Your First Visit to Your Fertility Specialist: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
First, it’s good to know that you should bring your partner along, who also plays a huge role in this journey. Having your partner ensures that the IVF specialist gets a better understanding of your reproductive health as a couple.
- Detailed medical history review — our doctor may ask about your medical history, menstrual cycle, any previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or past fertility treatments. They will discuss your partner’s medical history.
- Understanding your fertility goals — your pregnancy goals, timeline, and any concerns or expectations will be discussed.
- Fertility screening — a series of medical assessments for both you and your partner will be conducted to assess your fertility health. These tests will provide clear insight into key reproductive markers, ovarian reserve and sperm quality.
- Understanding lifestyle factors — your doctor may ask questions to get a better understanding of your diet, stress levels, exercise, smoking, or other factors that could affect fertility outcomes.
- Explanation of the IVF process and your options — your IVF specialist will discuss how IVF works, timelines, procedures, and may recommend other supportive options like ICSI or egg freezing. This is also the best time to ask your doctor any questions you have in mind.
Generally, your IVF specialist does not just guide you through one treatment, but possibly through your entire pregnancy journey. That’s why it’s important to find someone you feel safe and comfortable with, and who truly understands your needs. Your first consultation is also a good opportunity to see if your doctor is the right fit for you.
Key Questions to Ask During Your IVF Consultation
Your first IVF consultation is the perfect opportunity to ask the IVF specialist any questions you may have, which can give you clarity and confidence. Asking the right questions can help you feel better prepared for your pregnancy journey ahead.
Common questions can include:
- What are the success rates based on our specific case?
- What’s the expected timing for our IVF cycle?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before starting IVF?
- What are the costs involved?
- Should we consider additional treatments?
- What next steps can I expect?
It’s important to note that some of these questions can only be fully answered once your fertility screening test results are available, but your doctor will do their best to guide you with what they know so far. The rest of the questions will be addressed during your follow-up session.
Fertility Tests and Screenings
A fertility test is done to assess the fertility of both partners. This generally includes:
- Blood tests — blood tests such as full blood count (FBC), hepatitis B & C, rubella IgG, STDs. For women, a hormone panel, including FSH, LH, oestrogen, prolactin, TSH, progesterone, and anti-müllerian hormone. For men, hormone tests may also be conducted.
- Pelvic ultrasound — for women, a transvaginal scan to assess ovarian reserves and reproductive organ health.
- Semen analysis — for men, a semen analysis to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology to determine male fertility potential.
Fertility screening sets the foundation for a personalised and well-informed IVF journey. It also helps uncover the possible causes of your pregnancy struggles, and helps your IVF specialist guide decisions for your treatment plan moving forward.
How to Prepare for Your First IVF Appointment
Here are some tips on how to prepare for your first IVF consultation:
- Bring your medical records — bring along any previous test results, ultrasounds, or fertility treatment notes you’ve had.
- Understand your menstrual cycle — take note of your periods, ovulation patterns, or any menstrual irregularities you experience.
- Review lifestyle factors — be prepared to discuss your lifestyle habits, including nutrition, sleep, and exercise.
- List your questions — come prepared with a list of questions you’d like to ask your doctor. It’s important to remember that no question or concern is too small, and that your care team is there to provide support throughout your journey.
- Understand financials — IVF can be costly, so it’s best to check beforehand if any costs are covered by your insurance. In Singapore, IVF treatments can be partially covered with MediSave, with up to $6,000 for the first treatment cycle. Let the clinical team know and we’d be more than happy to assist with financial planning.
- Be mentally prepared — IVF is emotional as it is physical. Talk to your partner and have a support system ready.
Pregnancy Planning with Your Partner
Your partner will be heavily involved in your IVF journey, and their role starts right from the very first consultation.
As mentioned earlier, your partner will also require a fertility screening, which involves a semen analysis and hormone panel to assess his reproductive health. Your partner will also be involved throughout the entire IVF process — from injections to embryo transfers.
Next Steps After Your First Visit
After your first consultation with your IVF specialist, you will be required to review your results with the doctor, or undergo further testing, depending on your individual condition and needs.
A proper IVF plan will also be discussed with you based on your unique situation. This can involve:
- The use of ICSI (for male factor infertility)
- Egg freezing
- Natural, stimulated or frozen egg cycles
Whatever your doctor recommends is tailored to optimise your chances of pregnancy.
Understandably, your first IVF appointment can feel overwhelming, but you’re not in it alone. Your first consultation marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards growing your family — one built on personalised care and science-backed guidance. Schedule a consultation with us today for a detailed consultation and personalised treatment plan.
