Español 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Nederlands 
International 
What do they do at a first IVF consultation?
At Vida Fertility we know that going to a fertility clinic is not easy, even when it is a first informative IVF consultation.
That is why we believe that when you embark on the path of Assisted Reproduction in Spain it is crucial to be well informed. A consultation with a fertility specialist is your chance to clear up any doubts and prepare yourself for the process.
Below, we talk to Vida Fertility Madrid‘s medical director, Dr. Katharina Spies, about the most important questions to ask during your fertility consultation.
- 1. Frequently Asked Questions for your IVF Consultation: A Complete Guide
- 2. What specific fertility test do you recommend during an ivf consultation?
- 3. Questions from patients at a first fertility ivf consultation
- 3.1. Is IVF treatment painful?
- 3.2. Success Rates and Factors Affecting Them
- 3.3. How Much Does Treatment Cost? Financing options
- 3.4. What is the IVF process like in Spain?
- 3.5. How is the process of Egg donation in Spain?
- 3.6. Questions to ask our patients before an ivf consultation and starting fertility treatment
- 3.7. Ask for a consultation
- 3.8. Testimonials
- 4. Our fertility treatments in Spain
- 5. Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
Frequently Asked Questions for your IVF Consultation: A Complete Guide
What tests do you undergo at the first fertility consultation?
At your first IVF consultation at Vida Fertility, we conduct a series of in-depth assessments to better understand your needs and how we can effectively help you. Here are the common tests you can expect during your first visit:
- Anamnesis: This includes questions about your menstrual cycle, reproductive history, previous surgeries, medications you are taking, and any health conditions you may have.
- Physical and gynaecological examination: We perform a general physical examination, along with a gynaecological examination, to detect any irregularities that could be affecting your fertility.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This ultrasound helps us to examine the reproductive organs, such as the uterus and ovaries, to identify any abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps or ovarian problems.
- Blood tests: These tests may include hormone tests to assess levels of reproductive hormones such as FSH, LH, estradiol, and prolactin, which are essential to determine your fertility status.
- Seminogram (if applicable): A semen analysis is also recommended to assess sperm health and quality.
These tests, which we perform at the first fertility consultation, are essential to develop a personalised and targeted treatment plan, ensuring that we provide you with the best care and the best chance of success on your path to parenthood.
What does the doctor ask during an ivf consultation?
At our first IVF consultation at Vida Fertility, I take the time to get to know each patient’s reproductive and overall health in depth.
During this visit, I inquire about patients’ medical and gynaecological history, including any pre-existing conditions, the regularity of their menstrual cycle and any previous medical procedures.
I also ask about lifestyle issues, such as exposure to toxic substances and smoking and alcohol consumption habits.
Family history is essential, as it may reveal genetic diseases that could affect fertility.
It is crucial to understand any previous attempts at conception and fertility treatments used.
In addition, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, we perform a complete physical examination, measuring weight and height, and carrying out a detailed gynaecological examination.
In this initial fertility consultation we discuss your fertility expectations and goals so that we can design a personalised approach to improve your chances of successful treatment.
What should you bring to a first IVF consultation?
As the medical director at Vida Fertility, I always recommend to my patients that they come well prepared to their first fertility consultation so that we can make the most of our time together.
It is essential to bring any relevant medical documentation you have, including reports of any previous fertility treatment, medical tests and test results. If you have had recent lab tests or menstrual cycle records, bring these as well.
In addition, it is useful to keep a list of the medications you are currently taking, including supplements and vitamins.
If applicable, especially if there are cases of known reproductive or genetic problems, bringing details of your family’s medical history can be very valuable.
Finally, come prepared to discuss your lifestyle and reproductive history in detail. This will help us design the best personalised treatment plan for you.
What specific fertility test do you recommend during an ivf consultation?
In a fertility consultation, we use a variety of fertility tests to identify factors that may be affecting a couple’s ability to conceive.
It is essential that both men and women undergo comprehensive infertility testing, as either can contribute to difficulties in conceiving.
Male fertility tests
Male fertility assessment is essential for couples who have problems in achieving pregnancy. In this article, “Male fertility tests“, Dr. Katharina Spies explains which diagnostic tests facilitate the detection of complications and guide to the most effective treatment.
Female fertility tests
At Vida Fertility, female fertility testing includes a hormone analysis through blood tests, a vaginal ultrasound to examine the uterine cavity, eggs and endometrium, as well as a detailed medical history review.
Advanced fertility testing
As we mentioned before, in fertility, each case is unique and not all conventional tests are applicable. Therefore, at Vida Fertility, when the patient’s circumstances require it, we opt for more detailed tests that are tailored to their specific needs. Some of these tests include:
- Hysterosonography to check for tubal blockages.
- Karyotype studies.
- Hormonal tests to assess ovulation regulation, including FSH, LH, Estradiol and Progesterone.
- Ultrasound examination and physical examination by a urologist.
- Advanced sperm evaluations such as FISH chromosome analysis and TUNEL test for sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Microdeletion of the Y chromosome.
- Endometrial biopsy.
Learn more about fertility check-up
Questions from patients at a first fertility ivf consultation
Is IVF treatment painful?
Understanding the level of discomfort or pain associated with IVF procedures is a common concern. Clarifying this with your doctor will help you prepare mentally and physically for what lies ahead.
Success Rates and Factors Affecting Them
Ask about centre- and treatment-specific success rates. Also find out what factors may influence these results. This will give you a realistic perspective on your chances of success.
At Vida Fertility we tend to have different success rates depending on the treatment chosen and the conditions of each patient. Therefore, fertility tests and advanced examinations are very useful for us to increase the success rates of our treatments.
How Much Does Treatment Cost? Financing options
Price is a crucial factor in any fertility treatment.
However, the price of treatment can vary greatly depending on the characteristics and background of the patient. At Vida Fertility, we believe that each case is different and each patient will need a treatment and techniques adapted to their particular case.
Therefore, if you are interested in knowing the price of IVF in our fertility clinics in Madrid or Alicante, we invite you to make a first appointment with our specialists.
At this point, you will be able to receive a complete diagnosis and a personalised quote.
What is the IVF process like in Spain?
In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most common Assisted Reproduction technique in fertility clinics in Spain. Understanding the whole process from ovarian stimulation to embryo transfer will give you clarity and help you prepare for the steps you will face.
You can read more information about the process of in vitro fertilisation in Spain, procedures, what to expect during IVF and more by reading this blog
How is the process of Egg donation in Spain?
Egg Donation is a method of assisted reproduction using donated eggs, which are fertilised with sperm and then implanted in the uterus of the recipient. It is especially beneficial for women who cannot use their own eggs for fertility, age or health reasons.
Donor Selection and Unused Embryos
If your treatment involves egg or sperm donors, ask how donors are selected and how unused embryos are handled. This is important from an ethical and practical point of view.
At Vida Fertility we have dedicated an entire blog to How we select egg donors which you can read here.
Questions to ask our patients before an ivf consultation and starting fertility treatment
A fertility consultation is more than just a doctor’s appointment; it’s the first step on your journey to parenthood.
Being well prepared with the right questions will ensure that you make the most of this opportunity and help you set realistic expectations for your treatment.
In addition, from the transparency of Vida Fertility, we want to emphasize that there are many complicated moments, it is not easy to start a fertility treatment. The emotional support of family and close friends is essential.
Many assisted reproduction procedures can be a strain on the body and mind, and success is not guaranteed. We suggest you ask yourself a few questions as a couple or alone to go to the fertility clinic more aware than ever.
*** You may be interested to read about the age limit for fertility treatments in Spain ***
Have we taken into account our professional and private commitments, which of them might place a special burden on us during the treatment period, and can we plan differently?
Do we both know the course of therapy and the possible physical and emotional stress it may cause? What can I expect as a woman and what can I expect as a man?
What do we do if pregnancy does not occur or if there is a miscarriage? Do we then want to try again? When would it be the end for us?
What can we do if we do not agree on whether to continue or end treatment? Would psychosocial counselling help us?
How many embryos* do we want to have transferred if necessary? Do we know what we would face in case of a possible multiple birth and could we bear the burden?
* Up to three embryos are allowed to be transferred in one cycle.
How do we decide if we are recommended to undergo pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) testing?
What is the maximum amount we can or want to spend on treatment? Will we have money for other important things?
Who do we want to inform about the treatment and who do we not want to inform? Are there family members, friends and acquaintances who can support us in the upcoming period?
Remember that Vida Fertility is at your disposal to give you the support you need.
Call us, contact us through the form or come and visit us at any of our centres. We are here for you.
Vida Fertility Events
At Vida Fertility, we want to help our patients understand their treatment better.
We are convinced that a fertility process will be better lived, and with more
serenity, if the patient has received all the previous information.
For this reason, we organize events to inform, disseminate and explain how we adapt our processes to each person.
Ask for a consultation
You may also like
Last news
Testimonials
Our fertility treatments in Spain
Where can I find Vida Fertility centres in Spain?
📍 C/ Palermo 15, Hortaleza, 28043 Madrid
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
📍 Av. Óscar Esplá 1, Bajo, 03008 Alicante
📞 Phone number: +34 919 29 83 23
🕒 Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm
ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.
