If you’ve had trouble getting pregnant, it may be time for a consultation with a fertility doctor. Understanding what to expect can make it less stressful and more productive. The first fertility consultation should focus on learning about your health history, behavior patterns, and family history. Here are some of the things you should expect from your first appointment:
Previous Medical History
A fertility doctor needs to know about the conditions that have affected your fertility in the past. Like other medical conditions, fertility issues result from complex factors. Your doctor may ask you to go back physically or emotionally in time to determine what happened before your infertility started. You may bring along your medical records to help accomplish this goal.
Health Condition and Insurance
Your doctor will discuss your health history in current or past conditions that may affect your fertility. You’ll cover insurance and payment options, and you may need copies of your insurance forms to take to your appointment.
STI Screening and Urinalysis
Your doctor will begin with an STI screening to determine if you have any infections. It’s recommended that you have your partner get screened as well. Your doctor may test your urine samples or a urethral swab test.
At this point, you’ll give a urine sample to check for infections, diabetes, and other conditions that might interfere with fertility. They can test your pH balance in your urine. Very acidic or alkaline results could indicate kidney problems that may affect your ability to get pregnant.
A Physical Exam
Your health examiner will discuss your overall health to rule out any conditions that could interfere with your fertility. They’ll examine your hair growth and thickness rate, muscle tone, and skin texture. A pelvic exam looks for cancer signs, infections that cause pelvic inflammatory disease, and other issues. Any abnormalities detected during this process could harm your ability to get pregnant.
Your Daily Lifestyle
Your fertility doctor will likely ask you about your daily lifestyle. Are you active? How many hours per day do you spend sitting? What is your diet like? Are you stressed out a lot? The answers to these questions will give a better idea of what you need to do for healthy fertility. You will be advised on foods good for fertility (such as fruits and vegetables) and reducing stress levels.
Intrauterine Insemination
Sometimes the male sperm and female egg don’t combine. In this case, intrauterine insemination (IUI) might be what you need. This involves placing a sperm sample directly into the uterus, where fertilization occurs. It’s a quick, painless alternative for couples struggling with infertility. Your doctor can help determine whether IUI is the best option for you.
Surgery Options
Your doctor may suggest surgery to correct an issue in the reproductive organs. They can evaluate whether there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes. Surgery is a good option for such fertility issues.
A Time Frame or Plan
Treatments for fertility problems will vary from patient to patient, and some work much faster than others. Your doctor will give you a good idea of the time frame you’re looking at. You can create a plan to follow up on your progress after treatment.
An Estimated Cost of Treatment
You should expect an accurate estimate of the cost of your treatment. This could include the expense of operating rooms, anesthesia, monitoring equipment, and medications. Some insurance policies cover some or all of this cost. Check with your insurance plan first.
Ovulation Tests
A fertility doctor will do one of the basic tests to determine your fertile days. Keeping track of what days you have intercourse with your partner can help. The doctor can perform a vaginal ultrasound to determine your ovulation pattern and monitor the release of luteinizing hormone.
A Uterus Exam
Your doctor will check your uterus with a transvaginal ultrasound probe. This can allow the doctor to see how many eggs your ovaries release into your body. They may know if you are ready for implantation. If there is an issue with your eggs, your doctor may recommend artificial insemination.
Schedule an Appointment With a Fertility Doctor Today
Seeing a fertility doctor may be the best option if you are struggling with fertility issues. Even if there is no conclusive reason for your infertility, you can get a clearer picture of where to start. Fertility treatments can help you and your partner understand which treatment options are best for you. This may lead to a healthy pregnancy, depending on your compatibility with the treatment.
