Top 11 Questions to Ask Your Fertility Specialist Before Starting Treatment

Starting fertility treatment is a big step, and you’re going to have questions, maybe even a little anxiety. Knowing what to ask can make a big difference in helping you feel more confident and informed about your choices. At CARE Fertility, we want you to feel fully supported and prepared, so here are the top questions to ask your fertility specialist before you start treatment:

1. What treatment options do I have, and which one is right for me?

Fertility treatments range from less invasive options, like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), to more complex procedures like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). For certain cases, such as those involving recurrent pregnancy loss, genetic testing, or male-factor infertility, advanced treatments like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) or donor egg IVF may be recommended.

2. What factors could impact my chances of success?

Fertility success rates can be influenced by age, reproductive history, any underlying health conditions, and even lifestyle factors. Talking through these considerations with your doctor can help determine your personal success rate in each form of treatment. For instance, IVF tends to work better for younger patients, and for older patients, interventions such as Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) may reduce multiple births in patients over 35.

3. Are there any additional tests I should try?

Ask your physician to see if hormonal testing, genetic screening, or specific fertility evaluations, such as ovarian reserve tests, are recommended in your case. For instance, CARE Fertility offers in-house genetic screening that can reveal potential chromosomal issues, which might help in choosing the healthiest embryo for transfer. Knowing your options for these tests can give you a more complete understanding of your reproductive health.

4. What are the risks and side effects I should be aware of?

Every fertility treatment comes with risks. With IVF, for instance, ovarian stimulation may lead to symptoms like bloating or even Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in rare cases. Multiple embryo transfers, if not managed carefully, can increase the chances of twins or triplets, which come with added pregnancy risks. Be sure to have your doctor discuss all these risks, including the likelihood and severity of side effects, so you are on the safe side.

5. How will treatment impact my daily life?

Fertility treatments can often require multiple visits for monitoring, injections, and sometimes even lifestyle adjustments. Ask how frequently you’ll need to come into the clinic, what kind of at-home treatment steps are required (like self-administered injections), and whether any dietary, exercise, or other lifestyle changes could help. This insight can help you plan ahead and make any necessary arrangements, especially if you have work or family commitments to balance.

6. What support services are available to me?

Support is an important part of fertility care because it impacts the emotional component. CARE has counselling and resources ready to help guide you through every step. Your specialist can explain the support services available to you, from counselling to support groups, so you know you’re not going through this alone.

7. What can I do if a cycle doesn’t work out?

Fertility treatment doesn’t always succeed on the first attempt, and knowing what to expect if a cycle fails can help manage emotions and expectations. At CARE Fertility, we offer options for additional cycles, as well as alternative approaches if needed, like using donor eggs or exploring new medication regimens. Ask your specialist about the steps you could take next and how many cycles they would recommend before considering other options.

8. How much will it cost, and are there financing options?

Fertility treatment costs can add up, so knowing the financial breakdown is crucial. Ask about the full cost, what it includes, and any additional fees you might need to prepare for. CARE offers guidance on financial planning and financing options to help make the process manageable.

9. What are the success rates for someone my age or with similar conditions?

Success rates vary based on many factors, including age and health. Our CARE clinic works with patients to set realistic expectations, and understanding success rates specific to your situation will give you a clearer perspective.

10. How will my partner be involved?

If you’re going through this with a partner, knowing how they’ll be involved (like providing a semen sample or attending key appointments) can help you both prepare. Fertility treatment is a team effort, and understanding when your partner will be needed, such as for testing or consultations, makes the process easier for both of you.

11. How long should I wait between cycles if we need to try again?

It’s often recommended to take a recovery period between treatment cycles to let your body rest and prepare for another round. While the exact time can depend on your health and the treatment type, many clinics suggest a minimum of 6-8 weeks between IVF cycles. Ask for a tailored timeline based on your needs.

Remember, everyone at CARE Fertility is here to answer all your questions and support you in making your family dreams come true. If you’re ready to start the conversation, contact us today to book a consultation.

. . .

CARE Fertility and Women’s Health is a leading fertility clinic, offering personalized care and advanced reproductive technology to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. With state-of-the-art genetic testing, individualized treatment plans, and holistic support, we specialize in complex fertility cases and boast some of the highest success rates in Canada.

Stay Informed!