What to Expect at Your First Fertility Consultation in Jacksonville
Your first fertility consultation is a comprehensive 60-90 minute appointment where a reproductive endocrinologist reviews your medical history, conducts diagnostic testing, and develops a personalized treatment plan. At F.I.R.M. in Jacksonville, Dr. Kevin Winslow and our team use evidence-based diagnostics to identify the causes of infertility and recommend the most effective path forward for your unique situation.
Your first fertility appointment is designed to answer your questions, identify potential obstacles to conception, and create a clear roadmap toward pregnancy. During this initial consultation, you’ll meet with a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist who will take a detailed health history, discuss your fertility goals, order diagnostic tests, and outline treatment options tailored to your medical profile and timeline.
[1] Most first appointments last 60 to 90 minutes and include both consultation time and initial assessments.
Written by Kevin Winslow, MD — Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Medical Director, F.I.R.M. F.I.R.M. has served Jacksonville families for over 35 years, helping more than 20,000 families achieve pregnancy, and was recognized in Newsweek Best Fertility Clinics 2026.
What Should I Bring to My First Fertility Appointment?
Bring your medical records, a list of current medications, menstrual cycle information, and any prior fertility test results to maximize the value of your first visit. Your physician will review previous diagnoses, surgeries, and treatments that may affect fertility, so having comprehensive records ensures nothing is overlooked.
[2]
Essential items to bring include:
- Complete medical history for both partners, including prior pregnancies, miscarriages, and sexually transmitted infection screenings
- List of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you currently take
- Menstrual cycle tracking data (cycle length, regularity, symptoms)
- Results from any previous fertility testing, such as semen analysis, hormone panels, or imaging studies
- Insurance cards and photo identification
- Written questions you want to address during the appointment
If you have a partner, both individuals should attend the consultation whenever possible, as male factor infertility contributes to approximately 40-50% of all infertility cases.
[3]
What Happens During the Fertility Consultation?
Your fertility specialist will conduct a thorough interview covering your reproductive history, lifestyle factors, and fertility goals, followed by a physical examination and discussion of diagnostic testing. This comprehensive assessment allows the physician to identify potential causes of infertility and recommend appropriate next steps.
[4]
Medical History Review
The physician will ask detailed questions about menstrual patterns, previous pregnancies or pregnancy attempts, contraceptive history, chronic health conditions, surgical history, family medical history, and lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress levels. For male partners, the review includes questions about prior testicular injuries, infections, medication use, and occupational or environmental exposures.
Physical Examination
A basic physical exam may include measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure, along with an evaluation for signs of hormonal imbalances such as excess hair growth, acne, or thyroid abnormalities. For female patients, a transvaginal ultrasound is often performed during the first visit to assess ovarian reserve, measure antral follicle count, and check for structural abnormalities like fibroids or ovarian cysts.
[5]
What Tests Are Ordered After the First Consultation?
Diagnostic testing typically includes hormone panels, ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, and imaging studies to identify specific fertility factors. These tests provide objective data that guides treatment recommendations and helps predict treatment success rates.
[6]
| Test Type |
What It Measures |
Timing |
| Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) |
Ovarian reserve and egg supply |
Any day of cycle |
| Day 3 FSH and Estradiol |
Ovarian function and egg quality |
Cycle days 2-4 |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound |
Antral follicle count, uterine structure |
Early follicular phase |
| Semen Analysis |
Sperm count, motility, morphology |
After 2-5 days abstinence |
| Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) |
Fallopian tube patency, uterine shape |
Cycle days 5-10 |
| Thyroid Panel (TSH) |
Thyroid function affecting ovulation |
Any day of cycle |
Most patients complete initial testing within one menstrual cycle, allowing the physician to review results and finalize a treatment plan at a follow-up appointment 4-6 weeks after the initial consultation.
How Long Until I Know My Treatment Plan?
Most patients receive a complete diagnosis and personalized treatment plan within 4-6 weeks of the initial consultation, once all diagnostic tests are completed and reviewed. The timeline depends on the complexity of testing required and coordination with your menstrual cycle for time-sensitive tests.
[7]
Your treatment plan will include specific recommendations based on your diagnosis, such as lifestyle modifications, ovulation induction with oral or injectable medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), or surgical interventions to correct anatomical issues. Your physician will explain success rates for each option, typical timelines, and associated costs, and will work with you to align treatment with your personal goals and budget constraints.
Ready to take the first step?
Schedule a consultation at (904) 399-5620 or request an appointment at fertilityjacksonville.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a fertility specialist in Jacksonville?
Most fertility clinics, including F.I.R.M., do not require a referral, though some insurance plans may require one for coverage. Contact your insurance provider or call our office to verify your specific requirements before scheduling.
How much does a fertility consultation cost?
Consultation fees vary by provider and insurance coverage; contact F.I.R.M. directly for current pricing. Many plans cover diagnostic testing but not all treatment procedures, so reviewing your benefits beforehand is recommended.
Should my partner attend the first fertility appointment?
Yes, both partners should attend whenever possible, as male factor issues contribute to nearly half of infertility cases. Joint attendance ensures both individuals understand the diagnostic process and participate in treatment decisions.
What if I’ve been trying to conceive for less than a year?
Women over 35 should seek consultation after six months of trying, while women under 35 are typically advised to try for one year before evaluation. However, anyone with known risk factors such as irregular periods, endometriosis, or prior pelvic infections should consult a specialist sooner.[8]
What records or test results should I bring to my first fertility consultation?
Bring any prior bloodwork (FSH, LH, AMH, TSH, prolactin), semen analysis results if available, recent imaging such as HSG or pelvic ultrasounds, a history of any prior pregnancies or miscarriages, surgical records related to reproductive health, and a list of current medications. F.I.R.M. can request additional records on your behalf if needed.
Taking the first step toward fertility care can feel overwhelming, but a thorough initial consultation provides clarity, answers, and a personalized roadmap toward your goal of parenthood.
Schedule a consultation at (904) 399-5620 or request an appointment at fertilityjacksonville.com.
Written by Kevin Winslow, MD — Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist, Medical Director, F.I.R.M. Updated January 2026.
References
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnostic Testing for Female Infertility. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/diagnostic-testing-for-female-infertility/
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Evaluating Infertility. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/evaluating-infertility
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. What causes male infertility? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/causes
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Optimizing Natural Fertility. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/optimizing-natural-fertility-and-fertility-awareness/
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Testing Ovarian Reserve. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/06/testing-and-interpreting-measures-of-ovarian-reserve
- Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Infertility Evaluation. https://www.srei.org/patients/patient-resources/infertility-evaluation
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Fertility Evaluation and Treatment. https://www.reproductivefacts.org/topics/topics-index/infertility/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infertility FAQs. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm
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