Going to a fertility clinic for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. You don’t know what to expect. So many questions are running through your mind. What are the right questions to ask? What do I need to take with me? What kind of questions will the doctor ask me? Every couple wants to understand the fertility journey they are about to take.
Your fertility journey will begin with a doctor’s consult which would include an in-depth evaluation of your medical history and once this is established, the doctor can outline a customized treatment plan.
Xenith Advanced Fertility Clinic is one of the best centers for IVF treatment in Pune. We make couples feel as comfortable as possible. We believe it’s important that couples relax and are able to open up about their lives. Seeking the help of a fertility specialist is the first step toward the journey of making your sweet dream come true!
To help you as you begin this adventure, we’ve gathered a few tips for couples to better face their first consultation with a fertility doctor.
What to bring for your first doctor’s consultation
Medical records are a must
The doctor will want to understand your medical history. Are there any prior illnesses she should know about? Does either partner have diabetes; is it under control? Has the couple been to other doctors or have had any medical examination or taken any medication for fertility? Do you know of any hormonal problems? Have you had any miscarriages? Bring as many supportive documents as you can. Make sure you tell the doctor about any medication or supplements you are taking.
Bring your notebook
Before you come to the clinic, write down all the questions you’d like to ask the doctor. This should include any doubts and fears you might have, as well as pertinent questions about your chances of having a baby. Be forthright with the doctor, even about finances and the costs involved.
The notepad will also help you jot down things as the doctor explains your journey ahead. The first visit is often overwhelming for couples so it helps to take notes.
Bring your partner!
Take your spouse with you for the first consultation with the doctor. You can lean on each other for emotional support. You’ll both become aware of what will be involved in the treatment and be able to ask questions together. This is a choice that both partners need to make. Also, infertility is a couple of problems and needs evaluation and history from both partners.
What kind of questions to expect from the doctor?
- The doctor will ask couples questions such as:
- How long have you been trying to get pregnant?
- What is your home environment like?
- Are there any menstrual problems or issues related to intercourse?
- Do you become easily anxious and whether either partner is prone to depression?
Other questions may be related to weight, age of menstruation, details about your cycle, lifestyle choices – whether you lead a sedentary life, exercise, drink, or smoke.
What kind of questions should you ask the doctor?
Ask everything that is on your mind, for sure, but don’t forget to ask these pertinent questions as well.
Ask: How qualified is your doctor?
There is a difference between a fertility specialist and a board-certified fertility practitioner. There are many who are called “fertility specialists” but are not fully qualified. At Xenith, Dr. Mamta Dighe is one of the first few doctors in India to receive a Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine. Once you meet her, you’ll know why her patients call her the best IVF doctor in Pune!
Ask: What are the fertility success rates in the clinic? How do they compare with other clinics?
When you ask, be more specific. Ask about the fertility success rates for a couple in your age group and with similar problems as yours. Some fertility clinics take only younger patients as the fertility success rates are higher in such cases. They can appear to be wonderful but couples can get a truer picture by knowing the age group of such couples. Ask about the difference in success rates for achieving pregnancy vs IVF success rates.
At Xenith, we hold a record for achieving more than 70% pregnancy for infertile couples! We specialize in taking couples who have experienced repeated IVF failures.
Ask: Does the clinic provide counselors to provide emotional support?
Most couples are facing the disappointment of not being able to conceive naturally when they enter a fertility clinic. Going through diagnostic examinations, hormone treatment, the ups and downs of treatment can be an exhaustive emotional experience. Make sure the clinic has counselors available when counseling is needed.
Ask: Are diagnostic tests and procedures done in the clinic?
Having all the diagnostics done under one roof means that couples are not running to other centers to get tests done. It also means that the results are reliable. Having an in-house IVF lab with full-time embryologists can assure couples that the lab environment, room temperature, and procedures are well under control – these are important factors for IVF success. If you have not been able to conceive after 6 months of actively trying, come see us at Xenith Advanced Fertility Clinic. Some of the best embryologists in the country are working with us, along with nutritionists and complementary care physicians, fully equipped to support couples in the IVF treatment process. Schedule an appointment with us today.