Preparing for a fertility appointment allows you to get answers to all your questions and concerns. Fertility doctors will also ask certain questions to better understand your situation and needs. Expect the infertility specialist to ask questions about your health, symptoms, lifestyle, partner, family, and more. Here are some of the questions asked at a fertility appointment:
Past and Present Medical Conditions
A thorough medical history review is usually part of your initial meeting with an infertility specialist. Your doctor will ask general health questions covering existing chronic illnesses like diabetes or thyroid issues. The doctor also asks about the medications and supplements you take and previous surgeries, particularly those related to your reproductive system.
A medical history review also involves questions about your menstrual cycle, including your most recent period, the length and regularity of your cycles, and recent changes. Other questions relate to your pregnancy history, such as previous miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, live births, and past complications. The specialist also asks questions about current symptoms and temporary medical conditions.
Sexual Activity and Lifestyle
Infertility doctors usually ask questions regarding lifestyle factors that affect your reproductive health. The specialist can ask questions about your sexual activity, including how often you have intercourse and any concerns you have about your sexual function. Other sexual activity questions include ovulation tracking and fertility monitoring methods.
Lifestyle questions cover factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and recreational drugs. Your doctor also needs to know which foods you eat and how often you exercise. Other lifestyle questions include stress management and work conditions and exposures. Such questions help to diagnose environmental and psychological factors that can contribute to fertility issues.
Family History and Partner’s Health
Some infertility issues stem from genetic disorders inherited from parents. Your fertility doctor can ask family-related questions as part of the medical history review. Such questions include a history of infertility or genetic disorders in your family. Some disorders linked to infertility include cystic fibrosis, premature ovarian failure, and Turner syndrome.
Your doctor will also ask questions about your partner’s health. The questions cover similar aspects, including their medical history and lifestyle factors. For male partners, the questions are tailored to factors that affect sperm production, count, quality, and motility. The doctor may also ask questions about your partner’s sexual health, erectile dysfunction, and family history.
Diagnostic Tests and Preferred Treatment
Fertility doctors want to know if you’ve had any diagnostic tests before, including the results of such tests and recommendations given. If you’ve had a test done recently, bring the medical report provided by your previous doctor to the appointment. After the consultation, the fertility doctor can suggest various diagnostic evaluations, including bloodwork, imaging exams, semen analysis, and tests for conditions like endometriosis.
A doctor will ask questions about your needs and treatment preferences. The test results determine the treatment option your doctor recommends. Your doctor can explain each option to help you make informed decisions. Follow-up appointments usually involve discussions around your treatment options, preparations, progress, and recent developments.
Speak to an Infertility Specialist Today
Consulting a specialist allows you to determine the reason behind your infertility. You can also schedule an appointment when planning to start a family to make sure your health is optimal. Contact an infertility specialist today to schedule your first appointment.
