Frequently Asked Questions

• What percentage of couples experience infertility?
  Infertility affects about 10 to 15 percent of the average population ages 20-45. As women age, the likelihood of them experiencing infertility increases.
• We have been trying to get pregnant for a long time. When should we think about seeing a doctor to see if we need infertility treatment?
  Infertility is normally defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after trying on your own for at least 12 months. However, women over the age of 35 are advised to see an infertility specialist after trying on their own for 6 months.
• I have had several miscarriages. Can you help me?
  We perform a complete evaluation of both partners to determine the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. Numerous couples with this reproductive problem do have successful pregnancies.
• Am I too old to try to conceive/get pregnant?
  As a women passes age 32, there is a slow decline in pregnancy rates. There is no data to prove that the chances of success one day are high and the next are low. We perform blood tests and ultrasounds to help predict your ovarian reserve. However, even if you cannot produce quality eggs, but you can carry the pregnancy to term, we do have options for you. Please refer to the Age and Female Fertility section of our website for additional information.
   
• Do all patients receive the same treatment for infertility?
  85 to 90 percent of most fertility cases can be treated with conventional therapies, such as drug treatment or surgery. The recommendation on what type of treatment may be utilized is done on a patient by patient basis. Every patient is unique; as is the care they receive.
• I have heard that having In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is very expensive. Is that the only treatment you offer for infertility?
  RMAPA offers many options for the treatment of infertility; IVF is just one of the choices available. While vital for some patients, nationwide In-Vitro Fertilization and similar high level treatments account for less than 3% of infertility services. IVF and associated treatments have the highest success rate per try but most couples try less complex treatments first. You can work with our financial team to discuss how you can afford care. 
• Does infertility only affect women?
  No. Infertility affects men and women equally. Approximately 33% of all infertility is female related, 33% is male related and the remaining 33% is unexplained.
• How long will it take before I get pregnant?
  The initial diagnostic phase typically takes 1-2 months. On average, patients may start treatment the month following completion of the diagnostic phase. Pregnancy rates vary depending on patient age, response to treatment and individual medical conditions. Even though there are no guarantees, be assured the staff of RMAPA will offer excellent medical care/advice.
• I am ready to make an appointment with your office. What is my next step?
  If you are ready to make an appointment with our physician, you can do so by calling the main number 610-820-6888 and select option # 1 or requesting a consultation online. We have new patient appointments Monday through Friday during the day and evenings. When you call we will need to know your name, date of birth, address, email address and the type of insurance you have. We will also need to know your insurance ID numbers so please have your insurance card available. In addition, we will need to know the same information for your partner. If you had any type of testing or treatment for infertility done by a physician outside of RMAPA or RMA of NJ, please arrange for these records to be sent. We will send you a packet of information that will need to be completed and returned to our office prior to your visit. You may wish to use this packet to keep your information organized as you continue on your journey with our office. In addition, we will send you an email with information on how to log onto our on-line learning website (Elearning) where you will be able to find out additional information regarding your first visit and our office.
• What do I need to bring with me to my first visit?
  You will need to bring a photo ID, your insurance card and any papers that you did not return prior to your visit. Due to the new laws regarding identity theft (red flag rules) all patients need to provide a photo ID before they are seen. If you don’t have a driver’s license, bring another form of ID that has your picture and name printed on it. (Items such as work ID’s or even wholesale club ID’s like from Sam’s or BJ’s.) Don’t worry if the records from your outside doctor were not sent to our office before your first visit. Our physicians are able to see you without them but will still need them to review as soon as possible.
• What can I expect at my first visit?
  During your initial visit in our office, most of your time will be spent in a private consultation with the physician, where all of your questions will be answered and a personalized plan of care will be discussed. You may also receive an ultrasound or have blood drawn to begin the testing process. You will have the opportunity to speak with our financial counselor who will review pertinent information regarding your insurance benefits and possible costs associated with treatment. In addition, you will also speak with a clinical team member who will be your point of contact within our office and the person who will guide you through the different aspects of your care. 
• How much time should I allow for my first visit and should my partner come with me to the visit?
  You should plan on spending approximately 2 hrs at RMAPA. This will allow you adequate time to speak with your physician as well as the financial counselor and your nurse. Partners are encouraged to be present for all visits in our office and also to ask questions along the way.
• Am I able to determine what type of treatment I would like to receive?
  At RMAPA, the physicians work in collaboration with our patients and assist them in making an informed decision on the type of treatment they will receive. Your physician will review with you the risks, benefits and pregnancy percentages before you begin any type of a treatment cycle.
• Is RMAPA interactive with their patients?
  RMAPA is highly interactive with their patient population. We provide one on one discussions, as well as, online education. We strongly encourage our patients to be well informed and ask questions, at any time. There are no wrong questions to ask.
   
• What if I have a question when the office is not open?
  We encourage our patients to ask questions until they feel comfortable. If you have a question that does not need an immediate answer, you are able to call the main office number and leave a message. If you call before 3 pm on a business day, the clinical team will make every effort to call you back the same day. If not, you will receive a call on the next business day . If you have an emergent question related to the treatment you are currently receiving a physician and nurse are on call 7 days a week. They can be reached by calling the main office number and speaking with the answering service operator.
• What day is considered the first day of my period?
  Many patients are not sure what day is considered to be the first day of their period. The first day of your period is the day when you experience a full red flow, not spotting.