Preparing for IVF: Tests, Medical Records and Questions for a Clinic

Starting in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can feel overwhelming. There are new terms to learn, appointments to schedule and decisions to make, often while managing hope and anxiety at the same time. Good preparation will not guarantee a result, but it can make the first consultation far more productive and help you and your doctor build a plan based on accurate information.

This guide covers three things: the preliminary tests that usually come before treatment, the medical records worth gathering, and the questions to bring to your first clinic visit.

The role of preliminary tests

Before recommending IVF, a fertility specialist needs a clear picture of what may be affecting conception. Preliminary tests help identify possible causes, estimate how the body may respond to medication and flag anything that should be treated first. The exact set varies by clinic, country and personal history, but it commonly includes the following.

For the person who will carry the pregnancy or provide eggs:

• Ovarian reserve tests, such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and an antral follicle count (AFC) by ultrasound. These help estimate how the ovaries may respond to stimulation, though they do not predict whether a pregnancy will happen.
• Hormone blood tests, often taken early in the menstrual cycle, such as FSH, LH and estradiol. Thyroid function (TSH) and prolactin are frequently checked too.
• A pelvic ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries for fibroids, polyps or cysts.
• Assessment of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity, for example a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or a saline infusion sonogram.

For the partner providing sperm:

• A semen analysis, which measures sperm count, motility and morphology. It may be repeated, because results can vary from sample to sample.

For both partners:

• Infectious disease screening, typically for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. Many clinics require these before handling eggs, sperm or embryos.
• General health checks, such as blood group and, where relevant, rubella immunity.

Depending on your history, your doctor may also recommend further investigations or a referral to a genetic counselling service. These decisions are made on medical grounds, so it is worth asking why each test is suggested and how the result could change your plan.

A note on consumer DNA tests

If you have used a home DNA kit for ancestry or wellness insights, you may wonder whether it is useful here. It is not a substitute for fertility testing. Consumer DNA tests are designed for general interest and do not assess hormone levels, ovarian reserve, sperm quality or the structure of the reproductive organs. They are not an infertility diagnosis.

If you have questions about inherited conditions or family history, raise them with your doctor. Where clinically appropriate, they can explain which medically validated genetic tests exist and refer you to a qualified genetics service. You can still mention any consumer results you have, but treat them as background rather than evidence.

Medical records to collect

Arriving with organised records saves time, avoids repeating tests unnecessarily and gives the specialist the full context. Request copies from your GP, gynaecologist, urologist or previous clinic a few weeks in advance, as some offices take time to respond. Useful documents include:

• Recent blood test results, with dates and reference ranges
• Ultrasound, HSG or other imaging reports
• Semen analysis reports
• Records of previous fertility treatment, such as ovulation induction, IUI or earlier IVF cycles, including medication doses and how you responded
• Surgical and procedure reports, for example laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or removal of fibroids or cysts
• Details of previous pregnancies, miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies
• Diagnoses of relevant conditions, such as PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders or diabetes
• A current list of medications and supplements, with doses
• Vaccination records
• Notes on family medical history

It also helps to keep a simple menstrual diary for two or three cycles: cycle length, bleeding pattern and any pain. Store everything in one folder, paper or digital, so you can share it easily.

Understanding the treatment plan

Once your results are reviewed, the clinic will usually propose a plan. A typical IVF cycle moves through several stages: ovarian stimulation with hormone medication, monitoring scans and blood tests, egg retrieval, fertilisation in the laboratory, embryo culture and embryo transfer, followed by a pregnancy test about two weeks later. Some plans also include freezing embryos for later transfer.

Preparing for IVF treatment involves reviewing preliminary tests, medical records and the planned stages of care. A clinic’s treatment overview can help patients identify what to discuss during their initial consultation, and arrive with a clearer sense of the timeline and commitments involved.

Questions to ask at your first consultation

Write your questions down beforehand and take notes, or bring your partner or a trusted person to help. Consider asking:

1. About your diagnosis: What do my test results show? Are there any other tests you recommend, and why?
2. About the approach: Is IVF the most suitable option for us, or should we consider other treatments first? Which stimulation protocol do you suggest, and why?
3. About outcomes: What are realistic success rates for someone of my age and diagnosis? Are those figures per cycle, per embryo transfer or per patient?
4. About risks: What are the possible side effects, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)? How do you reduce the risk of a multiple pregnancy?
5. About embryos: How many embryos do you usually transfer? What happens to any remaining embryos, and how long can they be stored?
6. About logistics: How many appointments will I need, and how much notice will I get? Who do I contact with urgent questions out of hours?
7. About costs: What is included in the quoted price, and what costs extra, such as medication, freezing or storage?
8. About support: Is counselling or emotional support available during treatment?

There are no unimportant questions. If an answer is unclear, ask the doctor to explain it again or put it in writing.

Final thoughts

Preparing for IVF is partly medical and partly practical. Completing recommended tests, gathering your records and arriving with clear questions helps you take an active role in your care. Every fertility journey is different, so rely on a qualified specialist to interpret your results and guide decisions about treatment.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation.