Booking your first appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist (RE) is a significant step. Whether you're exploring IUI or IVF, considering egg freezing, or just want to understand where you stand, knowing what to expect makes the whole experience less intimidating.
Before Your Appointment
Most clinics will ask you to complete intake paperwork including:
- Your full medical history (surgeries, medications, chronic conditions)
- Menstrual cycle history (length, regularity, any issues)
- Family medical history (especially reproductive conditions, genetic diseases)
- Your goals (pregnancy, egg freezing, information gathering)
As a solo mom by choice, you may also want to let the clinic know upfront that you'll be using donor sperm. Most clinics work with solo patients regularly, but it helps set the stage for the right conversation.
What Happens During the Visit
The Conversation
Your RE will spend time understanding your goals and your health. Expect questions about:
- How long you've been considering this path
- Whether you have a preference for IUI or IVF (or want guidance)
- Your cycle regularity and any symptoms of concern
- Your lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, exercise, stress)
This is also your chance to ask questions. A few good ones to bring:
- What testing do you recommend for my age and situation?
- What's your clinic's success rate for patients similar to me?
- How many cycles do you typically recommend before changing approach?
- Do you have experience working with solo moms by choice?
Blood Work
You'll likely have blood drawn to test:
- AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone): Estimates your ovarian reserve. Learn more about AMH.
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone): Tested on cycle day 3 to assess egg production.
- Estradiol: Also a day 3 test that helps interpret FSH results.
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Thyroid function affects fertility and pregnancy.
- Prolactin: High levels can interfere with ovulation.
Some clinics also run genetic carrier screening at this stage.
Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is standard at the first visit. Your doctor will:
- Count your antral follicles (AFC), the small follicles visible in your ovaries that month, which gives a real-time snapshot of your ovarian reserve
- Check the structure of your uterus and ovaries
- Look for any fibroids, polyps, or cysts
This is quick (5 to 10 minutes) and provides valuable information alongside your bloodwork.
Additional Testing
Depending on your situation, your RE may also recommend:
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram): An X-ray using dye to check whether your fallopian tubes are open. This is standard if you're considering IUI.
- Saline sonogram: Uses saline and ultrasound to get a detailed view of your uterine cavity.
- Genetic carrier screening: Tests whether you carry genes for conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, or spinal muscular atrophy.
After the Consultation
Your RE will typically schedule a follow-up to review results and discuss a treatment plan. This is when you'll get specific recommendations about:
- Which procedure is recommended for your situation
- How many cycles to plan for
- Whether any additional interventions are needed
- Timeline and cost estimates
Tips for Solo Moms at the First Visit
- Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes. There's a lot of information and you'll want to reference it later.
- You don't have to decide anything at the first appointment. This is an information-gathering visit.
- Ask about their experience with solo patients. The right clinic will make you feel supported, not awkward.
- Consider bringing a friend or support person if having someone there would help you feel more comfortable.
The Bottom Line
Your first fertility consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. It's about understanding your body, your options, and your timeline so you can make informed decisions on your own terms.
Walking through that door takes courage. Everything after that is just information.
Getting ready for your first consultation and want to feel prepared? Book a session with me to talk through your questions beforehand.