IVF Process: What to Expect at Your First Fertility Appointment

Clear, compassionate guidance from your first visit to possible embryo transfer

Starting fertility treatment can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t know what to expect. Questions like “What happens at my first appointment?” or “How does IVF actually work?” are completely normal. At Kinderwunschzentrum Dresden, we aim to demystify the process. In this article, we walk you through your first fertility clinic visit and explain each step of the IVF journey—clearly, empathetically, and medically grounded.

What Happens at the First Fertility Clinic Appointment?

Step one: Consultation, not commitment

Your first visit is about building trust, understanding your personal story, and identifying next steps—not rushing into treatment.

How to book your first consultation:

• Book easily online via Doctolib, by phone at +49351/5014000, or through our contact form
• Choose between in-person or video appointment
• Please complete the medical history forms online in advance using Meditex Survey—so our doctors can prepare thoroughly
• You can find data protection information on doctolib here.

We schedule appointments for initial consultations Monday through Thursday, both morning and afternoon, and on Friday only in the morning. If you would like to see a specific doctor on our team, please let us know.

If you are unable to keep an appointment, please cancel it by email or telephone in order to give other patients the opportunity to make an earlier appointment.

Checklist for your first visit with us:

• Fill out medical history forms from the comfort of your home and return digitally prior to your appointment
• IMPORTANT: in addition, complete the following registration forms and bring them with you to your appointment.
• Health insurance cards of both partners
• Vaccination cards of both partners
• Documents of already performed examinations, findings and plans of previous therapies
• Please hand in the registration forms/disclosure forms at the reception desk. If possible, each couple is always seen by the same doctor. We also welcome single women who are thinking about artificial insemination.
• We schedule 15 minutes per ultrasound examination. If you require additional consultation, please make a separate appointment.

Plan about 60–90 minutes for your first visit, including time for discussion and initial tests.

What Will Be Discussed?

• Detailed medical history and menstrual cycle overview
• Previous fertility evaluations or diagnoses
• A chance to meet your care team and ask questions
• Possible initial tests: blood work, ultrasound, semen analysis
• First impressions of treatment options, timing, and estimated costs

💡 Tip: Bring any prior medical documents. They help us tailor your diagnostics and treatment plan faster.

The IVF Process – Step-by-Step

From testing to embryo transfer: how a typical IVF journey unfolds

Every IVF journey is tailored to the couple—but many follow this general timeline:

1. Diagnostic Phase
   • Cycle monitoring, hormone testing, semen analysis
   • Fallopian tube assessment (e.g., HyCoSy)
   • Genetic testing if needed
2. Treatment Planning
   • Review of diagnostic results
   • Choosing the right method: IUI, IVF, or ICSI
   • Preparing a cost plan and insurance application
3. Ovarian Stimulation
   • Hormonal medications to mature multiple eggs
   • Regular ultrasound monitoring
4. Egg Retrieval
   • Outpatient procedure under light sedation
   • Mature eggs are collected
5. Fertilization in the Lab
   • IVF: eggs and sperm combined in a dish
   • ICSI: a single sperm is injected directly into each egg
6. Embryo Culture
   • Fertilized eggs develop over 3–5 days
   • Embryos are assessed for quality
7. Embryo Transfer
   • The best embryo is transferred into the uterus
   • Quick, painless outpatient procedure
8. Luteal Support & Pregnancy Test
   • Hormonal support to aid implantation, if necessary
   • Blood pregnancy test after 12–14 days

Booking and Billing Information

No pressure, no rush—just clarity

• First appointments can be booked online via Doctolib
• You choose whether you prefer video or in-clinic consultation
• Public insurance covers first consultations
• Private insurance usually covers the full amount for your initial consultation

Common Questions – Answered

What should I expect at the first appointment?

A relaxed but detailed conversation with your doctor. We’ll review your history, do some initial diagnostics, and map out your next steps.

What does the first appointment cost?

Public insurance covers first consultations. Private insurance usually covers the full amount for your initial consultation How long does IVF take from start to finish?

• Diagnostics: 4–8 weeks
• Treatment cycle (IVF or ICSI): 4–6 weeks
• Wait time after embryo transfer: 2 weeks

What happens after my first appointment?

If fertility treatment is indicated, we’ll develop a personalized medical and financial plan. Treatment can begin soon afterward if you're ready.

Tailored to Your Needs

Every journey is unique

Whether you’re facing unexplained infertility, PCOS, a history of miscarriage, or emotional strain—we see the whole picture. We meet you where you are, and walk alongside you as you move forward.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t need all the answers yet—you just need to start the conversation.

Let’s explore your options together. Our medical team is here to listen, support, and guide you through every step of the IVF process with clarity and compassion.

👉 Book your first consultation online now – confidential, flexible, and no obligation.