What to Expect at a Fertility Clinic

A good fertility clinic will make you feel comfortable immediately. Many clinics offer free initial consultations, so be sure to ask about whether or not this option is offered.

Make sure you:

• Get the most out of your consultation by creating a list of questions, concerns and issues you want to discuss.
• Ask the right questions, such as what tests are done at the clinic. Do some research and come in as an informed patient
• Think things through – there are a lot of difficult issues to consider.

For women, before your clinic starts you on any treatment, you may be given further tests, including

• A full hormone profile consisting of individual hormones that are known to affect fertility. This is important in order to identify any hormone imbalances.
• Blood tests to determine if you’re ovulating
• An ultrasound to scan your ovaries and uterus
• A succession of ultrasound scans to track a follicle’s development and see if an egg is developing (follicle tracking).
• An x-ray of your fallopian tubes (Hysterosalpingogram).
• A Laparoscopy – An operation where a special dye is injected into the cervix and your fallopian tubes are then inspected for blockage via a laparoscope (telescopic rod with a tiny camera attached to one end).
• A Hysteroscopy – An operation using a laparoscope to view your uterus to check for fibroids or polyps.
• A Hysterosalpingo-contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) – a vaginal ultrasound probe used to check the fallopian tubes for blockages.