Getting Ready For The Doctor

When you and your partner have been trying unsuccessfully for a year (six months if you're over 35) to have a child, it may be time to see a doctor to investigate what the problem may be. Although it can be upsetting to learn that you and/or your partner have a fertility problem, the good news is that as much as 85% of fertility problems can be found after the initial assessment. Even more encouraging is the fact that many fertility problems can be remedied fairly easily. So what can you expect at that first appointment?

Who To See

The best place to start your search for answers to your fertility problem questions is with your regular family physician. However, not all general practitioners are trained in reproductive and fertility issues. A woman's gynecologist or a man's urologist may be better suited to investigating the issue. But again, not all gynecologists or urologists will have the necessary training or experience to properly assess instances of infertility.

For some couples, it may be necessary to visit a fertility specialist. These doctors are trained specifically in the area of reproduction and infertility. If you and your partner have decided to seek out a specialist, make sure you find one that has been board-certified. This ensures that the specialist has received all the necessary training and education to make them an expert in their field.

The Female Experience

The ideal time to schedule your appointment for a fertility assessment is usually during the first week of your menstrual cycle (this is the week that you get your period). If you have been recording your basal body temperature, bring this information along with you. If you have also been keeping track of your ovulation cycle, it is a good idea to take your ovulation log to the appointment.

When you first meet with your doctor, she will want to discuss every single aspect of your past that relates to your current health, so make sure you bone up on your history! Topics that will be covered include your menstrual history (have you ever had irregular periods? How long do your periods last?); your surgical history; whether or not you've been pregnant before; what type of birth control you have used; if you have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a pelvic infection; and your family health history. Of course, your doctor will also want to know all the juicy details about your sex life.

Your doctor will also likely have some questions about your health; if there have been any significant health issues in the past. It may help to bring your medical records with you to the appointment if the doctor you're seeing isn't already familiar with your medical history. Don't forget to mention any medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past. There will also be some inquiry into your occupational conditions and lifestyle - how much exercise you do, how healthy your diet is, whether you smoke or use recreational drugs or how much alcohol you consume.