What to Expect at Your First Fertility Consultation at Medical Art Center
Quick answer: Your first fertility consultation is a conversation, not a procedure. You will talk through your medical history with a specialist, have a focused physical review and often a scan, and leave with a clear plan for the tests and treatment options that make sense for you. No one will rush you into IVF.
Booking a first fertility consultation can feel like a big step. Many people arrive nervous, unsure what to expect, and quietly worried about hearing bad news.
Here is the reassuring truth: this first visit is about understanding, not judgment. At Medical Art Center in Maryland, Lagos, our specialists have spent more than four decades helping couples and individuals move from uncertainty to a plan.
This guide walks you through what happens, how to prepare, and what you can expect to leave with.
When should you book a fertility consultation?
You do not need to wait for a crisis. As a general guide, it is time to see a fertility specialist if:
- You are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success.
- You are 35 or older and have been trying for 6 months.
- You have irregular or absent periods, very painful periods, or heavy bleeding.
- You have a known or suspected condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, or blocked tubes.
- You have had pelvic surgery, pelvic infection, or two or more miscarriages.
- Your partner has a low sperm count or has had any previous semen concerns.
- You want to understand your options early, for example before a planned pregnancy or before age-related decline becomes a factor.
Not sure where you fit? Book anyway. An early conversation costs you little and can save you months of waiting.
Before your appointment: how to prepare
A little preparation makes the consultation far more useful. Try to bring or note down:
- Your cycle history: how long your cycles usually last and the first day of your last period.
- How long you have been trying to conceive, and how often you have intercourse.
- Previous results: scans, hormone tests, semen analysis, HSG (tube X-ray) reports, and surgical notes.
- A list of medications and supplements you or your partner take.
- Your medical and surgical history, including past pregnancies, miscarriages, and infections.
- Your questions. Write them down. Nerves make people forget them.
If you are coming as a couple, we encourage you to attend together. Fertility is a shared journey, and male factors contribute to roughly half of infertility cases.
What happens at your first fertility consultation
1. A warm, unhurried conversation
Your consultant will begin by listening. Expect questions about your cycles, previous pregnancies, past treatments, general health, lifestyle, and how long you have been trying.
Some questions may feel personal, for example, about sexual health or past infections. Please answer as openly as you can. Every detail helps your doctor see the full picture, and we keep everything you share confidential.
2. A focused clinical review
Depending on your situation, your doctor may perform a physical examination and review your height, weight, and overall health. The aim is to identify anything that could affect conception or a healthy pregnancy.
3. Ultrasound assessment
A pelvic ultrasound is often part of the first visit or one of the first steps afterward. It lets your specialist examine your uterus and ovaries, check for fibroids, cysts, or structural problems, and assess your ovarian reserve by counting resting follicles.
Skilled scanning matters. Conditions such as adenomyosis are easily missed on a routine scan, which is why expert ultrasound is a core part of fertility care at our center.
4. A plan for investigations
Your doctor will explain which tests are most relevant to you. These may include:
For women
- Hormone tests (for example, ovarian reserve and thyroid markers)
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Assessment of the fallopian tubes
- Hysteroscopy, if the uterine cavity needs to be examined
For men
- Semen analysis, which looks at sperm count, movement, and shape
- Further tests where the first result needs a closer look
Not everyone needs every test. Your plan is built around your history, not a generic checklist.
5. Honest explanation and counseling
Once your doctor has enough information, they will explain what they think is going on, or what still needs clarification, in plain language. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you like.
Fertility challenges can carry real emotional weight. Our Evaluation and Counseling service exists so that you are supported as well as examined.
What treatment options might be discussed?
Many people fear that a first consultation means being steered straight toward IVF. In reality, treatment depends entirely on what your evaluation shows. Depending on your situation, options discussed may include:
- Endocrine management to correct hormonal imbalances and support ovulation
- Hysteroscopy to diagnose and treat problems inside the uterus
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) for suitable cases
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) and ICSI where other routes are not appropriate or have not worked
- Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) to check embryos for chromosomal normality in selected cases
Sometimes the right answer is simply lifestyle adjustments and well-timed intercourse. Your doctor will tell you what you truly need, and what you don’t.
What you will leave with
By the end of your first fertility consultation, you should have:
- A clearer understanding of possible reasons for difficulty conceiving
- A list of recommended tests, with explanations of why each matters
- An idea of likely next steps and timelines
- Answers to your most pressing questions
- The confidence of knowing you are no longer navigating this alone
Practical tips for a smooth visit
- Book a time that isn’t rushed, so you can relax and focus.
- Bring your partner if you can. Both histories matter.
- Take notes, or ask a trusted person to join you.
- Be honest and specific. There is nothing you can say that our team has not heard before.
- Do not self-diagnose from the internet. Instead, bring your concerns to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a fertility specialist at Medical Art Center?
You can request an appointment directly through our website or by phone. If you already have scans, lab results, or a referral letter from another doctor, bring them along.
Should I come with my partner?
We strongly encourage it, because fertility depends on both partners. If your partner cannot attend, you are still welcome to come on your own, and they can join later.
Will I have to start IVF at the first visit?
No. The first consultation is for assessment and planning. We discuss any treatment with you, and you decide when you are ready.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your medical information is treated with strict confidentiality.
What if I am single or do not have a partner?
You are welcome. Our team can discuss options that fit your circumstances and goals.
How long does the first consultation take?
It depends on your history and whether tests, such as a scan, are done the same day. Plan to allow enough time so you do not feel hurried.
Fees and what is included can vary, so please confirm details when you book.
Take the first step toward your family
Every couple and every individual deserves a clear, compassionate starting point. Your first fertility consultation at Medical Art Center is exactly that: a chance to ask your questions, understand your options, and begin with a plan.
Ready to talk to a specialist?
Medical Art Center, Lofom House, 21 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Lagos. Phone: +234 707 506 6718 | +234 810 325 1336
Learn more about our Evaluation & Counseling service, explore IVF at Medical Art Center, or meet our medical team.
This article is for general information and does not replace personalized medical advice. Please consult a qualified fertility specialist about your own situation.
