Infertility can affect both men and women, and a fertility doctor can determine the problem and offer some solutions. Tests and a physical exam will be needed, but the very first step is an interview with the fertility doctor, who will ask you a number of questions. Be prepared to respond to these questions.
1. Questions about Your Medical History
Your medical history may have a key role in your fertility. There are numerous diseases that can make you temporary or permanently infertile and affect your hormonal activity.
You will be asked about:
- Possible STDs
- Whether you’ve had a vasectomy and a reversal procedure
- If you are taking any drugs, as some drugs may affect the quality of the sperm and its motility
- Whether you’ve fathered other children
- If anyone in your family is infertile
2. Questions about Your Sexual Activity
Your sexual activity can play an important role when it comes to conceiving the baby. Expect the following questions:
- How often you have sex, as this can be important especially while your partner is in her fertile period
- Whether you have orgasm during intercourse
- Whether you masturbate, as frequent masturbation can affect the quality of the sperm; ideally, you shouldn’t have sex or masturbate for 1 or 2 days for the best quality sperm when trying to conceive
- Whether lubricants are involved in the intercourse, as these can interfere with the conception
- Whether you have issues with your erection or premature ejaculation
3. Job Related Questions
Your doctor will ask about your job, as this can have a role in affecting your fertility:
- A stressful job can damage your fertility and influence your libido; it may even cause erectile dysfunction
- A job that involves a lot of physical activity can also influence your libido and energy levels
- If you work in a toxic environment, this may damage the sperm’s quality
4. Diet and Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can be important and may have a negative or positive impact on your fertility. You will be asked questions about:
- Your diet, if you eat mostly fast foods or whether you are taking any vitamins
- Whether you smoke
- Whether you drink
- Whether you use recreational drugs
- Whether you bike on a regular basis, as this can influence the sperm’s quality and motility
- Whether you take steam baths or use the Jacuzzi regularly, as these can worsen the quality of the sperm
- Whether you wear shorts or briefs, shorts are more recommended for better quality sperm
- Whether you wear tight pants
- Whether you exercise
5. Questions about Your Partner
You can also expect questions about your partner. These questions can help, especially if you have a suitable lifestyle and your test results are favorable.
Prepare to answer all these questions and give as many details as possible, as you can help your doctor find the problem.
