When seeking fertility treatment to build or grow your family the stakes are high. In an ideal world you will quickly find a doctor and medical team that aligns with your needs and goals to provide you with the best possible care and help you get pregnant. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy.
There are many reasons you may be considering a second opinion for your fertility care. Perhaps you are looking for clarity with your diagnosis and treatment plan, or you are not feeling comfortable with your current doctor. You may just need confidence that you are on the right path with your protocol.
Regardless, if you have any doubts or hesitations regarding your current care, it’s the right time to entertain a second opinion. Let’s discuss what this important appointment can offer you.
Clarify Your Diagnosis
A new doctor or team may have a different interpretation of your symptoms or response to previous tests and procedures. Having a new set of eyes on your situation may present alternative ideas to why you can’t get pregnant.
Treatment Options and Recommendations
Getting a new opinion on how another doctor might treat your diagnosis can offer a fresh perspective and new hope for the situation. Ask lots of questions regarding how you have responded to treatment in the past and what would change about your protocol.
Confidence
It’s possible a new physician will agree with your current diagnosis and treatment plan. Having another doctor agree with a previous diagnosis can offer confidence that you have been on the right path. You can still use the appointment to ask questions and get new perspectives as well as clarification and understanding their thoughts.
A New Approach
There are lots of reasons to seek out a second opinion. Having a solid understanding of this provider’s philosophies and styles can tell you if they are a good fit. Keep a list of what differences you would like to see from your previous doctor or clinic to make sure you are comfortable with what a new doctor would be offering you.
How To Have An Effective Second Opinion Appointment
Research New Specialists
Begin a search for fertility specialists with the qualifications that you prioritize. Look for online reviews, social media profiles that may show you some personality, and patient testimonials.
Be Prepared
Ahead of your appointment, be sure to request all medical records, test results, and procedure history. Gather as much as you can, and you don’t need to be shy about asking for this information from your clinic. Have your own questions for the doctor prepared as well and bring a notebook to take your notes.
Be Honest
When you are with the new potential medical team, be honest with what you are looking for. Share why you are seeking a second opinion and ask how their care would be different. Give specific examples of what you liked about your current care and what you might like to see different.
Make a Decision
Do you feel more comfortable. Did the meeting offer you optimism and hope? Did the doctor match better with your goals and values? Do you feel more confident? Take some time and think about the conversations, you may even consider journaling about it to help you organize your thoughts. Then, make your decision on how you want to move forward, but now with more authority and confidence.
Second opinions are very common in the medical industry so there is no need to worry about how your doctor may feel. Their goal is to have you succeed and get pregnant and they should support you in your decision to try another provider. What is most important is your comfort and level of confidence in the process.
If you are looking for more ways to advocate for yourself in this process and have a more positive family building experience, follow along or set up your first call. Let’s work together on this journey.
