Discussions about infertility can be stressful—even with your OB/GYN. Your doctor is a critical partner on your path to starting a family, so it’s important to thoughtfully prepare for each OB/GYN appointment.
Know what topics you’d like to cover and write down your questions in advance. These questions to ask your OB/GYN about infertility are a great place to start:
- Can I Get Pregnant?
It’s a simple, yetchallenging question to ask your OB/GYN about infertility.OB/GYNs don’t know the answer until you conceive, but they’ll recommend tests to confirm you regularly ovulate and your fallopian tubes are open. About 50% of infertility is related to male factors,so your OB/GYN will want to test your partner, too. - What Factors Affect Fertility?
The No. 1 factor affecting fertility is female age, but there are many variables that contribute to fertility. Your OB/GYN will ask about past pelvic surgeries, irregular cycles and heavy periods, which can all be warning signs of infertility.Weight and lifestyle choices, including smoking or drug use, are other key factors affecting fertility. - Will I Have to Do IVF?
This is a common question to ask OB/GYNs about infertility. If you’re underage 35 and haven’t conceived after one year or if you’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months, consider talking to your OB/GYN. Either way, it’s not a direct path to IVF. There are many medications and procedures to try ahead of IVF that may be successful for you. - Should I Freeze My Eggs?
Egg quality and quantity are important factors impacting fertility. Egg freezing helps prevent future decreases in quality and quantity by suspending your fertility in time. This process doesn’t guarantee pregnancy in the future, but your OB/GYN can advise on your odds based on your specific diagnosis. - How Can I Improve My Fertility?
This is a great, proactive question to ask your OB/GYN about infertility. Your OB/GYN will likely recommend that youstick to a healthy weight and ditch any smoking or drug habits. Try limiting alcoholic beverages and start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid to reduce the risk for birth defects. Men should also decrease both alcohol intake and time in hot tubs to support healthy sperm production.
There are a lot of questions to ask OB/GYNs about infertility, so narrow in on the topics that are most pressing for each appointment. Staying informed helps you become a strong advocate for you, your partner, and your future baby.
Mandell’s Clinical Pharmacy believes in empowering couples with information about infertility medications, factors affecting fertility and more. Learn more about our story and see how we can help!