---
title: "The First Visit: What to Expect at an Arbor Consultation"
date: "2026-06-21"
modified: "2026-10-08"
medically_reviewed: "2026-10-08"
canonical_url: "https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation"

# Author Authority
author: "Shvetha Zarek, MD"
author_title: "Reproductive Endocrinologist"
author_credentials:
  - "Doctor of Medicine"

# Organization & Authority
organization: "Arbor Fertility"

# Content Classification
content_type: "Medical Education"
schema_type: "MedicalWebPage"
evidence_level: "Physician-Supervised Clinical Protocols"

# Patient Reviews
aggregate_rating: "4.9"
review_count: 105
---

# The First Visit: What to Expect at an Arbor Consultation

## Table of Contents
* [Who you'll meet](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#who-you-ll-meet)
* [What we'll talk about](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#what-we-ll-talk-about)
* [The tests you might leave with](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#the-tests-you-might-leave-with)
* [When costs come up](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#when-costs-come-up)
* [How to prepare](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#how-to-prepare)
* [What happens after](https://www.arbor-fertility.com/articles/first-visit-what-expect-arbor-consultation#what-happens-after)

---

Your first visit to Arbor Fertility is a conversation, not a sales pitch. Every new patient gets a 30-minute consultation with Dr. Zarek and the team — reviewing your history, discussing your goals, and mapping out realistic next steps.

You'll leave with a clear understanding of what tests we recommend, what they cost, and what timeline to expect. No pressure, no surprises. Here is exactly how that hour tends to go.

## Who you'll meet

Your consultation is with Dr. Shvetha Zarek, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist — not a coordinator or a sales rep. That matters. The person reviewing your history is the same person who will design your treatment plan, so nothing gets lost in translation.

If you're coming as a couple, both partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you're building your family solo or with a donor, you'll get the same 30 minutes focused entirely on your path.

## What we'll talk about

The first half of the visit is history and goals. Expect questions about your menstrual cycle, any previous pregnancies or losses, prior fertility testing or treatment, family history, lifestyle, and — just as important — your timeline and what success looks like for you.

From there, the conversation turns to a plan. Dr. Zarek will explain which path fits your situation, whether that's [IUI](/what-we-do/iui), [IVF with ICSI](/what-we-do/ivf-with-icsi), [egg freezing](/what-we-do/egg-freezing), or simply more testing before any decision. You'll hear the honest trade-offs, not a one-size-fits-all upsell.

## The tests you might leave with

Many patients leave the first visit with a concrete diagnostic plan already in motion. Depending on your history, that can include:

- **Bloodwork** to check ovarian reserve (AMH), thyroid, and other hormone levels
- **A transvaginal ultrasound** to count antral follicles and look at the uterus and ovaries
- **A semen analysis** when there's a male partner
- **A saline sonogram or HSG** to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, scheduled for the right point in your cycle

You won't be guessing about what comes next — you'll have an order list and a reason for each item.

## When costs come up

We bring up money on purpose, early, and in plain numbers. Before you leave, you'll know what the recommended tests cost and what a treatment cycle would run if you choose to move forward. Arbor's pricing is transparent by design — the same figures are on our [pricing page](/pricing) and in the room with you. If financing is on your mind, we'll point you to [treatment financing options](/patients/financing) during the visit, not after.

## How to prepare

You don't need much, but a little prep makes the hour count. Bring any prior fertility records, lab results, or imaging if you have them. Jot down your questions in advance — it's easy to forget them in the moment. And know your menstrual cycle dates, since some tests are timed to specific cycle days.

## What happens after

You leave with a written plan, a cost picture, and a clear next step — usually scheduling your diagnostics or booking your first treatment cycle. There's no obligation to decide on the spot. When you're ready, our team handles the coordination so you can focus on the decision, not the logistics.

Ready to start the conversation? [Book your consultation](/get-started) and we'll take it from there.