Advice - asking GP for referral

[GrumpyFish]

We have been TTC #2 for 9 months (after conceiving DS first cycle 18 months ago, and very straightforward pg), and in that time have had one chemical preg and recently one miscarriage at 5+1.

GP has advised, as I think is standard, that he won't refer us for tests until we've been trying for a year (not sure how the MC impacts on this).

Obviously I'm hoping not to get to that point, but just wondering whether, if we do get referred, there is anything I could be doing now which would help. E.g. will they ask me to keep a detailed record of my cycle? And if so, how best to do this - temp charting? OPKs? Am suspicious that I may have a luteal phase defect (OV lateish in cycle), and really want to avoid getting a referal at a year only to be asked to keep detailed records for a few months or something before they'll do anything more.

Any advice / experiences much appreciated.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Be polite but firm with the GP and ask for a referral asap. It could take several months for you to be seen so it is best to get the ball rolling now.

They usually ask you general details regarding your gynae history and cycle.
You could keep a menstrual diary but record things on it like length of cycle and if you had any pain.

Would not use OPK's or take detailed temp charts along to the specialist; most of them don't bother with such things primarily because they are so unreliable. LPD is a controversial issue; some gynaes think it is a problem whilst others do not.

[GrumpyFish]

Thanks Attila that is useful to know

[livviloo]

In my local area if people are referred before 1 yr then it may get put on hold until then anyway unless there are any specific reasons for someone to be seen sooner (for example a known problem that may be detrimental to fertility).

The reason for this is that a significant number of people will conceive in months 9-12 of trying.

Services on the NHS, like it or not, are rationed and so a line has to be drawn somewhere . Not forgetting that uneccessarry investigations and treatments may carry risks(for example a laparoscopy and clomid)

GPs will referring as per local guidelines in many circumstances and do not always have the power to change these. If you want to be seen outside of these guidelines then it sounds like you may need to pay for this.

On the subject of guidelines the hospital also need to meet targets for waiting times to be seen once you are referred and in many areas this is much improved from a few years ago.

What you can ask your partners GP to arrange is semen analysis (often the reason referrals are held up in my area as partners like to avoid this one!) and some basic blood tests for you, including a progesterone test to confirm if you are ovulating.
all the best