Whether you're seeking care because you're interested in freezing your eggs for use at a later date, or if it's because you wanted to be pregnant yesterday, taking the first step to see a fertility specialist can be really intimidating.
That's why Tori and I put together this list of 9 Questions to ask your fertility doctor or nurse before you start your treatment cycle:
1. Can you summarize what an egg freezing/IUI/IVF/FET cycle looks like at your clinic?
It's important to understand the "big picture" of what your cycle may look like. They won't be able to tell you exact dates, but they can provide a summary and example timeline.
2. What medications can I take for pain relief?
For some reason, this question is often missed by clinic/patients at the beginning. It's very important to know what you can and can't take for pain relief during your cycle - especially when you start to feel that "crampy" feeling.
3. When can I exercise and what exercises can I do?
The answer to this question varies from clinic to clinic and depends on where you are in your cycle. Understand a bit more about exercise and fertility treatment HERE.
4. What supplements do you recommend?
Your doctor or nurse will know your medical history and lab results. They will know what supplements you should be taking. You can read more about this conversation HERE.
5. Can I drink alcohol? Smoke marijuana? Drink caffeine?
6. When can/can't I have sex?
This answer also varies depending on where you are in your treatment cycle timeline. It could be helpful to understand if you can't have intercourse... can you do other activities?
7. What side effects of the stimulation medications are "expected"?
It's a good idea to understand how you could feel after starting your stimulation medications. What symptoms are "expected" and which ones are abnormal?
8. Is your clinic associated with any specific specialty pharmacies?
This is a big one if you are self-pay for your medications. You could do some "pharmacy shopping" and find the best price for your meds (they are expensive!) Learn more about pharmacy shopping and how you can save money on your fertility journey HERE.
9. Is there a direct phone number for nurses so I can as questions as they arise?
Clinics handle access to their nurses differently. Some assign a specific nurse to a patient (my favorite because it's consistent and you usually get their direct phone number). Some have a nurse line where you call and leave a message/wait for a call back (not my favorite). Some use a messaging portal system. No matter what's provided to you initially, see if you can push (nicely, of course!) for a direct line to a reliable nurse. THIS WILL MAKE THINGS MUCH EASIER FOR YOU, I PROMISE!
There you have it! 9 questions to ask your clinic before you start your cycle. Hopefully, the answers to these questions will help you feel more prepared and empowered before beginning treatment.
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