Making the most of your infertility benefits
DR . THOMAS MOLINARO
A recent national survey showed that nearly six in 10 people would be willing to switch jobs if an employer offered infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization ( IVF ) and egg freezing . As state employees , New Jersey law enforcement personnel have amazing health benefits that include fertility coverage . This makes starting a family easier than ever .
If you ’ re concerned about fertility , it ’ s time to see a reproductive endocrinologist . Take comfort in the fact that you ’ re not alone . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , one in eight U . S . couples have trouble getting or staying pregnant . Thanks to advances in science and technology , most patients who enter
treatment are successful .
Choosing an infertility clinic can seem like an overwhelming decision but there are several differentiators that separate the best clinics from the rest . Here ’ s what to look for : Success rates
Did you know that every clinic is required to report its IVF success rate to the government ? These rates can be found on sart . org . If a clinic has a high success rate , it means the doctors are doing a good job helping women get and stay pregnant . Choose a clinic with a high live birth success rate . Single embryo transfer
Today ’ s IVF standard is single embryo transfer . The best clinics only transfer one embryo into a woman ’ s uterus , not two . Because new technology now allows doctors to choose the healthiest embryos ,
and double embryo transfers often result
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in twins ( which are associated with a higher possibility of pre-term delivery and longer NICU stays ), look for clinics with a record of single embryo transfers . Comprehensive chromosome screening ( CCS )
CCS is a form of genetic testing that allows doctors to identify abnormalities in embryos before implantation and transfer only healthy embryos . Technology like this is a must when considering IVF ; the best fertility clinics will not only offer the service but encourage it to maximize the chances for a healthy baby . Blastocyst biopsy
Clinics that perform embryo biopsy ( for comprehensive chromosome screening ) on day five ( blastocyst ) of embryo growth operate at the industry ’ s highest levels and should be prioritized over clinics that biopsy on day three . First , since older embryos have more cells , taking a biopsy from a day-five embryo doesn ’ t harm the embryo . Second , since doctors are taking more cells from an older embryo , they can make a more confident judgment about overall embryo health . Fertility specialists who perform day-five biopsies are using the latest , safest techniques . Embryology lab
Behind every good clinic is a state-ofthe-art embryology lab . These labs are the heart of every fertility practice ; the better the technology and professionals running the lab , the higher the chances of success . Infertility research
Clinics performing their own research are leading the way in this field . Innovations that raise success rates and make parenthood possible for millions of people around the world come from doctors who spend time probing the most complex questions until they find an answer . Clinics doing their own research have an added layer of credibility and are more likely to practice the most advanced science . Compassion
Clinics that employ doctors who listen , sympathize and offer treatment plans unique to each patient are the heroes of this industry . Having someone experienced in practicing this kind of compassion can give you the support you need . d
84 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ AUGUST 2018
Dr . Thomas Molinaro is a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey ( RMANJ ), a leading infertility clinic in the state and part of the biggest IVF provider in the world , IVI-RMA Global . He practices in Eatontown and Freehold , New Jersey . RMANJ has additional clinics in Basking Ridge , Englewood , Hamilton , Marlton , Morristown , Somerset , Springfield , West Orange and soon-to-be Princeton . To make an appointment , call 973- 656-2089 or visit rmanj . com .