Either way, by preparing well in advance, you can be ready with everything you need in order to make your first visit and fertility assessment a successful one. Here’s what you can do to prepare.
What to Do before Your Appointment
Bring Your Health History and Medical Records
Any medical records that you have about your family health history should be brought to your first appointment or faxed to the clinic beforehand.You should also bring some notes with details about your most recent cycles and/or milestones in your fertility journey so far. Having this information on hand can ensure that you provide your specialist with all the vital details they need to help you.
If yours or your spouse’s family have had fertility struggles, let your doctor know. You may need to speak privately with your relatives to get this information, but it can be helpful to know your family’s history with fertility.
Prepare Questions for the Doctor
Be prepared with any questions that you have for your doctor. These questions will depend completely on your situation, what you would like to know, and any clarifications you might need. Writing these questions down ahead of time will ensure that you get all the information you need from your first appointment before you go forward with your treatments. Here are some questions you may want to ask:- How long will the diagnosis process take?
- What additional tests will you need?
- What is the success rate of this clinic compared to other clinics?
- What treatment options are available to you and what are the likely success rates of each of these options?
- Is fertility counselling available?
- Are there any side effects of your suggested treatment?
- How much will your treatment options cost?
- How can you get in touch with your doctor if you have any questions along the way?
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Before your appointment, check to see if you have insurance coverage for fertility treatments. Speak to your human resources representative at work and directly to your insurance company about your coverage options. Most diagnostic tests for fertility treatments such as IVF treatment are covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You should speak to your doctor to find out if you are eligible for government funding.Research the Doctors and Clinic for Reviews and Reputation
Before you schedule a fertility consultation you should do some research on the doctors and the clinic you would like to partner with. You can look for client reviews on the company’s web site. The more you understand how the clinic you are considering meets the expectations of the industry, the more confident you will feel during your appointment. You want to choose a team that you trust, especially when it comes to your fertility journey.Have Your Partner/Spouse with You if Possible
At your first appointment, you should bring your spouse or partner with you. They will be a great support system for you and may be able to help provide some information as well. If you are choosing to have the baby as a single parent, invite a close friend or family member for support.What to Do during Your First Consultation
Mention Supplements and Medications
Before your appointment, write down any medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs, or other treatments you are taking. Even if these supplements are organic or natural, disclose all this information to your fertility specialist. They will need to know how much (dosage) you take and how often.Mention whether You Tried to Get Pregnant before This Visit
Think about how long you have actively been trying to get pregnant. How often do you and your spouse or partner have intercourse? If you have been tracking your basal body temperature, using an ovulation predictor kit, or charting your fertility, bring this information to your appointment. Any additional information you provide can be helpful.Ask about Treatment Options
At your first consultation, find out what treatment options are recommended for you after the doctor has seen your test results. Find out the national success rate of those treatments (number of live births after the treatment). It is also important to know what side effects or risks are associated with your treatment options.Ask Questions about the Clinic Environment
The specialists at your fertility clinic understand that this is an emotional and sometimes stressful time for their patients. They will do their best to create a calming and relaxing environment, so that you can feel confident and peaceful in the clinic.What to Expect at Your First Visit to ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo
If you’re considering seeing a fertility specialist to find out if IVF treatments are the right option to help you conceive, you’re not alone. Many people seek infertility counselling to help them understand the treatment options available to help them grow their family.ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo believes in the importance of providing our patients with proper, comprehensive information about their options, so they can get customized treatment that works for them. Our evidence-based medical approach and compassionate care ensure that our patients understand their treatment plan throughout the entire process and receive safe and high-quality fertility treatment with high success rates.
Contact us at (519) 650-0011 or info@onefertilitykw.com to prepare for your first consultation. We’re available to answer your questions and ease your mind in preparation for your first fertility assessment. We offer our services to patients from Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Woodstock, Listowel, Fergus, Elmira, Milton, Owen Sound, and other areas of Ontario.
