Answering All of Birmingham’s Fertility Treatment Questions
When you’re navigating fertility care, it’s completely normal to have questions about, well, everything. At ACRM, we believe in giving you clear answers so you can feel confident about what comes next. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already scheduled for your first visit, this page covers the questions we hear most often. And if you don’t see your question here, we’re only a phone call away.
General Questions
Curious about what to expect at your first appointment? Wondering if you need a referral or should bring your partner? We’ve got you covered. These general FAQs help clear up some of the logistics so you can focus on what matters most.
There’s no perfect timeline for when to seek help, but if something doesn’t feel right, or if trying has started to feel more stressful than hopeful, it’s okay to reach out. Many patients come in early, looking for clarity or peace of mind. Others wait months or even years before they feel ready.
We recommend seeking an evaluation sooner rather than later, especially for women over the age of 35. It’s also a good idea to come in sooner if you’ve had irregular cycles, known reproductive health concerns, or just want to understand your fertility before planning for the future. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask questions. We’re here when you’re ready to talk.
Your first consultation is a starting point, not a commitment to a specific treatment plan. It’s a chance for us to get to know your story, talk through your medical history, and begin looking for any possible causes of infertility.
Most new patient visits include a transvaginal ultrasound and lab work to evaluate hormone levels, ovarian reserve, and other markers that help us understand your reproductive health. If you’re coming in as part of a couple, we may also recommend a semen analysis to get a complete picture.
It’s entirely up to you. Some patients come alone, while others feel more supported bringing a partner, spouse, or loved one. If you’re in a couple and both of you are involved in the journey, we encourage partners to attend when possible—especially since there may be questions or testing related to both of you. But if you’d rather come alone for the first visit, that’s perfectly okay, too.
Most of the time, no. You don’t need a referral to schedule a consultation unless your insurance plan specifically requires it. If you’re unsure, our team can help you look into your coverage and clarify what steps you need to take before booking. We want getting started to feel as simple and straightforward as possible.
We do not collect donor sperm or eggs at our clinic, but we do work with trusted donor banks that specialize in third-party reproduction. If your treatment plan involves donor sperm or frozen donor eggs, we’ll help you explore those options and guide you through the selection process.
Every donor program we partner with follows strict screening protocols to protect your health and safety. While we don’t provide these services in-house, we’re here to help you every step of the way if this becomes part of your journey.
Financial Questions
We know that cost plays a big role in your fertility journey. That’s why we’re upfront about pricing, insurance, and financing options; so you can make confident, informed decisions at every stage. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about paying for fertility treatment.
We accept most major insurance plans, and many do provide at least partial coverage for fertility care, especially for the initial evaluation and diagnostic testing. In some cases, your plan may also include coverage for certain treatments or medications, and a few offer benefits that extend to IVF.
Because every plan is different and fertility coverage can vary widely, we strongly recommend calling your insurance provider directly to ask what’s included and what to expect. Our team can also walk you through what questions to ask and help you make sense of your benefits before your first appointment.
The cost of fertility treatment depends on the type of care you need, how your body responds, and what your insurance covers. Some patients may only need a few office visits and lab tests, while others may move forward with treatments like IUI or IVF, which involve more time, medication, and specialized procedures.
Before we begin, we’ll break down your expected costs so there aren’t any surprises. We know cost is a significant factor for many families, and we believe finances shouldn’t be a barrier to conceiving.
Yes, we do. We know that fertility treatment can be a significant financial commitment, so we’re here to help you navigate your options. Our team offers support with understanding your insurance benefits, outlining recommended treatments’ costs, and exploring any available financing or payment plans. We also provide access to third-party financing options designed for fertility care.
Fertility Questions
When you’re trying to grow your family, it’s natural to have questions—lots of them. From how fertility changes over time to what treatments are available, we’re here to walk you through it all. Here are some of the most common questions we hear in our clinic.
Yes, it’s still possible to become pregnant after a tubal ligation, though it often requires a little extra help. Some women may be candidates for a tubal reversal surgery, depending on their age and how the original procedure was performed.
An alternative to tubal reversal surgery is in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF allows us to completely bypass the fallopian tubes by retrieving eggs directly from the ovaries, fertilizing them in the lab, and transferring an embryo into the uterus. It’s a safe and successful path forward for many women who’ve had their tubes tied but are ready to grow their family.
Yes. Women are born with all the eggs they’ll ever have, and that number—and the quality of those eggs—naturally declines over time. Fertility is at its peak during a woman’s 20s. For example, a healthy 25-year-old has about an 87% chance of conceiving within a year of trying. In your 30s, fertility starts to decline more gradually, and by 35, it tends to drop more sharply. That doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible; it just may take longer and require more support.
After the age of 35, there’s also an increased risk of complications, including miscarriage, due to changes in egg quality. That’s why we encourage women to seek an evaluation earlier if they’ve been trying to conceive. Understanding your fertility now can give you more treatment options later, and we’re here to walk you through each one.
At ACRM, we provide a wide range of fertility services designed to support your path to parenthood. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’ve been trying for while, our team is here to guide you with personalized care.
Our services include:
- Male and female fertility testing to help identify potential barriers to conception.
- Cryopreservation for egg, sperm, and embryo freezing—ideal for fertility preservation or future family planning.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF), including advanced lab techniques and embryo transfer.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a less invasive option for certain causes of infertility.
- Reproductive surgery to correct structural issues that may impact fertility.
Weight loss management to improve health and increase the chances of successful treatment.
We offer elective 3D/4D ultrasounds at our fertility clinic. Many of our patients choose to schedule these during or after fertility treatment to get a closer look at their growing baby. These ultrasounds are a great way to connect with your pregnancy memorably.
However, it’s important to note that we do not perform the required diagnostic ultrasounds typically ordered by your OB during pregnancy. For those, you’ll still need to follow up with your obstetrician.
Hope Starts With a Conversation—Schedule Yours Today
Every family deserves a fighting chance to celebrate pregnancy and new life. At ACRM, we’re committed to turning those dreams into reality through advanced fertility treatments tailored just for you. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re ready to support you with expertise, care, and unwavering hope. Request a consultation with us today to start the next chapter.