1 year of trying...GP appointment Monday...what to ask?

[shelbelle100]

I am looking for some advice for my GP appointment on Monday from you lovely lot! DH and I have now been trying for a year - the first 5 months we were more relaxed then since Jan we have stepped it up - ov testing, temping etc. I have had one ectopic pregnancy earlier this year and aside from that nothing.

I have made an appointment with my GP for monday to try to start the reams of fertility tests that we have to have before assisted conception. I am just wondering if someone who has been through this could guide me on what to ask for/expect?

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Just explain the background. Don't embellish how long you've been trying or anything. Depends on your area sa to whether they do basic tests then refer or refer and then test. I had bloods first- hormones to check levels aren't.affecting ovulation and DH had Sperm analysis. Then after another six months (nb my GP.checked progesterone over 3 cycles and it took ages for the sa) we got.referred to gynae endocrinology clinic. They did a Hsg (dye to see if tubes are blocked) and fanny cam to look at my ovaries. They repeated some bloods and waot

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Just explain the background. Don't embellish how long you've been trying or anything. Depends on your area sa to whether they do basic tests then refer or refer and then test. I had bloods first- hormones to check levels aren't.affecting ovulation and DH had Sperm analysis. Then after another six months (nb my GP.checked progesterone over 3 cycles and it took ages for the sa) we got.referred to gynae endocrinology clinic. They did a Hsg (dye to see if tubes are blocked) and fanny cam to look at my ovaries. They repeated some bloods and waiting for repeat sa for DH at present. Guess then we'll go back. Hope that helps*

[whomovedmychocolate]

Your GP will ask the right questions, you should be sent for a sperm test a day 21 test and be asked about your cycles. You should also ask for a referral to a gynaecologist because it's been over a year (it can take a while to get an appt so insist on being referred now).

There's a brilliant book called Dr Zita West's Guide to getting pregnant which really helped me and also explains all the tests etc. It's a very positive book which can be helpful when medical science can seem a bit grim and unhopeful.

[CleanSheetsAndSmoothLegs]

Faithbaby has it right. Just be honest about everything. It helps to have info to hand for things like usual cycle length, usual period length, any history of menstrual dysfunction. Weight and general health, too.

I was sent off for a battery of blood tests and a go on the dildo cam, then offered medicines to try to get my cycle into shape. And DP had a semen analysis to rule out male factor infertility. After six months of tablets and still no bfp, the GP then referred me to a consultant for further investigation.

[shelbelle100]

Thank you all for the advice. I have been feeling really down about it all but I think it helps to do something positive - at least it is a step in the right direction!

[CleanSheetsAndSmoothLegs]

Yes, I know what you mean. I always feel newly positive and reinvigorated after each medical step. Let us know how it goes.

[havealittlefaithbaby]

I'm with cleansheets (ooh I've just realised who it is! Hiya!).
Even this cycle the disappointment of af was easier to take because it meant.I could book my Hsg. Hope it all goes well.

[CleanSheetsAndSmoothLegs]

;)

And likewise I almost wouldn't mind my period turning up, because I could see if my recent ovarian drilling has worked, even though obviously getting it would mean I wasn't pregnant.

[whomovedmychocolate]

and also hold onto this - there are many thousands of women who have felt as desperate and shitty as you do now and gone on to become parents, me included. And you forget all this, you really do. All the pain and disappointment just vanishes when you just somehow manage to pull off the big pregnancy trick. You'll do it. I'm sure by Christmas you'll be all round and slightly vomity :)

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Also may help to know 80% if women.get pregnant within a year of trying, 90% in 18 months.(It probably seems more people from MN aren't successful because lots people tend to join MN after a while of trying!). So most GP's make a fertility clinic referral and end up cancelling it!

[shelbelle100]

Thanks again for all of the help and advice - I will def look into Zita West. I will let you all know how I get on on Monday. I am feeling much more positive now though.

[Keziahhopes]

Hi - just to add that the dr should do blood tests to check any physical reasons why not conceiving for you:
prolactin
thyroid
full blood count

• these things can easily be sorted with medication.
  

Other bloods are the day 3 and day 21 (well 7 days post ovulation, day 21 test it is known as beign based on a 28 day cycle). The dr may well order this for you more than once, to check.

Even if you get referred straight to a fertility unit it is worth getting the gp to run these tests before you even see a consultant. Gp should order a semen analysis for your dh/dp also.

All the best.

[NoMoreWasabi]

Are you looking for NHS or private assisted conception? If you want to go private immediately and pay for the tests yourself then you'll find it a lot quicker to get the GP to do a referral straight away.

[farfallarocks]

Good luck. Just got back frm my GP. We have only been trying 5 months but had an early miscarriage last month and pretty convinced my hormones are out of whack (short cycles, brown spotting for 4 days before AF, short luteal ohase~

I had a whole spiel ready as I was convinced she would pack me off and say to wait another 6 months but she was lovely.
I had list of blood tests and she agreed to do all of them. Said there was no point waiting another 6 months if there was a problem. Good luck!

[shelbelle100]

Hi, just a quick update. I popped along today to the appointment and I have been referred for blood tests on day 5 and day 22 (i have a 30 day cycle). Also a sperm test for DH - he has to call in to arrange that though - I think he is dreading it but I keep telling him that that is the least of our worries!!!! Thanks again for the help and advice - I was dreading it thinking that I would have a real fight on my hands and that they may make me wait until 1 year after the ectopic....but they were really happy to refer me. Now off to research Zita West info!

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Glad to hear things are moving forward :) tell DH it's worse for him now but when they put dye and a camera up your fanjo you've definitely got a worse deal!!!
I'm toying with zita myself....

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Fertility guru..made a fortune by writing book(s) on.fertility and diet and stuff. She has clinics and sees people. You can spend a mint on buy her vitamins too.

[havealittlefaithbaby]

I like tcoyf, it was like a penny dropping! I dunno some people swear by Zita, hey it's cheaper than private ivf!

[havealittlefaithbaby]

That day came for me a year after ttc.

[havealittlefaithbaby]

Ah no after 19 months (!) I have no fear of divulging. I had to do something new to change the odds...currently in the investigation phase. What fun. That's it though! Bfp this month! :)