What to expect on your first visit

The first consultation is always more thorough when both of you attend. To fit with your busy schedules, we offer a range of appointment day and times so you can find one that suits best.

To be eligible for Medicare rebates from your first visit, you need a current referral to Fertility First. GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

We believe it is important to investigate factors relating to your fertility problems as quickly as possible. To help minimise time of additional testing, we ask that not only both of you come to the first appointment, but we also have your history, examinations and blood tests completed. This will ensure the assessment process is as efficient as possible.

We aim to have your test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, treatment options can then be considered.

If a semen analysis is required, it may be possible on the first appointment. There is a dedicated room set aside for this purpose. In order for us to conduct the analysis, you will need to make an appointment with the laboratory in advance so we have the right laboratory staff available to carry out the test. We prefer to combine the semen analysis with an assessment of sperm DNA damage, using the specialised Halosperm assay, as it is not possible to gain an accurate picture of a man’s fertility potential without this assay.

The semen sample can be collected at home, provided it can be brought in to the Fertility First laboratory within 45-60 minutes of collection.

If the woman’s fallopian tubes have not yet been assessed, we typically arrange that after the second visit, so another menstrual cycle may pass before all investigations are complete. The reason for waiting is that we believe that it is important to carry out all non-invasive investigations first.

For example, if there was
a significant reduction in semen quality that meant in vitro fertilisation (IVF) was required, then an assessment of the fallopian tubes would not normally be necessary. Normal, open tubes are not required for IVF.

At Fertility First we aim to minimise the invasiveness of the testing process and only carry out those investigations that are required to maximise your chance of a successful outcome.

Unless IVF is being considered it is important to know if the fallopian
tubes are open (patent) to decide what the best treatment options are.

Tubal assessment can be done via an ultrasound study called a hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (Hy-Co-Sy) or via an operation, called a laparoscopy, using “keyhole” surgical techniques.

We have information sheets on these procedures and the advantages and disadvantages of each one will be discussed with you. The surgery can be done by the medical staff at Fertility First, or your referring gynaecologist.

Don’t be one of those couples who spend years trying to fall pregnant before they seek help. If you’re planning to start a family – see us first, at Fertility First.