A fertility consultation is the first big step in your journey
Choosing your fertility team is an important, personal decision. Take your time to find the team that best meets your needs.
What to expect
To help you prepare for your consultation, we’ve outlined what you can expect, items to consider bringing with you, and some questions you may want to ask.
Plan for enough time
The first appointment can take some time because there may be a lot to discuss. This is an opportunity for you to meet with your fertility specialist and care team, gather information, and ask questions.
When you check in
You will need to provide personal health information. If you have insurance, you’ll need to provide it at that time and pay a co-pay, if applicable.
Prepare to take notes
There are many details to keep track of. Use a notebook or digital tool to record details and other important information.
Your fertility ally
Trusted support is important. Having your partner, a friend, or a relative accompany you can help you stay organized and navigate complicated emotions.
Keep track of items you may want to bring to your appointment.
Download fertility consultation checklistHow to prepare
Medical history
At your first appointment, you will be talking about your medical history. It’s a good idea to prepare a folder with information about your medical history and any previous fertility tests or treatments.
Family history
Your family medical history and genetic background may contribute to your fertility. Your fertility team may ask you to provide this information.
Insurance and coverage
If you have insurance, consider contacting your insurance provider before your initial consultation to help you learn more about your fertility care coverage and prepare for any additional costs.
Here are some detailed questions to ask your employer and
your insurance provider before starting treatment.
Your fertility specialist may ask some of the following questions:
- What is the frequency and regularity of your period?
- When was your last period?
- Have you experienced pelvic pain?
- Have you experienced abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding?
- Have you had pelvic infections, illnesses, or surgeries in the past?
- Have you had prior pregnancies or miscarriages?
- Which contraception methods, if any, have you used in the past?
- Do you have any pain or difficulty during intercourse?
- How often do you have intercourse?
- How long have you been trying to conceive?
- Does your family have a history of birth defects?
You may also have questions for your care team.
Use the following worksheet to get the most out of your consultation.
Download fertility consultation worksheetYour care team
There are nearly 1,500 board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and about 500 fertility clinics in the US.
Not an actual health care professional.
Your fertility specialist
Your fertility specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA), is a key partner on your fertility journey.
These specialists have advanced fertility training and collaborate with other health care providers to help you receive appropriate attention and care.
As you navigate your personal fertility journey, these professionals will work with you to provide clinical, educational, and emotional support.
Not an actual health care professional.
Nursing and clinical staff
A certified medical assistant (also known as a CMA) will likely be your primary point of contact on your fertility journey. They may perform or coordinate various scans, blood tests, physical exams, or other procedures. Additionally, nurses and clinical staff may help you with emotional counseling, schedule follow-up appointments, or provide education about potential medications.
Along your fertility journey, you may work with a phlebotomist and an embryologist. A phlebotomist is a specialist who draws your blood and prepares it for testing. Embryologists are responsible for embryo development and handling human eggs and sperm in the laboratory environment. They are also responsible for monitoring and testing embryos prior to implantation and helping to improve chances for successful pregnancies.
Not an actual health care professional.
Administrative contacts and financial coordinators
An administrative contact helps with planning and preparation. Administrative staff responsibilities may vary, but they primarily help you schedule appointments, assist with payments and insurance coverage, and manage other logistical aspects of your fertility care.
Financial coordinators will walk you through your benefits and help you understand your insurance coverage.
