Questions to ask your IVF specialist

Before your IVF specialist appointment, it maybe helpful to consider the following:

Prepare your questions and information

• Write down all the important questions you have. The next section contains a list of questions for you to consider.
• Prioritise these questions so you ask the most important ones first, in case you run out of time.
• If you have any important information to share or discuss with your IVF specialist, such as IVF treatment details from a previous clinic or a list of questions, consider sending this to them ahead of your appointment. This gives them the opportunity to review the information in advance, allowing more time to discuss your IVF options during your consultation.

Support person

• If you are going through IVF with a partner, make time to plan your questions together before the appointment so you are on the same page.
• Consider running through your questions with a trusted friend or support person. This can help to make sure you haven’t missed anything important and help you to feel more prepared for the appointment.
• If you don’t have a partner or they can’t attend the appointment, consider taking a support person along with you.

You are encouraged to ask your fertility doctor questions about any optional extras they recommend. This will help you to have a better understanding of your options, the process involved, and any potential risks or benefits.

Evidence for optional extras and success rate

• Would you recommend this optional extra for me, why or why not?
• Do I really need this optional extra?
• Could it reduce my chance of success?
• What happens if I don’t use it?
• Does the evidence for this optional extra apply to me?

Side effects and risk

• Could it be a risk to me?
  • Will there be side effects to the test or treatment
  • Could one test lead to more testing, additional treatments or another procedure?
• If I get pregnant, could it be a risk to my baby?
• Are there simpler, safer options?
  • Are there alternative options that could work?

Cost and supporting resources

• What are the costs?
  • Costs can be financial, emotional or a cost of your time. Is the cost reasonable or is there a cheaper alternative?
• Do you have any written information about this optional extra you can give me? Or are there any resources you would recommend?

• Sometimes it can feel intimidating talking to an IVF specialist. It might feel like they have all the information and power, and you have none.
• You should expect to be listened to. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
• Takes notes if you think you might have trouble remembering important details. If your partner or support person attends with you, consider asking them to take notes so you can focus on having a good discussion with your IVF specialist.
• Don’t feel pressured to make immediate decisions. It’s OK if you want to take time to consider your options before making a decision, review the information on Evidence-based IVF, or come back for an extra appointment.
• If you want to discuss your IVF treatment or optional extras with another IVF specialist, you can consider getting a second opinion.
• Remember that your IVF specialist wants the best for you – they want you to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.