A fertility consultation is a big step in your fertility journey
To help you prepare for your first fertility consultation, we’ve outlined what you may expect, what items to consider bringing, and some questions to consider asking.
What to expect
Plan for enough time
The first appointment can take some time because there is a lot to cover. This is an opportunity for you to meet with your fertility specialist and team, gather information, and ask questions.
When you check in
You may 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, binder, or digital tool to record details and other important information.
Your fertility ally
Is there someone in your life whom you trust to be by your side on your fertility journey? Whether in-person or virtually, having a friend, relative, or partner in this experience can help with navigating complicated emotions and assist with planning.
Download this checklist for a list of items to bring and some questions that you may be expected to answer
Fertility consultation checklistBe prepared, as your fertility specialist may ask some of these common fertility consultation questions:
- What is the frequency and regularity of your menstrual cycle?
- 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?
How to prepare
Medical history
At your first appointment, you will be talking about your medical history. Consider preparing a folder with information about your medical history and 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 establish your fertility care coverage and prepare for any additional costs.
Download questions for your employer and
your insurance provider as a printable worksheet
Your care team
~1,500
reproductive endocrinologists
There are nearly 1,500 board-certified reproductive endocrinologists and 500 fertility clinics in the US.
Not actual healthcare professional
Your fertility specialist
Your fertility specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist, nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA), is your key partner on your fertility journey. They will collaborate with other healthcare providers to help you receive appropriate attention and care. All these individuals have advanced training specific to fertility. As you navigate your personal fertility journey, these professionals will work with you to provide clinical, educational, and emotional support.
Not actual healthcare 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, scheduling follow-up appointments, or education about potential medications.
Along your fertility journey, you may work with a phlebotomist and an embryologist.
A phlebotomist is a specialist who will help with drawing your blood and preparing it for testing. Embryologists are responsible for the insemination of retrieved eggs to attempt fertilization and start embryo formation. They are also responsible for testing and caring of eggs from retrieval until transfer. They also might maintain clinical records.
Not actual healthcare 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.
Choosing your fertility team is a personal and important decision. It's okay to take your time in finding the team that meets your needs.
Download helpful questions to ask your fertility
care team at your first appointment
Fertility consultation worksheet 
