Data.
It plays such a large part of your infertility journey. Our goal is to have you succeed in not only conceiving but having an uneventful pregnancy. To do this we need to know so many aspects of your life, your health and health history. We fully appreciate the new patient forms are lengthy and believe us when we tell you, it is necessary. Ideally, the initial consultation should be scheduled to allow sufficient time to obtain a comprehensive medical, reproductive, and family history and to perform a thorough physical examination. Telemedicine has amplified the convenience to get time face to face with each other. This is also an opportune time to have us share more regarding preconception care and screening for relevant genetic conditions.
Relevant history should include the following:
Duration of infertility and results of any previous evaluation and treatment
Menstrual history (age at menarche, cycle length and characteristics, presence of molimina, and onset/severity of dysmenorrhea)
Pregnancy history (gravidity, parity, pregnancy outcome, and associated complications)
Previous methods of contraception
Coital frequency and sexual dysfunction
Past surgery (procedures, indications, and outcomes), previous hospitalizations, serious illnesses or injuries, pelvic inflammatory disease, or exposure to sexually transmitted infections
Thyroid disease, galactorrhea, hirsutism, pelvic or abdominal pain, and dyspareunia
Previous abnormal pap smears and any subsequent treatment
Current medications, supplements, and any allergies
Family history of birth defects, developmental delay, early menopause, or reproductive problems
Occupation and exposure to known environmental hazards
Use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational or illicit drugs
Diagnostic evaluation for infertility should include a comprehensive history and physical exam.
Diagnostic evaluation of the infertile female should be accompanied by an evaluation of the male partner.
Women under the age of 35 years should seek infertility evaluation if they have not conceived after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. Women over age 35 years should seek infertility evaluation if they have not conceived after 6 months of unprotected intercourse.
A woman should seek a diagnostic evaluation for infertility immediately if she has a medical history significant for oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, advanced stage endometriosis, or any other condition that could limit fertility.
Diagnostic evaluation for infertility should include assessment of ovulatory function, structure, and patency of the female reproductive tract, and semen analysis for male partners. Phew! It’s a long list. The best way to get through it is one step at a time. But first, take the time to complete the comprehensive New Patient Paperwork! We look forward to meeting you soon!
