You are not alone. Some people with infertility struggle with how to balance work and fertility treatment. When you're trying to keep your situation quiet, managing treatment appointments, medication, and emotions can be overwhelming.
At IVF FLORIDA, we understand that fertility treatment is stressful, and we are here to help. Our offices are open 365 days a year and offer early morning appointments and our care team works closely with each patient to ensure their journey to building a family is as stress-free as possible.
Although we can't alleviate all the stress associated with juggling a full-time job and appointments, we can offer a few tips to help you balance work and infertility treatment:
Strategically schedule your appointments.
Scheduling the earliest or latest appointment and adjusting your workday is one way to avoid disruptions. For example, you can book an appointment at 7:30 a.m., which may leave plenty of time to get to the office without anyone knowing the difference, or plan a "late lunch" and schedule your appointment in the late afternoon.
Temporarily switch your work schedule.
Hybrid and remote work schedules have become the new norm for some industries, and many offices are more accepting of flexible work schedules. Try talking to your boss about temporarily shifting your work hours. They might be willing to compromise if they know it's for a short time.
Before the meeting, write what you want to say and how you'd like to flex your schedule. Make sure you include specific dates and times when possible. This will help keep the conversation focused on what's most important and make it easier for everyone involved.
Be proactive about your support system.
When seeking fertility treatments, find an ally you can lean on when things get tough. It could be a spouse, work buddy, or family member. Work-life will become far more challenging without the emotional support you need. You may also find support groups online that can provide a safe space to talk to others with similar experiences.
Take time for yourself.
IVF is an emotional rollercoaster, and taking time for self-care is important during treatment. Whether it’s setting aside time to read a book, asking for more support at home, or taking time off work to prevent exhaustion, you’ll do a better job balancing work and fertility treatment if you do what you need to stay mentally and physically healthy.
IVF FLORIDA regularly works with individuals and couples juggling their careers during fertility treatments. Schedule a consultation and learn more about how to plan for a fertility treatment plan that flows with your career and home life.
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IVF FLORIDA at 31 Mar 2023
DID YOU KNOW? One in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish men and women carry a BRCA mutation which can lead to a higher risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and other cancers. There is also a 50% chance of passing this mutation on to the next generation, regardless of family history.
IVF FLORIDA physician, Dr. Vanessa Weitzman, will join Dr. Liz Etkin-Kramer, Gynecologist and founder of Yodeah, to discuss BRCA mutation and the steps couples can take if they carry this gene.
The free webinar is on Monday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.
To register, click here.
Want to learn more? View the flyer.
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IVF FLORIDA at 21 Mar 2023
Heart health and fertility: a match made in heaven
February is Heart Health Month, and we're celebrating by sharing some easy-to-read information about how heart health and fertility are connected. The good news is, you don't have to choose between a healthy heart and a healthy pregnancy—you can have both! Here are four tips to help you keep your ticker in tip-top shape while you're trying to conceive:
1) Keep your blood pressure low. High blood pressure can cause numerous problems, including heart disease and stroke, so lowering it is one of the best things you can do for your health—and for your fertility.
2) Maintain a healthy weight by eating right (think more fruits and veggies) and exercising regularly (think walking). Being overweight or obese can cause high blood pressure, which makes both men and women less fertile.
3) Quit smoking! Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in both men and women, making them less fertile as well as increasing their chances of having complications during pregnancy if they do become pregnant.
4) Get more sleep. Rest revitalizes us and plays a vital role in our lives. Studies have linked poor sleep quality to an increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease. Getting good, quality sleep (between 7-9 hours a night) will keep your heart healthy and help your body regulate hormones, including hormones involved in reproduction.
If you're ready to take the next step in your fertility journey, we're here to help. Call us today at 954-247-6200 or fill out this brief form.
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IVF FLORIDA at 22 Feb 2023
IVF FLORIDA is excited to share that Dr. Marc R. Gualtieri’s peer-reviewed article, "The Promise and Challenges of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for IVF," has been published in the latest issue of Contemporary OB/GYN.
Click here to read.
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IVF FLORIDA at 9 Feb 2023
Making that first call can feel intimidating, but we're sharing what you can expect when scheduling your first fertility appointment at IVF FLORIDA. Head to the link in our bio to read the full blog post.
At IVF FLORIDA, we understand that making your first appointment can be intimidating. We have a dedicated team to answer your questions and walk you through the scheduling process.
Our Patient Services Team provides potential patients with the basics of our treatment options and getting started information. Many team members have been with IVF FLORIDA for more than ten years, and they understand the process and fertility journey.
When getting ready to schedule your first appointment, please have your insurance information ready and your partner’s demographic information (if applicable). In addition to gathering demographic information, the Patient Services Team will also ask how long you have been trying to conceive, a few health-related questions, and how you were referred to IVF FLORIDA.
Finding the right appointment
IVF FLORIDA offers virtual and in-office consults to best suit each patient’s preferences. Partners can join the virtual consults and can attend some in-office appointments. If you'd like to bring someone, please check with your care team before arriving at the office.
You’ll be asked which location you’d like to establish care. With seven locations throughout South Florida, IVF FLORIDA has an office convenient to you.
Once you’ve decided on a home office, you can choose which IVF FLORIDA physician you’d wish to see. We ask that you schedule this initial consultation with the doctor that will be with you throughout your treatment journey. You can learn more about IVF FLORIDA’s medical team and find a doctor here.
New patient paperwork
Before your new patient consult, you’ll receive a text and email from a system called Phreesia. Phreesia is a new, private, HIPAA-compliant, electronic patient intake system. Phreesia is a recognized leader in this space and has proven to improve the overall patient experience by providing convenient, flexible, mobile, in-office, and contactless check-in options. Patients with upcoming virtual consultations will receive their telemedicine link from Phreesia on the day of the appointment.
You’ll complete your paperwork and upload photos of your insurance card and driver's license directly to Phreesia. All paperwork must be completed three business days before your appointment so that your care team has time to review your medical history.
If you have prior medical records pertinent to this appointment, please have them faxed directly to your office.
Your first fertility specialist appointment
First, you will meet with your physician to discuss your medical history and learn more about your family-building goals. Your physician will explain the fertility testing process, and after the appointment, your Care Team will help you schedule any needed diagnostic testing.
The initial fertility consults with your physician is a comprehensive evaluation of your history and medical records. The appointment typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. During this visit, you will have the opportunity to have your questions answered and to participate in developing a plan for further evaluation and/or treatment. Learn more about what to expect from your initial fertility consult, here.
Some patients interested in egg freezing will need to have the diagnostic testing completed before they meet with their physician.
A few days after your appointment, you’ll receive financial and insurance information from your dedicated financial counselor through the IVF FLORIDA patient portal. They will reach out to schedule a time to review your financing options and answer any questions you have.
If you are having trouble trying to conceive, it may be time to schedule an appointment at IVF FLORIDA, please speak with our Patient Services Team at 954-247-6200.
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IVF FLORIDA at 31 Jan 2023