Sometimes, the road to having your dream family is paved in grief. For many people, getting pregnant seems to be no issue which can make it all the more frustrating if infertility happens to you. And the advice people want to offer (“Have you tried just relaxing?” “Stay positive!”) is enough to make you want to cry. If you’re looking for a place that will offer compassionate and effective help throughout this time, I would love to tell you about Virginia Fertility and IVF. This clinic has helped scores of families start their journey into parenthood.
Because infertility is such a complex issue, the doctors at Virginia Fertility and IVF want to make sure you have guidance throughout every step. The practice is run by doctors Linnea Goodman, Laura Smith, and Chris Williams. The three have over 50 years of combined experience and have received the national title of “Best Doctors” for multiple years. They do what they can to keep their clinic running effectively. Virginia Fertility remains open 7 days a week, 363 days a year. They’re also the only fertility center with an on-site IVF laboratory in the Charlottesville area. The office provides comprehensive and affordable assistance to families across Virginia. You can visit them at 4100 Olympia Circle in Charlottesville.
The beginning of your treatment at Virginia Fertility will start with a diagnosis. Your doctor will schedule an appointment where they’ll work to understand what’s going on. They’ll ask you about topics such as your medical history and your menstrual cycle. While they recommend coming to see them after you’ve been trying for 12 months, they can schedule an appointment if you have irregular periods or have other factors that might hinder fertility. Then, they’ll start on courses of treatments.
Your doctor will look for a less invasive step first, such as medication. They might also suggest intrauterine insemination. During this, a sperm sample is washed and placed in the cervix. If you’re suffering from blocked fallopian tubes or fibroids, surgery is another choice.
If these don’t work, they will likely suggest in vitro insemination. In this process, eggs are retrieved from a mother’s uterus and inseminated within a lab. A fertilized egg is then placed back in the uterus in hopes that it continues to grow. While IVF has the highest percentage of success, it’s fairly invasive, so doctors will recommend this option last.
The center provides fertility preservation in case you want children down the line. Virginia Fertility offers egg banking and freezing, embryo freezing, and sperm cryopreservation so you can have options later on in life.
If you’re walking through infertility, I want you to know you’re not alone. It can be such a devastating experience that leaves you feeling isolated. Once you’re ready to start seeking out options, give Virginia Fertility and IVF a call. This practice has spent years providing compassionate care to couples on their journey to parenthood.
Whether you’re looking for a sympathetic ear or a photographer to document this season, I’d love to chat. I’m a Virginia-based photographer, and I love finding ways to support local families. I’d love to find ways to help you out during this time. Contact me today so we can chat.
This free group is for moms (and moms-to-be) around Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Charlottesville, and the surrounding areas. And when you join this free Facebook group, it is my mission to provide you with an encouraging, supportive, and authentic place where we can share wins, resources, and connections in the local community. From the challenges to the joys - let's all support each other!
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