If you are in the beginning phases of seeking fertility treatments or are wondering about your current treatment, there are questions that you will want to be sure to ask your reproductive endocrinologist. It is important to bring your records of test results or diagnoses. Take along any information that you have collected regarding your menstrual cycle and basal body temperatures. It is okay to ask the doctor as many questions as you wish. Arm yourself with the information you need to make wise and knowledgeable decisions.
Take a look at the questions below and be sure to take notes each time you visit your doctor.
- What is my diagnosis and how will it cause problems with fertility? Does my partner have a condition that interferes with fertility?
- Do you recommend any testing for either me or my partner?
- What type of treatment would you recommend that we begin with? What does this treatment entail; medications, invasiveness, time, etc.?
- What are your current success rates for the treatment that you have recommended? (Remember, there is a difference between pregnancy rates and live birth rates)
- If you doctor has recommend a more invasive treatment for you, be sure to ask if there is anything less invasive that you can “begin with.”
- How many cycles of treatment would do you suggest before moving on to other options? If a cycle is unsuccessful, how long will I need to wait to proceed with further treatment?
- If needed, will you be able to assist me in accessing donor eggs, embryos, or sperm?
- I’d like to know how successful you think I will be with treatment.
- What are the specific costs of your recommended treatment plan? Do you take insurance or have any financing programs?
- Do you suggest that I change anything in terms of my current diet or exercise program? What are you opinions with alternative medicine; acupuncture or Chinese herbal treatments?
- How will I be able to communicate with you during my treatment process?
- My partner and I would like to talk to someone about our emotions and infertility. Are you able to refer us to a support group or counselor?
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