Consultation & Work Up
Scheduling an initial consultation is the first step in your fertility journey. During your first visit you will receive all the information necessary to make an informed decision on your next steps to parenthood. At this visit you will meet your physician, review your medical history, and discuss a treatment plan that is right for your family.
A typical first visit lasts approximately 60 minutes and will begin with your physician reviewing your medical history. Prior to coming into the office our team will ask that you complete a patient questionnaire and fax or email medical records from your OB/GYN, primary care physician, and/or previous fertility clinic.
Details such as the frequency of intercourse, regularity of menstrual cycles, medical history, previous gynecological problems, previous surgery, occupation, use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs, and family history may suggest a reason why pregnancy is not occurring.
During your appointment your physician may also perform the following:
- Physical examination
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Blood work
- Semen analysis
- Genetic screening
Other possible evaluations may include: sonohysterogram, endometrial biopsy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and a postcoital test. Blood tests measure the levels of certain hormones in your body that may affect your fertility.
The most common hormones tested include:
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) - A hormone that stimulates the release of the egg from the follicle.
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - A hormone that stimulates the development of the egg.
- Estradiol (E2) - A hormone that determines the ovaries’ ability to produce eggs
- Progesterone (P4) - Used to determine whether or not a woman’s ovulation cycle is normal and measured frequently during the prost transfer luteal phase.
- Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) – Used to assess a woman’s egg count and is used as a measure of egg quantity.
Other hormones that can influence fertility and may be tested are androgens, prolactin, and thyroid. After the initial consultation and the results from your testing, your physician will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your recommended fertility treatment plan
