Choosing a fertility clinic is one of the most important practical decisions on your solo motherhood journey. The right clinic makes a difference, not just in outcomes, but in how supported and confident you feel throughout the process.
There are over 450 fertility clinics in the U.S., and they vary widely in success rates, culture, cost, and experience with solo patients. Here's how to find the right one for you.
Understanding Success Rate Data
SART (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology)
SART maintains a searchable database at sart.org where you can compare member clinics' success rates. About 85% of U.S. fertility clinics are SART members.
Key things to know about SART data:
- You can filter by age group, diagnosis, and cycle type
- SART itself warns that direct clinic-to-clinic comparison is unreliable without controlling for patient population
- A clinic treating more complex cases may have lower raw rates but actually be doing better work
CDC ART Success Rates
The CDC publishes annual ART success rates as required by federal law. All clinics performing assisted reproduction must report data.
National average live birth rates per egg retrieval (own eggs):
- Under 35: approximately 46 to 50%
- 35 to 37: approximately 35 to 40%
- 38 to 40: approximately 23 to 27%
- 41 to 42: approximately 12 to 15%
What Metrics Actually Matter
- Live birth rate per cycle started is the most meaningful metric. "Pregnancy rate" includes miscarriages and ectopics. "Per transfer" excludes cancelled cycles. Neither tells the full story.
- Cumulative live birth rate across all transfers from a single retrieval is increasingly considered the gold standard.
- Singleton live birth rate matters. High multiple-pregnancy rates may signal overly aggressive transfer practices. ASRM recommends single embryo transfer for most patients under 38.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious about clinics that:
- Refuse to report to SART or CDC, or have incomplete data
- Promise guaranteed results or offer money-back programs without transparent criteria (these may indicate selective patient acceptance)
- Have unusually high cancellation rates, which can mean they cancel difficult cycles to protect their published numbers
- Push add-on treatments (endometrial scratching, embryo glue, "immune testing") without evidence-based justification
- Make you feel rushed to make decisions or sign up for expensive packages
What to Look For in a Good Clinic
Credentials
- Physicians should be board-certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
- The lab should be CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited or CLIA certified
- SART membership indicates adherence to practice guidelines and data transparency
Culture and Communication
This matters more than many people realize. You'll be at this clinic for potentially months of monitoring, procedures, and results conversations. Pay attention to:
- How the front desk treats you at your first call
- Whether the doctor listens to your questions or rushes
- How accessible the nursing team is between appointments
- Whether they have experience and comfort working with solo patients
- How clearly they explain costs and what's included
Solo Mom Experience
Some clinics see many solo patients and have their processes dialed in. Others may be less familiar. During your first consultation, ask:
- "How many solo patients do you see?"
- "Do you work with specific sperm banks, or can I use any?"
- "Is there anything different about the process for me as a solo patient?"
A clinic that regularly supports solo moms by choice will answer these questions smoothly.
Location and Logistics
During monitoring cycles, you'll visit the clinic every 2 to 3 days for blood draws and ultrasounds, often early in the morning. Consider:
- Proximity to your home or work
- Appointment availability (some clinics offer 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. monitoring slots)
- Whether satellite locations are available
- Telehealth options for consultations
The Consultation Visit
Most clinics offer an initial consultation that includes:
- Review of your medical history and goals
- Blood work and ultrasound
- Discussion of recommended treatment approach
- Cost estimates and payment options
It's perfectly fine to consult with 2 to 3 clinics before choosing one. Treat it like an interview, because it is one.
The Bottom Line
The right fertility clinic combines strong outcomes, transparent data, experienced staff, and a culture that makes you feel supported. Trust the data, trust your gut, and don't settle for a clinic that doesn't feel right.
This is your journey. You deserve a team that treats it that way.
Evaluating fertility clinics and want a second opinion on your options? Book a session with me for guidance on choosing the right fit.