When should you seek help for infertility?
When a couple decides to look into why they have not conceived, they should see the specialist together. Assessment is usually recommended after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, but earlier in some situations. For the woman: age 35 or older (after 6 months; immediately over 40), irregular or absent periods, signs of hormonal imbalance such as excess hair growth, known endometriosis, or previous abdominal or pelvic surgery such as appendicectomy or removal of ovarian cysts. For the man: previous pelvic or groin surgery, undescended testes, a history of mumps orchitis or severe genital infection, or known sperm problems.
Choosing a fertility specialist
Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important steps towards success, so it deserves careful research. Recommendations from other doctors and from people who have been treated, together with verified patient reviews, are a good starting point. A fertility specialist differs from a general gynecologist in focusing primarily on infertility, keeping up with the latest research and guidelines, having access to specialized tools for diagnosis and treatment, and working with structured treatment protocols, clear timelines and outcome review.
After the first visit, you can usually tell whether a doctor is right for you: they answer all your questions and concerns, give you time to talk and listen carefully, explain each step of diagnosis and treatment, and each visit ends with clear progress towards a plan.
The doctor’s responsibilities
The specialist should draw up a diagnostic plan to find the cause of infertility, then a treatment plan based on the results. The doctor should give the couple clear information in every way possible and time to ask questions, so they can take part in decisions and build trust. The doctor should also understand the emotional strain that infertility brings and treat the couple with respect and empathy.
The patient’s responsibilities
Patients should share all relevant information about their health fully and honestly, and follow the agreed diagnostic and treatment plan. Each plan is tailored to the individual, and skipping a step can undermine the whole plan.
It also helps to understand each step and its timeline, since uncertainty quickly leads to anxiety and loss of confidence. Make the most of each visit: prepare your questions in advance (writing them down is fine), bring copies of all previous reports and treatments, and ask the doctor to explain again anything that is unclear.
The first infertility consultation
The doctor asks both partners about their lifestyle and work, how long they have been trying, and any previous tests or treatment. Questions then cover intercourse: how often, any difficulties, and whether it is timed with ovulation.
The man is asked, for example: Has he had any injury to the testes? Any infections such as mumps or a sexually transmitted infection? Any erection or ejaculation problems, now or in the past? Any medical conditions or medications, including testosterone or anabolic steroids? Any abdominal or pelvic surgery? Does he smoke, exercise heavily or diet? Does he have children from a previous relationship?
The woman is asked about previous infections, medical conditions, medications, abdominal or pelvic surgery, smoking, exercise and diet, any previous pregnancies and how they ended or were delivered, and current contraception. She is also asked about her periods (regularity, pain, mid-cycle pain) and any unusual symptoms such as bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
The examination includes weight, height and body mass index (BMI), and a general examination looking for signs of chronic, endocrine or other diseases. This is followed by examination of the genital area in both partners for signs of infection, abnormalities or injury, and of the breasts for lumps or discharge. The doctor then requests the appropriate tests for each partner, typically a semen analysis, hormone tests, a pelvic ultrasound and an assessment of the fallopian tubes.
International Guidelines
In line with global standards, Dr. Sabry follows the latest recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Thus, patients receive care that is safe, ethical, and evidence-based.
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Why Choose Dr. Ashraf Sabry?
Dr. Ashraf Sabry, consultant in obstetrics, gynecology, fertility, and aesthetic gynecology, is recognized among the best OBGYN and fertility specialists in Cairo. With over 20 years of experience, he combines science and compassion to provide world-class care. Book your appointment through the contact page, WhatsApp, or call +201022224442.