Seeing a Reproductive Specialist

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to see a reproductive specialist to get a handle on your fertility issues, it’s more important than ever to be informed about what to expect. Understanding what happens in a meeting with a reproductive specialist and knowing what potential fertility treatments are open to you can help demystify the process and make you an empowered healthcare consumer.

Before the Appointment

There are a few things to keep in mind before you and your partner meet for the first time with a reproductive specialist.

  • Make a list of questions for the specialist about their practice, so that you don’t forget about them once you’re in their office. This can include their track record with inducing pregnancy, how long they’ve been practicing, etc.
  • Write down any nagging questions about your own fertility that you might be concerned about, such as past health issues.
  • Call your insurance, and ask them what, if any, reproductive treatments are covered. Be aware that fertility treatments can be very expensive, especially without insurance.
  • Gather any information about your fertility that you’ve been keeping, such as your basal body temperature or other ovulation charts, to bring with you to the doctor.
  • Ensure that your previous health records from your general practitioner have been faxed or emailed to the reproductive specialist’s office before your appointment.

On Appointment Day

There are a number of tests and screenings that may happen at your first appointment with a fertility specialist, including:

  • Blood tests. Simple blood draws can be used to look at HIV status, the health of your organs, and status of immunity to particular diseases.
  • Pap smear. The doctor may need to take a swab of cells from your cervix, to look at bacterial levels that point to a history of sexually transmitted infection, or other organisms that could be affecting your fertility.
  • Ultrasounds. These are usually done when you’re likely to be ovulating, at the middle of your cycle. The doctor can check the development of your egg and ovarian lining, to see if they’re healthy.
  • Hormone screenings. The doc may need to check your levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other female hormones to see if they may be impairing ovulation; your partner’s level of testosterone or other male hormones may be screened as well.
  • Sperm count. Your partner may need to present some of his sperm, to ensure that they are present in adequate levels and are healthy enough to cause conception.
  • X-rays. A look at the internal shape of your ovaries, uterus, and pelvic region in general can help rule out any anatomical causes of infertility.

 

Sources:

Infertility. (2011) Drexel Medicine Center For Women’s Health.

Conditions that affect fertility. (2011) Harvard Medical School.