Should my partner come to the first appointment?

Many clinics encourage both partners to attend if you have one, because both histories matter. Ask the clinic when you book.

The clinic has a patient portal. Do I still need paper copies?

Upload what the clinic asks for in the portal. A printed or phone copy in date order still helps you follow the conversation and catch anything missing.

What if I forget my questions in the room?

Write the top two or three at the very top of your page and say them first: “My main question today is…”.

Can I bring someone or take notes?

Taking notes is usually welcome. If you'd like to record the conversation, ask the clinic first, because policies vary.

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What to bring to your first fertility appointment

Updated October 2026 · Educational, not a substitute for your clinician.

Bring every prior lab report (with dates and the reference ranges printed on them), any imaging or procedure reports, your partner's results if you have them, a list of medications and supplements, your cycle notes, your insurance card and ID, and a short written list of questions. Put the labs in date order before you go, so the visit is spent talking instead of searching.

What to bring: the checklist

Lab reports, every page. Include the date and the reference range the lab printed next to each value.
Imaging and procedure reports, such as ultrasounds, HSG, or any surgery notes, if you have them.
Your partner's results, such as a semen analysis, if one has been done.
Medication and supplement list: name, how you take it, and since when. Include over-the-counter products.
Cycle notes: how long your cycles usually are and anything you've noticed.
History in one place: past pregnancies, conditions, allergies, and specialists you've seen.
Insurance card and photo ID, plus anything the clinic asked you to complete in its patient portal ahead of time.
A written list of questions. Two or three that matter most are enough.

Many clinics ask for prior records, lab results, imaging reports and a partner's semen analysis before the first visit (Fertility Specialists of Texas; RESOLVE).

How to put your labs in order before the visit

Oldest to newest. Stack reports by date.
Write the date at the top of every page.
Mark anything flagged H or L, even if it's slight. Mark it, don't interpret it.
Put repeated tests side by side: test · date · value · range.
Keep the range from your own report. Ranges are set by each lab, so a chart from the internet can mislead (MedlinePlus).

Questions you can ask at a first fertility consult

What tests do you recommend first, and why?
Which of my existing results would you like to repeat, and which don't need repeating?
What would the next step be after these tests, and roughly how long does each step take?
Which options fit my situation, and what are the alternatives?
How does my age factor into the plan?
What will this cost, and what is usually covered by insurance?
Who is my main point of contact, and what's the best way to reach the team?
How and when will I get my results?
What support (counseling, nurse line, patient groups) does the clinic offer?

These overlap with the question lists published by patient organizations and clinics, such as the HFEA question list and the ASRM patient fact sheet on diagnostic testing. The US government's free AHRQ QuestionBuilder can help you build your own list.

What the clinic will probably ask you

Expect questions about how long you've been trying, your cycles, past pregnancies, surgeries, medications, lifestyle and family history, and both partners' health (ReproductiveFacts / ASRM). Having your notes on one page makes these answers quicker.

After the visit

Write down what they said before you leave the parking lot: the tests ordered, the next appointment, and who to call. Keep it with your labs, so the next visit starts where this one ended.

Short answers

Should my partner come to the first appointment?: Many clinics encourage both partners to attend if you have one, because both histories matter. Ask the clinic when you book.
The clinic has a patient portal. Do I still need paper copies?: Upload what the clinic asks for in the portal. A printed or phone copy in date order still helps you follow the conversation and catch anything missing.
What if I forget my questions in the room?: Write the top two or three at the very top of your page and say them first: “My main question today is…”.
Can I bring someone or take notes?: Taking notes is usually welcome. If you'd like to record the conversation, ask the clinic first, because policies vary.

Get the free 1-Page Before.

One printable sheet: what to bring, how to order your labs, and 10 questions to ask.

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Before the Appointment builds this around your own labs, delivered by email in 24–48 business hours. Before the Appointment.

Healthy Superhuman provides educational materials only. This page is not medical advice or a diagnosis and does not replace your clinician, who decides what's right for you. Don't start, stop, or change any medication or supplement without talking to them. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or feel something is seriously wrong, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.