Establishing a timeline is a good first step when beginning fertility treatments. Couples should consider how many treatment cycles they are willing to try and/or how many they can afford. It helps if you openly share feelings and opinions, and approach infertility as a team. Treatment decisions are much easier when made by partners who are committed to the same goals.

Timelines and the path a couple chooses to take depend on their unique circumstances. Other people may offer advice and opinions, but only the couple can decide the treatment timeline that will work for them. Keep in mind that a timeline is not written in stone and it may change as information is gathered during evaluation and treatment.

When constructing a timeline, couples should ask themselves these questions:

• How do we feel about treatment?
• How does the treatment mesh with our spiritual and moral beliefs?
• Will we pursue more than one treatment option simultaneously?
• How far in the process will we go?
• What are our financial constraints?
• What kind of support system do we have?
  

To help make decisions, couples should ask a fertility specialist these questions:

• What is the recommended number of cycles for each treatment option that is being considered?
• What length of time, if any, is there from one treatment cycle to the next?
• How does age affect our timeline?
• What are the chances of getting pregnant with each treatment option?
• How much will it cost to follow this treatment option?
• What are the risks associated with each treatment option?