Asking The Right Questions

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:       