The doctor told about the ways to prepare for the first appointment with a reproductologist.

For a productive appointment with a reproductologist, it is necessary to collect all available medical information: discharge after surgery, results of ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs, information about hormones and infections. Olga Gorskaya, a reproductive therapist and medical director of the +1 Clinic, told Izvestia about this on February 19.

According to Gorskaya, a consultation with a reproductologist is necessary for a patient if pregnancy does not occur within 12 months of regular sexual activity without protection (for women under 35 years of age). Other reasons for applying are cases of miscarriage, known health problems, or planning to preserve fertility before cancer treatment.

"A reproductologist is not just about IVF. This is a specialist who deals with the entire history of pregnancy planning: from finding the reasons why it does not occur or is interrupted, to choosing the most gentle and effective way to give birth to a child," said the reproductive doctor.

As the expert emphasized, it is recommended to collect all available medical information for a productive reception. The folder should contain extracts from the operations performed, the results of ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs, data on hormones and infections, as well as the conclusions of other specialists if there are chronic diseases. The old test results are valuable for assessing the dynamics of health status, she added.

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"A common mistake is to take "everything they recommend on the Internet" or a huge list of tests from a random article before the first appointment. As a result, half of the studies turn out to be superfluous or performed on the wrong days of the cycle and using the wrong methods. In most cases, it is not necessary to take special tests before the first visit, their volume and timing will be determined by the doctor after a conversation and examination," the specialist said.

The doctor clarified that the initial visit usually includes a detailed conversation, an analysis of the documents brought and a gynecological examination with ultrasound. For the most accurate assessment of ovarian reserve, the period from the 4th to the 10th day of the menstrual cycle is considered ideal, however, a consultation can take place on any day.

Gorskaya also recommends writing down all the disturbing symptoms and questions in advance, as important details may be forgotten due to anxiety. The doctor will ask about the duration of planning, past pregnancies, lifestyle and hereditary diseases, and the outcome of the appointment should be a clear plan for further actions and examinations.

On January 28, Gunai Salayeva, a reproductive therapist, obstetrician-gynecologist, and gynecologist-endocrinologist, called habits dangerous for women's health. Smoking accelerates the depletion of the ovarian reserve, leads to early menopause, damages eggs and reduces the likelihood of conception. In addition, women who smoke have increased risks of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, placental abruption, premature birth, and low birth weight.

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