Starting your fertility journey can feel overwhelming, but being prepared helps you feel confident and in control. This workbook helps you ask the right questions, keep track of answers from your clinician, record your own thoughts and next steps, and interpret test results to make informed treatment choices.
Before you go
- Bring medical records (tests, scans, treatments).
- List your medications and supplements.
- Write down your questions and goals.
- Bring your partner or support person, if possible.
Your background and history
Questions to ask or reflect on
- How long have we been trying to conceive?
- Have we had any previous tests or fertility treatments?
- Any family history of fertility issues or genetic conditions?
- Medications, surgeries or health conditions we need to mention?
Questions about fertility and lifestyle
Questions to ask or reflect on
- What are the most common causes of difficulty conceiving for couples like us?
- How long should we keep trying naturally before starting tests or considering fertility treatments?
- Are there lifestyle changes we should consider (weight, smoking, alcohol, exercise)?
- Are there screenings we should do before formal fertility tests?
- Which supplements should we both be taking?
Understanding fertility tests
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Blood tests (AMH, FSH, LH, thyroid, prolactin) | Hormone levels and egg reserve |
| Ultrasound | Ovarian reserve and womb lining |
| Semen analysis | Sperm count, movement and shape |
| Tubal patency (HSG, HyCoSy) | Whether the fallopian tubes are open |
Questions to ask or reflect on
- What tests will we start with?
- How do we receive our results?
- Will we need multiple appointments?
- How long does it take to get results?
Interpreting your results
| Test | What it could mean for treatment |
|---|---|
| AMH (egg reserve) | IVF recommended if low; IUI may be possible if normal |
| Antral follicle count | IVF if low; IUI possible if normal |
| Tubal status | IVF if blocked; IUI if open |
| Ovulation | IUI possible if ovulating; may need ovulation induction |
| Sperm count | IVF if severely low; IUI possible if mild issues |
| Motility and morphology | IVF if poor; IUI possible if normal |
Treatment options and next steps
| Option | When it is recommended |
|---|---|
| IUI | Mild male factor, ovulation issues, open tubes |
| IVF | Severe male factor, blocked tubes, repeated IUI failure, low ovarian reserve |
| Lifestyle support | All patients benefit |
| Counselling and emotional support | All patients |
By the end of your appointment you should know: your diagnosis or possible causes; which tests you and your partner need and when; the treatment options open to you and the first recommended step; the risks, side effects and chances of success; what happens if the first treatment does not work; the costs, including medicines, scans and freezing; who your main contact is; and the date of your follow-up.
Emotional and practical support
Questions to ask or reflect on
- Are counselling or emotional support services available?
- What resources or reading do you recommend for beginners?
- Who do we contact if we have questions between appointments?
- What happens if the first treatment doesn’t work?
Tips for your appointment
- Bring your partner and any previous medical records.
- Take notes as you go.
- Ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
- Don’t feel rushed. This appointment is the start of your journey.
This guide is for education and support. It does not replace advice from your own doctor or fertility clinic.