15 Apr Your First Fertility Consultation at Pelargos IVF: What to Bring, What to Ask, What to Expect

Your First Fertility Consultation at Pelargos IVF: What to Bring, What to Ask, What to Expect

Walking into a fertility clinic for the first time carries a particular kind of weight. There is hope in it, certainly – but also uncertainty, a little fear, and often a very long list of questions that have been accumulating for months, sometimes years. You may have done extensive research online, spoken to friends who have been through IVF, or simply arrived with a file of test results and a quiet determination to finally get some real answers.

Whatever brought you here, that first consultation at a fertility clinic in Athens is one of the most important appointments you will attend in this process. Not because it locks you into anything – it does not – but because it sets the tone for everything that follows. The clearer and better prepared you arrive, the more your specialist can do for you in that room.

This guide is for anyone planning their first consultation at Pelargos IVF, whether you are based in Athens, travelling from elsewhere in Greece, or coming from abroad. It covers what to bring, what tests matter, the questions worth asking, and the things to watch for when choosing a fertility clinic in Athens.

Why the First Consultation Matters More Than You Think

The first consultation is not a commitment to treatment. It is a diagnostic conversation and a planning session. Your specialist is trying to build a picture – of your reproductive health, your medical history, your circumstances, and your goals – in order to give you honest, personalised guidance on what the most appropriate path forward looks like.

This distinction is important, because many people arrive at a first fertility consultation feeling as though they have already decided to do IVF and are simply waiting to start. In reality, a good first consultation may reveal that IVF is not the most appropriate first step, or that further investigation is needed before any decision is made. It may also confirm that IVF is exactly the right choice, and that treatment can begin soon. Either way, you leave the appointment with information – and that information has genuine value.

At Pelargos IVF, the first consultation is conducted by Dr. Harry Karpouzis, a fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist with extensive experience in IVF, egg donation, and the full range of assisted reproduction techniques. The aim of the appointment is not to sell you a treatment plan. It is to understand your situation and give you honest, evidence-based guidance.

What makes a first consultation genuinely productive is preparation. The more relevant information you bring with you, the more time your specialist can spend on analysis and recommendations rather than baseline data collection. This is where most patients lose the most value – arriving without records, without a clear account of their history, without questions written down. We want to help you avoid that.

Records and Documents to Send in Advance

If your fertility clinic offers the option to share documents before the appointment – and Pelargos IVF does – take full advantage of it. Sending records in advance allows your specialist to review your history before you sit down together, which means the consultation itself can be spent on discussion, questions, and planning rather than on basic information gathering.

The most useful documents to send in advance are any previous fertility investigations, including blood test results, ultrasound scans, and reports from any prior treatments (whether IUI, IVF cycles, or surgical procedures). If either partner has had a semen analysis, that should be included. Any previous gynaecological surgery reports – hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, myomectomy – are highly relevant and can change the direction of a consultation significantly.

If you have received a diagnosis – endometriosis, PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, unexplained infertility, male factor – bring the documentation that supports it. This includes any imaging (ultrasound reports, MRI scans), pathology results, and letters from previous gynaecologists or urologists. Even if the reports are several months old, they provide context that helps enormously.

For couples where one or both partners come from another country, bringing records translated into English is helpful if they are in a language other than Greek. This is especially relevant for international patients coming to Athens specifically to access IVF in Greece – a growing group, given the country’s progressive legislation, competitive costs, and high clinical standards.

You do not need to arrive with a perfectly organised file. A folder with whatever you have, sent a few days before the appointment, is already a significant advantage.

Tests You May Already Have (and Which to Bring)

Not all fertility tests are created equal, and not all of them are equally time-sensitive. Some results from a year ago are still entirely relevant. Others – particularly hormone levels tied to the menstrual cycle – may need to be repeated if they are outdated.

For women, the most clinically significant tests to bring are the following. AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone) is one of the most important markers of ovarian reserve, and its result – even if several months old – gives your specialist a baseline understanding of how many eggs your ovaries are likely to produce in response to stimulation. FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), ideally measured on Day 2 or Day 3 of the menstrual cycle, provides complementary information about ovarian function. If you have had a transvaginal ultrasound that included an antral follicle count (AFC) – a direct count of the small resting follicles in each ovary – that result is extremely valuable and should absolutely be brought to the consultation.

If you have had any previous pelvic imaging – whether for suspected endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, or a uterine anomaly – bring those reports and, if possible, the images themselves (on a CD or via digital transfer). Previous hysteroscopy or laparoscopy reports are particularly important because they tell the specialist exactly what the uterine cavity and pelvic environment look like from the inside.

For men, the most important document to bring is a semen analysis (spermogram). Ideally this should be a recent result, performed in a reputable laboratory. The semen analysis provides information on sperm count, motility, and morphology – the three parameters that most directly affect the choice of fertilisation technique (standard IVF versus ICSI) and overall prognosis. If a semen analysis has not yet been done, your specialist will recommend one as part of the work-up.

One category of tests that will definitely be required before treatment can begin – even if they are not needed for the first consultation itself – is the infectious disease screening panel. Both partners will need to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis. This is a legal and clinical requirement in Greece for all couples undergoing assisted reproduction. It is worth being aware of this early so you can plan accordingly.

Questions Worth Asking Your Fertility Specialist

A first consultation is also an opportunity to ask the questions that have been keeping you up at night. Many patients hold back, either because they feel they will sound uninformed or because they do not want to take up too much time. Please do not hold back. A good specialist welcomes questions – they reveal what matters most to you and help calibrate the conversation.

Some of the most useful questions to bring to your first consultation at a fertility clinic in Athens are these. What does my current ovarian reserve suggest about how I might respond to stimulation? Based on what you can see so far, what treatment path would you recommend – and why? Are there any additional tests or investigations you would want before starting a cycle? What are my realistic success rates, given my age and clinical picture? If the first cycle does not result in pregnancy, what would we do differently?

It is also worth asking about the practical aspects of treatment. How many visits will I need, and how frequently? What does the monitoring schedule look like during a stimulation cycle? What is the process for embryo transfer, and how will we decide between a fresh and a frozen transfer? If we are producing multiple embryos, what is the approach to embryo selection and storage?

For patients coming from abroad, logistics matter enormously. How much time do I need to be in Athens? Can some monitoring be done at a clinic closer to home? How does communication work between appointments? These questions are not secondary – they are part of what makes a treatment plan workable for your actual life.

Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Fertility Clinic in Athens

Choosing a fertility clinic is a significant decision, and Athens – as one of Europe’s leading destinations for assisted reproduction – has a growing number of options. Not all of them are equally transparent, equally experienced, or equally honest. There are a few things worth watching for as you compare.

Be cautious of any clinic that gives you a success rate without context. A headline number – “65% success rate” – means very little without knowing how that figure was calculated: which age groups, which diagnoses, fresh or frozen transfers, per cycle or per patient. A good clinic will give you numbers that are specific to your situation, not a marketing figure.

Be equally cautious of any clinic that moves very quickly to IVF without adequate investigation. A thorough first consultation will not result in a treatment plan handed to you in the first fifteen minutes. It will involve asking about your history, reviewing your tests, and sometimes recommending further investigation before committing to a course of action. Speed is not always a virtue in fertility care.

Questions about laboratory standards are worth asking directly. Embryology is largely invisible to patients, but it is where the difference between clinics is often most significant. Ask about the laboratory accreditation, the embryologist team, the culture conditions, and the approach to embryo selection. At Pelargos IVF, embryology work is carried out in collaboration with our partner laboratory IOLife, and we are happy to discuss our standards with any patient who asks.

Transparency about costs is also non-negotiable. You are entitled to a clear, itemised estimate of what your treatment will cost – including the stimulation medications, the cycle itself, any additional procedures such as PGT-A where medically indicated, and embryo storage. If a clinic is vague about pricing, that is a warning sign. You can ask for a clear overview of IVF costs in Greece during your consultation.

What Pelargos IVF Needs Before Building Your Treatment Plan

Before Dr. Karpouzis can design a personalised treatment plan for you, there is a core set of information the team needs. Think of this as the foundation on which everything else is built.

For women, the essentials are an up-to-date picture of ovarian reserve (AMH and AFC), a clear understanding of the uterine anatomy (ideally confirmed by ultrasound or prior hysteroscopy), a full menstrual and reproductive history, and any prior investigation results. For men, the core requirement is a semen analysis. For couples, the infectious disease panel for both partners will be required before treatment can begin.

Beyond the clinical data, the team also needs to understand your circumstances: whether you are a couple or a single woman, whether you are using your own eggs and sperm or considering donated material, and whether there are any legal considerations to address before treatment begins.

Under Greek law (Civil Code Article 1455), IVF requires a documented medical indication. This is not a bureaucratic hurdle – it is part of a legal framework designed to protect patients and ensure that assisted reproduction is used appropriately. For most couples and individuals who contact Pelargos IVF, the medical indication is clear from the outset.

For unmarried couples and single women, Greek law requires a notarial deed – a notarised statement of consent – before treatment can begin. For single women, this consent is a formal declaration of their intention to proceed with treatment independently. This document is relatively straightforward to arrange, and the team at Pelargos IVF can guide you through the process.

For patients considering egg donation, it is worth knowing that Greek law (Law 4958/2022) allows for anonymous donors, known or named donors, and a form of identity disclosure under which the donor’s identity may be revealed to the offspring at age 18. The legal framework is clear and well-established, and Greece is widely regarded as one of the most professionally regulated egg donation destinations in Europe. You can learn more on our egg donation Greece page.

Regarding age, Greek law permits IVF treatment for women up to the age of 54. For women over 40 considering IVF with their own eggs, there is detailed information available on our IVF after 40 page. For those exploring age limits and eligibility, our Greek-language guide on age limits for IVF is also available.

Can Your First Consultation Be Remote?

Yes – and for many patients, whether they are based locally in Athens or coming from abroad, an online consultation is the most practical and accessible first step.

Pelargos IVF offers two types of remote consultation. The first is a free 20-minute online consultation – a focused introductory call designed to give you an honest first assessment. To make the most of this time, patients are encouraged to share any existing test results in advance, or to mention them at the start of the call. This allows Dr. Karpouzis to come prepared and spend the time where it matters most: answering your questions and giving you a clear direction.

For patients who need a deeper conversation – perhaps because their situation is more complex, their history longer, or their questions more numerous – there is also a paid online consultation available at an affordable price. This session typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the case. It covers the same ground as an in-person appointment in full: a detailed review of your medical history and test results, a discussion of the most appropriate treatment path, and personalised guidance on next steps.

The key to making either type of remote consultation as productive as possible is the same: preparation. Sending your records in advance, having your questions ready, and ensuring a stable internet connection with a quiet space for the call will make the conversation significantly more useful. Results of AMH, FSH, AFC ultrasound, and semen analysis – if available – should be shared before the call.

For patients coming to Athens specifically for IVF – whether from the UK, Germany, the Middle East, or elsewhere – a remote first consultation followed by a personalised written treatment plan can make the logistics of the entire process significantly smoother. You can ask our team about the overall logistics of IVF in Athens to get a sense of what to expect when you arrive.

When you are ready to take that first step, booking is simple: Book your consultation at Pelargos IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to book a first consultation at Pelargos IVF?

No referral is required. You can book directly through our online booking system or by contacting us. If you have been referred by another doctor or clinic, bring any relevant documentation they have provided – it will be useful context for your consultation.

What if I do not have any test results yet?

You can still attend a first consultation without any prior test results. Dr. Karpouzis will take a full medical history, perform or order the relevant investigations, and advise you on what is needed before a treatment plan can be finalised. Coming without results simply means the first consultation will focus more on history-taking and investigation planning.

Can a single woman access IVF at Pelargos IVF?

Yes. Under Greek law, single women can access IVF treatment using donor sperm. A notarised consent document is required before treatment begins. The team at Pelargos IVF can guide you through this process and advise on all the legal requirements relevant to your situation.

How long in advance should I book my consultation?

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly if you are planning to travel to Athens for treatment. For a remote consultation, availability is generally more flexible. You can check current availability and book directly through our online system.

Will my consultation be confidential?

Yes. All consultations at Pelargos IVF are fully confidential and governed by strict data protection standards in accordance with GDPR and Greek medical privacy legislation. Your personal and medical information will never be shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

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The first consultation is not the end of the beginning – it is the beginning of clarity. You have spent enough time searching, worrying, and wondering. A single, well-prepared appointment with the right specialist can change the entire shape of what comes next.

Pelargos IVF is a fertility group committed to giving every patient – regardless of where they come from or how they arrived at this point – honest, individualised, and evidence-based care. We look forward to meeting you.

Book your first consultation today.