For couples who are having trouble conceiving, taking the first steps toward seeing a fertility specialist can represent another challenge in an already overwhelming situation.

Recognizing this, the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services at the UConn Health Center is giving hopeful parents access to crucial information from the privacy of their home. A free, interactive, live webinar series titled “Let’s Talk About Fertility” premieres this week.

“Patients are sometimes nervous about seeing a specialist because they don’t know what to expect, or they are fearful of receiving bad news,” says Paul Verrastro, the center’s chief operating officer. “Sometimes they are anxious about discussing the details of this very personal aspect of their lives with a physician. Knowing what to expect at a consultation may offer reassurance and help alleviate some of these concerns. We strive to make this a comfortable, stress-free process for all of our patients.”

Dr. John Nulsen, director and lead physician, presents the first installment, “Fertility Facts,” Friday, March 16, at 4 p.m. The webinars will consist of a roughly 45-minute presentation followed by 15 minutes for questions, all in real time. They will be produced by the Health Center’s Video Communications Department and will be archived at www.uconnfertility.com. Those who watch archived programs can submit questions to be answered within 48 hours.

Other topics scheduled this year include in vitro fertilization, egg freezing, and stress and fertility. Each webinar requires advanced registration. Additional information also is available by calling 860-679-4850.

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, which also offers free IVF seminars an average of two nights a month, recently revamped its website to support the webinars.

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