Should both partners attend the first consultation?
Strongly recommended. Fertility investigation and treatment involves both partners, and decisions made together from the start lead to better outcomes, clinically and emotionally.
Getting Started with IVF
Your first IVF consultation is both an information-gathering session and the beginning of a medical relationship that will guide some of the most important decisions of your life. Here is how to make the most of it.
Take a comprehensive medical and fertility history from both partners. Review any previous investigations and treatment. Perform or arrange a baseline transvaginal ultrasound (antral follicle count, uterine assessment). AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, thyroid function, and infection screening can be ordered or reviewed. Describe a customized investigation or treatment strategy with reasonable deadlines and expectations.
All previous medical reports - including semen analyses, ultrasound scans, blood test results, and operative notes from any fertility procedures. A list of current medications for both partners. Notes about your menstrual cycle history (length, regularity, any pain) and any previous pregnancies or pregnancy losses. A list of your questions — you will not remember everything once you are in the room.
What is my estimated chance of success per cycle based on my specific results? What protocol will you recommend and why? What is your blastocyst conversion rate? What happens if I respond poorly to stimulation? How will you communicate with me during the cycle? What will cost more and what is included in the mentioned price? Who will transfer my embryos and retrieve my eggs?
Q: Should both partners attend the first consultation?
A: Strongly recommended. Fertility investigation and treatment involves both partners, and decisions made together from the start lead to better outcomes — clinically and emotionally.
Q: How long is a typical first consultation?
A: 45–90 minutes for a thorough evaluation. Be wary of clinics where the first appointment is rushed or you are already being scheduled for treatment without an adequate investigation phase.
Q: Is it normal to feel overwhelmed after the first consultation?
A: Very normal. There is a lot of information in one session. Ask for a written summary or patient information sheet. Follow up with questions via WhatsApp.
Strongly recommended. Fertility investigation and treatment involves both partners, and decisions made together from the start lead to better outcomes, clinically and emotionally.
45–90 minutes for a thorough evaluation. Be wary of clinics where the first appointment is rushed or you are already being scheduled for treatment without an adequate investigation phase.
Very normal. There is a lot of information in one session. Ask for a written summary or patient information sheet. Follow up with questions via WhatsApp.