Infertility: What You Need To Ask Your Doctor

For patients who are planning their first visit to a fertility specialist or doctor to explore their fertility, it can be an overwhelming, frightening, and confusing time. Asking the right questions and getting the information and answers you need is vital to your health and often your ease of mind. I thought I would open up a discussion in the community to share some of the questions members have found to be most helpful.

What questions do you ask your doctor or fertility specialist to get the response and answers you need? How do you make sure that all of your questions and needs are addressed? How do you prepare for the visit? Do you bring anything to your visit? Where do you start?

Tags: doctor, fertility, infertility, questions, visit

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on October 7, 2009 at 4:05pm: I'll begin...

What are our treatment options?
What are the qualifications for moving on to IVF?
Can acupuncture help infertility?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kelly D on October 9, 2009 at 1:01am: some ideas to help you prepare...

1. Visit at least 2 Reproductive Endo websites. See if you can download their questionnaire. Search their website to become familiar with the terminology they use.

2. Bring anything you have to help aide in the discussions, such as an ovulation chart and prior/recent blood work results.

3. Ask people you know if they know anyone who has used fertility treatments to build their family. If they are open to questions, ask them what they liked and disliked about their experience.

some additional question ideas...

1. Explain the different treatment options and what are their typical success rates?

2. Why is XYZ treatment (i.e., IUI, IVF, donor, etc.) the best option for us?

3. What is the estimated time line for our treatments? When will you start the procedures, how long will you take the medications/drugs, etc.?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lisa on October 15, 2009 at 11:49am: Kelly D - those are some great suggestions. Thanks for the detail! I like the idea of visiting 2 Endo websites and becoming familiar with the terms.

Here are some more helpful questions the NYT suggests asking.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nikki on October 15, 2009 at 2:00pm: I always check a variety of sites, compare what the practices have to say and what their expectations are of their patients.

Always go in armed with a paper with questions on it, so you don;t forget anything. i try to bring a copy for the doctor as well.

Questions:
What tests do we need to run?
What is your general avenue to try? (Clomid, then IUI, then IVF?)
What procedures do you not offer in office? Where do you refer patients in this case.
Insurance questions are always good to ask, and ask how well they know your co.; ▶ Reply to This