7 Questions To Ask When You’re Offered A New Fertility Treatment Protocol
Written By: Michelle Kapler R.Ac R.TCMP
Today, I’m focusing on a set of questions you should consider posing to your fertility treatment specialist when introduced to a new treatment protocol. This could range from trying to conceive with intrauterine insemination (IUI) alongside prescription medications to transitioning from IUI to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Because there are so many available treatment options and combinations, I often see people get confused. And when you’re confused about what’s happening, it’s not always easy to ask questions that will help you fully understand your next steps.
Two Common Reactions to a Change in Fertility Treatment Protocol
In my interactions with people pursuing fertility treatments and experiencing protocol changes, I often see one of two reactions:
The patient is unaware of why a change is needed.
ORThe patient is aware of the change, but they aren’t comfortable with the recommended path forward.
So today, I’m offering seven questions you can ask your healthcare provider to help you get really clear about what the next best steps are for you.
7 Questions To Ask When Offered a New Fertility Treatment Protocol
These questions will help arm you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your own healthcare.
1. What is the reason for recommending this next step?
If you haven’t experienced a change in fertility protocol just yet, then this question may seem like a no-brainer. However, many healthcare providers forget patients don’t always have an advanced understanding of how the science works. As a result, they may leave out important information or helpful explanations. Asking this question will help you get clarity on the long-term plan.
In some cases, providers are following the research. In other cases, they may be following a clinic’s protocol. Whatever the reason for this change in protocol, understanding where the change is coming from can help you understand the underlying reasons and what to expect moving forward.
2. What are the risks and benefits of this next level of treatment?
Healthcare professionals bear the ethical duty to ensure patients grasp both the potential gains and risks associated with treatments. Practitioners should always ensure patients fully understand the risks and benefits so they can make truly informed decisions.
Remember, this question has two parts: the benefits AND the risks. That means asking about what you have to gain from this change in protocol and asking about what side effects or harmful effects you may experience too.
3. What are the risks and benefits of sticking with my current treatment protocol for now?
This question is also related to the concept of informed consent. The American Medical Association defines informed consent as “The process of informed consent occurs when communication between a patient and physician results in the patient’s authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention.”
This question aims to help you decide between moving forward with a new treatment protocol or sticking with your current treatment method.
Here’s a clinical example of when asking this question can give you valuable insight into your treatment plan: The drug called Clomid is used to stimulate follicle growth and produce more eggs, increasing the chance of fertilization. There are risks and side effects of using this drug for many cycles. One well-documented side effect is adverse effects on the uterine lining after three cycles. So, if you were seeing positive results with this drug and your doctor decided to change your protocol, this information would help you weigh the risks and benefits against a new protocol.
4. What will the entire cost be for this next level of intervention?
I recognize this question also seems pretty obvious. However, there are some cost-related concerns that aren’t always obvious. First, there’s a clear disconnect between what you and your provider may recognize as the logical next step and what your budget is capable of supporting.
Second, as you progress in your fertility treatment toward more intensive treatment options, there tend to be more and more hidden costs. For example, if your provider recommends IVF, will they also recommend genetic testing? If so, that may cost you thousands more than IVF on its own.
As you decide when and how to proceed, it’s essential that you’re also aware of all costs associated with the following recommended step in treatment.
5. How will I know if this treatment protocol is working?
Of course, there is the obvious answer—pregnancy. But in many cases, pregnancy is only one of many ways you can determine if a treatment is working. For example, is your provider looking at lining development, follicle development, the number of follicles, or perhaps minimizing side effects?
Understanding how your provider will determine whether a treatment is effective or ineffective for you will help to keep you on the same page with your provider, so you’re not left wondering what went wrong when your provider makes a new recommendation.
6. How long do you suggest I try this intervention before we know it’s time to move on?
When asking this question, it’s helpful to ask in terms of cycles. So, how many cycles will you be on this new medication?
In addition to knowing how your provider will measure success, knowing when to look for success is critical. Not only will knowing this keep you informed, but it will also help you mitigate negative feelings when you don’t see results right away. This information can also help you weigh the benefits and risks of new treatments. For example, if you’re experiencing severe fatigue and mood swings from IVF treatment, knowing how long you’ll have to endure it may impact your path forward.
7. Are there any alternatives to this suggestion?
The final question in this list is reserved for situations where you don’t feel comfortable moving forward with the new protocol your provider has recommended.
Your healthcare provider is required to share all of the options available to you. So, if something doesn’t feel right to you, it’s okay to ask what alternatives are available.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Seven essential questions to arm yourself with when navigating the landscape of fertility treatments. Remember, if your healthcare provider doesn't proactively share this information, it's not necessarily a reflection of negligence. At times, they may simply need prompting.
For a downloadable version of these questions (and more), check out my free fertility toolkit. Dive deep and equip yourself with tools that empower you to self-advocate. Receive instant access to the Fertility Stress Relief Toolkit, which, through a medley of meditations, worksheets, journal prompts, and guides, can usher in a sense of well-being in mere minutes.