Just been referred to fertility centre

[Seventytwoseventythree]

Hi all,

Hope this is the right place. My husband and I have been investigated by our GP for inability to conceive, all the tests have come back fine except 21 day progesterone (and done again later in cycle as I have long cycles) which shows I’m not ovulating (have had FSH, testosterone, thyroid, prolactin and husband has had sperm analysis). GP has been really good and referred us straight to the fertility unit at the hospital. Having done a bit of research I realise I may now be looking at ovulation induction by clomid. I’ve seen the clomid support thread which is very useful. Just wondered if anyone can offer any information about what will happen next? Will the fertility unit need to do more tests? If you had to have clomid how long did it take to get going roughly (appreciate everywhere is different)? I’m finding this all a bit stressful.

Thank you.

[Explorers10]

Hi I just had my first fertility appointment on Monday. Basically had a discussion about how long I’ve been trying to conceive and about all my test results. He also said I’m not ovulating. The consultant just gave me 6 months worth of clomid to help me ovulate to take on day 2-6 of my cycle and to ring up on day 1 of my cycle to book an ultrasound to check if I’m ovulating on day 10 to 14. He said another appointment in 6 months.

Could be different in your clinic but that’s what happened to me. No further tests were taken. Just my height and weight.

[Seventytwoseventythree]

@Explorers10 thank you!

[Seventytwoseventythree]

@Explorers10 and good luck with the clomid

[Explorers10]

Let me know how your appointment goes, be intrigued if it goes differently!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

The fertility centre would ideally like to see the two of you together on the initial appointment. I would write down any questions you want to ask well ahead of time. No question is daft and you do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked about …".

BTW were your LH levels tested and compared against that of FSH?. I see no mention of LH so thought I would ask.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost and you should also be fully conversant as to why such tests and treatments are being offered. A common cause of long cycles is a condition called polycystic ovaries. It is highly likely that both of you will be tested again by the clinic; any results over 6 months old tend to be discounted.

[Embri]

Hi, we went last week to our first fertility clinic appointment (at the local hospital gynae medicine department)

Out appointment was a little frustrating really if I’m honest. We had a 12 week wait for this appointment, where we were seen by a nurse, we didn’t see the consultant at all.
The nurse asked loads of questions about past medical history, conceiving history, and then basically ordered more blood tests, a repeat sperm analysis and a HSG and said we would have another appointment in about 12 weeks with the consultant.

It is clear that it is male factor with us. The sperm analysis was really poor in every area, my husband had an undescended testicle which was only rectified by surgery when he was 6.. new guidance is it has to be done before the age of 2, preferably before 12 months old!! We know we need ICSI from his results without a consultant telling us! 🙄

It’s annoying that it’s 6 months from referral to fertility clinic to actually seeing a consultant, but I guess by having a nurse at the first appointment to ask all the questions and book further tests it keeps the more important appointments free for the consultant?!

I know this seems to be a different experience to the others who have posted on here so I hope that you have a more positive experience and see a consultant first time!

[Embri]

Hi, we went last week to our first fertility clinic appointment (at the local hospital gynae medicine department)

Out appointment was a little frustrating really if I’m honest. We had a 12 week wait for this appointment, where we were seen by a nurse, we didn’t see the consultant at all.
The nurse asked loads of questions about past medical history, conceiving history, and then basically ordered more blood tests, a repeat sperm analysis and a HSG and said we would have another appointment in about 12 weeks with the consultant.

It is clear that it is male factor with us. The sperm analysis was really poor in every area, my husband had an undescended testicle which was only rectified by surgery when he was 6.. new guidance is it has to be done before the age of 2, preferably before 12 months old!! We know we need ICSI from his results without a consultant telling us! 🙄

It’s annoying that it’s 6 months from referral to fertility clinic to actually seeing a consultant, but I guess by having a nurse at the first appointment to ask all the questions and book further tests it keeps the more important appointments free for the consultant?!

I know this seems to be a different experience to the others who have posted on here so I hope that you have a more positive experience and see a consultant first time!

[Seventytwoseventythree]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like it can be very variable!