What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic | Progyny

Written by the Progyny Editorial Team — December 2025. 

Choosing a fertility clinic is a personal decision. The right fit depends on your medical needs, comfort level, and preferences for how you want your care to feel. Asking a few key questions can help you make that decision with confidence. 

Are there different specialties within fertility care? 

Yes, including: 

• Reproductive endocrinologists (REIs) are gynecologists who have specialized training in reproductive medicine, including infertility treatment and fertility preservation.  

• Reproductive urologists are doctors who have specialized training in the male reproductive system and male infertility. 

Some clinics may also have expertise in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or fibroids. If you’ve received a specific diagnosis, ask whether the clinic has doctors who specialize in that area. 

Depending on your or your family’s fertility needs, an REI may work with other specialists — such as gynecologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, urologists, and geneticists — to create a personalized care plan. 

Should I choose based on outcomes, treatments, or my doctor? 

Each of these factors plays a role and what matters most can vary by person. 

Many people focus first on success rates, which reflect how often patients achieve pregnancy or live birth. These results are influenced by several factors, especially the quality of the embryology lab, which handles eggs, sperm, and embryos. Most fertility doctors agree that the lab is one of the most important parts of IVF treatment. 

It’s also important to feel comfortable with your doctor. You should feel heard, respected, and confident in their recommendations. Keep in mind that you’ll likely meet other providers in the practice for monitoring, procedures, and follow-up visits, so it helps to feel comfortable with the entire care team. 

How much does location matter? 

During treatment, you may need to visit the clinic several times a week for bloodwork and ultrasounds, especially during stimulation and monitoring. Choosing a clinic that’s convenient to your home or workplace, when available, can make the process less stressful. 

What about the clinic’s hours? 

Before you begin treatment, ask: 

• What are your monitoring hours? 

• How do you handle weekends or holiday monitoring? 

• Will I need to take time off work for procedures? 

Knowing what to expect can help you plan your schedule and reduce stress once treatment begins.

Next article: Understanding Clinic Options: Size, Services, and Specialties

Full Series

1. How to choose a fertility clinic
2. What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic
3. Understanding Clinic Options: Size, Services, and Specialties
4. Getting support and finding the right fit