Becoming pregnant is a combination of various factors for both man and woman. A couple that comes to us will have the various aspects of their fertility checked, such as: ovarian function, Fallopian tube function, uterine implantation, sperm function. For fertility tests, it is important to check all these aspects simultaneously. Only then can we form a correct judgement on the fertility of a couple and then give the right advice.
The course of the consultations can be outlined as follows:
Initial contact with your fertility doctor
At the initial consultation, the medical history of the man and woman will be charted using a questionnaire. A number of tests will be planned. If a couple has already been tested by their own GP or gynaecologist, they should bring a copy of these tests with them. At the end of the consultation the doctor will outline how the tests will proceed and run through the possible treatment options.
Practical info : An initial appointment takes more time and will be carefully planned. This can be done on any day off the week and on thursdays also in the evening
For an appointment, tel. 02/8910956 or e-mail info@fert.be .
Test phase
The various tests are carried out. For the woman, these tests will be carried out according to her cycle. For the man, a sperm cell test must always be carried out by appointment through the Cebiodi lab or at the consultation in Etterbeek 02/734.53.34 (monday evening)
Consultation 2: evaluation of the testresults
During this consultation, the various results will be reviewed. The doctor will indicate where there are possible disturbances in fertility and whether these can be rectified. Your fertility doctor may also propose further tests to get a better idea of the fertility problems. The doctor will also estimate the couple’s chances of pregnancy without any medical intervention. He will also present the possible treatment options and what these can offer the couple in terms of their chance of pregnancy. The aim is to jointly reach a decision on a possible treatment.
The treatment phase
This can be:
Wait-and-see policy: e.g. for a young couple with no serious disturbances in fertility and a recent desire to have a child
Surgical treatment: e.g. if the tests reveal an abnormality that is eligible for surgical correction. This can be done through you own gynaecologist or by a specialised fertility surgeon if needed.
Medically assisted procreation (ovulation induction-insemination-ivf):
your fertility doctor will clearly explain what the problem is and what you can expect from the treatment. He will refer you to the fertility midwife for an intake discussion. The details of the procedure are discussed here.
Psychological support
Everyone has to get used to it when it becomes clear that getting pregnant is not a given. You feel unsure, and the self-worth of manhood/womanhood is dented. Not everyone is readily able to talk about this to their partner, family and/or friends. You feel isolated. This often puts pressure on the relationship. Sexuality can also suffer.
Ms S. Tas is a psychotherapist and is trained in dealing with sexual problems. Se offers support to people who are in need. She is affiliated with the St John hospital and has consultation on wednesday morning. Tel : 02/8910956
Dr. A. Botson is a doctor and sexologist, and offers support to couples with more severe stress or psychiatric disorders. She is affiliated to the Sint-Jan clinic and offers consultations at the Terranova site. Tel. no. for appointments: 02- 221 99 81.