Starting infertility investigations

[justmetwice]

I would appreciate any help about what happens, as I really do not know.

Have been ttc for over 1 year. Went to GP who recommended I get blood tests. Did 2-5d and 21d bloods and was told it is 'all normal'. She said she will refer me for further fertility tests. [Husband will be doing his sperm tests in a couple of months - there is a 4 month waiting list for him].

Can anyone advise what kind of tests/options there are?

If it helps I am based in West Herts. Any info would be welcome.

[pteradactyl]

Hello

I would say the probable next steps are SA for your husband as you say and then they will do a hycosy or hsg most likely to check that your womb is correctly formed and that your tubes aren't blocked.
The results of these will all shape the decisions your fertility team will make. Ok sperm and ok womb etc you will probably be advised to try for another year. Problems with sperm is quite often an IUI/IVF/ICSI recommendation depending on the problem. If your tubes are blocked and sperm is fine they may do a lap and dye procedure to investigate further and try to repair any problems. Blocked tubes and low sperm would again be IVF in a lot of cases as it bypasses the tubes and this is what we had, I was advised against a lap and dye as there can be risks and with a low sperm count it is unlikely fixing me would result in a pregnancy anyway.
I do want to reassure you though, none of these tests are particularly invasive in the first instance and although my hsg was painful most people don't find it painful at all so try not to worry! Oh and good luck :) x

[Frazzled2207]

After blood tests and husband getting the all clear I had a basic scan to check I was ok and then the hsg. Nothing dodgy found though my husband's swimmers turned out to be a bit under average quality. I did get pregnant soon after that though (twice).

[Frazzled2207]

Btw the actual process and order will depend entirely on where you are and your CCG's policy.

[justmetwice]

Thank you! This is greatly appreciated. Would the ccgs have their policy freely available? I could only find the ivf policy (1 cycle) but nothing else

[pteradactyl]

You can check. Mine has an ivf referral flowchart that shows the various stages