Fertility Out Loud | Working With Your Doctor

Get the most out ofyour appointment

No matter where you are on your journey, seeing a fertility specialist (or reproductive endocrinologist) can be exciting but also nerve-racking. So, whether it’s your first, third, or sixth appointment, we have a guide that can help you feel more prepared.

fertility specialist portrayal

What to expect for your first appointment

Your first appointment will last about 1 to 2 hours, and you’ll probably talk to your fertility specialist (or nurse) about:

  • Your medical history/family’s medical history
  • Your sexual history
  • How long you’ve been trying to conceive
  • Potential treatment options
  • Coverage and costs of fertility treatments
Your fertility specialist may also order/do a few tests, including: blood tests, a vaginal ultrasound, a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and semen analysis.

What to have on hand

Whether your appointment is in-person or virtual, we can help you prepare. Make sure you have these things ready:

Call ahead of time to have your OB/GYN send relevant medical records—like surgeries, recent Pap tests, and a list of any medications you take—over to your fertility specialist’s office

Gather copies of any previous fertility workups you or your partner have had

Have insurance information available for you and your partner

Have a list of concerns/observations about your cycle

Write down all of your questions and concerns before the appointment starts

Have a support person with you on the call or at the in-person appointment as allowed by clinic guidelines

Keep a paper and pen handy to write down notes

Have these questions with you at your appointment!

Not your first appointment? We’ve got you covered.

As you continue to work with your doctor, we want to be there for you. Just answer one simple question below and we will give you a personalized guide that can help you have a more productive conversation with your fertility specialist.

Which best describes you?

Haven’t started treatment yet? Here’s your discussion guide!

These questions can help you get the conversation started so you can take the next step forward in your journey.


  • Can you help me understand my test results?
  • What are my best treatment options?
  • Can you tell me about your clinic’s success rates for the different options you provide?
  • Based on my test results/pre-existing conditions, do you see any problems for certain treatment options?
  • What lifestyle factors may impact the success of my treatment options?
  • What can I expect the treatment process to be like?
  • What impacts can I expect treatment to have on my day-to-day life?
  • How should I prepare for my treatment?
  • Will my insurance pay for treatment? If not, how much will it cost?
  • Do you offer financial options for treatment, or a coordinator to walk me through cost and coverage?

Have you tried treatment but haven’t seen success? We have a guide for you.

Here are some questions you can ask that will help you figure out next steps with your fertility specialist.


  • Would you recommend trying my current treatment again or making any changes to my treatment plan?
  • What are my other treatment options?
  • What can I expect this new treatment process to be like?
  • What impacts can I expect this new treatment to have on my day-to-day life?
  • Will I need additional testing? If so, can you walk me through which tests I’ll need?
  • Will I need additional medication? If so, can you walk me through which medication I’ll need?
  • How much will this additional testing and/or treatment cost?
  • Will this additional testing and/or treatment be covered by my insurance?
  • Do you offer financial options for treatment/testing, or a coordinator to walk me through cost and coverage?
Fertility Out Loud