It is important to understand that treatment may not begin immediately upon your first visit to a fertility specialist. Your doctor will likely order some tests to try to determine whether there is an obvious reason for your fertility struggles. Treatment is then planned after your doctor discusses your test results with you.

If you are preparing for your first consultation at the fertility clinic, here is what you might expect to happen:

• There will be a physical exam and the doctor will ask you questions about your general health.
• You will be asked to identify aspects of your lifestyle that might be affecting your fertility, such as smoking and drinking habits. And the doctor will try to help you make some lifestyle changes that will increase your chances of success.
• There is a good chance a blood test will be done to rule out any sexually transmitted infections.
• Women usually undergo the following tests: a breast exam, a pelvic exam, an ultrasound to examine the pelvic region, or an X-ray dye test (called a hysterosalpingogram) to look for any blockage in the fallopian tubes.
• Men will likely undergo a sperm analysis (also known as a semen analysis).

We suggest you bring the following:

• Records of any past infertility investigations and treatments.
• Assessment forms will usually ask for information on the woman’s menstrual cycle, past pregnancies, contraception history, gynecological history, sexual practices, general health and infertility history (including the length of time you have been trying to conceive). If these forms are available to print on the clinic's website, it might save time to print and fill them out prior to your appointment.
• Your medical/provincial health card