Table of Contents
2. Initial Consultation with the Fertility Specialist
We are not going to reinvent the wheel and tell you something you are not familiar with. According to recent multiple requests we can see how relevant this topic is. Women have to piece together different parts of information before they understand the full picture of the IVF process. Relying too heavily on Google Search and Chat GPT can bring even more confusion.
Another important part is the initial consultation with the Fertility Specialist. What questions to ask? How not to miss anything?
We made the list. Yes, the real list, with real questions that are based on our experience with the clients. The list below is structured and detailed. We hope you will use this knowledge in the long run.
We imagine the situation when a patient A, 38 years old, is having a consultation with the Fertility Specialist for the first time, who has undergone ultrasonography (transvaginal ultrasound) and necessary blood tests already (hormonal panel such as LH, FSH, AMH, Torch infections, STDs, general blood count) and Pap Test. All the tests came back normal.
- How long does the IVF process take: from stimulation to embryo transfer?
- What are my chances for success based on my age, blood test results, health and fertility history?
- How many patients with the same condition have you had?
- Do I have to undergo any additional tests?
- Do you recommend any genetic testing before beginning IVF?
- Should I undergo hysteroscopy before beginning IVF?
- I’m 38 years old, how do you assess my ovarian reserve?
- What medications will I need to take during the IVF period?
- Do you consult how to administer the injections? Or do you have a nurse that can do the injections?
- Do you recommend any supplements prior and during IVF process?
- How do you make sure I have a good response to the medications?
- How often do you perform the ultrasound?
- What does trigger injection mean? Can I self-administer this injection?
- What is the process of the egg retrieval?
- Should I stay overnight in the clinic?
- How long is the recovery after general anaesthesia?
- Will I have any information on my eggs at the day of retrieval: how many retrieved, their maturity, how many fertilised?
- I’m going to use the sperm donor. Do you have the database?
- What information can I have about the donor? Are they genetically tested?
- How often will I be getting updates on the embryos?
- What is the recovery process after the egg retrieval?
- Do you transfer day 3 or day 5 embryos?
- Based on my history, would you recommend PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)?
- How many embryos do you recommend to transfer?
- What if we have more than 1 embryo? What happens with the rest? Can you freeze them?
- What costs are covered within one IVF cycle? Does it include medications, monitoring, embryo freezing?
- Do I have to pay the whole amount in advance? Do you have a payment plan?
- Do you offer psychological support?
- In case of a negative result, how soon will I be able to start again?
- What if all IVF attempts fail? Do you offer any alternatives?
- Do you offer any extra services to increase chances for implantation? Embryo glue, endometrial receptivity test?
At Ave Fertility, our Specialists will give profound answers to most of the questions by default. They won’t leave you in the darkness of obscurity. By the time you leave Dr’s office, you will puzzle out the nuances of the IVF process.
You can also download The Form with The List of Questions and bring it for your consultation.
Book your initial appointment with us, we will help you to put the pieces together.
