Anticipating your first fertility consult can bring a mix of emotions—anxiety, hope, and excitement. Preparing a list of questions in advance can help you feel more confident and make the most of your appointment. Remember, no question is too small. After your initial fertility consult and diagnostic testing, your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your specific needs.
Here are some common questions patients ask during their first fertility consult:
Why haven’t we been able to conceive?
At your fertility consult, your physician will start identifying possible causes of infertility based on your medical history, prior testing, and any recommended diagnostic evaluations. Common causes include:
- Advanced maternal age (impacting egg quantity and quality)
- Endometriosis or fibroids affecting reproductive anatomy
- Ovulatory disorders, including PCOS or thyroid dysfunction
- Male factor infertility (issues with sperm count, motility, or structure)
- Tubal disease (blocked or damaged fallopian tubes)
- Unexplained infertility (when no clear cause is found)
What tests will we need?
Following your consult, you will schedule diagnostic testing, which will provide valuable insights for your physician to create your personalized treatment plan. Testing typically includes:
For women:
- Ovarian reserve assessment (AMH levels, FSH, pelvic ultrasound)
- Tubal and uterine evaluation (HSG, saline sonogram, hysteroscopy)
For men:
- Semen analysis to assess sperm count, movement, and shape
For both partners:
- Infectious disease and genetic screening to identify any risks to future offspring
What treatment do you recommend first?
At Shady Grove Fertility, we believe in a stepped approach to care. Most patients begin with less invasive treatments such as timed intercourse, ovulation induction, or intrauterine insemination (IUI). More advanced options, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), are recommended based on diagnosis, age, or prior treatment outcomes.
Are there side effects with fertility medications?
Mild side effects like bloating, pelvic discomfort, and breast tenderness are common with fertility medications. These symptoms are similar to premenstrual symptoms. Your care team will review all potential side effects before treatment begins.
What is the risk of twins or multiples?
While fertility treatments can increase the chance of multiples, Shady Grove Fertility strongly supports elective single embryo transfer (eSET) during IVF to reduce this risk. For IUI patients taking ovulation medications like Clomid, the chance of a multiple pregnancy is about 10%.
Are there long-term risks with fertility treatments?
Assisted reproductive technologies have been used safely for many decades. Current research shows no evidence that fertility treatments negatively affect a woman’s future health, fertility, or age at menopause.
What are your success rates?
Shady Grove Fertility’s success rates are published annually by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (SART) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), providing reliable and transparent outcome data.
Can I complete all testing and procedures at your offices?
Most bloodwork, ultrasounds, and monitoring can be done at any Shady Grove Fertility location. IVF procedures and embryology services are available at select IVF centers.
Who can I contact with questions?
You will have a designated nurse as your primary point of contact throughout your treatment. Physicians are also readily available for support. We offer a weekend and holiday nurse line to ensure urgent questions are answered 24/7.
Preparing for your fertility consult
Bring any medical records, test results, and completed forms to your first visit. Your consult is the first step toward understanding your options and building a personalized path to parenthood—with a supportive care team by your side.
We look forward to meeting you!
