Just acknowledging potential infertility is extremely emotional. Anxiety and fear of the unknown can be crippling for a patient and their partner. Contacting a specialist and booking a fertility consultation is the first step in regaining control of one's emotions and fertility journey. It is crucial for a patient and their partner to be able to replace negativity with positivity and most importantly, knowledge. An initial fertility consultation allows both the doctor and the patient to ask questions, discuss goals, and acquire information. So, to answer a common first question:
What to Expect at a Fertility Consultation?
- Medical History Review: gathering a detailed medical history of the patient and their partner greatly assists treatment specialists in deciding what may be causing an issue. It also aids the doctor in deciding which diagnostic tests will be beneficial to this very individualized process.
- Physical Examination: undergoing a pelvic exam or uterine ultrasound/x-ray provides the fertility team with invaluable information regarding a patient's reproductive potential. Through physical examination, the team is able to evaluate the health and structure of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
- Diagnostic Testing: testing is necessary to obtain an accurate fertility diagnosis.The doctor will most likely order blood and urine samples. The doctor may also order some initial fertility tests, which will likely include hormonal, ovarian, and semen analysis. These tests are crucial to diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.
A fertility consultation is an opportunity for a patient and their partner to share insight, express concerns, and gain knowledge. When a patient knows what to expect and feels somewhat prepared, they are less likely to worry and fret unnecessarily. At ReproMed Fertility Center, creating parents and building families is our primary goal from day one. Our team of fertility treatment specialists provide patients with treatment options and solutions. Call our office to book an initial fertility consultation today!
Dr. Anil Pinto is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Pinto has a special interest in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced reproductive technologies, such as IVF.