We understand that booking your first appointment with one of our consultants can be daunting time. Will you need tests at the appointment? Will you be examined? What will be discussed?
So we’d like to reassure you about exactly what will happen at this first appointment, so you know what to expect.
Pre-testing:You won’t be undergoing any further tests or examinations at the appointment. At this stage, you will already have undergone all the necessary pre-treatment tests we need to carry out. So we will have all the information we need about you and your partner, which your consultant will have this during your appointment.
Diagnosis:Your consultant will have reviewed your test results and will talk to you about the most appropriate treatment for your diagnosis. You may need IVF, you actually may not – we will always identify the best treatment for your needs, based on your personal diagnosis. We understand however that it’s natural for you to do your own research before coming to your appointment, and so you may have pre-conceived ideas about what treatment you think you are going to need. Don’t be afraid to ask our consultant any questions you have about the particular treatment that’s being recommended to you.
Treatment explanation:Once your consultant has identified the best treatment protocol for you, he will explain to you the exact nature of this treatment, what happens and timescales for beginning the treatment and completion. He will also explain likely success rates, risks and anything else you may need to know, such as whether you will need to see our counsellors during your treatment, which applies if you are using donated sperm, eggs or embryos. Again, feel free to ask questions at any time if you need something clarified. You are not against the clock during your appointment – remember we are here to reassure you and help you on this journey, not to bombard you with information and send you on your way to make decisions on your own.
Consent:If you are happy to go ahead with the treatment being recommended, you may review your consent forms. If you need more time to digest what you’ve been told, this isn’t a problem either – it’s so very important that you are happy and fully understand your treatment path before it begins, so you start your journey with us as stress-free as possible. You can always request treatment and sign your consent forms at a later time. You can also telephone us for clarification again after your appointment, if you need further explanation or have thought up a question later. This is very common – we know you are faced with a big decision and lots of information to digest, so please don’t think you can’t review in your own time at home, and then ask us more questions. We are here to help!
Care and support:Once your treatment begins, you will have the full support of our entire team, in particular our nursing and patient advisor teams, who are on hand to offer their help to you at all times. It could be just a listening ear, someone to talk to, or advice – but we are here for you at every point. You are our top priority during your time with us and you will only ever receive the best care we can give you, with compassion and empathy at all times. It’s why so many people choose to join the Manchester Fertility family, to have their family.
Book in for a free one-to-one with our patient advisors to find out more about our team, our treatments and tour our clinic. We look forward to seeing you.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
