Ivf consultation?

Question

Early March we are going for our first consultation at a fertility clinic after being told we will need medical assistance to conceive due to my husbands low sperm count. What can i expect at this consultation? Will we be scheduling dates for ivf procedures? I have no clue what to expect, other then how much it cost just to talk to a doctor. 😰 I know nothing about ivf. Please let me know if you have any experience with this. Thanks. Xoxo

Answer

It all depends? Is this your first time seeking out a fertility doctor overall or have you tried other fertility treatments yet? 
If this is your first time starting this journey, you will likely not automatically start with IVF. Most fertility clinics will start with less invasive procedures, such as IUI first, which is much less expensive if your insurance does not cover anything. You may start here with injectables, which, in all honestly, helps get you mentally prepared for if you do have to go down the route of IVF. There are a lot of needles and shots that come with IVF. Usually if IUI has failed after 3 or 4 attempts, is when they may suggest to go to IVF. I have done 4 iui cycles, but 5 iui procedures (last IUI cycle I did 2 back to back). Before you get anything done, I would also recommend getting a saline sonogram to check your uterus. Sometimes we developed polyps that can be a nudge for implantation. It can also be done to kind of “dust and clean” your uterus out to help prepare for baby. It is a very minor, quick procedure and I have had it done twice and was always fine afterwards, I was never really sore thankfully. Some doctors don’t suggest it unless you need it. 
We just completed our first IVF cycle, retrieving 20 eggs and 5 embryos developed from that in late October. Had my FET two weeks ago and unfortunately, did not stick. We go back for a follow up Monday. I’m devastated but determined to keep going. Best of luck to you! IVF can be very overwhelming, so try to think of the ending result and that will help!

Answer

I saw two different clinic ands had two very different experiences so it will vary. 
First clinic was strictly a consult with the doctor.  He spoke to us for well over an hour and then gave us orders for all the tests and labs he wanted done.  That cost $100. 
Second clinic talked to us for about 20 minutes.   Had husband leave a sample and did an ultrasound and lab work on me.  That cost about $800.

Ivf consultation?

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