
I’ll never forget watching my best friend struggle with trying to conceive. She was doing everything “right” – tracking ovulation, eating well, taking prenatal vitamins – but month after month, that second line just wasn’t appearing. It was heartbreaking to watch someone I love go through that emotional rollercoaster.
Like so many couples facing fertility challenges, she eventually started exploring her options with a Charlottesville fertility clinic. And you know what? It was one of the best decisions she ever made. Not only did she get the medical support she needed, but she also found a team that truly understood her journey.
If you’re reading this, you might be on a similar path. As a photographer who’s worked with countless families – from maternity sessions to newborn photos – I’ve heard so many stories about fertility struggles and triumphs. I wanted to make your search for the right Charlottesville fertility clinic a little easier by sharing what I’ve learned from the amazing families I’ve worked with.
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When Should You Consider a Charlottesville Fertility Clinic?
According to the March of Dimes, you should consider seeking help if:
- You’re younger than 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year
- You’re 35 or older and have been trying for at least 6 months
- You’re experiencing irregular, very painful, or absent periods
But here’s what I want you to know – there’s no shame in seeking help earlier if something feels off. Trust your instincts. You know your body better than anyone.
You can read more about their recommendations if you are thinking about fertility treatments here.

What to Expect at Your First Charlottesville Fertility Clinic Visit
Walking into that first appointment can feel overwhelming (trust me, I’ve heard this from so many clients!). But here’s what typically happens: they’ll take a comprehensive medical history for both you and your partner, just like any new doctor visit. From there, they’ll develop a testing plan tailored to your specific situation.
The best part? You’re not alone in this journey. These specialists have seen it all and are there to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding IVF Costs in Virginia
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – cost. According to recent data, the average cost of IVF in Virginia is around $11,000 for a standard cycle without medication. But here’s the thing – costs can vary significantly depending on where you go and what treatments you need.
My advice? Don’t let cost be the only factor in choosing your Charlottesville fertility clinic. The most important thing is finding a team you trust and feel comfortable with. Many clinics offer financing options, and some insurance plans do cover fertility treatments.

How to Choose the Right Charlottesville Fertility Clinic
This is where I hope I can really help! I’ve compiled information about the top fertility clinics based on conversations with local families I’ve photographed over the years. Here’s what to look for:
- Consider factors like location, available services, and how the staff makes you feel
- Ask friends and neighbors about their experiences (you’d be surprised how many people are willing to share once you open up)
- Schedule consultations with multiple clinics to find the right fit.
- Consider factors like location, available services, and how the staff makes you feel

Top Charlottesville Fertility Clinics to Consider
Virginia Fertility & IVF
Location: 4100 Olympia Circle, Suite 201, Charlottesville, VA 22911
This Charlottesville fertility clinic is pretty special – it’s the only comprehensive fertility center in the area with its own onsite IVF laboratory. They’re open seven days a week (because fertility doesn’t follow a Monday-Friday schedule, right?).
Led by Dr. Goodman, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Williams, this team brings over 50 years of combined experience. They offer everything from IVF and egg banking to PCOS treatment and minimally invasive surgery. What I love hearing from clients is that all the doctors work as a team, so you can see whichever physician you’re most comfortable with.
One review that really stuck with me: “All of the staff at Virginia Fertility & IVF deserve more than 5 stars. I can’t thank Dr. Goodman enough for her honest and straightforward communication, and the encouragement we received from Dr. Williams was so needed and valued.” – B. Fritz
UVA Health
Location: 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903
UVA Health is part of the University of Virginia Health System, so they bring that big academic medical center feel to fertility care. Some families love this approach – the idea that they have access to university-level research and specialists who are teaching the next generation of doctors.
They offer the standard fertility services you’d expect – diagnostic testing, IUI, IVF, and fertility preservation options like egg freezing. Being connected to the university means they sometimes have access to newer treatment approaches or clinical trials, which could be appealing if you’re interested in cutting-edge options.
I’ve photographed a few families who chose UVA for their fertility journey. Some really appreciated the academic approach and feeling like they were getting care from doctors who are at the forefront of reproductive medicine. Others found it a bit more clinical than they preferred – it really depends on what kind of environment makes you feel most comfortable.
One practical thing to consider: if you do get pregnant and need any specialized care during pregnancy, you’re already in the UVA system, which can make coordination easier. But honestly, that’s something you’d want to ask about during your consultation to see if it’s relevant to your situation.
Worth the Drive: Fertility Clinics Outside Charlottesville
Sometimes the perfect fit might be a little further away, and that’s okay! Here are two excellent options:
Virginia Fertility Center
Location: 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, VA 20190
Virginia Fertility Center made the perfect clinic to receive personalized, compassionate treatment for fertility issues. Above all, patients are supported with personalized treatment plans and care from board-certified fertility specialists. This practice also features a sophisticated, state-of-the-art IVF lab.
Virginia Fertility Center features a caring staff team that walks patients through every step of the process, from ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval, fertilization, ancillary IVF services, embryo transfer, to luteal phase support. Patients always receive personalized care from highly qualified doctors and specialists.
This practice includes many services for fertility testing and treatment, including andrology services (semen analysis, sperm cryopreservation), embryology services (IVF, ICSI, blastocyst culture, egg freezing), and endocrinology services (for reproductive hormones). This practice boasts high success rates with a money-back guarantee policy.
The team is led by Dr. Sharara, who provides personal care for every patient through a hands-on approach. He has earned many awards and accolades, including Best Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine and Top Doc in Northern Virginia. His goal is to help every family achieve their dreams of having a baby.
Shady Grove Fertility
Location: 901 N. Stuart Street, Arlington, VA 22203
Shady Grove has been around for over 30 years, so they’ve definitely got the experience factor going for them. They’re a larger network with multiple locations, which can be helpful if you need flexibility with appointments or if you move during treatment.
What I hear from families who’ve gone there is that they really try to streamline the process and make everything as clear as possible upfront – costs, timelines, success rates. They accept most major insurance plans, which can be a huge relief when you’re already dealing with the stress of fertility treatments.
The Arlington location is probably your closest option if you’re in Charlottesville, though it’s still about a two-hour drive. Some people don’t mind the travel if they feel like they’re getting the right care, but it’s definitely something to factor in when you’re thinking about multiple appointments and monitoring visits.

Your Journey Doesn’t End with Conception
Here’s something I’m passionate about – once you do achieve your dream of growing your family, don’t forget to document this incredible chapter! As a Charlottesville photographer who specializes in maternity and newborn photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing so many of these precious moments for families who went through fertility treatments.
There’s something extra magical about photographing families who’ve waited and hoped and fought for their little miracles. The joy in those photos is absolutely radiant.
If you’re currently planning for your future baby, or if you’re already expecting after fertility treatments, I’d love to chat about capturing this special time. Whether it’s maternity photos celebrating your growing bump or those precious first days with your newborn, these moments deserve to be remembered forever.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Choosing a Charlottesville fertility clinic is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your gut. The right clinic will make you feel heard, supported, and hopeful.
And remember – your fertility journey is just one chapter in your family’s story. I can’t wait to help you document the beautiful chapters that follow.
Ready to start planning for those future family photos? Contact me today to learn more about my maternity and newborn photography services. Let’s make sure you have gorgeous memories of this incredible time in your life.
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Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2024.