What Happens During Your First Consultation at JIVA Fertility?

Beginning fertility journey often comes with mix of emotions - worry, uncertainty, hope, and, you may have many questions about what to expect at your very first appointment. At JIVA Fertility, we recognise that taking this initial step can feel overwhelming, and hence we are committed to ensure that your experience is comforting, and fully supported from the outset and throughout.

Below, we guide you through what to expect at your first fertility appointment - so you can feel informed, prepared, and confident before your visit.

Why have a Fertility Consultation?

Infertility or ‘the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse in a heterosexual relationship', can affect millions of people worldwide and it is estimated by the WHO that one in six individuals of reproductive age experience infertility.

You should request a fertility clinic appointment if you wish to gain a better understanding of your reproductive health, whether you have difficulty conceiving and wish to discuss fertility options or you just need reassurance about your fertility or you wish to consider fertility preservation for future.

We encourage you to seek help if in a heterosexual relationship - you have not conceived after 12 months of trying for pregnancy; If you are in a same sex relationship or you wish to conceive as a single parent - we will be happy to see you when you have made the decision to discuss fertility journey options.

We will be happy to see you sooner or even before trying in certain circumstances, which include (but not limited to):

1. The female partner who wishes to conceive is 36 years of age or older, or is known to have a gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, or has had sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea or have had surgery on the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

2. The male partner has a history of undescended testes, injury to or surgery on the scrotum, or have had mumps or sexually transmitted infections in the past.

3. Either partner has suffered a medical condition that required treatments affecting fertility, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

A Warm Welcome from Our Team

When you arrive at JIVA Fertility, you will be greeted by our friendly reception team at LivingCare, Thorpe Park clinic, in a calm, respectful environment. We know this can be an emotional time, and we are committed to making you feel at ease.

A Personalised Review with your Consultant

Your consultation will be led by one of our Consultants who are experienced fertility specialists. This is a relaxed, confidential conversation focused on understanding about you and your needs.

Your Consultant will:

• Review of your medical history (for both partners, if attending as a couple)
• Discuss any test results and their impact on fertility and/or any previous fertility treatment and outcome
• Advice on lifestyle factors that may influence fertility
• Answer any questions you have, openly and clearly

We want you to feel heard, respected, and fully informed at every stage.

Fertility Assessment and Tests

A key part of your first visit will be to undertake fertility assessment to understand your reproductive health. Your consultant will discuss and arrange fertility tests to help build a complete picture. These include:

• Blood tests to assess egg reserve, ovulation, and various hormone related to fertility
• Trans-vaginal ultrasound (internal) scan to assess pelvis, including the womb (uterus), endometrium (inner lining of the womb), and ovaries for antral follicle count (marker of egg reserve) and ovarian cysts. The scan can also diagnose badly damaged and fluid filled fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinx) and severe pelvic adhesions (scarring).
• Urine test to check for infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
• Semen analysis for the male partner to evaluate sperm count, motility, and morphology
• HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography) to check if the fallopian tubes are open (patent)

If you have chosen one of our fertility assessment packages, some of these tests may already have been completed or scheduled. Your consultant will explain what each test is for and what it can tell us.

Exploring Possible Causes of Difficulty Conceiving

Fertility challenges can arise from many factors. Reduced egg reserve, ovulatory disorders, hormonal imbalance, problems with your fallopian tubes, sperm abnormalities, endometriosis, fibroids. Despite various advances in reproductive medicine, we are still unable to find possible reasons for infertility for about one in four couples (unexplained infertility).

By combining your medical history with test results, your Consultant can advice you on the factors that might be affecting your ability to conceive.

Discussing Treatment Options and Next Steps

Once your Consultant has had an understanding of your circumstances, and the factors affecting fertility, your consultant will discuss a personalised plan based on your needs, which can include:

• Further investigations for a better understanding of the reasons
• Lifestyle recommendations to optimise fertility and pregnancy outcome
• Timed intercourse guidance
• Medical treatments such as ovulation induction
• Reproductive Surgery to manage gynaecological conditions affecting fertility
• Assisted Reproductive Techniques such as  IUI or IVF or ICSI
• Fertility preservation options

Our approach is consultant-led and evidence-based, with an emphasis on supporting your decisions. We will never rush you or pressure you into treatment. Instead, we are here to give you the information and the support you need to make the right decision.

Feeling Nervous?

It is completely normal to feel anxious before your first fertility appointment. Many people worry about what they will hear or how personal the questions will be. At JIVA Fertility, we assure you that you will receive professional  and compassionate care. Our team is here to support you at every stage of your fertility journey, providing clear answers, genuine empathy, and respectful care.
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How long does a fertility consultation take?

Most first appointments last around 45 minutes, but if you have had previous fertility treatments elsewhere or have a complex medical history, we encourage you to book an Extended appointment for 60 minutes, which generally allows us time undertake medical review, plan or go through fertility assessment or test results and discuss further management. Please also note that this includes Consultant's time to summarise the first consultation in a letter which will be sent to you at a later date.

Ready to take the next step?‍

Book your appointment today to start your journey.