Fertility & Preconception Counseling

Discuss medical conditions, previous pregnancies, family history and medicines or supplements with a clinician. Ask whether any investigations, vaccinations or changes to treatment are appropriate for your circumstances. Do not stop prescribed medicine without consulting its prescriber.

Fertility assessment depends on the history and may involve discussion or testing for one or both partners when appropriate. Ask what a proposed test can tell you, when results will be available and whether referral is useful. A consultation does not commit you to a procedure.

Bring information about existing health conditions, medicines, vaccinations and previous pregnancies. Discuss both partners' relevant history where appropriate. A preconception visit is a chance to review the plan before pregnancy, including whether specialist input is needed for an ongoing condition.

Ask about recommended preparation and which advice applies specifically to you. Do not stop a regular medicine on your own because you are planning a pregnancy; the clinician can discuss its benefits, risks and any safer alternatives if a change is needed.

Tell the clinician how long you have been trying, whether periods are regular and whether there have been previous investigations. Both partners may need to be considered in a fertility assessment. The decision about investigations or referral depends on the history and individual circumstances.

Ask what the proposed next step can tell you, how results will be discussed and what services would require referral elsewhere. Fertility counselling should explain options and uncertainty without promising pregnancy or suggesting that one test can describe the whole situation. Bring up the emotional impact as well as the practical questions.

These sources provide general health information. Recommendations and services may differ by location; discuss your care with your clinician.

• NHS: Trying to get pregnant
• Croydon Health Services: Planning your pregnancy