What happens at the first consultation with fertility doctor?

[sazzafrazz]

Our initial consult with FS was abotut 10 years ago and cost around $200. Medicare was different then and didnt cover as much as it now does.
We had more bloods taken to cover any sperm antibodies, all the usual STDs, etc and more semen analysis (mentioned by BW above) ordered ultrasound and bloods later in cycle to ascertain my ovary function and a lap and dye to check for blocked fallopian tubes. General discussion of family health and our past problems/health/any pregnancies etc and a good run down on the basics of the ivf procedures they thought would probably be needed depending on test results.
That gave a couple of months for those things to be done then a follow up consult to sign all the forms, discuss plan of action and book follow up tests and treatment scheduling. I think it was around 5 months before the first cycle of treatment (full ICSI) after the initial consult so plenty of time to save up and they gave a good indication of the costs at the outset. It seems like forever when you are waiting to start treatment but it is probably a good thing to give you time to get your head around what is a really big thing!!!! There is always mental health support available during the lead up too if you need. They can even do sessions over the phone if you are remote.
Good luck with everything and dont be afraid to take a list of questions with you as you will probably be overwhelmed a bit when you get in there.
Sazz

[gonna_be_dad]

Thank you for all the responses and sharing your experiences.

This will really help us prepare for our first visit. I guess our checklist will be test results so far, and most importantly the questions we would like to ask regarding the fetility process.

We have just re-confirmed our appointment today and was told the session will be about 1 hour, so I guess we will have alot of get through!

As for costs, we are on private health insurance as we are not currently permanent residents in Oz (yet) and have no access to Medicare, so it would be interesting how that works out on the claim.

We will also be going to an IVF Australia associated FS/OB on the North Shore.