E-Brochure Download Now!
For many individuals and couples, deciding to see a fertility specialist marks a significant step forward in the journey to parenthood. It’s often a mix of hope, anxiety, and curiosity - especially if you’ve been trying to conceive without success.
Mumbai, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure and experienced fertility specialists, has become a trusted destination for those seeking fertility evaluation and treatment. This blog will help you understand what happens during your first fertility consultation, how to prepare, and what you can expect as you take this important first step.
Mumbai is home to some of India’s most advanced fertility clinics equipped with modern reproductive technologies and supported by highly experienced specialists. These clinics provide access to comprehensive fertility treatments, including:
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Ideal for complex fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or unexplained infertility.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): A minimally invasive treatment for mild fertility problems.
Egg Freezing: A proactive option that allows women to preserve their eggs for future family planning, particularly beneficial for career-oriented women or those undergoing medical treatments.
Working with a qualified fertility specialist ensures that you receive a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your unique medical history and fertility goals.
Infertility can be emotionally draining, but delaying medical consultation can make treatment more difficult. Seeking early advice helps:
Improve success rates for conception.
Reduce the risk of complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Provide emotional reassurance and clarity about available options.
Early diagnosis enables your specialist to design a treatment strategy before fertility potential declines, making timing a critical factor in achieving successful outcomes.
Your first visit is primarily about understanding your reproductive health and exploring next steps. The consultation involves discussion, examination, and sometimes initial testing to identify potential causes of infertility.
The consultation begins with an in-depth conversation where your fertility specialist gathers details about your:
Personal Medical History: Any past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, or ongoing medications.
Family Medical History: Conditions like genetic disorders or a history of infertility.
Menstrual and Reproductive History: Details about your menstrual cycle, previous pregnancies, miscarriages, or fertility treatments.
Lifestyle Factors: Diet, stress levels, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, or sleep patterns.
This step helps your specialist form a clear picture of your reproductive health and identify possible contributing factors.
Depending on your history, a brief physical examination may be conducted to assess general health and reproductive function. This may include:
Measuring weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
Conducting a pelvic examination to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and cervix for any structural abnormalities.
For male partners, a physical assessment may be suggested to check for testicular or hormonal issues.
After the discussion and physical evaluation, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests for a more precise assessment.
Hormone Testing: To measure levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, AMH, and thyroid hormones.
Ultrasound Scan: To assess the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
Ovarian Reserve Testing: Determines egg quality and quantity.
Semen Analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility, and morphology.
These tests are essential for diagnosing conditions such as hormonal imbalances, PCOS, tubal blockage, endometriosis, or male factor infertility.
Once the initial findings are available, your fertility specialist will:
Explain possible diagnoses and their implications.
Recommend treatment options — such as medications, surgery, IUI, or IVF.
Set realistic expectations by discussing success rates, timeframes, and costs.
This is your opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and clarify what each treatment involves. Transparency and collaboration are key to developing an effective fertility plan.
Being well-prepared for your first consultation ensures a productive and meaningful discussion. Here’s what you can do:
Previous medical records, including any fertility or gynaecological treatments.
Laboratory results, prescriptions, or test reports.
A list of current medications, supplements, and dosages.
What tests will be necessary to diagnose my fertility issue?
What are the treatment options available for my condition?
How long does each treatment typically take?
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to improve my fertility?
Bring a supportive partner or family member — it can help reduce anxiety and ensure you remember key details.
Be honest about your feelings and experiences; your doctor’s guidance will be most effective when based on full transparency.
Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your fertility journey. Here are a few pointers:
Read patient reviews and testimonials to understand others’ experiences.
Check the clinic’s success rates and technological capabilities.
Choose a clinic that’s ICMR-accredited and maintains high ethical standards.
Ensure your specialist holds qualifications in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine.
Prioritise accessibility, and clinics close to your home or workplace make regular visits easier.
Scheduling your first fertility consultation is the first step towards hope, clarity, and progress. It’s not a diagnosis but an opportunity to understand your body, your options, and your next steps.
Open communication is the foundation of a successful partnership with your specialist; never hesitate to ask questions or express your concerns. With the right guidance, your journey to parenthood can begin with confidence and trust.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards building your family, schedule a consultation with Dr Nandita P. Palshetkar, one of the best IVF doctors in Mumbai. With over 35 years of experience and thousands of successful pregnancies, she is a leader in reproductive medicine known for her ethical, personalised approach.
Whether you’re looking for the best IVF centre in Mumbai, the best IVF treatment in Mumbai, or a compassionate fertility specialist in Mumbai, Dr Nandita will guide you through every stage of your fertility journey with care and expertise.
Q1: How long does IVF take from the first appointment?
A typical IVF cycle takes about four to six weeks from the initial consultation to embryo transfer, depending on your response to medication and cycle timing.
Q2: What not to do before a fertility test?
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and excessive caffeine before your fertility test. Men should also avoid ejaculation for two to five days before a semen analysis for accurate results.
Q3: What to do before seeing a fertility specialist?
Gather all previous medical reports and make a list of any questions or concerns. A healthy diet, adequate sleep, and reduced stress can also support better outcomes.
Q4: What happens when you go to a fertility clinic for the first time?
You’ll discuss your medical history, undergo basic examinations or tests, and receive advice on next steps based on your health and fertility profile.
Q5: What to expect in a fertility consultation?
Expect a detailed discussion about your fertility history, diagnostic tests, and possible treatment options like IUI, IVF, or egg freezing, along with guidance tailored to your unique needs.
