Written by Dr Kalpana Jain, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Guwahati.
Hesitation is normal. Most couples are anxious before entering a fertility clinic. Reading and knowing about fertility treatments may not be enough and there tends to a lot of questions around what it would be like inside a fertility clinic. Will there be too many tests? Will they recommend IVF immediately? What if something is actually wrong? What will others say?
But here’s the reality: infertility is a medical condition – not a measure of your worth. Just like you visit doctors for any other health issue, seeing a fertility specialist for your reproductive health is no different.
At a fertility clinic, your journey doesn’t begin with scans or needles.
It starts with a conversation.
First Step: Listening, Not Testing
On day one, you aren’t just immediately put through medical tests. You’re heard – your lifestyle, stress, medical history, diet, even emotional readiness – are all understood carefully. The goal? To know your story, not just your symptoms.
There is also an initial registration, which is just to make a safe patient record. What comes next is a relaxed consultation, to assist you, not overwhelm you.
Simple Initial Tests, No Panic
Once an initial understanding is gained, doctors would suggest the most basic of the tests and they aren’t hectic at all.
For women: hormone test, thyroid test, and an ultrasound
For men: semen analysis
Further tests are recommended only if specifically needed to understand any other condition.
IVF Isn’t the Only Solution
Most people think that fertility clinics instantly suggest IVF, which is not the case.
Good fertility clinics personalise your care, which might only need emotional or lifestyle-based intervention at times.
Financial Clarity, Always
After your initial consultation with the fertility specialist, you should get a clear breakdown of all involved costs and the best fertility clinics are transparent and have financial plans to help you make informed choices.
You don’t always need to have all the answers where you step into the fertility clinics, sometimes the specialists help you reach that answer. It’s all about taking that first step and asking the right questions at the right time.