What tests do they do?

[philbee]

We've been trying for six months now, maybe seven (can't remember). I was 35 last month and I think now I can go to GP and ask for tests. But what tests do they do? And does DH need to come too? I would like the tests, but since my mc I can't face going and talking to doctors about that and about TTCing, it all just makes me feel too exposed. I'd like an idea of what they'll do before I go along. Thanks.

[TheAvocadoOfInteriorDesign]

I think the first thing is a blood test for you to see if your hormones are doing the right thing during your cycle and a sperm test for your DH, as far as I can remember.

Best of luck to you: it took us a while to begin with, but that's faded into distant memory as we now have 3 kids.

[philbee]

Thank you. And does DH have to be 35 too? He's a few months younger than me.

[TheAvocadoOfInteriorDesign]

I think it's your age that matters here - I was having trouble ttc when I was 26, and DH was early thirties - we tried for a year before asking for help. It takes long enough to get an appointment at the fertility clinic, so don't take it upon yourself to delay just because your DH is 34. (In fact, it took us so long to get an appointment at the clinic that I got pregnant first, which was the happy ending we'd hoped for).

[MCT76]

Hi, philbee...Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your mc. I can understand how sensitive this whole thing must be for you but remember that doctors and nurses are used to hearing and seeing everything so don't worry if you get a bit emotional.
I also started investigations at 35 (I'll be 36 next week so it's been going on for just under a year). My DH is 3 years younger so that's no issue as it's the mother's age (unfortunately) the one that plays a much more significant part in fertility.
In my experience, it is best to go together and to be as assertive as you can to request investigations. To begin with, they'll do bloods and a sperm test, as TheAvocado mentioned. If there is anything untoward in your gynaecological history, they might suggest other investigations but they usually try to postpone these as much as possible. In your case, it would be worth asking for a vaginal scan to check for PCOS and endometriosis and for an HSG to make sure your tubes are not blocked. I had to request these and be quite firm about it and it still took quite a while...I'm now on my first IUI attempt which is what you would get before being referred for IVF (3 attempts where I am).

Take a list of questions that you may want to ask your consultant and don't be afraid to 'push' a bit if you need to as sometimes it is the only way to get things in motion.

Good luck!

[eurochick]

In my area the GP sent me straight for blood tests on days 2-5 of my cycle and 7 days past ovulation. These were to check hormone levels and he also included a general screen for anaemia, thyroid, liver function, etc along with them in my case. He asked my husband to come in and get a referral for a SA. When he had done those (results were all normal) he referred us to a sub-fertility clinic. The clinic did a rubella test, TV ultrasound and HSG for me and a second SA for hubby.

[Pipbin]

My GP sent DH off for a SA. I had already had an ultrasound scan because of a cervical cancer scare.
We are going back on Wednesday for the SA results.

[lostboysfallin]

I'd tell them you have been trying for longer
I know you are 35, but 6 months isn't really a long time, they might try and fob you off and say it has to be 2 years.
The whole process could take a while, I wish I had done it a lot sooner.

Basically blood tests at certain times of the month, Semen analysis for your husband and then scans to check ovaries/ tubes etc.

Blood tests should be FSH, LH, AMH( sometimes) and progesterone I think

[pinkcactus]

The fact that you were able to conceive previously is good news .. it should suggest that your fallopian tubes are not blocked and from that point of view there shouldn't be a problem.
I had 'Day 21' tests done at my Doctors - which checks to see if you're ovulating. However, that assumes that your cycle is very regular on 28 days.. but you can also have a 'Day 25' or 'Day 28' test done if your cycle is longer.
I then went to a fertility clinic and was reassured that all was fine and just keep trying!
I'm 32 weeks now
Good luck

[pinkcactus]

ps I'm 45 years old and had a mc 2 years before conceiving .. so there is hope ! xx

[blackcatsdancing]

wow pinkcactus, you've given me hope. Thanks for your post and good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!

[philbee]

Thank you all. I think I will leave it two more months and then go and ask for the tests. lostboys - thanks for the advice to exaggerate but they can see from my record that I mcd in July so I can't add more than a month really.