UAMS Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic to Hold Open House April 24

By ChaseYavondaC

The open house is scheduled from noon-2 p.m. on the eighth floor of the Freeway Medical Tower in Little Rock. The public is invited.

Infertility is a medical condition affecting roughly one of every eight couples. Generally, it’s defined as the inability of the couple to conceive after trying for 12 consecutive months under age 35 or six months if over age 35.

“There is this popular myth that infertility is rare because people tend to not talk about it, often because they feel embarrassed,” said Gloria Richard-Davis, M.D., director of reproductive endocrinology at UAMS. “There’s no reason for embarrassment and no need for couples to struggle needlessly, hence the theme of this year’s Infertility Awareness Week: ‘You Are Not Alone.’”

The open house event includes not only the chance to learn about therapies and procedures that can be used to treat infertility, but also support services for the patient and family.

“We take a holistic approach to caring for our patients. We care for the physical and emotional health needs, so experts in counseling, nutrition, massage therapy, acupuncture and other specialty areas will be available,” said Richard-Davis.

Information will also be available on insurance and financial concerns.

“Many patients don’t realize Arkansas is one of only 15 states in which insurance companies are required to cover some level of infertility treatment,” said Richard-Davis. “Typically, treatment involves drug therapies or possibly surgical procedures. Only about 10 percent of cases require advanced procedures like in vitro fertilization.”