Your first consultation with a fertility specialist is a big step in your fertility journey. You’ll share your family-building goals, medical history, and may even begin testing or planning for what may come next.

Thinking about this appointment and wondering what lies ahead may bring up a range of emotions. But you’ve got this. Learning what to expect and taking a few steps to prepare will help you feel more confident and get the most out of your visit.

In addition to the general guidance we’ll share here, it’s a great idea to call your clinic and ask if they have other specific actions you can take to get ready. Some clinics may request that you submit your medical history, consent forms, and insurance information ahead of time.

You’ll share your goals and medical history.

This consultation is a chance for your doctor to get to know you: your goals, medical history, and any questions and concerns you have.

Prepare your questions and be ready to take notes.

It’s a great idea to prepare a list of questions ahead of time. It’s OK to have your list out during your visit and go through your questions together.

You may wish to ask in detail about:

• The plan for diagnostic testing
• Comparing different treatment options
• Possible timelines and success rates for people like you
• Genetic testing considerations
• Lifestyle suggestions for nutrition, activity, and more
• Other services and support offered at the clinic
• Who to contact (regarding medication, health questions, next steps)
• Scheduling or logistics questions

Many people find their doctor shares a lot of information during the first visit. It often helps to bring a notebook and take notes. If you can, ask a partner or friend to come along and take notes while you listen and ask questions.

You can also ask for written instructions from your care team.

Know what may happen during your appointment.

Call ahead of time to ask your team what to expect. Based on your clinic and your own situation, your first visit may look different from a friend’s or what you’ve read online.

In addition to reviewing your medical history, your first visit may include:

• Physical check-up (blood pressure, height, weight)
• Vaginal ultrasound (you may need to partially undress)
• Blood tests (or this may be done later)
• Semen analysis (or this may be done later)
• Filling out forms and paperwork

Practice self-care and take care of you.

For some people, the upcoming visit and fertility journey becomes such a big focus that they forget to prioritize their own well-being.

You deserve to care for yourself. It can feel good to build in time each day to relax and do something you enjoy. Consider using a journal, joining a support group, or confiding with a friend about what you’re going through. See our tips for self-care and emotional coping.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is also at your side. Reach out for help getting ready for your visit, personalized resources, and a listening ear when you need it.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s essential to follow a healthy eating plan rich in nutrients. During pregnancy, you have higher nutrient needs for your developing baby, the development of your placenta, and your own health.

While a balanced eating plan provides many of the vitamins and minerals you need, a prenatal vitamin is important to ensure you get enough. For example, you need more folic acid during preconception and pregnancy to help prevent serious birth defects, yet it’s hard to get the recommended amount from food alone.

There are a lot of options available, so let’s talk about choosing the prenatal vitamin that’s right for you.

Talk with your doctor

Your healthcare provider may have recommendations for you based on your personal health situation, so be sure to ask about any specific needs you may have.

There may also be brands that your provider recommends. A trusted brand is important because the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way they regulate medicine.

What should my prenatal vitamin contain?

Here is a high-level overview of the nutrients you need during preconception and pregnancy.

*Standard recommendation during pregnancy, through food and supplements. Your needs may be different, so please check with your provider.

If your prenatal vitamin does not have the recommended amount of a specific nutrient (such as folic acid), it is NOT recommended to double the dose of the prenatal vitamin. This can lead to having too much of other nutrients that can be dangerous in high doses (such as vitamin A).

Nutrient deep dive

Select each nutrient to learn more.

Tips for creating a daily habit

Taking your prenatal vitamin consistently is key. To help make it a daily habit:

• Keep your vitamin where you’ll see it (for example, on your nightstand, near your skincare products, or by your morning tea).
• Set a reminder on your phone or check it off your daily calendar.

If your prenatal vitamin causes side effects, you may be able to make adjustments. For example, if your vitamin causes constipation, be sure to get plenty of fiber, water, and physical activity. Your provider may recommend a stool softener or a prenatal vitamin without iron to reduce constipation. If those changes don’t help, try another type of prenatal vitamin.

Your provider and pharmacist can work with you to help you find a solution.

The takeaway

Prenatal vitamins are a supplement to a healthy, balanced eating plan. There isn’t one “best” vitamin out there, just what’s right for you. Talk with your provider about your nutritional needs, select a trusted brand that works with your digestion, and build a habit you can stick with over time.

You can always reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate for guidance and support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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Since 1978, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has helped bring more than 10 million babies into the world. IVF is a medical process that helps people build their family when getting pregnant is challenging. IVF includes using medicine to help the ovaries grow more eggs, removing the eggs, combining them with sperm in a lab, and placing an embryo into the uterus. 

For many people, IVF offers a strong chance of having a baby. You can talk with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility doctor) to learn more about your options. 

During your first visit 

Checking your egg supply 

Your doctor will do a blood test to look at hormone levels that give insight into how your ovaries are working and how many eggs are remaining. An ultrasound may also be done to count the number of follicles (the fluid-filled sacs that hold eggs). These tests help your doctor plan your treatment. 

Checking sperm 

If you are using sperm from a male partner, a semen analysis checks its count, shape, and movement. This helps determine the likelihood that the sperm can fertilize the eggs. 

IVF treatment steps 

1. Growing multiple eggs (ovarian stimulation) 

You’ll take daily hormone shots, usually in your thigh or stomach, to help your ovaries grow several eggs at once. You’ll also have blood tests and ultrasounds over 9 to 12 days to monitor your response. 

About halfway through, you may start another medicine to prevent early ovulation. Around day 10, you’ll get a “trigger shot” to help the eggs fully mature. 

2. Removing the eggs (egg retrieval) 

About 36 hours after the trigger shot, you’ll have your egg retrieval. Your doctor uses a thin needle guided by ultrasound to remove the eggs while you’re asleep or very relaxed. 

This is a short outpatient procedure, and most people go home the same day. Some soreness afterward is common. 

3. Fertilizing the eggs 

In the lab, the eggs are combined with sperm to create embryos, which begin to grow over the next few days. 

4. Transferring the embryo 

You and your doctor decide whether to: 

• Do a fresh transfer, where the embryo is placed in the uterus a few days after retrieval. 

• Do a frozen transfer, where the embryo is frozen and used later. 

Some embryos are tested before transfer to look for genetic conditions. 

5. Waiting and testing for pregnancy 

After the transfer, you’ll wait about 2 weeks before taking a pregnancy test. If you’re pregnant, your fertility doctor will continue to monitor you until it’s time to transition to your OB-GYN. 

Typical IVF timeline 

Please note that this is a typical timeline. Your timeline may be different and that’s OK.  

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about 10% of people with ovaries during their reproductive years.

PCOS can make ovulation and menstrual periods irregular, which may impact your ability to get pregnant. It also affects your hormone and insulin levels. While PCOS has no cure, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication — making periods more regular and improving fertility.

Top symptoms of PCOS 

• Irregular periods or no periods

• Excess hair growth, especially on the face 

• Acne or oily skin 

• Weight gain, often around the waist 

• Hair thinning or hair loss 

• Darkened patches of skin or skin tags 

• Difficulty getting pregnant 

What your doctor may look for 

Your doctor may use a combination of your medical history, physical exam, blood work, and imaging to understand what’s going on. They may look for: 

• Multiple ovarian cysts or polycystic ovaries 

• Irregular or absent periods 

• Elevated androgens, which are hormones typically higher in men 

• High insulin levels or insulin resistance 

• Signs of heart or blood vessel issues 

Ways to manage PCOS 

A reproductive endocrinologist (REI) or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) can help you manage symptoms. Treatment often focuses on improving hormone balance, insulin levels, and overall health. 

• Choose more whole foods, and limit sugar, sodium, and trans fats 

• Stay active to support a healthy weight 

• Use birth control pills to regulate hormones 

• Use metformin to improve insulin sensitivity 

• Treat acne with prescribed skin medications 

• Reduce excess hair growth with medication for hirsutism 

Fertility treatment options 

If you are trying to get pregnant, a gynecologist or REI may recommend certain medications or fertility treatments to support ovulation and improve your chances of conceiving. 

Common medications used to induce ovulation include: 

• Oral medications, such as letrozole or clomiphene (Clomid), help stimulate the ovaries to release an egg. 

• Injectable medications, such as human chorionic gonadotropin or similar injectable hormones, trigger ovulation or support the ovulation process.

Fertility treatments 

• Timed intercourse: your care team tracks ovulation with ultrasounds and blood work and guides you on the best timing for intercourse. 

• Intrauterine insemination: sperm is placed directly into your uterus with a thin catheter during ovulation. 

• Ovulation induction: hormonal medication is given to stimulate the ovaries to ovulate, improving your chance of getting pregnant. 

• In vitro fertilization: your ovaries are stimulated with medication, your eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a lab, and an embryo is transferred into your uterus.

Pregnancy is possible 

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, but many people with PCOS do get pregnant. If you are thinking about building your family, talk with your OB-GYN or an REI to explore your options and create a plan that works for you. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

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Pregnancy loss, sometimes called miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, is the most common complication of early pregnancy. It affects about 1 in 5 clinically recognized pregnancies and refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. 

Causes 

Most losses are a one-time event and do not affect your chances of becoming pregnant in the future. 

The most common cause is a random chromosomal problem in the embryo, known as chromosomal aneuploidy. These changes usually happen by chance and are not caused by anything you did. 

Less common causes include: 

• Differences in the shape of the uterus, such as a uterine septum 
• Certain blood-clotting conditions 
• Hormonal conditions, including thyroid disease 

Symptoms 

Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign. Cramping may also occur. While bleeding can be alarming, it is relatively common in early pregnancy, and many people who experience first-trimester bleeding go on to have healthy pregnancies. 

How it is diagnosed 

If you have bleeding during pregnancy, contact your doctor. Your care team may perform a physical exam and an ultrasound to better understand what is happening and evaluate the pregnancy. 

Treatment options 

There are several ways to manage a pregnancy loss. The best approach depends on your medical situation and, when it is safe to do so, your preferences. 

Options may include: 

• Expectant management: Allowing the pregnancy tissue to pass on its own, often used in the first trimester 
• Medical management: Using medication to help the uterus expel the pregnancy tissue 
• Dilation and curettage: A minor surgical procedure to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus 

Your doctor will consider factors such as how far along the pregnancy was, the amount of bleeding, and your preferences. 

Emotional support 

The emotional impact can be significant. Many people and couples experience grief comparable to the loss of a child. Open conversations with your doctor about both physical symptoms and emotional well-being can help you access the support and resources you need. 

Progyny is here for you, too. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

The post Understanding pregnancy loss appeared first on Progyny.

A healthy pregnancy supports a healthy baby. Here are 10 simple ways to take care of yourself during pregnancy. 

1. Take a prenatal vitamin 

Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Prenatal vitamins also provide key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, and calcium.  

It’s best to start taking it at least one month before getting pregnant and continue through the first 12 weeks to support the early development of your baby. Most doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Confirm with your doctor before you begin since needs vary. 

2. Focus on a balanced diet 

Aim for a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and a variety of protein sources. 

• Wash produce before eating it. 

• Make sure all meat is fully cooked. 

• Eat 8–12 ounces (about two to three servings) per week of fish that are lower in mercury, such as salmon, sardines, or cod. Avoid high-mercury fish like swordfish or king mackerel. 

• Choose dairy products made from pasteurized milk. 

If you follow a restricted diet, such as vegan or gluten-free, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to be sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. 

3. Keep moving 

Regular exercise is good for you during pregnancy. Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, or 20–30 minutes on most days. If you’re not active now, you can start with light movement. 

Avoid activities with a high risk of falling or injury, such as downhill skiing, horseback riding, or road biking in traffic. Walking, jogging, swimming, spinning, yoga, light weights, and Pilates are common options during pregnancy. If you have pregnancy complications or new symptoms, ask your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise program. 

4. Make healthy choices 

Avoid alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy. If you need support quitting, your doctor can help you find resources. 

5. Limit caffeine 

Keep caffeine under about 200 milligrams per day. That’s roughly two 8-ounce cups of coffee. 

6. Keep having sex if you want to 

Sex is safe in an uncomplicated pregnancy. If you have bleeding, pain, or other new symptoms, check with your doctor. 

7. Travel with a plan 

You can travel during pregnancy. Before you go, check where you can get medical care if you need it. Most airlines allow travel until about 36 weeks in an uncomplicated pregnancy, but rules vary. Ask your doctor what’s safe for you based on your health and your destination. 

8. Prevent bug bites 

Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, including those with DEET, especially in areas where there’s a risk of illnesses like West Nile virus or Zika. 

9. Care for your teeth 

Keep up with routine dental cleaning and dental care. Preventive visits and necessary dental treatment are safe during pregnancy. 

10. Review your medicines 

Many commonly used medicines can be continued during pregnancy, but some are unsafe. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines daily, talk with your doctor before stopping or changing anything. For medicines you take as needed, your doctor can help you choose options that are considered safe during pregnancy. 

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.  

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

Related Content

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Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which sperm is placed directly in the uterus to help increase the chance of pregnancy. You may have heard it called artificial insemination. 

IUI is timed with your menstrual cycle so that sperm is placed at the time when the ovary releases an egg (ovulation). Sometimes, medicine is used to help mature and release the eggs to improve the chances of pregnancy. 

Who might consider IUI? 

IUI may be recommended for: 

• People with unexplained infertility (no clear cause found after testing) 

• Male infertility (such as mild to moderately decreased sperm count or motility) 

• People using donor sperm (same-sex couples or single parents) 

• Other specific causes of infertility such endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), problems with the cervix, problems with ovulation, or other medical reasons 

Your healthcare team will review your medical history and test results to make sure IUI is a good option for you. This may involve blood tests, ultrasounds, and a semen analysis. 

How does IUI work? 

There are 2 main cycle options with IUI. Your team will walk you through the details, what to expect, and what’s best for you. 

• In a natural cycle, the procedure is timed based on your body’s ovulation.  

• In a medicated cycle, you’ll take fertility medicine. Starting around day 2 or 3 of your cycle, you may take oral medicine (such as clomiphene citrate [Clomid] or letrozole [Femara]) for 5 to 7 days to help your ovaries mature eggs. 

Timing is important 

With either cycle option, you’ll need to know when you ovulate. Ovulation is often around day 11 or 12, but it can vary. Your doctor may recommend that you track ovulation using:  

• An ovulation predictor kit, which is a urine test that detects an LH surge (LH is a hormone that surges before an egg is released). 

• An ultrasound that will show images of the ovaries and egg growth. 

• A blood test which will check hormone levels. 

When the egg is mature, you may be given a trigger shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This medicine helps make sure the egg is released at the right time. A trigger shot can be used in both natural and medicated cycles. 

The IUI procedure 

A day or two after your LH surge or trigger shot, it’s time for the IUI procedure. 

If using fresh partner sperm, your partner will need to come to the doctor’s office with you to give a semen sample. They may be asked to avoid ejaculating for 1 to 2 days before the procedure. Or sometimes, your provider may recommend intercourse in the days leading up to the IUI. 

What happens during an IUI? 

1. Semen is prepared using a process called “sperm washing” to isolate the highest quality sperm. The prepared sample is placed in a syringe connected to a catheter (thin tube).  

2. You’ll lie on an exam table, similar to a Pap smear.  A speculum is placed in the vagina and the catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to release the sperm close to the egg. This usually only takes a few minutes, though it may take longer for some people (like if you’ve had a C-section or abdominal surgery like a myomectomy). 

3. You’ll rest briefly, and then you can go about your day. You may have light spotting or cramping for a day or two. Call your doctor if you have heavy bleeding, pain, or fever. 

Pregnancy results, success rates, and risks  

You can take an at-home pregnancy test about 2 weeks after the IUI. Testing too early can give inaccurate results. 

Success rates vary based on your age and health history.  

• For people under 35, the success rate is about 10% to 15% per cycle.  

• For people over 40, the rate is lower, about 1% to 4% per cycle.  

With medicated IUI, there is a risk of multiple pregnancy (twins or more). 

• With oral medicine (Clomid or letrozole), the risk of twins is about 5% to 10%. 

• With injectable medicine (gonadotropins), the risk of multiples is 20% to 30%. This medicine is not recommended by expert guidelines for most people. 

Talk to your healthcare team to see if IUI is a good option for you and your family-building goals. Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to support you every step of the way. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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Every fertility journey is different. Finding a clinic that aligns with your needs, preferences, and comfort level helps set you up for the best possible experience and outcomes. 

Some clinics are part of large medical centers, while others are smaller boutique practices. Both can provide excellent care. What matters most is finding a team you trust and a location that works for you. 

What to look for in a clinic 

When exploring clinics, consider: 

• Experience and expertise: Does the team have experience with your diagnosis or care needs? 

• Treatment options: Does the clinic offer the procedures and technologies you might need, such as genetic testing or egg freezing? 

• Clinic culture: Do you feel comfortable and supported by the staff? 

• Location and convenience: Can you easily get to appointments during treatment? 

What to know about Progyny in-network providers 

Through Progyny, you have access to the top fertility specialists across the country. All our in-network clinics follow the highest medical standards and comply with American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines. 

Each clinic’s outcomes and credentials are regularly checked to ensure consistent, high-quality care. When searching for an in-network provider, you’ll see a clinic score, which reflects treatment outcomes for Progyny members at that specific location. 

Next article: What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic

Full Series

1. How to choose a fertility clinic
2. What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic
3. Understanding clinic options: size, services, and specialties
4. Getting support and finding the right fit

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Choosing a fertility clinic is a personal decision. The right fit depends on your medical needs, comfort level, and preferences for how you want your care to feel. Asking a few key questions can help you make that decision with confidence. 

Are there different specialties within fertility care? 

Yes, including: 

• Reproductive endocrinologists (REIs) are gynecologists who have specialized training in reproductive medicine, including infertility treatment and fertility preservation.  

• Reproductive urologists are doctors who have specialized training in the male reproductive system and male infertility. 

Some clinics may also have expertise in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or fibroids. If you’ve received a specific diagnosis, ask whether the clinic has doctors who specialize in that area. 

Depending on your or your family’s fertility needs, an REI may work with other specialists — such as gynecologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, urologists, and geneticists — to create a personalized care plan. 

Should I choose based on outcomes, treatments, or my doctor? 

Each of these factors plays a role and what matters most can vary by person. 

Many people focus first on success rates, which reflect how often patients achieve pregnancy or live birth. These results are influenced by several factors, especially the quality of the embryology lab, which handles eggs, sperm, and embryos. Most fertility doctors agree that the lab is one of the most important parts of IVF treatment. 

It’s also important to feel comfortable with your doctor. You should feel heard, respected, and confident in their recommendations. Keep in mind that you’ll likely meet other providers in the practice for monitoring, procedures, and follow-up visits, so it helps to feel comfortable with the entire care team. 

How much does location matter? 

During treatment, you may need to visit the clinic several times a week for bloodwork and ultrasounds, especially during stimulation and monitoring. Choosing a clinic that’s convenient to your home or workplace, when available, can make the process less stressful. 

What about the clinic’s hours? 

Before you begin treatment, ask: 

• What are your monitoring hours? 

• How do you handle weekends or holiday monitoring? 

• Will I need to take time off work for procedures? 

Knowing what to expect can help you plan your schedule and reduce stress once treatment begins.

Next article: Understanding Clinic Options: Size, Services, and Specialties

Full Series

1. How to choose a fertility clinic
2. What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic
3. Understanding Clinic Options: Size, Services, and Specialties
4. Getting support and finding the right fit

The post What to ask when choosing a fertility clinic appeared first on Progyny.

For our first webinar, we explored the emotional impact of infertility on men. Infertility is often mischaracterized as a female issue, but it affects men too. And because of the stigma around it, men are often left to suffer in silence. We thought it was time to open the conversation about men and infertility.  

In the webinar, we discussed how to ask for support, talk about the journey, and recover from a loss. 

Featuring: 

• Will Rivera II, Co-founder, Fertility in Colour for Men 

• Denny Ceizyk, Author of Almost a Father 

• Arthur J. McGrath, LCSW, CST, BCN, MPA, Psychotherapist 

• Dan Bulger, Producer and Host of This is Infertility podcast 

 You can also view the second webinar, The Journey to Fatherhood: Male Infertility 101 and third webinar, Same-sex couples and Single Fathers by Choice. 

Intro to the World of Infertility and Insurance

Finding Emotional Support

Takeaway Tools to Use

FAQ

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