How to prepare for a video visit about Infertility (Initial Telemedicine Counseling)

Audience: pediatric

If you or your family member is preparing for a video visit about infertility, this guide will help you get ready. Infertility means having trouble getting pregnant after trying for a while. During the first telemedicine counseling session, a healthcare provider will ask questions about health history, lifestyle, and any concerns. This visit helps understand the situation and plan next steps. To make the most of your video visit, it is important to prepare some information and think about questions you want to ask. Remember, this visit is for education and guidance, not for diagnosis or treatment. If you notice serious symptoms like severe pain or heavy bleeding, seek urgent care. Telemedicine can help with counseling and information but cannot perform physical exams or tests. After the visit, you may need to schedule in-person appointments or tests. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and what to do after your telemedicine visit about infertility.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding with clots — get urgent medical help.
• High fever with chills during or after the visit — contact emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial counseling and education about infertility.
• Reviewing medical history and discussing symptoms.
• Answering general questions about fertility and next steps.
• Providing guidance on lifestyle changes that may help fertility.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing specific medical conditions.
• Providing prescriptions or treatments without in-person evaluation.

What is Infertility and Why a Video Visit?

Infertility means difficulty in getting pregnant after trying for a year or more. A video visit with a healthcare provider is a safe way to start talking about your concerns. It allows you to share your health history and ask questions from home. This visit helps your provider understand your situation and decide what tests or treatments might be needed later.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, gather important information such as your medical history, menstrual cycle details, and any previous tests or treatments. Write down questions or concerns you have. Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the call. Make sure your device’s camera and microphone work well.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your health, lifestyle, and how long you have been trying to get pregnant. They may discuss factors that affect fertility and suggest possible next steps. The provider cannot perform physical exams or tests during the video visit but will explain what might be needed in person.

After Your Video Visit

You may be advised to schedule lab tests, imaging, or see a specialist in person. Follow the provider’s instructions carefully. Keep track of any new symptoms and continue to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. Support from family and friends can also be helpful during this time.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

If you experience severe pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, or sudden swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms can be serious and need prompt attention.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your menstrual cycle details (length, regularity, last period).
• Gather information about your medical and surgical history.
• Note any previous fertility tests or treatments you have had.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Choose a quiet, private space with good internet and device setup.
• Have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or specialist visits.
• Follow instructions for any prescribed medications or lifestyle changes.
• Monitor your symptoms and keep a health diary if advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms occur.
• Plan follow-up telemedicine or in-person appointments as recommended.

FAQs

What should I do if I don’t understand something during the video visit?

It's important to ask your healthcare provider to explain things clearly. You can ask them to repeat or use simpler words. Taking notes or asking for written information can also help.

Can telemedicine replace all infertility care?

Telemedicine is useful for counseling and education but cannot replace physical exams, tests, or treatments that need to be done in person.

Do I need to have my partner involved in the video visit?

Including your partner can be helpful since infertility often involves both people. However, it is your choice and depends on your comfort and situation.

What if I don’t have a good internet connection?

Try to find a place with better internet or consider using a phone call if video is not possible. Let your healthcare provider know if you have technical difficulties.

How long will the initial video visit last?

Typically, the first counseling visit lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your questions and the information shared.

Sources

1. Infertility — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Infertility Evaluation and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
3. Infertility FAQs — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What Should You Expect? — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for education and preparation only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.