February 11, 2025 • 15 mins
The episode dives deep into selecting a fertility clinic, offering invaluable insights from Dr. Pat's articles. It emphasizes understanding success rates, patient reviews, treatment options, and the importance of emotional support throughout the fertility journey.
• Importance of looking beyond success rates
• Emotional and physical risks of multiple births
• Role of patient feedback and experiences
• Practical considerations like age policies and donor programs
• Financial transparency and value in choosing a clinic
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Life by Dr Pat Leading innovation in fertility
excellence.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Deep dive into reproduction with Life.
By Dr Pat.
How to select your IVF clinic.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Okay, so you're thinking about fertility clinics
in Thailand, specificallyBangkok.
We've got these two articleshere from Life by Dr Pat, and
get this he's actually got aclinic there.
Oh wow, and this guy'scredentials, I mean, seriously
impressive.
We're talking dual board,certified, specialized training.
(00:34):
He's even involved in settingthose like international
guidelines for the field.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Wow, so it's not just some random blog post.
We're looking at no.
No, this is like legit stuff,you know it definitely sounds
like we've got a solid source,then, for this deep dive.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Yeah, for sure.
So it's not just about pickingany clinic in Bangkok, right?
Exactly it's about finding theright one for you in Thailand.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
What really jumped out at me was how Dr Pat talks
about success rates.
Yeah, you know everybody getshung up on those percentages,
right, but he's saying theydon't tell the whole story.
And after reading thesearticles I kind of get it.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Yeah, that's a really good point and you know a lot
of people do get kind of fixatedon those numbers but there are
so many other factors that canimpact success rates.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
The articles mention things like variations from year
to year, even within the sameclinic.
Oh interesting the specificneeds of each patient.
Even the size of the clinicitself can play a role.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Huh.
So it's a lot more complex thanjust seeing like a high
percentage and assuming thatguarantees anything.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Exactly.
It's not a guarantee.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Right, it's like seeing a movie with amazing
reviews, but then you get thereand it's just not your genre.
You know?
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yeah, I totally get that analogy.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Speaking of things that might seem different than
they first appear.
Let's talk about multiplebirths.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Twins, triplets I mean on the surface that sounds
great, yeah, but Dr Pat reallydives into some potential
downsides.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Yeah, he does.
He really emphasizes theimportance of patient safety
first and foremost.
And you know, while havingmultiples might be seen as a
positive outcome, it really isessential to carefully weigh
those risks.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
The articles point out that single embryo transfer
can often be just as successful.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
While avoiding a lot of the increased risks
associated with multiple births,like premature birth, potential
health complications for boththe mom and the babies.
And then there's also the youknow emotional and financial
strains of having multiples toconsider too.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Oh yeah, it's not just about having a healthy baby
Right.
It's about having a healthy momand having realistic
expectations going into thewhole process.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
I appreciate how Dr Pat is upfront about that stuff,
because you don't want anysurprises down the line.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Okay.
So let's say you're looking atall these clinics in Thailand
trying to choose one.
What are some practical thingsto keep in mind?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
I mean, location and cost are obvious but what else
does Dr Pat suggest we should beconsidering?
One thing he really emphasizesis looking at the specific
treatments that a clinic offers.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
And this goes beyond, just like IVF or egg freezing.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Some clinics specialize in particular
techniques.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Like PGT, for example , pre-implantation genetic
testing, or they might cater topatients with specific profiles,
got it, while others offer abroader range of options.
So it's kind of like choosing aspecialist for any medical
condition.
Right, you want someone whoreally excels in the specific
area that you need.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
So like, if you know you're going to need IVF with
PGT testing, you'd want a clinicthat has a proven track record
with that combo.
Exactly, okay, makes sense.
Doing your research I meanreally getting into the nitty
gritty of those treatments couldhelp you make a much more
informed decision.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And it's not just about the hard data, right?
No, Dr Pat talks about theimportance of patient reviews.
Like really looking into those.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
I found that really interesting.
What did you think about that?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, it makes sense, you know, because those reviews
can give you insights that youmight not get from the clinic's
website or their marketingmaterials.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It's real people's experiences.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Yeah, and he's not just saying read the success
stories, he's saying look at theclinic's culture, their
communication style.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Right.
Do they offer that personaltouch?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, all those kind of like softer aspects that can
actually make a big differenceduring what's already a
stressful and emotional journey.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Absolutely.
It's a huge decision and youwant to feel comfortable and
confident with the clinic thatyou choose.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
And those reviews can really give you a sense of what
it's actually like to be apatient there.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Yeah, like, do they respond to emails quickly Do?
Speaker 2 (04:32):
they make you feel heard All that stuff.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
It's like having a built-in support system.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Right, which can be so important during a time when
you really need it.
Exactly, and this reallyhighlights how Dr Pat sees
fertility treatment as more thanjust a medical procedure.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
It's about supporting the whole person throughout the
entire experience.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
And it leads us to this really interesting point
that he brings up in thearticles how much emphasis
should be placed on patientfeedback in a field as personal
and nuanced as fertilitytreatment.
That's a good question.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Right, it's not as simple as it's everyone's
experience.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
It's going to be unique, right.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Exactly what might be a make or break factor for one
person might not even be on theradar for someone else.
Yeah, it seems like there's alot to unpack there there is,
and it's something we'lldefinitely dive into more in the
next part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Okay.
So stay tuned because we'rejust getting started.
So we've been talking aboutlooking beyond just those
success rates when picking afertility clinic in Thailand,
especially in Bangkok, how thosesofter aspects like emotional
support and the specifictreatments offered those can be
super important.
But before we get back to allthat, I feel like we should talk
about the more practicalaspects of actually choosing a
(05:41):
clinic.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, no, you're totally right.
It's one thing to talk aboutthe bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
But at the end of the day, you've got to make an
actual decision.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
Exactly.
So, let's say, based on allthis info from Dr Pat, you're
ready to start making your listof potential clinics.
Yeah, what are some of thosenitty gritty things that you
should be looking for?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Dr Pat actually brings up a really interesting
point about age.
You know, while Thailanddoesn't have a legal age limit
for fertility treatment, hementions that individual clinics
might.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Oh really.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Yeah, they might have their own like internal
policies.
So that's definitely somethingto clarify up front.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
That makes total sense.
I mean, you wouldn't want towaste time researching a clinic
that's not even going to treatpatients in your age range.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
So age is one thing, but what about the actual
treatments themselves?
We touched on this a littlebefore.
But how can you make sure aclinic has the specific
expertise that you might need?
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, that's where getting into the specifics of
the treatments offered is key.
In the articles, dr Patexplains that there are clinics
in Thailand that specialize invery particular techniques.
Okay, like some cater topatients with very specific
conditions or who need thosemore advanced procedures like
IVF with PGT.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
With PGT.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, there's pre-implantation genetic testing
.
For those who maybe aren'tfamiliar with the acronym, Right
, thanks for spelling that out.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
So if someone knows they're probably going to need
IVF with PGT, they should reallybe zeroing in on clinics that
have a lot of experience withthat specific procedure.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Precisely.
Don't be afraid to go beyondjust the general brochures and
really dig into what a clinicexcels at.
Look for data.
Ask about their specialists seeif they've published any
research on the techniques thatare relevant to your situation.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Kat Kerlin- Gotcha.
Okay, so you've got the agepolicies checked.
You're looking into treatmentspecializations.
What about the whole donor eggor sperm situation?
Is that very much betweenclinics in Thailand?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Dr, it can definitely vary.
Dr Pat mentions that the waittimes for donor eggs or sperm
can be wildly different.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Kat Kerlin oh wow.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Dr, depending on the clinic's donor program and their
screening processes.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
That's a good point.
I hadn't even thought aboutthat.
It would be so frustrating tochoose a clinic and then find
out there's like a huge wait fora donor.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
So another thing to add to the checklist All right,
so we've got age policies,treatment specializations, donor
programs.
What other practical factorsshould we be thinking about?
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, remember those patient reviews we were talking
about?
Yes, dr Pat really emphasizesthat.
They're not just for readingsuccess stories.
They can give you a real feelfor the clinic's communication
style and the whole patientexperience.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Yes, that really stood out to me.
It's not just about the medicalside of things, it's how you're
treated throughout the entireprocess.
You know, especially in a fieldas sensitive as fertility
treatment, having a clinic thatcommunicates, clearly, responds
to you, quickly, treats you withempathy I mean that can make
all the difference.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Absolutely.
Fertility treatment oftenrequires a lot of ongoing
communication and collaborationto the patient and the medical
team.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
So really pay attention to what those past
patients are saying about thingslike the clinic's
responsiveness, theirwillingness to answer questions,
their overall bedside manner.
You know.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Okay, I'm starting to feel like we're building a
pretty good checklist here.
We've got age policies,treatment options, donor
programs, patient reviews,anything else you should add
before we move on?
Speaker 2 (08:57):
One final thought on the practical side.
Dr Pat really emphasizes theimportance of being an active
participant in your ownfertility journey.
So be prepared to ask questions, advocate for yourself and
communicate openly with yourchosen clinic.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
I love that.
It's about taking ownership ofyour health and your choices and
speaking of things that requireopen communication and
self-advocacy.
Let's switch gears a little andtalk about the emotional
aspects of this whole experience, because, honestly, it can be a
real roller coaster.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
It can be, and you're right.
Dr Pat really prioritized thatin his articles.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Yeah, and that's where those counseling services
we talked about can really comein handy.
He mentioned that some clinicsactually have in-house
counselors.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
They do Some, do Some clinics do which?
I imagine can be superconvenient but then others might
refer out to specialists, right.
And it's important to weigh thepros and cons of each model.
Yeah, you know, see what feelsright for you.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Don't hesitate to ask the clinic about their
counselor's qualifications,their experience with fertility
patients and their overallapproach.
You want to make sure you feelcomfortable and confident with
whoever you're working with.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Okay, so we've talked about a lot of those practical
considerations and the emotionalsupport side of things.
That's a lot to think about,but hopefully it's giving our
listeners a good framework forthose early decisions.
But there's one big piece ofthe puzzle that we haven't
really talked about yet.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
You're right, we can't talk about choosing a
fertility clinic without talkingabout the elephant in the room
the financial aspect.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
You said it, let's talk money.
Fertility treatments, I mean.
They can be a prettysignificant investment and
transparency is key when itcomes to understanding those
costs.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely, and in the final part of our deep dive,
that's exactly what we're goingto do.
Okay, so we're back for thelast part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That's exactly what we're going to do.
Okay, so we're back for thelast part of our deep dive into
choosing a fertility clinic inThailand, using those articles
by Dr Pat and we've covered somuch, from those success rates
and you know the pros and consof multiple births to finding a
clinic that offers not just theright treatments but you know,
good emotional support too.
But now it's time to talk aboutthat thing.
(10:56):
Nobody really wants to talkabout the financial side of
fertility treatment.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Yeah, it's definitely something that can feel
overwhelming, especially becausethere's no one-size-fits-all
answer when it comes to costs.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
But Dr Pat, he makes a great point in his articles.
He really encourages patientsto be upfront about their
financial concerns.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And to ask those clinics directly about their
pricing structures, like rightfrom the beginning.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
I think that's such good advice.
You know, transparency is soimportant when you're dealing
with something as big asfertility treatment.
You want to know what you'regetting into financially.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Absolutely no hidden surprises down the line.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Right, exactly.
So when you're researchingclinics, what are some like
specific questions that youshould be asking about their
pricing policies?
Speaker 2 (11:40):
Well, first off, do they offer any kind of package
deals that bundle certaintreatments together?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
OK.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
That can sometimes be more cost effective than paying
for each service individually.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Makes sense.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
And it's really important to ask whether
medications are included in theoverall price.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Oh yeah, Good point.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Or if those are billed separately, because
medications can add up reallyquickly, so knowing that upfront
is essential.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yeah, for sure.
What about things like pre andpost treatment consultations?
Speaker 2 (12:09):
Yeah, those are good ones to ask about too.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Are those usually included or?
Speaker 2 (12:12):
They might not always be included in the main
treatment package.
It really depends on the clinic.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Wow, there are a lot of moving parts here.
Yeah, it seems like takingreally detailed notes and maybe
even asking for a writtenestimate is a good idea.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Oh, absolutely.
Having that information inwriting can help you compare
clinics more easily and avoidany confusion later on.
And remember it's your right asa patient to understand those
financial implications beforeyou commit to anything.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Right for sure.
Okay, so let's say you've doneall your research, you've
contacted different clinics, gotyour quotes and you're looking
at some potentially big costs.
What are your options then?
Does Dr Pat give any advice onhow to kind of manage the
financial side of things?
Speaker 2 (12:57):
He doesn't get into specific financial strategies,
but he does mention that someclinics might offer financing
plans or payment options to helpmake the treatment a little bit
more accessible.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
That's good to know.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
So if those upfront costs feel overwhelming, don't
hesitate to ask about thosepossibilities.
It's also a good idea to checkwith your insurance provider to
see if they cover any fertilitytreatments.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Oh yeah, that's true.
Sometimes you just assumeinsurance won't cover it, but
it's always worth checking.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Always worth asking.
Coverage can vary a lot, but itnever hurts to make that call.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Right, okay, so we've talked about that.
Pricing transparency, gettingeverything in writing, potential
financing options, checkingwith insurance Anything else we
need to keep in mind when itcomes to the financial part of
choosing a clinic.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
I think the big takeaway here is that, while
cost is obviously a major factor, it shouldn't be the only
deciding factor.
Right, it's about finding thatbalance between affordability
and the quality of care thatyou're getting.
Don't let the financial stuffovershadow, choosing a clinic
that you know really aligns withyour values, your medical needs
and your overall well-being.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
That's a really good point.
It's about finding the bestvalue overall, which might mean
prioritizing certain things overothers, and that's going to be
different for every person.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Exactly.
And with that I think we'vereached the end of our deep dive
into choosing a fertilityclinic in Thailand.
We've explored those scientificaspects, the practical
considerations, the emotionalside of things and, of course,
the financial landscape.
It's been quite a journey.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
It has.
Hopefully you're feeling a bitmore informed and maybe even a
bit more empowered to startnavigating this whole process.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Remember these articles by Dr Pat.
They're just the beginning.
Keep doing your research.
Ask those questions, trust yourgut.
Keep doing your research.
Ask those questions, trust yourgut.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Because, ultimately, this is such a personal decision
and you deserve to feelconfident and supported every
step of the way.
So on that note, we'll leaveyou with one final thought.
In the world of fertilitytreatment, where data and those
statistics they often takecenter stage, how much weight
should you give to thosestandardized success rates
versus those personalizedpatient experiences?
(14:58):
It's something to ponder as youweigh your options and start on
this incredible journey.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Until next time, keep diving deep Leading.
Speaker 1 (15:09):
Innovation Fertility Excellence.
Life by Dr Pat Leadinginnovation in fertility
excellence.
Life by Dr Pat Leading innovation in fertility
excellence.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Deep dive into reproduction with Life.
By Dr Pat.
How to select your IVF clinic.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
Okay, so you're thinking about fertility clinics
in Thailand, specificallyBangkok.
We've got these two articleshere from Life by Dr Pat, and
get this he's actually got aclinic there.
Oh wow, and this guy'scredentials, I mean, seriously
impressive.
We're talking dual board,certified, specialized training.
(00:34):
He's even involved in settingthose like international
guidelines for the field.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Wow, so it's not just some random blog post.
We're looking at no.
No, this is like legit stuff,you know it definitely sounds
like we've got a solid source,then, for this deep dive.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
Yeah, for sure.
So it's not just about pickingany clinic in Bangkok, right?
Exactly it's about finding theright one for you in Thailand.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (00:54):
What really jumped out at me was how Dr Pat talks
about success rates.
Yeah, you know everybody getshung up on those percentages,
right, but he's saying theydon't tell the whole story.
And after reading thesearticles I kind of get it.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Yeah, that's a really good point and you know a lot
of people do get kind of fixatedon those numbers but there are
so many other factors that canimpact success rates.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
The articles mention things like variations from year
to year, even within the sameclinic.
Oh interesting the specificneeds of each patient.
Even the size of the clinicitself can play a role.
Speaker 1 (01:25):
Huh.
So it's a lot more complex thanjust seeing like a high
percentage and assuming thatguarantees anything.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Exactly.
It's not a guarantee.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Right, it's like seeing a movie with amazing
reviews, but then you get thereand it's just not your genre.
You know?
Speaker 2 (01:38):
Yeah, I totally get that analogy.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Speaking of things that might seem different than
they first appear.
Let's talk about multiplebirths.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Twins, triplets I mean on the surface that sounds
great, yeah, but Dr Pat reallydives into some potential
downsides.
Speaker 2 (01:53):
Yeah, he does.
He really emphasizes theimportance of patient safety
first and foremost.
And you know, while havingmultiples might be seen as a
positive outcome, it really isessential to carefully weigh
those risks.
Speaker 1 (02:06):
Right.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
The articles point out that single embryo transfer
can often be just as successful.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Oh, wow.
Speaker 2 (02:11):
While avoiding a lot of the increased risks
associated with multiple births,like premature birth, potential
health complications for boththe mom and the babies.
And then there's also the youknow emotional and financial
strains of having multiples toconsider too.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Oh yeah, it's not just about having a healthy baby
Right.
It's about having a healthy momand having realistic
expectations going into thewhole process.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
I appreciate how Dr Pat is upfront about that stuff,
because you don't want anysurprises down the line.
Speaker 2 (02:37):
Absolutely not.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Okay.
So let's say you're looking atall these clinics in Thailand
trying to choose one.
What are some practical thingsto keep in mind?
Speaker 2 (02:50):
I mean, location and cost are obvious but what else
does Dr Pat suggest we should beconsidering?
One thing he really emphasizesis looking at the specific
treatments that a clinic offers.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
And this goes beyond, just like IVF or egg freezing.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Right.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Some clinics specialize in particular
techniques.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Like PGT, for example , pre-implantation genetic
testing, or they might cater topatients with specific profiles,
got it, while others offer abroader range of options.
So it's kind of like choosing aspecialist for any medical
condition.
Right, you want someone whoreally excels in the specific
area that you need.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
So like, if you know you're going to need IVF with
PGT testing, you'd want a clinicthat has a proven track record
with that combo.
Exactly, okay, makes sense.
Doing your research I meanreally getting into the nitty
gritty of those treatments couldhelp you make a much more
informed decision.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Absolutely.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And it's not just about the hard data, right?
No, Dr Pat talks about theimportance of patient reviews.
Like really looking into those.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Yes.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
I found that really interesting.
What did you think about that?
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, it makes sense, you know, because those reviews
can give you insights that youmight not get from the clinic's
website or their marketingmaterials.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It's real people's experiences.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Yeah, and he's not just saying read the success
stories, he's saying look at theclinic's culture, their
communication style.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Right.
Do they offer that personaltouch?
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Yeah, all those kind of like softer aspects that can
actually make a big differenceduring what's already a
stressful and emotional journey.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Absolutely.
It's a huge decision and youwant to feel comfortable and
confident with the clinic thatyou choose.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
For sure.
Speaker 2 (04:25):
And those reviews can really give you a sense of what
it's actually like to be apatient there.
Speaker 1 (04:29):
Yeah, like, do they respond to emails quickly Do?
Speaker 2 (04:32):
they make you feel heard All that stuff.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
It's like having a built-in support system.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
Right, which can be so important during a time when
you really need it.
Exactly, and this reallyhighlights how Dr Pat sees
fertility treatment as more thanjust a medical procedure.
Speaker 1 (04:45):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
It's about supporting the whole person throughout the
entire experience.
Speaker 1 (04:50):
I like that.
Speaker 2 (04:50):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
And it leads us to this really interesting point
that he brings up in thearticles how much emphasis
should be placed on patientfeedback in a field as personal
and nuanced as fertilitytreatment.
That's a good question.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Right, it's not as simple as it's everyone's
experience.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
It's going to be unique, right.
Speaker 2 (05:06):
Exactly what might be a make or break factor for one
person might not even be on theradar for someone else.
Yeah, it seems like there's alot to unpack there there is,
and it's something we'lldefinitely dive into more in the
next part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Okay.
So stay tuned because we'rejust getting started.
So we've been talking aboutlooking beyond just those
success rates when picking afertility clinic in Thailand,
especially in Bangkok, how thosesofter aspects like emotional
support and the specifictreatments offered those can be
super important.
But before we get back to allthat, I feel like we should talk
about the more practicalaspects of actually choosing a
(05:41):
clinic.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, no, you're totally right.
It's one thing to talk aboutthe bigger picture.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
But at the end of the day, you've got to make an
actual decision.
Speaker 1 (05:48):
Exactly.
So, let's say, based on allthis info from Dr Pat, you're
ready to start making your listof potential clinics.
Yeah, what are some of thosenitty gritty things that you
should be looking for?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Dr Pat actually brings up a really interesting
point about age.
You know, while Thailanddoesn't have a legal age limit
for fertility treatment, hementions that individual clinics
might.
Speaker 1 (06:09):
Oh really.
Speaker 2 (06:09):
Yeah, they might have their own like internal
policies.
So that's definitely somethingto clarify up front.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
That makes total sense.
I mean, you wouldn't want towaste time researching a clinic
that's not even going to treatpatients in your age range.
Speaker 2 (06:20):
Exactly.
Speaker 1 (06:21):
So age is one thing, but what about the actual
treatments themselves?
We touched on this a littlebefore.
But how can you make sure aclinic has the specific
expertise that you might need?
Speaker 2 (06:30):
Yeah, that's where getting into the specifics of
the treatments offered is key.
In the articles, dr Patexplains that there are clinics
in Thailand that specialize invery particular techniques.
Okay, like some cater topatients with very specific
conditions or who need thosemore advanced procedures like
IVF with PGT.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
With PGT.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, there's pre-implantation genetic testing
.
For those who maybe aren'tfamiliar with the acronym, Right
, thanks for spelling that out.
Speaker 1 (06:58):
So if someone knows they're probably going to need
IVF with PGT, they should reallybe zeroing in on clinics that
have a lot of experience withthat specific procedure.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Precisely.
Don't be afraid to go beyondjust the general brochures and
really dig into what a clinicexcels at.
Look for data.
Ask about their specialists seeif they've published any
research on the techniques thatare relevant to your situation.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Kat Kerlin- Gotcha.
Okay, so you've got the agepolicies checked.
You're looking into treatmentspecializations.
What about the whole donor eggor sperm situation?
Is that very much betweenclinics in Thailand?
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Dr, it can definitely vary.
Dr Pat mentions that the waittimes for donor eggs or sperm
can be wildly different.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
Kat Kerlin oh wow.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Dr, depending on the clinic's donor program and their
screening processes.
Speaker 1 (07:42):
That's a good point.
I hadn't even thought aboutthat.
It would be so frustrating tochoose a clinic and then find
out there's like a huge wait fora donor.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
So another thing to add to the checklist All right,
so we've got age policies,treatment specializations, donor
programs.
What other practical factorsshould we be thinking about?
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, remember those patient reviews we were talking
about?
Yes, dr Pat really emphasizesthat.
They're not just for readingsuccess stories.
They can give you a real feelfor the clinic's communication
style and the whole patientexperience.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Yes, that really stood out to me.
It's not just about the medicalside of things, it's how you're
treated throughout the entireprocess.
You know, especially in a fieldas sensitive as fertility
treatment, having a clinic thatcommunicates, clearly, responds
to you, quickly, treats you withempathy I mean that can make
all the difference.
Speaker 2 (08:29):
Absolutely.
Fertility treatment oftenrequires a lot of ongoing
communication and collaborationto the patient and the medical
team.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
So really pay attention to what those past
patients are saying about thingslike the clinic's
responsiveness, theirwillingness to answer questions,
their overall bedside manner.
You know.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Okay, I'm starting to feel like we're building a
pretty good checklist here.
We've got age policies,treatment options, donor
programs, patient reviews,anything else you should add
before we move on?
Speaker 2 (08:57):
One final thought on the practical side.
Dr Pat really emphasizes theimportance of being an active
participant in your ownfertility journey.
So be prepared to ask questions, advocate for yourself and
communicate openly with yourchosen clinic.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
I love that.
It's about taking ownership ofyour health and your choices and
speaking of things that requireopen communication and
self-advocacy.
Let's switch gears a little andtalk about the emotional
aspects of this whole experience, because, honestly, it can be a
real roller coaster.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
It can be, and you're right.
Dr Pat really prioritized thatin his articles.
Speaker 1 (09:30):
Yeah, and that's where those counseling services
we talked about can really comein handy.
He mentioned that some clinicsactually have in-house
counselors.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
They do Some, do Some clinics do which?
I imagine can be superconvenient but then others might
refer out to specialists, right.
And it's important to weigh thepros and cons of each model.
Yeah, you know, see what feelsright for you.
Speaker 1 (09:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Don't hesitate to ask the clinic about their
counselor's qualifications,their experience with fertility
patients and their overallapproach.
You want to make sure you feelcomfortable and confident with
whoever you're working with.
Speaker 1 (10:02):
Okay, so we've talked about a lot of those practical
considerations and the emotionalsupport side of things.
That's a lot to think about,but hopefully it's giving our
listeners a good framework forthose early decisions.
But there's one big piece ofthe puzzle that we haven't
really talked about yet.
Speaker 2 (10:15):
You're right, we can't talk about choosing a
fertility clinic without talkingabout the elephant in the room
the financial aspect.
Speaker 1 (10:21):
You said it, let's talk money.
Fertility treatments, I mean.
They can be a prettysignificant investment and
transparency is key when itcomes to understanding those
costs.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely, and in the final part of our deep dive,
that's exactly what we're goingto do.
Okay, so we're back for thelast part of our deep dive.
Speaker 1 (10:35):
That's exactly what we're going to do.
Okay, so we're back for thelast part of our deep dive into
choosing a fertility clinic inThailand, using those articles
by Dr Pat and we've covered somuch, from those success rates
and you know the pros and consof multiple births to finding a
clinic that offers not just theright treatments but you know,
good emotional support too.
But now it's time to talk aboutthat thing.
(10:56):
Nobody really wants to talkabout the financial side of
fertility treatment.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Yeah, it's definitely something that can feel
overwhelming, especially becausethere's no one-size-fits-all
answer when it comes to costs.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
But Dr Pat, he makes a great point in his articles.
He really encourages patientsto be upfront about their
financial concerns.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:15):
And to ask those clinics directly about their
pricing structures, like rightfrom the beginning.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
I think that's such good advice.
You know, transparency is soimportant when you're dealing
with something as big asfertility treatment.
You want to know what you'regetting into financially.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Absolutely no hidden surprises down the line.
Speaker 1 (11:32):
Right, exactly.
So when you're researchingclinics, what are some like
specific questions that youshould be asking about their
pricing policies?
Speaker 2 (11:40):
Well, first off, do they offer any kind of package
deals that bundle certaintreatments together?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
OK.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
That can sometimes be more cost effective than paying
for each service individually.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Makes sense.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
And it's really important to ask whether
medications are included in theoverall price.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Oh yeah, Good point.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Or if those are billed separately, because
medications can add up reallyquickly, so knowing that upfront
is essential.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
Yeah, for sure.
What about things like pre andpost treatment consultations?
Speaker 2 (12:09):
Yeah, those are good ones to ask about too.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Are those usually included or?
Speaker 2 (12:12):
They might not always be included in the main
treatment package.
It really depends on the clinic.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
Wow, there are a lot of moving parts here.
Yeah, it seems like takingreally detailed notes and maybe
even asking for a writtenestimate is a good idea.
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Oh, absolutely.
Having that information inwriting can help you compare
clinics more easily and avoidany confusion later on.
And remember it's your right asa patient to understand those
financial implications beforeyou commit to anything.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Right for sure.
Okay, so let's say you've doneall your research, you've
contacted different clinics, gotyour quotes and you're looking
at some potentially big costs.
What are your options then?
Does Dr Pat give any advice onhow to kind of manage the
financial side of things?
Speaker 2 (12:57):
He doesn't get into specific financial strategies,
but he does mention that someclinics might offer financing
plans or payment options to helpmake the treatment a little bit
more accessible.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
That's good to know.
Speaker 2 (13:03):
So if those upfront costs feel overwhelming, don't
hesitate to ask about thosepossibilities.
It's also a good idea to checkwith your insurance provider to
see if they cover any fertilitytreatments.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
Oh yeah, that's true.
Sometimes you just assumeinsurance won't cover it, but
it's always worth checking.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Always worth asking.
Coverage can vary a lot, but itnever hurts to make that call.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Right, okay, so we've talked about that.
Pricing transparency, gettingeverything in writing, potential
financing options, checkingwith insurance Anything else we
need to keep in mind when itcomes to the financial part of
choosing a clinic.
Speaker 2 (13:38):
I think the big takeaway here is that, while
cost is obviously a major factor, it shouldn't be the only
deciding factor.
Right, it's about finding thatbalance between affordability
and the quality of care thatyou're getting.
Don't let the financial stuffovershadow, choosing a clinic
that you know really aligns withyour values, your medical needs
and your overall well-being.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
That's a really good point.
It's about finding the bestvalue overall, which might mean
prioritizing certain things overothers, and that's going to be
different for every person.
Speaker 2 (14:08):
Exactly.
And with that I think we'vereached the end of our deep dive
into choosing a fertilityclinic in Thailand.
We've explored those scientificaspects, the practical
considerations, the emotionalside of things and, of course,
the financial landscape.
It's been quite a journey.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
It has.
Hopefully you're feeling a bitmore informed and maybe even a
bit more empowered to startnavigating this whole process.
Speaker 2 (14:29):
Remember these articles by Dr Pat.
They're just the beginning.
Keep doing your research.
Ask those questions, trust yourgut.
Keep doing your research.
Ask those questions, trust yourgut.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
Because, ultimately, this is such a personal decision
and you deserve to feelconfident and supported every
step of the way.
So on that note, we'll leaveyou with one final thought.
In the world of fertilitytreatment, where data and those
statistics they often takecenter stage, how much weight
should you give to thosestandardized success rates
versus those personalizedpatient experiences?
(14:58):
It's something to ponder as youweigh your options and start on
this incredible journey.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Until next time, keep diving deep Leading.
Speaker 1 (15:09):
Innovation Fertility Excellence.
Life by Dr Pat Leadinginnovation in fertility
excellence.
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