First Appointment

Initial consultations can be face to face or online, depending on your Doctor and what works for you. 

We can offer secure medical appointments by Zoom.  We are here to talk to you, to provide medical advice and make plans for the future with you, all in the privacy and the safety of your own home.  

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As part of your initial consultation your fertility specialist will take a full medical history with special attention to fertility factors:

  • menstrual history
  • timing of intercourse
  • any sexual issues and previous pregnancy history

Please bring a doctor’s referral from a GP (valid for 12 months) or specialist (valid for three months) in your name (and your partners, if applicable). This will also ensure you are eligible for Medicare rebates.

If you are having trouble falling pregnant, we recommend you have a consultation with a Queensland Fertility Group Fertility Specialist – particularly if you are over 35 and have been trying for 6 months or more, or are under 35 and have been trying for 12 months or more. It’s not as scary as you may think, and involves some relatively simple investigations into possible reasons why you aren’t falling pregnant.

Meeting your fertility specialist

Typically during a first appointment your specialist will assess your medical history, paying special attention to fertility factors such as menstrual history, timing of intercourse, lifestyle factors, any sexual issues and previous pregnancy history. You should feel comfortable to ask questions, and mention any concerns you have.

Two important tests that will be carried out include a semen analysis for men, and ovulation analysis for women (this is done with a simple blood test). Your specialist may also request a number of other blood tests (many of these are bulk billed) and an ultrasound scan. The results of these investigations will help you and your fertility specialist determine the best next steps for your individual circumstances.

NOTE: In order to ensure you receive Medicare rebates, you’ll first need to obtain a doctor’s referral from a GP (which will be valid for 12 months) or from another specialist gynaecologist, obstetrician or endocrinologist (this will be valid for three months). You are more than welcome to make an appointment with a specialist before obtaining a referral – just make sure you have this in time to bring it along with you to your first appointment.

Some common tests recommended by our fertility specialists include:

Blood tests for women:

  • a complete hormone profile including reproductive hormones and thyroid function
  • ovarian reserve (AMH) test
  • screening for infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HIV
  • full blood count, checking your blood group
  • karyotyping (chromosomes)
  • rubella immunity (German measles)
  • chicken pox (Varicella)
  • screening for cystic fibrosis

Other tests:

  • vaginal ultrasound to check for fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts, and to act as a ‘baseline’ for reference during your treatment
  • current pap smear (within last 2 years – it‘s usually best to get this done with your GP)

Blood tests for men:

  • hormone profile and thyroid function
  • screening for infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, syphilis and HIV
  • karyotyping (chromosomes)
  • screening for cystic fibrosis

Other tests:

  • semen analysis to check for sperm quality, antibodies and any possible infection
  • our unique Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) test, to identify damaged DNA within the sperm
  • sperm chromosomes

First appointment costs

If you are specifically seeking help to fall pregnant, it is recommended your partner attends the consultation as well. The initial consultation charge with a Fertility Specialist is on average from $220 to $350 and Medicare will reimburse approximately $95.00. Most Queensland Fertility Group Fertility Specialists offer bulk-billing for a male partner’s first appointment.

Your personalised pregnancy plan

Based on the results from your fertility investigations, your specialist will discuss your treatment options with you. Some of these may be as simple as lifestyle suggestions. Other options could include ovulation inductionintrauterine insemination (IUI), laparoscopic investigations or more advanced treatments, such as IVF.

If you and your specialist decide that IUI or IVF is the right option for you, there is additional support and resources available to you. You will meet with our nurses, counsellors and administration team members.

Your fertility nurse will explain what to expect in your upcoming treatment program, including a very detailed description of your treatment, injection techniques and medications. It is best to arrange for the appointment to be about a week before you expect your period.

Our experienced nurses will also explain your treatment costs and answer any questions you have about them, including navigating the complexities of the Medicare Safety Net and Medicare rebates. They are happy to answer any questions you may have – feel free to bring a list of questions with you.