Maven Clinic, a leading name in virtual women’s healthcare, is making significant strides in its fertility and family-building program. This expansion prioritizes two key areas: promoting natural conception and enhancing support for male fertility.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the Maven Managed Benefit platform. Designed to streamline data management and invoicing for patients, it seamlessly integrates virtual care management with customized fertility benefit design and administration. The platform recently received an upgrade with the introduction of a new provider portal on Maven Managed Benefit. This portal empowers patients to track their in-person clinical results and invoices, while simultaneously enabling partner clinics to receive prompt same-day payment.
Beyond platform advancements, Maven is unveiling details of its Trying-to-Conceive (TTC) health coaching program, available for roughly a year now. This program caters specifically to individuals seeking to conceive naturally, without resorting to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Instead of automatically directing members to partner clinics for treatment, the TTC program prioritizes exploring natural paths to conception wherever possible. This program is included at no additional cost for those enrolled in either the Fertility or Trying-to-Conceive tracks within the Maven program.
Dr. Neel Shah, Maven’s Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes a critical gap: “While most sex education is spent teaching people how to avoid pregnancy, very little time is invested in empowering them with the guidance needed to become pregnant when they’re ready,” he says. “Our coaching program supports couples to understand why they are struggling to conceive and, in many cases, helps them get pregnant without needing IVF.” The TTC program provides comprehensive preconception care. Members receive personalized guidance from a dedicated health coach who assists with goal setting, reproductive education, regular check-ins, ovulation tracking or induction, and referrals to valuable resources in mental healthcare and nutrition.
Research underscores the importance of preconception care. A 2015 study revealed that a mere 14% of individuals receive such services during routine healthcare visits. The American Academy of Family Physicians acknowledges the barriers to preconception care while emphasizing its significance in a detailed position paper.
The success rate speaks for itself. Maven reports that a remarkable 30% of participants in their Fertility & Family Building program achieve pregnancy without resorting to assisted reproductive technology like IVF. However, Dr. Shah acknowledges that some members may ultimately require more specialized assistance. To address this need, Maven maintains a network of contracted in-person providers, including fertility clinics. This network allows members to receive expedited care from qualified specialists with whom Maven has established a strong track record of quality care.
Interestingly, the program recognizes the crucial role men play in the fertility equation. One-third of all participants in the Fertility & Family Building program are male. To cater to this demographic, Maven is actively expanding its reproductive urology provider network, offering enhanced support for male fertility concerns. Members now have access to a comprehensive network of 12 provider types specializing in male fertility, including reproductive urologists, reproductive endocrinologists, genetic counselors, and relationship coaches.
Dr. Shah highlights the detrimental impact of readily available testosterone supplements, often heavily advertised online, on sperm count. He also mentions the potential negative influence of certain lifestyle choices, such as tight-fitting clothing. However, he acknowledges the disparity in routine healthcare utilization – men typically don’t schedule regular appointments with urologists, unlike women who visit gynecologists more frequently.
Beyond addressing these physical aspects, Dr. Shah emphasizes the importance of emotional support. Through at-home semen analysis and virtual consultations, Maven empowers men to gain greater insights into their health and connect with the appropriate treatment options. While acknowledging limitations of at-home tests, Dr. Shah emphasizes their value in guiding the next steps in the care journey.
By prioritizing natural conception avenues, providing comprehensive support for men, and fostering open communication, Maven Clinic is revolutionizing the fertility and family-building experience, empowering couples on their journey towards parenthood.
