A Letter to Prospective Patients

Dear Prospective Patient,

 

Recognizing that you might be infertile can be a shocking realization. Most of us grow up unaware that we may face one in seven probability of infertility.

 

The psychological impact of not being able to conceive can be profound. It is not uncommon to experience all the stages of loss: refusal to believe, anger, bargaining, despair, and acceptance. This feeling of loss seems the same whether you are trying to conceive for the first time or you already have a child.

 

The inability to conceive can also put tremendous stress on a couple’s intimate relationship. For many partners, experiencing long-term infertility can be a real "trial-by-fire".

 

And yet, there can be a "silver lining" in all this anguish: the greater the depth of despair, the higher the elation when you succeed and finally hold your little miracle baby in your arms.

 

The complexity of infertility diagnosis is often daunting and the cost of treatment can be staggering. It does not have to be that way. Although I cannot guarantee that you will become pregnant, I will help you maximize the probability of success and minimize the expense and the time it may take to conceive.

 

I first started to treat my patients with In Vitro Fertilization in 1985 when, together with Dr. Emmet Lamb, I co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic. The following year, I was board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in 1988, in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

 

In 1987, I ventured out to start Nova IVF where I continued to provide advanced reproductive treatments as Medical Director until 2011.

 

In the spring of 2011, I started Bay IVF Center with the goal of offering advanced reproductive treatments to as wide a clientele as possible.

 

I have always been troubled by the high cost of advanced reproductive treatments. It is my conviction that people should not have to pay to have children. Since many insurance policies in California do not cover infertility, many infertile patients will never receive the treatment they may need to conceive.

 

I am at a stage in my professional career which allows me to donate my expertise. You will never be billed for my medical care, which will greatly reduce the cost of your infertility treatment.

 

I sincerely hope that I can help make your journey to a successful pregnancy as short, economical, and enjoyable as possible. And once your baby is born, my mission has truly been achieved.

 

With warmest wishes of success,

 

Francis Polansky, M.D.