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Fertility problems: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Jan 17, 2022

General questions

Where will we go for our tests and treatment?
Will we have to pay for fertility treatment? If so, how much is it likely to cost?
How long will we have to wait to see a specialist?
Will we be able to talk to counsellors or to other couples with fertility problems about our treatment?
Who do we contact if we have any problems during our treatment?
What are the treatment success rates (pregnancy and birth rates) of the hospital or clinic you are referring us to?

Questions for women

What tests will I have?
Are any of them uncomfortable or painful?
What treatments are there for female infertility?
What are the success rates?
What are the side effects of the treatments I may have?
Will I need to spend any time in hospital during my treatment?
Will I need time off work or be unable to look after the home, play sport, drive a car, or do any other activities while I'm having this test or treatment?

Questions for men

What tests will I have?
Are any of them uncomfortable or painful?
Will I be able to collect my semen sample at home, or will I need to go to the hospital clinic?
What treatments are there for male infertility?
What are the success rates?
What are the side effects of the treatments I may have?
Will I need to spend any time in hospital during my treatment?
Will I need time off work or be unable to look after the home, play sport, drive a car, or do any other activities while I'm having this test or treatment?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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