First appointment with fertility specialist tomorrow - nervous !

[36plusandtrying]

Hi all,

Been TTC for 1year, no joy yet. Had initial tests with GP, DH (43) suboptimal sperm count. My (36) AMH is a little low. So been referred to a specialist, feel really nervous and like I will burst into tears. Makes it worse that I've just got my period. I know that 1year is a really short time to be TTC, but we were advised to not wait due to our age. Any advice on what to expect ?! Thanks all x

[Scottishgirl85]

Lots of questions and booking in of more tests and a scan for you, another semen analysis for your husband. They'll probably take your weight etc. I cried at every appointment and I think it helped progress our case as I was a mess! Loads of luck to you x

[36plusandtrying]

I had a scan prior to the GP referral, will I need to have another one ? Thank you for your advice, dreading it x

[Scottishgirl85]

It depends when the last scan was done, what kind of scan, if the results have been given to your new consultant and what else they decide to investigate. I do remember I was examined during my first appointment, which I hadn't been expecting. The consultant just wanted to check how my cervix felt? I wasn't prepared and hadn't shaved my legs! 😁 Honestly nothing to worry about, it will just be a more elaborate appointment than you've had with GP. Once all results are gathered they'll discuss next steps in terms of treatment. If you already have a lot of results within last 3 months they may already start to mention treatment options. But mostly our first appointment just repeated a load of tests, which took time due to the requirement to be on certain cycle day etc. Then after that one appointment at hospital and all results gathered, we were referred to ivf clinic. You'll feel so much better after tomorrow, as the ball has started rolling x

[Scottishgirl85]

Our issue was only sperm count, so I didn't have to have any other fancy scans to check tubes etc, it was straight to ivf for us.x

[36plusandtrying]

Thank you. My last scans were 1-2 months ago. God I hope they don't examine me !! Surely not when I've got my period .... I'm off to shave my legs ! Lol x

[physicskate]

Just don't expect much. We had a pretty thorough history taken. I had a scan. They only ordered three blood tests: FSH, chlamydia and rubella immunity. And a sperm analysis for DH.

It doesn't feel like those three tests would lead to a diagnosis as such (although the scan did show polycystic ovaries, which I would have thought would be followed by FSH/LH tests.... but hey I'm just an amateur).

Next appointment for me is 10 weeks after the first. Perhaps so close because they didn't order many tests??

So I think it varies widely!!!