The goal of the initial evaluation of the couple is to determine the likely cause of the infertility, and to determine the most logical approach to treatment. Your doctor will take a careful history and order various tests.
History
| Questions for the male partner |
Questions for the female partner |
| How long have you been infertile? |
How long have you been trying to get pregnant? |
| Have you ever fathered a child with your current or previous partners? |
Have you had any prior pregnancies in this or in other relationships? |
| Have you had any medical problems? Any surgeries? |
Have you ever had pelvic infections, endometriosis, fibroids, cervical diseases, pelvic or abdominal surgery, or used an IUD? Do you smoke cigarettes? |
| Are you taking any medications? |
Are you taking any medications? |
| Do you drink alcohol, smoke marijuana or cigarettes? (Note: excessive alcohol and/or marijuana use can lead to lower testosterone levels and can decrease sperm production.) |
How old were you when you got your period? Is it regular? How long are your cycles? Have you had any hot flashes? |
| Have you had any significant environmental exposures? For example, excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs), chemical or radiation exposure? |
Did your mother use DES when she was pregnant with you? (Note: DES, or diethylstilbestrol, is a medication given in the 1940s-1960s to prevent miscarriage; women whose mothers took this medication can have abnormalities of the cervix and uterus.) |
| Do you have any problems with your sexual function? Do you have trouble getting erections or maintaining them? Do you have problems with ejaculation? |
What have you used for contraception in the past? IUDs? Oral contraceptive pills? Tubal ligation? |
| How frequently do you have intercourse? |
How frequently do you have intercourse? |
| Have you had any previous infertility testing and/or treatments? |
Have you had any previous infertility testing and/or treatments? |
Table of Contents - Infertility Patient Guide
