Your first consultation: what to expect, and what to ask
Most people arrive at a first visit carrying years of worry and a head full of advice. Here is what happens in those 45 minutes, and the questions worth bringing.
Example image.
Before you arrive
Try to arrive ten minutes early. The waiting room is quiet, with water and tea, and we keep the television off. If you are coming as a couple, travel together if you can; it helps to arrive at the same pace.
Bring any earlier results you have, even old ones. Scans, blood tests and semen analysis from other clinics save you repeating tests and help your doctor see the whole story.
The first ten minutes
Your named nurse meets you first. They take a few simple details and explain how the visit will go. This is a good moment to say if anything feels difficult, such as talking about past losses. We will follow your lead.
Talking with the doctor
The doctor will ask about how long you have been trying, your cycles, your general health and any earlier pregnancies. For the male partner, they will ask about general health and work. None of this is a test; it is how we build a picture.
Then the doctor will explain, in plain words, what tests could help and why. You can ask them to slow down, draw it on paper or repeat anything.
What you will not be asked to do
You will not be asked to choose a treatment, pay for one, or sign anything beyond a consent to keep your details on file. A first conversation is for understanding, not deciding.
After the visit
You leave with a short written summary and, if you wish, dates for tests. Your nurse will message you the next day to check how you are feeling and whether any new questions came up on the way home.
General information only. It does not replace a consultation with your own doctor.
Questions readers ask
Can I bring this checklist to my visit?
Yes, please do. Your nurse is happy to go through it with you.
What if I feel emotional during the visit?
That is very common. Take your time; we can pause, bring water, or continue another day.
Is everything I share kept private?
Yes. Your file is seen only by your care team, and results are never sent by text.
Share your thoughts
Did this piece help, or leave a question unanswered? Write to the journal team at hello@novacare.example. We read every letter and use them to choose what to write next. Example details for this demo.
Small questions are welcome. They are often the most important ones.The Novacare nursing team
Talk to us in person
A first conversation lasts 45 minutes and comes with nothing to decide.