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questions to ask

Infertility treatments can be incredibly technical with complicated medical terminology - it is easy to feel confused and overwhelmed. By understanding what is happening during a treatment, you achieve a greater sense of control. Usually the only way to understand something is by asking questions. If something is not immediately clear to you, continue asking questions until it is.

asking questions

  • Write down your questions. It is completely normal to feel nervous during a treatment consultation. A list of questions can serve as a memory aid for what you want to discuss with the doctor. It is also useful to write down the answers so that you can refer to them later.
  • Highlight questions that are very important. If you are only seeing the doctor for a short consultation, then you must pose the most important questions first.
  • Keep a notebook close at hand. Keep it in the car, next to your bed, on your desk or wherever it is easily accessible. It will be useful when a question occurs to you.

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questions regarding lab tests and procedures

If a laboratory test or procedure is scheduled, you may want to ask the following questions:

  • What is the purpose of the test/procedure?
  • How and where will it take place?
  • Will it be painful? If so, is there something that can be taken prior to or after the test to reduce the pain?
  • How long will it take to find out the results? What do the results mean?
  • Will the doctor’s office telephone us with the results?
  • How much does it cost?

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questions regarding medication

Answers to these questions help couples understand what medicines they will take:

  • What are the names of the drugs involved and what are they intended for?
  • How much must be taken, when and how?
  • What side effects should I expect from this drug?
  • Are there any restrictions (e.g. exercise, activities, food or alcohol) when taking it?
  • Can the doctor provide written instructions about the administration, handling and storage of this drug?
  • How much will the medications cost?

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