Test results back, how do I get more detail?

[Norfolkbumpkin]

Dh and I had the respective blood/semen fertility tests two weeks ago, and I have just phoned the GP surgery to ask if the results had come back yet. The receptionist said they had both come back as normal, and advised that she could not give more detail than this as was not qualified to do so. She added that as the results said normal it would be uneccessary for the gp to need to see us. From reading everyone elses posts on here regarding results, I assumed that the information would be detailed and we would get the opportunity to see it. Should we ask to speak to our GP or the hospital, or just accept the 'normal' response?

[IslandIsla]

I would make an appointment with the GP to discuss further, you don't need to argue it with the receptionist - just don't tell her what the appointment's for!

[Norfolkbumpkin]

I did explain that the tests were for fertility rather than a straightforward positive/negative so would assume that there would be more info than what she had in front of her. She replied that I should just leave it at 'normal' and assume there was nothing to worry about.....

[onedaybaby]

Hi, I have this problem with the receptionists, but although I get a funny look when I ask, they print the results off "for my personal records" so you could try that.

[helenlouisey]

I would also ask for a copy of the full results, I did this, and at least I could put my own mine at result by doing my own research and checking they were in fact normal.

Also blood/semen analysis are just the first steps of investigating infertility. It's great if they have come back fine, but if you have been trying for a while, which I assume you have, then there are other test which now need to be performed, usually you GP would refer you to a sub fertility unit who would coordinate things from here.

I would ring up and ask for an appointment with your GP and go in and ask to be referred for more testing, such as a scan and HSG for yourself.

Good luck

[Norfolkbumpkin]

Thanks all for your advice. Will speak to GP.

[mummyabroad]

I would definitely request a copy - I have seen more than one lady on MN post that she was told results were "normal" and later read them and got diagnosed (elsewhere) with PCOS.

In this condition it is the ratio between two hormones that is important (LH:FSH should be 1:1, high LH on day 2 is an indicator of PCOS) So the numbers can fall into the "normal range" column because at different times of the month and read on their own, they are normal. If the receptionist is just looking to see if any numbers are out of the "normal range" column then she could be completely wrong in her intepretation. Also there is always some descrepancies about what is "normal" a quick google will show that ranges in the US are different from the UK and research papers are always questioning and changing the number anyway.

I found www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html#female this very useful

Hope you get answers