How do I know when it is time to be referred to a fertility specialist/clinic?


If you are under 35 years old and have been having unprotected sex for 1 year: if you are over 35 and have been having unprotected sex for 4 to 6 months: if you are any age and have a problem known to be associated with infertility and have been having unprotected sex for 6 months, you should speak to your doctor about a referral to a fertility specialist.

What is the typical wait time before my first appointment?


The typical wait time for the initial consultation is one to three months.

What is the process for couples?


We encourage couples to attend visits together as both will be involved in the process. After the initial consultation, both partners will be tested. The details can be found in our Pathways to Fertility.

Following the preliminary testing, will you be able to tell my partner and I our probability of conceiving a child?


After the preliminary testing, you and your partner will be seen for a discussion of the results and at that time we also have a discussion of treatment options and their probability of success.

Is it normal for the semen/sperm to run out of the vagina after intercourse?


Yes it is normal for the semen and dead sperm to run out of the vagina after intercourse. The sperm that are capable of fertilization will already have begun to swim forward through the cervix and uterus to the tubes. The excess fluid will leak out of the vagina.

Do I have to lay down with my legs and buttocks elevated for a long time after sex to make sure the sperm move forward?


No, it is not necessary for you to elevate your legs and buttocks after sex but it is a good idea to lie down for 5 minutes as studies have shown that it takes 3 to 5 minutes for the sperm to swim from the vagina to the Fallopian tubes.

What if I don’t have a partner but still want to have a child?


Once the initial consultation and investigations are completed, if you wish to consider use of a donor for eggs or sperm, we will be able to help arrange that for you.

Do you take same sex couples?


Yes, learn more here.

Can we choose a particular sex for the child?


In Canada, sex selection is not allowed for ethical reasons and thus we do not offer this service.

Will my partner and I be expected to make any lifestyle or dietary changes as a part of the process (e.g. quit smoking)?


You and your partner will often be required to make lifestyle changes. Smoking and excessive use of alcohol, recreational drug use has been shown to affect both egg and sperm quality and thus we would advise quitting these. We also generally recommend a healthy well-balanced diet with limitation of processed foods, high fat and high carbohydrate foods. There may be some interaction between herbal supplements and some of the drug treatments used and thus herbals are best avoided.

Are there common side effects with the prescribed medication, if yes, what are they?


There can be side effects to any medication and the specific details will be discussed at length with your doctor prior to use.

What is your conception success rate?


Pregnancy success rates will vary greatly depending on the patients’ age, diagnosis, and type of treatment.

Do you see patients who are not Ontario residents?


Yes we see patients who live in provinces other than Ontario. Ontario has a reciprocal arrangement with all other provinces in Canada except Quebec. Therefore, if you live in another province (except Quebec), your consultation and most of the investigations will be covered.

Is the clinic open on weekends and holidays?


The clinic is open on weekends and holidays for cycle monitoring and intrauterine inseminations only. We do not do consultations on weekends.

How much will it cost?


The initial appointment and most of the investigations are covered by OHIP. Any further costs will be determined once a diagnosis has been made and a treatment plan has been outlined. These costs will depend on the particular medication you will need and/or any particular procedures you will require.

How do I pay for services not covered by OHIP?


Services not covered by OHIP would include some tests, medications, and some procedures. You may have coverage through your insurance provider at work. Typically this would include medications, and possibly some tests, but less likely procedures. If you are paying for any services on your own, we accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, Bank draft, or Money order. We would be happy to discuss this in more detail if necessary.