
Your first fertility appointment: time for a complete history and physical for infertility
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, or if you already know that you will need specialized fertility treatment to have a baby, making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist is the right first step. If you have a partner, both of you should come to the first fertility appointment prepared for an in-depth discussion and initial exam. By arriving ready for your history and physical for infertility, you can help our San Antonio fertility doctors get a complete picture of your situation and make a targeted plan for your next steps.
Discussion of both partners’ medical histories
As part of your history and physical for infertility, our experienced reproductive endocrinologist will ask for detailed information about a variety of topics related to your fertility, as individuals and as a couple.
- Information about attempts to conceive
- Prior pregnancies and reproductive history
- Birth control history
- Results of any prior infertility testing
- Existing medical conditions, medications and supplements
- Prior medical conditions, including any surgeries or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Menstrual cycles
- Family history of genetically linked medical conditions, birth defects, cancers or other medical conditions
- Any gynecologic issues, such as painful periods, abnormal bleeding or discharge
- Environmental exposures to toxins, extreme temperatures, radiation
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption or drug use
- Weight and fitness evaluation
While some of this information may feel very personal to share, it’s important to be open and honest with your physician through every part of your history and physical for infertility. By accurately documenting these important factors, we can better understand what fertility tests and treatments may be most important and effective for you.
Physical exam for the female partner at the first fertility appointment
Your first fertility appointment may also include a basic physical examination for the female partner, similar to an annual gynecological exam.
- Breast exam
- Abdominal exam to check for masses or pain
- Gynecological and pelvic exam
- A transvaginal pelvic ultrasound to assess uterine and ovarian anatomy
While the male partner may not need a physical exam at the first fertility appointment, a semen analysis will likely be ordered. If those test results are abnormal, the man may be referred to a urologist for a physical examination and further testing or treatment.
Schedule your appointment for a history and physical for infertility
By combining the findings of the medical history and physical for infertility, our experienced San Antonio fertility doctors can create a targeted plan for further diagnostic tests and treatments. Our wish is to help you achieve your family-building goals, as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Contact us to schedule your first fertility appointment.