You’ve taken the plunge and made the call. Your appointment has been scheduled, and that deserves congratulations.
Despite this feeling like a minor step in the big picture, making an appointment and wanting to figure out what is going on in your body is a big, first step.
The path may have been nerve-wracking, but the purpose of this appointment with the experts is to tackle any anxiety and uncertainty.
It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember this is not a test and the fertility consultants will help you through every step. Keeping this in mind can cut through the intimidation that may arise, so you can get the most out of the appointment.
Fertility can be confusing for everyone, so here are the answers to some of the questions a person may have during this specific time frame.
What do I need to do before my very first fertility appointment?
We can sum up the answer to this question in one word—nothing.
An initial fertility appointment is just that. No fertility specialist will anticipate their patient walking in with all the tests and information sorted out. They are ready to guide each fertility journey that comes their way through all the necessary steps.
This includes tests that may need to be carried out, the fertility investigations that need to be done, and a fertility strategy for the next steps in the process.
Something that may come in handy is a roundup of past medical records relevant to the patient and the partner that may attend the appointment.
What questions should I ask at my first fertility appointment?
Once the first appointment is booked, it’s usual to have a multitude of questions that need answering.
From ‘What is IVF?’ to ‘Can polycystic ovaries prevent pregnancy?’, every fertility question is valid, and getting all your doubts cleared is what this first consultation is all about.
That said, there is a high possibility of people walking away from their first appointment with several questions they wish they had asked.
It’s normal to have questions throughout the process but it can help to think about a few to ask in advance, and maybe even write them so you don’t forget.
Here are some questions that many people heading into their first appointment want answers to:
- What medications would I need to be on?
- What treatment options are the best for me?
- What are the risks of these recommended treatments?
- What are the success rates of this treatment?
- Is there anything I can do to improve my fertility and options?
- How much will this whole procedure cost?
- What additional services do you provide?
- What tests will I need to undergo?
What questions will a fertility doctor ask?
Your fertility consultant will ask many questions, especially at your first appointment.
Fertility is such a nuanced topic that coming up with the right, personalised treatment plan requires a fertility specialist to do a deep dive into each person’s needs, history, health, requirements, lifestyle, plans for the future—and so much more.
Being straightforward and having all the information for whatever questions may come up, will help a fertility specialist help you better.
Get the most out of your first fertility appointment
When an individual walks out of their initial appointment they should have:
- A comprehensive idea of their fertility options
- A plan for their treatment and the steps ahead
- An understanding of their own fertility
- A clear head and clarity on what comes next
Of course, everyone’s experience will differ and your treatment plan may not be concrete at this stage, but fertility specialists will attempt to guide you on the best fertility path—from your very first consultation.
If you or someone you love is struggling with their fertility or are hesitant to visit a doctor, encourage them to make that appointment and take their first steps. These first steps are often the hardest, but they may end up being the most rewarding.
