fertility clinics for the first time can be daunting, especially if you do not know what to expect. The first fertility appointment is centered on obtaining information about your medical history and taking relevant tests. Here is everything you should expect during your first fertility clinic visit:
Review of Your Medical History
The first visit involves your physician understanding your medical history. They will ask questions regarding your fertility history, including:
- Menstrual cycles
- Any pain you may experience during intercourse
- How long you’ve tried to conceive
- Previous fertility treatments
- How often and when do you time intercourse
Having your partner during the first visit also helps as the fertility doctor could ask questions regarding their medical history and health. This helps identify if they have a fertility problem and develop a treatment option that suits their needs.
Fertility Tests
You can expect the clinic to use several different fertility tests to determine the cause of your infertility during your first visit. Below are some of the tests the clinic is likely to use:
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound goes into your vagina to provide a clear and detailed view of the ovaries and uterus. It helps your doctor check your antral follicle count and determine the presence of polyps or fibroids.
If you’ve never experienced a transvaginal ultrasound, expect to experience some pressure in your vagina, not pain. It feels similar to a pap smear or speculum exam.
Lab Work
Your specialist will likely order tests to measure your hormone levels. This helps to detect abnormal hormone levels that could impact your ability to get pregnant.
X-rays
X-rays and other types of medical imaging help your doctor take a close look at your reproductive organs. One of the most common imaging procedures is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This is an x-ray of the fallopian tube and uterus that helps to check for blocked tubes that can impact a woman’s chance of pregnancy.
Semen Analysis
Your partner’s semen is analyzed in the lab for male sub-fertility. The tests examine the quantity, viscosity, PH, movement, and viability of the sperm cells. The tests also confirm the presence of white and red blood cells to determine if the sperms affect your ability to conceive. Any abnormal test findings result in repeat testing for precise results.
Ask Questions
During your first visit, there are many questions you should ask. They allow you to understand fertility clinics and your physician better, thus setting realistic expectations. Below are some of the questions to ask your physician:
What is Your Clinic’s Success Rate?
It is key to discuss how successful a clinic is in helping women with infertility issues. Ask questions about your probability of success. This helps you to manage your expectations as you start your infertility treatment.
What Are the Costs of Different Treatments?
Aim to understand the costs of varying treatment options such as embryo transfer, IVF, and IUI. Enquire about the medications used in your treatment options. Sometimes fertility medications used during IVF are not part of the quoted price provided by fertility healthcare.
Enquire if the fertility clinic offers packaged pricing if you need more than one IVF cycle. Understanding this helps you to settle on the most affordable option.
Do Fertility Clinics Accept Insurance?
Enquire if the fertility center accepts insurance as a form of payment. If they do, confirm if they accept your insurance. This helps you prepare for the process financially.
Analysis of Different Treatment Options
After completing your tests, your specialist should provide you with a diagnosis. Even if your situation falls under “unexplained infertility,” different treatment options will be available.
They may suggest a variety of treatment options ranging from simple to complicated. Fertility doctors create a treatment plan that is tailored to your situation. Many treatment options can be adjusted better to match your financial capacity and plans for the future.
Book Your First Fertility Clinic Visit Today!
If you’ve struggled with infertility for some time, you should seek help from fertility clinics. They have experienced professionals to diagnose and provide treatment to help you conceive.
You should not be frightened about your first fertility clinic visit. Understanding the process will help give you confidence and reassurance.
