity to reach and fertilize an egg.

Does FINA offer INVOcell?

Yes. FINA offers INVOcell as one of our fertility treatment options. INVOcell uses a small device that allows fertilization and early embryo development to occur within the patient’s body rather than exclusively in a laboratory incubator. Not every patient is a candidate, and your fertility provider can help determine whether INVOcell may be appropriate for you.

Do you treat PCOS?

Yes. FINA evaluates and treats patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are actively trying to conceive. Because PCOS can affect ovulation and fertility differently for each patient, treatment is based on your individual evaluation.

Can I donate my eggs or sperm through FINA?

No. FINA does not currently operate an egg or sperm donor program.

Are fertility procedures performed at FINA?

Yes. FINA provides fertility testing, monitoring, and many procedures at our Huntsville location, allowing patients to receive much of their fertility care from the same team in one location. Services include fertility ultrasounds and laboratory testing, IUI, SIS, hysteroscopy, egg retrieval, and frozen embryo transfer (FET), among others.

Embryos & PGT

If I don’t PGT test all of my embryos, what happens to the remaining embryos?

Any remaining viable embryos that meet criteria for cryopreservation can be frozen and stored for future use. Choosing to genetically test only a certain number of embryos does not mean the remaining viable embryos are discarded.

Insurance, Costs & Financing

Will my insurance cover fertility treatment, IUI or IVF?

Fertility coverage varies significantly between insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider and asking specifically about your fertility and infertility benefits, including coverage for diagnostic testing, medications, IUI, and IVF.

Do you offer financing for fertility treatment?

Yes. FINA offers financing through PatientFi, which provides financing options for eligible patients. The application is quick, and checking your options does not require a hard credit check.

[Learn More About PatientFi]

Testing & Cycle Questions

Today is Cycle Day 1 of my period. What should I do?

Please notify our team that you have started your cycle. Our nursing team will review your treatment plan and send instructions through the patient portal, including your next appointment date and time when appropriate.

. What counts as Cycle Day 1, spotting or full flow?

Cycle Day 1 is the first day of full menstrual flow, not light spotting. If you’re unsure whether your cycle has officially started, contact our team for guidance.

Do I need to fast before my bloodwork?

For your initial laboratory testing, you may be asked to fast for 8 hours beforehand. Water is permitted. Not all fertility bloodwork requires fasting, so please follow the specific instructions provided by your FINA care team.

How long should I abstain before a semen analysis?

We generally recommend abstaining from ejaculation for at least 48 hours, but no longer than 5 days, before providing a semen sample.

Treatment Eligibility & Early Pregnancy

Is there an age or BMI cutoff for fertility treatment at FINA?

Yes. FINA has guidelines designed to help provide fertility treatment safely and appropriately. Our current upper age limit is 50 for female patients and 60 for male patients, and our current BMI limit for IVF treatment is 37. Treatment eligibility may also depend on individual medical history and other health factors.

When will I graduate from FINA to my OB/GYN?

Once pregnancy is established, we’ll continue monitoring you through early pregnancy with laboratory testing and ultrasound as appropriate. Based on your results, patients typically transition back to their OB/GYN at approximately 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy.