A fertility specialist works with individuals who have been trying to conceive naturally for a long time without success. They have special training to deal with infertility by determining possible causes and offering treatment or reproduction alternatives. Fertility experts can review your medical and lifestyle information to determine the cause of infertility and the best treatment options. Here is some information you may need to gather before your first appointment with a fertility expert:
Menstrual Cycle Details
Tracking your menstrual cycle can help establish ovulation patterns and determine hormonal balance. Before your appointment with a fertility specialist, keep track of your menstrual cycle for several months. Utilize a basal body temperature (BBT) chart, a calendar, or an app to record menstrual cycle details. The menstrual cycle records should indicate the first day of your period in each month and the length. You may also include details like the heaviness of your bleeding, the incidence of pain or cramps, and if there is any spotting or irregular bleeding towards the end of your period. Fertility experts may also need to know if you experience any signs of ovulation, like increased BBT or changes in cervical mucus pre-menstruation.
Medical History
Fertility experts can use your medical history to assess potential causes of infertility. You may need to bring copies of your medical history and any test results relevant to fertility. Some tests to attach alongside your medical history include blood tests, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, laparoscopies, hysterosalpingograms (HSG), and pap smears. The fertility experts may ask about chronic conditions, medications, allergies, or surgeries that can affect your reproductive health. If you have a family history of infertility, genetic disorders, congenital disabilities, or miscarriages, include such details in your medical history.
Partner’s Medical History
Your partner’s fertility can affect your chances of successful conception, so fertility experts may need to review their medical history. Bringing their medical records and test results for semen analysis, STI screening, blood tests, or genetic testing can be relevant for your fertility treatment. The medical records can highlight any conditions your partner may have, like chronic illnesses, surgeries, allergies, or medication side effects that can affect their reproductive health. Fertility experts can also review your partner’s pertinent family history to help determine the cause of infertility.
Sexual History
Fertility experts can use details about your sexual history to determine potential causes for infertility. Include details about your sexual history, such as how long you have been trying to conceive, when you have intercourse, and how often. You may also include details of whether you have pain or discomfort during sex or use lubricants or contraceptives. Sexual history detailing contraceptive use or previous infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also be relevant to infertility. A detailed sexual history record helps fertility specialists rule out factors that can affect implantation or conception.
Lifestyle Factors
Some lifestyle choices can affect fertility, so specialists may review them with you to help rule out any infertility-related factors. Details about your lifestyle, including diet, caffeine intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise, can be relevant to fertility. Fertility experts can also be interested in other lifestyle factors, like stress levels, sleep quality, environmental exposure, and other habits, and how they can impact reproductive health. By reviewing lifestyle factors, specialists can advise how to optimize lifestyle choices for fertility.
Insurance Information
Fertility treatments may not be fully covered under all health insurance plans. Some plans can cover diagnostics services but fail to pay for treatment options like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Check with your insurance company and fertility clinic to determine what is covered. Ask about any exclusions or limitations on your policy, like the number of cycles or types of procedures you may have access to. Gathering insurance information before fertility treatment can help with prior planning on what your expected out-of-pocket costs may be. Check if you may be eligible to enroll in discount programs that contribute to the cost of treatment.
Visit a Fertility Specialist Today
Fertility experts can help people experiencing infertility improve their chances of successful conception. Before they begin treatment, fertility experts review all relevant patient information to determine possible causes of infertility. After reviewing your medical and sexual records, they can discuss potential treatment options and guide you through treatment. Contact a fertility specialist for additional information or to make an appointment.
