What to expect at your first infertility consultation.

You could be on your way to the specialist hoping to figure out why you haven’t been able to have a baby despite the fact that you’ve been trying for what seems like forever. Or else you could still be putting it off because you’re not certain of what to expect. You won’t have any reason to keep delaying that first infertility consultation if you have an idea of what to expect, so here goes.

The specialist will want to enquire about the following:

 

• Even though you try to forget those turbulent adolescent years, you’ll have to try and recall when you started puberty, and the ladies will need to remember when their periods started. Late or premature puberty can be indications of a problem.
• Any medical conditions you have at the moment or that you have had previously are important. This includes childhood illnesses like mumps, diabetes, acne – everything! The condition itself or even the treatment for the condition could influence your fertility negatively.
• Have you ever had any operations at all? Tonsillectomy, tooth extractions, appendectomy – again, anything!
• Any regular medication (prescription or over-the-counter)? Ever had regular medication previously? Try to remember any supplements or vitamins as well.
• When did you lose your virginity? Have you been with many sexual partners? Ever been infected with any STDs? STDs can cause infertility and if girls are sexually active before 18 their cervical wellbeing could also be affected.

For the ladies:

• How long are your menstrual cycles and how many days does the bleeding last? Is bleeding very heavy (or very light)? Is cramping severe?
• Approximately how often do you do the baby dance? It’s obvious that not doing it often enough might be a problem, but doing it too frequently can reduce the quantity of sperm.
• When do you have intercourse? This typically refers particularly to the time of the month, but heck, time of day may also be important! You need to have sexual intercourse at the right time of the month to get pregnant.
• Have you already had a baby or become pregnant before? It seems like a strange thing to ask but from time to time couples do battle the second time around. Also, a history of miscarriages could also point to a problem.
• Do you use lubricant? What lubricant do you use? Any further intimacy enhancing products? Some lubricants are unwelcoming for sperm – hence the awkward questions.
• Do you or your partner have any sexual problems? Failure to reach orgasm? Vaginal dryness? Pain? Problems getting an erection? Nothing is out of bounds! Everything needs to be revealed if you are looking for an accurate diagnosis.

The doctor will also most likely also ask about your psychological wellbeing, which is a tough one, especially after that interrogation! Aim to ensure that you have shared all this information with your partner before you get to the specialist. Learning about your partner’s less than perfect past for the first time at a doctor’s room is not conducive to emotional stability!

Your specialist will possibly also do a thorough physical check up, which includes an internal for the ladies. I know it’s difficult to relax when peering at your privates, but it’s a lot less uncomfortable if you just do what you can to stay calm. Trust me, when you are in labor someday you’ll be begging for an internal so you can know how much longer you have to go!

Once he (or she) has given you a thorough health check you could need some infertility tests. This can include tests to check for STDs, ultrasound scanning, blood tests, semen analysis for the man and a pap smear for the woman. Any ‘plumbing problems’ on the lady’s part can be checked via hysterosalpingogram or laparoscopy – if it comes to that.

Was that as awful as you expected it to be? If it was, I completely understand! You might feel completely exposed, inside and out! Just bear in mind that this is to help you have a baby – and believe me when that little hand curls itself over your finger someday, this will all look very small in comparison.

Here is more information on Infertility Costs. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Infertility.