What to expect at your fertility and IVF services consultation
A guide to your first fertility and IVF services appointment with a fertility specialist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand fertility specialist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the fertility specialist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the fertility specialist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: New patient appointments are typically 60 minutes; review consultations 30 minutes. A full IVF cycle takes 4–6 weeks.
Fertility care covers investigation of subfertility, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) including ICSI, frozen embryo transfer (FET), preimplantation genetic testing, donor sperm and egg programmes, and fertility preservation (egg or sperm freezing). A typical investigation pathway includes blood tests, semen analysis, pelvic ultrasound and a tubal patency test before deciding on treatment. Outcomes vary considerably with patient age, ovarian reserve and underlying diagnosis.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your fertility specialist
Fertility specialist services in New Zealand are medical specialty work regulated by the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) Act 2004. Assisted reproductive procedures must be provided through a clinic licensed by the Advisory Committee on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ACART) and overseen by a fertility specialist with a vocational scope of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and reproductive endocrinology training. Verify the fertility specialist on the MCNZ register and confirm a vocational scope of Obstetrics and Gynaecology with subspecialty fertility training (Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility). Confirm the clinic is HART-licensed and ask for current self-reported live-birth rates by age band — reputable clinics publish these and discuss them honestly. Outcomes vary considerably and no clinic can guarantee a pregnancy. You can search the public register at mcnz.org.nz at any time.
Plan your fertility and IVF services treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside fertility and ivf services:
Fertility and IVF services: questions
What happens at a fertility and IVF services consultation?
Fertility care covers investigation of subfertility, ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) including ICSI, frozen embryo transfer (FET), preimplantation genetic testing, donor sperm and egg programmes, and fertility preservation (egg or sperm freezing). A typical investigation pathway includes blood tests, semen analysis, pelvic ultrasound and a tubal patency test before deciding on treatment. Outcomes vary considerably with patient age, ovarian reserve and underlying diagnosis.
How long does a fertility and IVF services consultation take?
New patient appointments are typically 60 minutes; review consultations 30 minutes. A full IVF cycle takes 4–6 weeks.
What should I bring to a fertility and IVF services consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
Most New Zealand fertility specialists accept self-referrals — your GP can write a referral if you have a complex history or are seeking funded specialist input.