First Gynae / Fertility Hospital appointment - what to ask?

[InThisTogether]

Hi all,

We've been ttc for about 14 months now and having done a fertility test on DH ("satisfactory" hooray!) thankfully my GP has taken me seriously and referred me to the Fertility section of my local Gynacology dept at the hospital tomorrow.

I really want to maximise the opportunity to get / give information and make sure that I'm not wasting time as appointmnet waiting times are around 3 months and each month seems like a wasted chance when I get my inevitable period.

What info should I take there?
What info should I ask them?

I have had quite a few hormone tests (Day 21's etc) over the years at my GP's surgery - can I expect them to have these on record?
I will take my ovulation dates and (irregular) period dates on my Period Tracker app, should I write them down to help them?

Sorry I have so many questions , I've always found the ladies on this board lovely and I thought you might have some advice?

Thanks all in advance!

[donnanoble84]

hi there.
am going through same thing. the 1st appointment we just talked about things and then an internal and bloods took again. nothing to worry about but they want they results.
write questions down as its alot to take in on your first time x

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Both of you should go to the initial appointment if at all possible (such appointments can cause considerable nerves so you can also give each other moral support). It usually consists of the gynae and or nurse taking your medical histories and asking about your gynae history (i.e asking about irregular periods, any severe pain etc).

Any test result done over 6 months ago should be discounted. You can certainly show them your period tracker dates also and they will certainly ask about your irregular periods.

I would write down anything you want to ask of them no matter how trivial it may seem to be. Take notes. You do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked that".

Further investigative tests for both of you are usually arranged at this appointment. Both of your investigative tests should run in tandem to each other.

[donnanoble84]

ive just been for my 2nd appoingment and been given colmid. anyone know much about it??? x

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Have you now got a diagnosis of the underlying problem?.

Did they properly explain why you were given this drug treatment?.
Clomid is usually given to women who present with ovulation problems.

You should be monitored (with ideally both blood tests and ultrasounds) whilst on clomid as its actually quite powerful stuff; no monitoring is unacceptable.

[InThisTogether]

Hi all,

they've done me some very thorough tests (VERY!) and diagnosed me with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (via ultrasound). Told me to lose weight (BMI under 30 - I'm at 31.3 so not too far to go), tested me for androgens (male hormones?), testing me for historical clymidia antibodies (can cause infertility), send DH for another semen analysis (just to be thorough) and referring me for 6 months of clomid soon (in next 3 months).

I'm so happy they're taking me seriously and feeling optimistic that we have a plan for the future.
Bless the NHS (sometimes)!