Taking the First Steps In Your Fertility Journey

If you're planning on seeing a fertility specialist (also known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist), there are a few things you should know beforehand. Seeing a specialist can be an important step in your journey towards meeting your fertility goals, but it can also be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Skillfully selecting the right specialist for you and going into that initial appointment prepared can be an empowering start. Here are some key things to keep in mind before your new patient consult.

Selecting the right provider and fertility clinic

Selecting the right fertility provider or clinic is of utmost importance when embarking on your fertility journey. The decision can have profound implications on the overall experience, success rates, and emotional well-being of individuals or couples seeking fertility treatments. A reputable and experienced fertility provider or clinic will offer comprehensive services, cutting-edge technology, and a compassionate approach to personalized care. They will have a track record of success, a team of highly skilled professionals, and a supportive environment that understands the unique needs and challenges of each patient. Choosing the right fertility provider or clinic ensures access to the latest advancements in reproductive medicine, individualized treatment plans, and a nurturing atmosphere, ultimately increasing the chances of a successful outcome and guiding individuals or couples through this sensitive and life-changing journey. Do your research, read reviews, and maybe even meet with a few providers/clinics before making a final decision. Unsure where to start? We recommend checking out the SART website! (https://www.sartcorsonline.com/members/Search)

Know your medical history

Before you see a fertility specialist, it's important to have a clear understanding of your medical history. This includes any medical conditions you may have, medications you're taking, and any previous treatments or surgeries you've had. It's also important to know your family's medical history, as certain genetic conditions can affect fertility. If you’re about to embark on this journey with a partner, this applies to all parties involved. Compile this information and obtain any relevant medical records before your 1st visit and you’ll definitely be a step above the rest!

Prepare for tests and procedures

Your fertility specialist will likely recommend a range of diagnostic tests and procedures to help diagnose any potential issues and determine the best individualized course of treatment. These may include blood tests, ultrasound scans, semen analysis, uterine evaluations, and potentially more invasive procedures like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Yes - there will still likely be work-up items for those seeking egg freezing, no history of infertility, etc… It's important to prepare mentally and emotionally for these tests and procedures, and to ask your doctor any questions you may have. These can take time to complete, as some items may be cycle dependent. Be patient with the process and know that this diagnostic phase of treatment is extremely beneficial to direct personalized treatment and guide any medication dosing needs. Pro tip - If you’ve completed any testing recently that you feel is relevant (including pap smears, mammograms, blood draws, etc…), obtain these records, and you may not have to repeat them.

Understand the range of treatments available

Fertility treatments range from relatively simple interventions like ovulation induction, timed intercourse, or intrauterine insemination (IUI), to more complex procedures like egg freezing, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and frozen embryo transfers (FET). Not to mention a variety of decisions to be made within those cycles! It's important to understand the range of treatments available and to discuss with your fertility specialist which ones may be appropriate for you. Please reference two additional blog posts “Understanding Fertility Cycles” and “Navigating Common Fertility Decisions” to aid these conversations.

Consider the emotional impact

Going through fertility treatment can be stressful, time consuming, and an emotional rollercoaster, even in the absence of an infertility diagnosis, and it's important to prepare for the impact it may have on you, your partner, your family, your work environment, etc... Consider reaching out to a therapist or support group to help you cope with the stress and uncertainty of the process. Pull in individuals around you that know you’re seeking fertility treatment and lean on them and remember to do things for yourself… self-care is not selfish!

Check your insurance coverage

Fertility treatments can be expensive, and it's important to check your insurance coverage before you start any treatments. Many insurance plans do not cover fertility treatments, or have strict limitations on what they will cover, including medication costs. It's important to know what your insurance will cover, and to consider alternative financing options if necessary. If your insurance provider does provide some fertility coverage, make sure the fertility clinics you’re looking into takes that insurance. Understanding your options ahead of time will save you a headache later on!

Conclusion

In conclusion, seeing a fertility specialist can be a difficult and emotional process, but with the right preparation and support, it can also be a step towards realizing your fertility dreams. By selecting the right Reproductive Endocrinologist and clinic, understanding your medical history, preparing for tests and procedures, considering the emotional impact, understanding the range of treatments available, and checking your insurance coverage, you can take a proactive approach to your fertility journey and increase your chances of success.

About FertilitEase

FertilitEase provides RN-driven personalized educational coaching, injection teaching, and texting support that enables individuals to understand their fertility and pregnancy journeys and empowers them to advocate for their personal preferences. All services are delivered by registered nurses who have extensive clinical experience working with patients at leading fertility practices.  Please visit our Services page for more detail or Book a Session with us today!