5 Quick, Useful Tips for Attending a Fertility Show
For many couples making the decision to consult a fertility expert is a big one. Unfortunately, the next decision can be even bigger; which fertility clinic to attend.
It’s a good idea to consult independent websites, patient forums and clinics websites when making this decision. You should also consider attending one of the patient focused exhibitions, for many people they are a good opportunity to visit a number of clinics at once. This can help you decide which one is right for you before paying for an initial consultation.
The exhibitions in the UK are held in convention rooms where clinics, as well as other fertility related organisations, set up stands so that their staff can speak to members of the public. They will often have literature about their success rates and treatment ethos on hand as well. If you do decide to attend you should think of these as mini free consultations as you will often have the chance to speak with the nurses, doctors and embryologist who make up the medical team. The clinics will be putting their best foot forward so it’s also a good time to gauge how they interact with patients.
Access Fertility Managing Director Ash Carroll- Miller recommends patients go as it will increase their confidence as they move forward. “These shows are extremely important to patients as they provide a single forum for them to hear directly from medical leaders about their current take on Reproductive Medicine,” he said. “They also create the opportunity for patients to speak directly with consultants, clinics and other service providers about how they can help them with their fertility treatment needs. My experience is that patients leave these shows feeling more knowledgeable and confident about what to do next.”
5 Tips
Some of the fertility shows are busier than others so it is important to think about what you want to get out of the show before attending. It doesn’t matter if you are deciding whether treatment is right for you or wanting to change clincs after an unsuccessful cycle, preparation will help you get the most out of your visit.
1. Draw up a list of questions
Every person has their own personal concerns and their own set of circumstances. Deciding what questions you want answered will hel you get the most information from the professionals you are speaking with. Clinics try to give patients as much time as necessary, but sometimes there can be a queue of people waiting so being organsied is a bit help.
2. Bring information about any fertility investigations you have had
The more information you can provide the professionals the more they will be able to help you. If you have had hormone blood tests done be sure to jot down the results, even if you don’t understand them. The same goes if you have had a transvaginal antral follicle count done or a semen analysis. This will help the clinic give you a more personalised answer about whether they can help you and what their success rates are.
3. Ask each clinic about their prices
Don’t be shy, this is a great opportunity to find out what treatment costs at every clinic you visit. Most clinics will have a pack containing a price list, ask someone to circle all the things you are likely to need in a typical treatment cycle. Based on your fertility diagnosis there may be additional techniques and costs but this will give you a good starting point.
4. Consider bringing someone with you
Many people come with their partner but just lots of people attend a fertility show with a friend or family member. It’s important you think about if you want someone with you and if so who the right person should be. Pick someone who is supportive and who you feel comfortable asking questions infront of. Some of the information can be quite personal so you should think carefully about who you want to attend with
5. Consider attending an expert lecture
The exhibitions also organise presentations throughout the day. Some of the presentations will be given by top doctors and scientists in an area of fertility they specialise. These include:
- Infertility and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- IVF and low ovarian reserve
- Causes of male factor infertility
- Dealing with recurrent miscarriage
The talks might also spark additional questions you can ask the clinics.
Bonus tip – bring a pen and paper so you can make notes.
The Fertility Show
The Fertility Show is one of the largest in the UK with more than 3000 people attendin
g their annual London show. In 2017 they will also be adding a Manchester show.
Clare Cox, Show Manager, said they have more than 100 exhibit
ors lined up for the 2016 show.
“When looking for help with fertility issues it can be a daunting task trying to find information,” she said. “The aim of The Fertility Show is to provide a place where people can get the information and advice they need, all in one place in a safe and discreet environment. With over 100 exhibitors including doctors, clinicians and fertility experts, visitors get the opportunity to meet experts face-to-face and get some of their questions answered.
“Many visitors come for the extensive seminar programme where there are talks from some of the world’s leading fertility specialists. We hope that by visiting the show, we can help people make informed decisions.”
