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Understanding the Fertility Workup: What to Expect at Your First Appointment

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For many individuals and couples, deciding to seek fertility care is a big and emotional step. Understanding what happens during a fertility evaluation can ease uncertainty and help you feel empowered as you begin your journey.

A fertility workup at a clinic like Marin Fertility Center is a comprehensive assessment of reproductive health. It identifies potential barriers to conception and helps create a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what it typically includes:

1. Medical History & Consultation

Your provider will take a detailed history, including:

  • Menstrual cycles and ovulation patterns
  • Past pregnancies or miscarriages
  • Medical conditions, medications, and surgeries
  • Family history of reproductive or hormonal issues
  • Lifestyle factors affecting fertility

This conversation also gives you the chance to ask questions and set expectations for your fertility testing and treatment.

2. Bloodwork & Hormone Testing

Blood tests provide critical insights into hormone balance and ovarian reserve. Common labs include:

  • AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone): Measures ovarian reserve
  • FSH & LH: Evaluate ovulation function
  • Estradiol & Progesterone: Track menstrual cycle phases
  • Thyroid & Prolactin levels: Check for hormonal issues that can affect fertility

3. Ultrasound Imaging

A pelvic ultrasound examines the uterus and ovaries to detect:

  • Follicle count (egg supply)
  • Ovarian cysts or structural concerns
  • Uterine lining health (for implantation readiness)

4. Tubal & Uterine Evaluation

Procedures like a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or sonohysterogram assess whether fallopian tubes are open and the uterus is receptive for pregnancy.

5. Semen Analysis

Male fertility plays a role in 40–50% of infertility cases. A semen analysis includess:

  • Semen volume
  • Sperm concentration (count)
  • Motility (movement)
  • Morphology (shape)

6. Personalized Next Steps

After testing, your care team will review results and create a tailored plan. Depending on findings, this may include:

  • Lifestyle and wellness recommendations
  • Ovulation tracking or timed cycles
  • Medications to support fertility
  • Advanced treatments like IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization)

💡 Key Takeaway: A fertility workup is about gathering information, building a roadmap, and guiding evidence-based care. It sets the foundation for your best chance at a successful journey.

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