Navigating UK Care · 2 min
Before your first fertility clinic visit, a practical checklist
Top things to know
Bring past results, a medication list, surgery history, and how long you have been trying.
Write your questions down before the visit; you will not remember everything in the room.
Ask what your results show, what comes next, and how long to try each step.
Normal results do not guarantee fertility; even then, natural and assisted options remain possible.
What should you bring to your first fertility clinic visit?
• Any previous reports • Any hormone blood test results (, , , SHBG, prolactin) • A list of medications and supplements you currently take • A brief history of any surgeries, particularly hernia repair, testicular surgery, , vasectomy • Family history of fertility issues, known genetic conditions, or consanguinity • A timeline of how long you have been trying
Write these down before the appointment. You will not remember everything in the room.
Which questions are worth asking at your first fertility clinic visit?
• What exactly do my results show, above or below reference, and by how much? • What investigations do you think I need next? • Are there lifestyle changes you'd recommend first, and for how long? • What treatment options might be relevant in my case? • How long do you think we should try each step before escalating? • Is there a fertility counsellor I can speak to?
What does a 'normal' fertility result not actually tell you?
Normal hormones and normal semen do not guarantee fertility. 10–15% of couples have 'unexplained infertility' where all standard tests are normal. This is a frustrating category, but not a dead end, both natural pregnancy and assisted options remain possible.
If that is where your results sit, ask about timing of further investigation and the clinical-logic for any recommended treatment.
10–15%
In 10–15% of couples, all standard tests come back normal; this is called unexplained infertility, and it is not a dead end.
NICE NG257, Fertility problems: assessment and treatment
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Reviewed by clinicians
Authored and reviewed by clinicians from the founding team. Information only, not personalised medical advice.
From the team behind Her Holistic Health, founded by Dr Divpreet Sacha, NHS-trained GP.