Starting a family is a significant journey, and preparing for that fertility journey begins with the consultation.
When approaching this chapter in your life, it’s good to feel prepared, empowered and focused so that you can give your all to the process. Whether you’re doing it alone, as some are now doing, or doing it with your partner, there are important steps to be aware of so that you can navigate each step with as much ease as possible.
With that being said, what are the steps to take when starting a family?
Gather Your Medical and Lifestyle History
The first step is to get all of your relevant paperwork in order. A comprehensive picture of your health is vital when it comes to tailoring your plan.
Make a note of your cycle’s start dates, length, the regularity of the menstrual cycle and any other symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain.
It’s best to document any previous pregnancies, which include both miscarriages and terminations. Be ready to discuss conditions like PCOS, thyroid disorders, diabetes or endometriosis.
Any medication or supplements you may be taking should also be included, which includes both herbal and over-the-counter options. Lifestyle factors will also be discussed when it comes to diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking and any other drug consumption, as well as stress levels.
These are all important to discuss as they will influence your health and that of your baby if you carry it yourself.
Prepare for Initial Assessments
An initial assessment, in the form of a fertility consultation, will be required, and that can be in the form of both discussions and physical tests.
Diagnostic tests are typical, which include blood work and transvaginal ultrasounds to assess the uterus and your ovaries. For the male partner, semen analysis may be something that’s explored.
It’s highly recommended that partners are involved in the process where applicable. They do, after all, contribute their efforts both physically and mentally.
When it comes to dress code, there is none, but you want garments that are loose and make physical assessments and blood taking accessible. So consider wearing a skirt if comfortable for transvaginal scans and a short-sleeved shirt for blood tests.
Essential Questions to Ask
There are some questions that are worth asking before you go to your appointment, and that are a great help for getting clarity. These include:
- What are the success rates for my specific age and diagnosis?
- What is the estimated treatment timeline?
- What emotional or counselling services are available?
These are all great questions to ask, and they can offer peace of mind that you’re getting everything you need answered before delving into the options available to you.
When starting your fertility journey, it’s great to be prepared. The more you know, the better informed and prepared you can be when it comes to taking those first few steps. Whether it’s through conceiving naturally, to IVF, you’ve got plenty of choices to pick from and every chance to have your happy ever after as a family.
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