10 Things to Ask A Fertility Specialist

When you make the decision to begin fertility treatments, there is a lot to consider and it may seem overwhelming. California Center for Reproductive Medicine (CACRM) wants to make sure you get the answers you need from your very first visit. This is an emotional time for many couples, and we encourage you to bring your partner, friend, or loved one to help you remember all of the information you’ll be given. It’s also important to write down anything you want to ask so you’re sure it’s addressed with your fertility doctor.

5 important questions to ask during your first visit

Here are some important questions you should ask your fertility doctor during your first visit:

Based on our current medical charts, can you tell us why we haven’t been able to conceive yet?

Based on your medical history and tests you’ve already taken, your fertility doctor may be able to give you an answer. However, more tests might be needed to identify the issue.

What other tests do I need?

It depends on the tests you’ve already completed and their results to determine if further testing is required. Common tests for women include transvaginal ultrasound and hysterosalpingogram. Common tests for men include scrotal ultrasound, semen analysis, and hormone analysis.

Will my insurance cover the tests?

Fertility clinics typically have financial counselors available to help determine what your insurance will cover as well as how to finance additional treatments not covered by your insurance.

What treatment do you recommend first?

This is also unique to each individual and depends on his or her specific fertility issues. Common fertility treatments include intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Third-party reproductive services like surrogacy and egg donation might also be a viable option for those for whom IVF has not worked in the past.

What are the side effects of reproductive treatments?

It is important to understand exactly what you’re committing to. For example, if your treatment involves fertility medications, you may feel temporary physical discomfort and some women report emotional side effects as well.

5 additional questions to ask a fertility specialist

Here are a few more important questions to ask your fertility doctor:

What, if any, surgeries are involved?

Your doctor may need to perform surgery if they find any issues with your reproductive organs. Surgery is likely for women who have scars in the reproductive tract, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or polyps. IVF also includes two minor surgeries; one for egg retrieval and another to transfer the embryo back into the uterus.

Do fertility treatments increase my chances of multiple babies?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments may produce multiple pregnancies at once. Depending on your unique situation, your doctor may recommend transferring one or two embryos into the uterus to increase your chances of pregnancy.

What is the overall success rate of fertility treatments?

Between eighty-five and ninety percent of infertility cases are treatable. IUI treatments have a twenty percent success rate as compared to IVF, which typically has a > 50% percent success rate, depending on the age of the egg provider

Can you put us in touch with former patients who had similar treatments?

Testimonials from other couples in your same or similar situation can help ease some of the stress and worry associated with fertility treatments. Please visit our patient reviews page to hear their stories of success.

When can we start the treatment and is there anything else I need to complete prior to beginning?

Your fertility doctor will prepare a tailored schedule of medications and appointments so you have all of the information you need to get started.

If you or a loved one is struggling with fertility and are in need one of the best fertility doctor in San Diego, please call CACRM at 760-274-2000 to learn more or to schedule an initial consultation. Dr. Arnold is a board-certified fertility specialist and world-renowned for her fertility expertise, IVF and surrogacy success, and excellence in medical care worldwide.