Establish your fertility plan
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Personalized assessment
- Personalized assessment
- Questions to ask
- Additional resources
A personalized fertility assessment
You’ve had your first fertility consultation, but before considering your options and establishing a fertility plan, your team may perform some of the following additional fertility tests or evaluations. These all play a part in assessing your fertility and help determine what makes the most sense for your fertility journey.
Blood work and other analyses
Your fertility care team may need to take blood, urine, or semen samples for analyses.
Physical exams
Your fertility care team may require additional physical exams or tests including:
- Pelvic exam: a member of your care team may perform a standard pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your uterus and ovaries as well as a possible Pap test
- Ultrasound: an ultrasound helps check your uterus for structural abnormalities, such as fibroids, and ovaries for any cysts
- Hysteroscopy: A hysteroscopy provides visualization of the uterine cavity and is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus
- HSG test, also called a “hysterosalpingogram test”: type of x-ray that checks for any irregularities in the fallopian tubes and can detect some uterine cavity abnormalities
Results
After your exams, your fertility team will discuss any initial findings—either in the office or over the phone—based on your preference and your specialist’s availability. Since your team may not have all of your results at this point, you may need a follow-up appointment to discuss any additional lab results.
Follow-ups
The fertility team may call you with results from your exams, and to set up additional conversations. You may meet in the office or online to discuss your results and next steps for treatment.
Results and follow-up appointments help you gain clarity and get answers as you move along your fertility journey.
Questions to ask at this point in your fertility journey
Stay informed and consider these questions to ask
Every fertility journey is a personal one, but many on the road to fertility have similar questions when determining a course of treatment. Here’s what you should consider discussing with your fertility team during this point of the journey:
- Which tests will you be performing? Can you explain them to me?
- How many ultrasounds/blood draws will there be?
- What treatment options are available for me?
- Will insurance pay for testing and/or treatment? If not, how much will it cost?
- Do you offer financial options for treatment, or do you have a coordinator to walk me through cost and coverage?
Additional resources
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART)