You Made An Appointment, What Comes Next?

Taking the first step toward fertility care is a big moment. For many patients, scheduling that initial consultation comes with a mix of relief, hope, and a lot of questions.

In the video below, Dr. Gil Wilshire walks you through exactly what happens after you book your first appointment — so you can feel prepared, confident, and less overwhelmed.

Why the First Fertility Appointment MattersMaking the appointment is a powerful first step — but it’s only the beginning of your personalized fertility journey.
This initial visit is designed to:

• Understand your medical and reproductive history
  
• Identify any potential barriers to pregnancy
  
• Create a clear, individualized plan
  
• Give you answers and direction
  

Most importantly, it shifts you from uncertainty to a structured, guided path forward.

Step 1: Gathering Your Medical HistoryBefore you even walk through the door, your care team begins learning about you.
You may be asked to provide:

• Prior pregnancy history
  
• Menstrual cycle details
  
• Previous fertility testing or treatments
  
• Medical and surgical history
  
• Medications and supplements
  
• Partner history (if applicable)
  

This information allows the physician to use your appointment time efficiently and meaningfully.

Step 2: What Happens at the ConsultationYour first visit is not just a conversation — it’s a strategy session.
During this appointment:
You tell your storyYour goals, concerns, and timeline matter. This is your chance to be heard.
Your physician reviews your historyPatterns, risk factors, and next steps are identified.
You get a planInstead of guessing, you leave knowing:

• What testing is needed
  
• What can be done right away
  
• What your options are
  

For many patients, this is the moment when anxiety starts to decrease — because there is finally a clear direction.

Step 3: Fertility Testing — What to ExpectAfter the consultation, recommended testing may include:
For female patients:

• Hormone testing
  
• Ovarian reserve evaluation
  
• Ultrasound
  
• Uterine and tubal assessment
  

For male patients:

• Semen analysis
  

These tests are not one-size-fits-all. They are selected specifically for you based on your history and goals.

Step 4: Creating Your Personalized Treatment PlanOnce results are available, your physician will outline:

• Your diagnosis (if one is found)
  
• Your probability of success
  
• Your treatment options
  
• A recommended timeline
  

This could include:

• Trying naturally with guidance
  
• Ovulation induction
  
• IUI
  
• IVF
  
• Fertility preservation
  

Every plan is tailored — there is no “standard patient.”

The Emotional Side of the First VisitOne of the most powerful takeaways from this video is reassurance:
You are not expected to have all the answers before your first visit.
You don’t need:

• A referral in many cases
  
• Years of trying
  
• Every test completed beforehand
  

You simply need to take the first step.

Common Questions Patients HaveShould I bring my partner?If possible, yes — but if not, you can still move forward with your evaluation.
How long does the process take?Some testing can begin immediately, often within the same cycle.
Will I leave with a plan?Yes — that is one of the main goals of the visit.

Why Early Evaluation MattersSeeking care earlier:

• Expands your treatment options
  
• Improves success rates
  
• Reduces time to pregnancy
  
• Provides peace of mind
  

Fertility care is not just about treatment — it’s about clarity, efficiency, and support.

You’ve Already Taken the Hardest StepMaking the appointment is often the most emotional part of the entire journey.
This visit is where:

• Fear becomes information
  
• Confusion becomes a plan
  
• Waiting becomes action
  

And you don’t have to navigate it alone.