What to Expect at Your First Fertility Appointment: Understanding the Root Causes of Infertility

Reading Time: 2 minutes

First Fertility Consultation

Key Takeaways
  • Your first fertility consult is a comprehensive assessment to uncover underlying fertility issues.
  • Both partners may be evaluated—fertility is a shared journey.
  • Common causes of infertility include ovulatory disorders, low sperm count, age-related decline, and structural or hormonal issues.
  • Early testing helps your care team build a personalized treatment plan.
  • At RPSD, your comfort, clarity, and care are our top priorities from day one.

Welcome to Reproductive Partners Fertility Center– San Diego

We understand how overwhelming it can feel to take the first step on your fertility journey. At RPSD, your initial consultation isn’t just about gathering medical data—it’s about building a relationship, answering your questions, and guiding you toward empowered, informed decisions. Here’s what you can expect during your first visit and how we begin identifying potential causes of infertility.

What Happens During Your Initial Fertility Consultation?

Your first appointment typically lasts about an hour. You’ll meet with one of our experienced fertility specialists who will take a detailed medical, reproductive, and lifestyle history. This includes questions about:
  • Menstrual cycles and ovulation patterns
  • Past pregnancies or miscarriages
  • Birth control history
  • Sexual health and frequency of intercourse
  • Family history of infertility or genetic conditions
  • Any known medical issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune conditions

If you’re in a couple, both partners should attend, as infertility is equally likely to stem from male or female factors.

Physical Exam & Baseline Testing

Following your discussion, the next step often includes:
  • Ultrasound: to evaluate ovarian reserve (via antral follicle count), uterine anatomy, and endometrial lining
  • Bloodwork: to measure hormone levels like AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, and prolactin
  • Semen analysis: to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology
  • Pelvic exam and possibly a Pap smear depending on recent history

These tests help your physician identify common causes such as low ovarian reserve, hormone imbalances, or male factor infertility.

Common Causes of Infertility We Explore
  • Ovulatory disorders like PCOS or irregular cycles
  • Tubal factor infertility, often caused by prior infections or surgeries
  • Endometriosis, which may impact egg quality or pelvic anatomy
  • Uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps
  • Male factor infertility, including low sperm count or motility
  • Age-related decline, which impacts both egg and sperm quality
  • Unexplained infertility, which affects about 10–20% of couples and still responds well to treatment

What Happens Next?

After all diagnostic testing is complete (usually within a couple of weeks), you’ll have a follow-up visit to discuss your results. This is when your physician will recommend next steps, which may include lifestyle changes, medication, IUI, IVF, or other personalized paths.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or you’ve been trying for some time, this consultation is a key turning point—designed to bring you closer to answers, clarity, and confidence.

At RPSD, You’re Not Just a Patient—You’re a Partner.

We know how personal and emotional the fertility journey can be. That’s why our team is here to support you with compassionate, comprehensive care from the very beginning. Schedule your initial consultation today to start uncovering the answers you deserve.