Infertility: Setting Limits on Testing

Overview

Looking for a cause of infertility can be a brief process. Or it can become a financially, emotionally, and physically demanding series of tests and procedures. Before you start testing, think about how far you are willing to go.

Think about:

• How you feel about having invasive testing if your first sperm and blood tests find no infertility cause.
• What types of treatment you each might be willing to have.
• How much money you have to spend on testing; treatment; and pregnancy, labor, and delivery care.
• Whether you have other plans for parenting, such as adoption. Think about the time and financial resources needed to carry out your plans.

Ideally, your doctor will help you stop and assess your plan and options at each step of the way. If you feel that you're being pushed to make decisions without enough information or support from your doctor, think about finding another one.