Asking the Right Questions QUESTIONS FOR THE OB/GYN: How long will it take to diagnose our problem? How is my age affecting my ability to conceive? Will you order a semen analysis for my partner? Are there any lifestyle changes I should make? Do I need to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist? How much experience do you have treating infertility patients? QUESTIONS FOR THE FIRST VISIT WITH A REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST: What are the possible reasons we haven't yet conceived? Who will be my main point of contact? How will I reach them? Can I complete my initial work-up with your practice? Do you have semen analysis and HSG services on site or will testing occur at an outside laboratory? Do you provide emotional support and holistic care resources? QUESTIONS FOR THE FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT: Do you accept my insurance? Who will I be working with for my ongoing financial needs? How do I contact them? Do you offer any discount programs for patients paying out of pocket? Do you offer refunds or other financial programs? Do I have to pay for my treatment in advance? Do you have a financing option? Are you aware of any pharmaceutical programs to help reduce the cost of my medication? Can you recommend any fertility grants that I can apply for to help with the cost of treatment?
STARTING TREATMENT WITH A REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT: What treatment do you suggest trying to start? Will with low-tech treatment be an option? What side effects are associated with the treatment you're recommending? How many times should we try each type of treatment before considering other options? What is the risk of multiples? When can I start treatment? How long does a treatment cycle take? What is the time commitment for treatment? How many office visits do you anticipate will be necessary? What are the chances of success with treatment? How does that compare to my other options? ADDITIONAL TESTING: What tests do I need to complete in addition to the hormone blood work, semen analysis, and the HSG? Do I need genetic testing? Will I need a mammogram or pap smear prior to starting treatment? Will I need to complete a “mock” embryo transfer? MEDICATIONS: Can I get my medications from my local pharmacy? How frequently will I need medication? Will my medication dose change throughout the cycle? Will treatment require medications administered through injection? Can I give myself injections or does someone else have to do it? Do you provide injection training? Can I bring someone? Can you suggest a nursing service to give me my injections or training at home? What side effects should I expect from the stimulation medication? Are there any long term side effects from the medication?
THIRD PARTY REPRODUCTION: If necessary, can you help me access donor egg, embryo, sperm, or gestational carrier programs? Do you recruit your own egg donors? If so how are they recruited? Is there any medical guidelines used that would disqualify a donor? What are they? Will I ever get to meet my sperm or egg donor? Will my child? How often will I get updated on my donors progress during the stimulation phase? How much notice will I have before the embry0 transfer? Do you recruit gestational carriers? If not, can you suggest a surrogacy program? IN TREATMENT: Do I need to schedule an appointment for my monitoring visits? Are you open on the weekends and holidays? When should I expect to receive my monitoring results? POST TREATMENT CARE: Is there medication I will need to take after treatment? How long will it take for to know if am pregnant? What appointments are needed after I have a positive pregnancy test? Do you offer prenatal care? If I am not pregnant, how long will I need to wait before starting another treatment cycle? MY QUESTIONS: