What should you tell the doctor in your first appointment
by Maria Aikaterinari, last updated 30 Sep 2024,
3 min read
At Newlife IVF Greece, we understand that your first fertility consultation can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To ensure you get the most out of this crucial appointment, it's essential to be prepared and open with your doctor. Here's a comprehensive guide on information you should share during your initial visit.
Your Medical History
Your medical background provides essential context for your fertility journey. Be prepared to discuss:
- Previous pregnancies or miscarriages: This information helps assess your reproductive history.
- Menstrual cycle details: Regularity, duration, and any recent changes are important.
- Chronic health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or PCOS can impact fertility.
- Past surgeries: Especially those involving reproductive organs.
- Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs you're currently taking.
Lifestyle Factors
Your daily habits can significantly influence your fertility. Be honest about:
- Smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption: These can affect both male and female fertility.
- Exercise routines: Excessive and sedentary lifestyles can impact fertility.
- Diet: Your nutritional habits affect reproductive health.
- Stress levels: High stress can interfere with conception.
Family History
Genetic factors can influence fertility, so share information about:
- Family history of infertility: If close relatives have struggled with conception.
- Inherited conditions: Any genetic disorders in your family.
Your Fertility Journey So Far
Help your doctor understand where you are in your fertility journey:
- How long you've been trying to conceive: This helps determine the urgency of treatment.
- Previous fertility treatments: If you've undergone any treatments.
- Ovulation tracking methods: Whether you've used ovulation predictor kits or basal body temperature charting.
Your Partner's Information
If you're in a relationship, include details about your partner:
- Their medical history: Including any conditions that might affect fertility.
- Lifestyle factors: Their habits can impact fertility like yours.
- Any known fertility issues: Such as low sperm count or motility problems.
Your Concerns and Questions
This is your opportunity to voice any worries or queries:
- Specific fertility concerns: Any symptoms or issues you're worried about.
- Questions about treatments: Your understanding and expectations of potential treatments.
- Emotional aspects: How you feel about the fertility process.
Your Goals and Expectations
Be clear about what you hope to achieve:
- Your family planning goals: How many children you hope to have.
- Timeline expectations: If you have a specific timeframe in mind.
- Treatment preferences: Any strong feelings about certain fertility treatments.
At Newlife IVF Greece, open, honest communication is the foundation of successful fertility treatment. By sharing this information during your first appointment, you'll help us create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique situation and goals.
Remember, there's no such thing as too much information when it comes to your fertility journey. Our compassionate team is here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way. We encourage you to write down your thoughts and questions before the appointment to ensure you don't forget anything important. You're not alone in this journey, and we're here to help you every step of the way.
Your first appointment begins a partnership between you and your fertility specialist. By being prepared and forthcoming, you're taking an active role in your fertility journey and setting the stage for the best possible outcome. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your dream of parenthood. Contact us today!
Maria Aikaterinari, BA, MSc
Maria is an International Patient Coordinator at Newlife IVF.