Infertility First Consultation

Step 1: Meeting your Fertility Specialist

At your first appointment with Dr Farag he will review your medical history, assess your general health, and arrange initial tests and investigations for you and your partner.
Please bring a doctor’s referral from a GP (valid for 12 months) or specialist gynaecologist or obstetrician (valid for three months). Ensure the referral includes both partners' names. This will also ensure you are eligible for Medicare rebates.
For women, depending on the level of testing already performed, Dr Farag may order further pathology tests. For men, a blood test for hepatitis B and C, HIV and a semen analysis are all routinely conducted.
Pre-pregnancy screening for some genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis is available and can be discussed with Dr Farag.
Other diagnostic tests may include some or all of the following:
Blood tests for women
• Rubella immunity (German measles),
• Chicken pox,
• Hepatitis B and C,
• HIV,
• Full blood count, checking your blood group, your thyroid status and
• Current pap smear (within last 2 years);
Other fertility tests for women
• Vaginal ultrasound to check for fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts, and to act as a ‘baseline’ for reference during your treatment
Blood tests for men
• HIV
• Hepatitis B and C
Other fertility tests for men
• Semen analysis to check for antibodies and any possible infection
Once we have the results of these tests, Dr Farag will meet with you again to explain in detail your recommended treatment plan.

Step 2: Preparing for treatment

After Dr Farags appointment, you will then meet with a nurse and administration team member, as well as being informed of the counselling services available to you, before you begin treatment.
Your fertility nurse will explain what to expect in your upcoming IUI/IVF/ICSI treatment cycle, including any specific treatments, injection techniques and medications. Generally, it is best to arrange for the appointment to be about a week before you expect your period in the month that you plan to commence treatment, though a nurse will advise you of this ahead of time.
Our administration team will explain the costs associated with your treatment, and answer any questions you have related to these and the timing of payment. This will help you understand the fees involved and explain the complexities of the Medicare Safety Net, Medicare rebates and your final, out-of-pocket expenses.
A fertility counsellor is available to meet with you and your partner, to discuss the physical and emotional implications of your treatment. You may have already faced many frustrations, disappointments and investigations before going to Dr Farag. Your counsellor is here for you at every stage of your treatment, even at short notice, if you need to discuss things or explore ways of coping.