What you can do

1 • Write down your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to kidney stones.

2 • Make a list of all your medications, as well as any vitamins or other supplements that you take.

3 • Take your wife or partner along, if possible. Your partner can help you remember something that you missed or forgot during doctor's appointments.

4• Find out whether you have a family history of fertility problems. Having a male blood relative, such as your brother or father, with fertility problems or other reproductive issues may give clues to the cause of fertility problems.

5 • Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What do you suspect may be interfering with my ability to father a child?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible reasons my partner and I haven't been able to conceive a child?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• Will my partner also need tests?
• What's the best treatment for my condition?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow more time to cover other points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

• At what age did you start puberty?
• Have you had any sexual problems in this relationship, including difficulty maintaining an erection, ejaculating too soon or not being able to ejaculate?
• Have you ever fathered a child?
• Have you had a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal?
• Do you use illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or anabolic steroids?
• Have you been exposed to toxins such as chemicals, pesticides, radiation or lead, especially on a regular basis?
• Are you currently taking any medications, including dietary supplements?
• Do you regularly take hot baths or steam bath>

Don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment when you don't understand something.