What to Expect When You Consult an IVF Doctor

A first consultation with an IVF doctor is an opportunity to understand why you may be having difficulty conceiving and whether IVF or another fertility treatment may be appropriate. The doctor will usually review your fertility and medical history, discuss any previous investigations or treatment and determine whether further tests are needed.

An IVF consultation does not necessarily mean that you will proceed directly to IVF. The findings from your assessment can help determine which treatment options are appropriate and what the next steps may involve.

What Happens During Your First IVF Consultation?

During the first consultation, your IVF doctor will build a clearer picture of your reproductive and medical history and review any fertility investigations already completed. This helps determine what additional assessment may be needed before treatment options are discussed.

Reviewing Your Fertility History

Your IVF doctor will usually ask how long you have been trying to conceive and about previous pregnancies, miscarriages, fertility treatment or known reproductive health conditions. If you are pursuing treatment with a partner, their medical and reproductive history may also be relevant because fertility factors can involve either or both people.

You may also be asked about the regularity and length of your menstrual cycle and symptoms such as unusually painful or heavy periods. These details may provide clues about ovulation or reproductive conditions that require further assessment.

Going Through Previous Results

If you have already undergone fertility tests, scans or treatment, your doctor may review these records during the consultation. Bringing previous reports can provide useful context and may help avoid repeating investigations unnecessarily.

Discussing Your Concerns and Treatment Goals

The consultation is also an opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve from fertility treatment and raise questions about the options available. Factors such as age, previous treatment and future family plans may be relevant when the doctor considers which treatment options may be appropriate.

What Fertility Tests May Be Recommended?

After reviewing your history, the IVF doctor may recommend tests to better understand factors that could be affecting fertility. The investigations required will depend on your circumstances and any testing already completed.

Hormone Blood Tests

Blood tests may be used to assess hormones involved in ovulation and ovarian function. Depending on the test, blood may need to be taken at a particular stage of the menstrual cycle.

Ovarian Reserve Assessment

Ovarian reserve assessment can provide information about the remaining egg supply and how the ovaries may respond to stimulation during fertility treatment. Depending on the assessment, this may involve blood tests, an ultrasound scan or both.

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound allows the doctor to examine the ovaries and uterus. It may be used as part of ovarian reserve assessment and to identify structural or gynaecological findings that could be relevant to fertility treatment.

Semen Analysis

A semen analysis may be recommended to assess sperm concentration, movement and shape. The results can help identify male fertility factors and may influence how fertilisation is approached if IVF is recommended.

Additional Investigations

Further investigations may be recommended depending on your medical history, previous results and the suspected cause of fertility difficulties. Your doctor can explain whether additional testing is needed and what information it is intended to provide.

Discussing Your IVF Treatment Options

Once your doctor has reviewed the relevant history and test results, they can explain which fertility treatments may be suitable. IVF is not necessarily the only option, and the recommendation will depend on the factors identified during your assessment.

Whether IVF Is Recommended

Your doctor will explain whether IVF is an appropriate next step and the reasons for recommending it. Depending on the findings, another fertility treatment or further assessment may be considered before IVF.

Discussing the Fertilisation Method

If IVF is recommended, your doctor may discuss conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The approach used depends on clinical factors such as sperm characteristics and relevant treatment or fertilisation history.

Understanding What an IVF Cycle Involves

If IVF is being considered, the doctor can explain the main stages of treatment, from ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval through to fertilisation and embryo transfer. This gives you an opportunity to understand what the process involves before deciding whether to proceed.

Planning the Next Steps

Once the necessary assessments are complete, your doctor can explain what needs to happen before treatment begins. If IVF is planned, this may include the proposed treatment protocol, timing and any further preparation required.

Taking the Next Step in Your Fertility Journey With Dr Chua and Dr Wee

An IVF consultation can help determine whether IVF is an appropriate treatment option rather than assuming it is the necessary next step. Reviewing both partners' fertility history where relevant, together with previous investigations and any additional test results, can help identify factors affecting conception and guide the discussion towards suitable treatment options.

At Irene & Jon Clinic for Women, patients and couples can undergo fertility assessment and discuss whether IVF or another fertility treatment may be appropriate based on their findings. Dr Irene Chua and Dr Jonathan Wee are obstetricians and gynaecologists who provide fertility assessment and IVF treatment in Singapore. They review relevant fertility investigations, discuss the factors that may be affecting conception and explain the treatment options that may be considered.

If you are considering IVF or would like to understand which fertility treatments may be suitable for your circumstances, book a consultation with Dr Chua or Dr Wee for a fertility assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)