Not all men are created equal and that means not all men are comfortable talking about fertility, sex, semen, vaginal/cervical discharge, menstrual cycles and intercourse timelines. These are all subjects bound to come up in regular appointments with a fertility doctor, but even if he is uncomfortable should men have to attend these appointments?
From the First Moments
Being prepared for the first meeting is crucial for both men and women. Men can undergo spermanalysis before the appointment to rule out certain aspects of male-factor infertility. If his test comes back without problem that does not mean he’s off the hook for the fertility appointment, however.
Conception is a two-way street and parenthood lasts a lifetime, so men should be a part of the entire process if not for any other reason than partner support. Infertility can last a few months, years or more than a decade, so approaching the battle together, from the start, is the best option to keep your relationship on good terms.
How Can Men Prepare for Appointments
Before the first appointment, read up on infertility causes, factors and considerations. Spend some time looking at ways to improve fertility and start a fertility/intercourse journal. You will be asked about intercourse frequency so knowing just how often you have intercourse is a step in the right direction.
Talk with your partner about intimate matters that will come up during the appointments. Ask her questions about what’s happening and how far she wants to go with fertility treatments. Having a plan together is another great way to bond when times get tough or embarrassing.
Do men have to attend fertility appointments? The simple answer to this question is no. Men do not have to attend the appointments, though they will likely have to undergo spermanalysis at some point to ensure there are no issues on the male side of fertility. However, if you aren’t willing to go to the fertility doctor you may want to reconsider seeking professional help to conceive.