First steps: What to expect during infertility testing
The goal of an infertility testing appointment is to check preconception labs and vital signs like weight and blood pressure. In fact, it is much like a typical annual exam you might have with your primary care physician or gynecologist.
This is often the first chance for our Las Vegas fertility specialists to perform a physical exam of the female partner as part of an infertility workup. Men who have not yet completed their semen analysis can schedule this next step when they come for this appointment.
What is the purpose of an infertility testing appointment?
This appointment usually includes a thorough exam of your heart, lungs, breasts, abdomen and pelvis. In most cases, we also perform preconception bloodwork at this time. For women, we collect vaginal and cervical cultures to screen for infectious diseases or bacteria overgrowth. This visit helps us evaluate you for safety with proceeding with any fertility treatments and pregnancy, and it may help us diagnose any causes of infertility.
Who will perform the exam at this visit?
One of our Las Vegas fertility specialists will perform your physical exam, with a medical assistant. Because our doctors frequently cover physical exams for each other, this visit may be a chance for you to meet one of the other doctors in our practice.
This flexibility helps us schedule your exam as soon as possible after your initial consultation. If your managing physician does not perform your physical exam, he or she will still review the results of your exam prior to your follow-up consultation.
Are there any side effects associated with this visit?
There are minimal side effects from this visit, and the exam is typically painless.
What happens next?
It may take one to two weeks for your blood test results to return to us. In the meantime, most female patients are instructed to call when they get their next period so that we can continue their initial evaluation.
What can I do to increase my comfort at this visit?
Be sure to stay well-hydrated and eat before your visit, if you will be having a blood draw. Otherwise, this is a very comfortable exam and an easy visit.
What will FCLV do to increase my comfort?
We will talk you through each step of the exam so that you know what to expect.
To learn more about infertility testing or make an appointment with one of our Las Vegas specialists, contact us.