During this first consultation, an evaluation of the patients is conducted, and all medical, gynecological, and/or andrological history is recorded. Additionally, the doctor will ask questions to gather family information and determine if there are any diagnosed hereditary conditions.
Among the tests requested for a comprehensive initial fertility study are hormonal analysis, vaginal ultrasound, semen analysis, etc.
Other complementary tests may also be necessary for both men and women.
To facilitate diagnosis and treatment selection, it is recommended to bring all previous reports and test results to the consultation.
The objective of the first visit
A couple is considered to have a fertility problem when, after a year of frequent unprotected sexual intercourse, pregnancy has not occurred. At this point, professionals advise seeking specialized consultation to assess the factors that may be responsible for this circumstance.
The objective of this first fertility visit is to obtain an overall assessment of the situation and initiate the study of the woman and her partner (if applicable). It also serves to plan the necessary diagnostic tests.
Therefore, if there are previous medical reports on any aspect, it is beneficial to provide them during this initial visit. This way, the medical history will be as complete as possible and help the specialist make appropriate decisions.
Personal interview
During this first visit, a thorough medical history will be taken, and all necessary tests will be conducted to reach a diagnosis that allows for the proper choice of treatment. For this reason, it is important that both partners attend the appointment, regardless of prior knowledge of who has the fertility issue.
This part of the consultation may take some time as the doctor needs to become acquainted with and ensure that the woman's health conditions are suitable for a safe pregnancy.
The specialist will ask questions about the couple's lifestyle habits, such as professional activity, contraceptive use, tobacco and alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins, etc. It is worth noting that information regarding the following aspects will be of great importance:
Age at first menstruation or menarche.
Duration of menstrual cycles.
Previous pregnancies.
Possible hereditary diseases.
Basic fertility assessment
Once the medical history has been taken, a gynecological examination is typically performed, and based on that, the doctor will determine further complementary tests for the couple before making decisions.
It is common for a definitive diagnosis not to be given in this first visit since the doctor usually requires some results from additional tests.
Tips for the first visit
Most people feel nervous when embarking on assisted reproduction treatment. They may mistrust everything, forget the doctor's recommendations or guidelines, have distractions, misunderstandings, etc. Therefore, it is important to maintain open and honest communication between the doctor and the patient.
Here are some tips to help patients come to the first visit more prepared, confident, and calm:
Review medical and family history.
Note down all questions.
Bring all previous tests and reports.
Approach the consultation with a positive attitude, confidence, and trust.
Do not withhold information from the doctor, as it could jeopardize your health.
En esta primera consulta se lleva a cabo una evaluación de los pacientes y se anotan todos los antecedentes médicos, ginecológicos y/o andrológicos. Además, el médico incluirá preguntas para obtener información familiar y saber si existe alguna condición hereditaria diagnosticada.
Entre las pruebas solicitadas para un estudio inicial de la fertilidad completo se encuentran una analítica hormonal, una ecografía vaginal, un espermograma, etc. También pueden ser necesarias otras pruebas complementarias tanto en el hombre como en la mujer.
Para facilitar el diagnóstico y la elección del tratamiento, es recomendable llevar a la consulta todos los informes y pruebas realizadas anteriormente.
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