Fertility tests

Hi how are you getting on with the provera @callypally?

I have now done a full month of my prolactin meds so I'm back at the consultant this Tuesday afternoon to hear if my levels have dropped as a result. And am 5 days into my TWW so of course crossing my fingers!

Hi @ItNeverHappened
It sounds as though you're in a similar boat to me!

I also have irregular periods (haven't had one for 5 months now!) and when I originally went to the doctor I had all the bloods done, I also had a slight high prolactin level result (around the mid 500s). I've always had irregular periods tbh, but it never bothered me until I've been TTC, I was also on the pill for 9 years, so that kind of made me forget!

I'm 30 and have been TTC for 9 months now, originally I went to the doctor about my irregular and lack of periods, so I was lucky to be referred really, but my doctor was nice and understanding! It was pretty obvious I wouldn't easily be able to get pregnant if I don't have periods for 5 months!

I'm at the beginning of my journey though to be honest, I've only recently had my infertility gynaecologist appointment. She's put me on tablets called Provera to try and bring my periods back. I'll need to have more blood tests and She's also asked me to have a hycosy (cameras with the dye scan) in a few months when my periods should be back.

They think that I most likely have PCOS, but I suppose the tests will find that out in due course!

Have you had any more tests done? Also did you chat to your doctor to understand your blood results so far?

Hi @ItNeverHappened I was diagnosed with PCOS because I had bleeding throughout my cycle which turned out to be polyps which were harmless and removed but when they were investigating that they diagnosed PCOS

Prolactin was because my periods stopped

I have had the same issue with prolactin again recently so back on meds but doctor told me it would go down to normal level in 4 weeks, I have a blood test on 20th to confirm this so hopefully that will be the case

I haven't had a baby so I'm not the best example to use, I have ttc for 15 months, we had a miscarriage a while back
But given my prolactin hasn't been right but I have only just found out that, the doctor seemed confident that was the issue

My view is that when your hormones are all
Over the place if can't be easy to conceive. So getting them regulated can only help

Hope of help

Hi @ItNeverHappened I have elevated prolactin (around 1300), I think normal is up to 490 so your 550 although too high isn't crazy high. My doctor told me she has seen people with 3000+. Anyway, what I wanted to say is that until I got my prolactin sorted I had very irregular periods. At one point, years ago, they stopped altogether for over 6 months. So maybe that's what is causing your irregular cycles. I also have PCOS and I believe that's why my cycles, although regular, are quite long. But the good news is you can get medication prescribed quite easily for both issues.

Pco is not a diagnosis, but a variant of normal physiology.

Your bloods aren't very indicative of pcos. Do you have physical symptoms of it? Is your weight an issue? Excess hair? Male pattern baldness? Bad skin?

@Itneverhappened - YES. One dominant follicle per cycle is totally normal!!! Because only one egg is released every cycle and each follicle contains one egg... If you had two dominant follicles, that is how fraternal twins happen.

It seems as though you are close to ovulation, judging by the size of the dominant follicle.

Another word for follicle is cyst - because follicles are simply small sacks of fluid, like a cyst. So it means there are some follicles that are not dominant (ie, bigger than others) in your right ovary. Nothing more. This can be pretty typical at this point in your cycle, or could indicate a multicystic ovary (which I've already explained can be found in up to 30% of women - and so is not in and of itself indicative of anything at all).

@Lawton89 - it's a very strange attitude to have that you want multiple invasive tests instead of a simple sample in the cup from your partner. What if you go through multiple surgeries/ prods/ tests/ scans and nothing is found and only months later does your partner do his test to find that there is a problem with him???

You need to be treated as a couple!

Not sure what you mean by 'sort your hormones out' as there isn't much of a magic bullet for that. You won't be prescribed clomid (which increases chances of ovulation which would cause higher progesterone levels after ov) if he doesn't have a test, because there isn't much point getting you to ovulate (btw all those drugs have potentially dangerous side-effects for you) if his swimmers are an issue.

I highly suggest you read 'taking charge of your fertility' as it seems like you might have some misconceptions...

It depends how many 'non-dominant' follicles but could be indicative of polycystic ovaries. Pco should NOT be confused with pcos!!!! Up to 30% of women have pco and it causes no issues whatsoever!

Pcos is a hormone (endocrine) disorder and one symptom can be pco (but some people with pcos don't have pco). It is diagnosed through having two of the following three criteria: pco, an lh:fsh ratio of 2:1 or higher, physical symptoms.

In and of itself, one polycystic ovary is indicative of nothing.

@Lawton89 you can't see endometriosis on ultrasound (apart from certain types of adhesions). You have to have a laparoscopy.

The sperm test, you can do at home and just get the specimen to them within a time limit but your OH would need to be registered somewhere.

Hi,

Excuse my first post but I am in the same boat in that we have been trying now for over 18 months and just wanted to say good luck for your results if you haven't had them yet.

Iv had a lot of blood taken, ultrasounds and still none the wiser. I have been cleared for PCOS but haven't yet had Endometriosis ruled out, would have thought it would have been after my internal scan?

What I do know is that I have really low to next to no proeastrogen levels so unlikely to be ovulating, my dr keeps writing to the hospital for advice and rather than give him advice they just request I am referred.

Only thing missing is Sperm test which whilst my partner is happy to do I feel is a last resort I'd rather try less invasive processes first as I'm only nearly 30 (we cant get him registered at the local drs anyway as they are full) and I'm frustrated they cant just sort my hormone levels out.

So I just wondered if anyone else has similar circumstances and if theres another route I can take.

I have read on here too that whilst it helps ovulation it also is vital in the development of the pregnancy if it was to happen.

Been trying for #2*

It took a while to conceive our DS. I had bloods done and ultrasound. Husband had sperm count done (he was fine. I have polycystic ovaries).

Been trying for 4 months (although we were not not trying for 7 months) and now undergoing investigation for endometriosis. My laparoscopy is in May (unless I fall pregnant first 🤞). Am aware it could take us longer though.

Good luck with your testing :)

The HSG was no worse than a smear test, I too was worried sick (thanks Dr Google!) about it being very painful, so I took a couple of painkillers about 20 mins before. I had no blockages, so I can't say it wasn't painful because of that. I did have some gunk (the dye stuff) come out for a day or so, but got pregnant 3 weeks later. Fingers crossed for you!

@TeaforTwoBiscuitOrThree i have read alot of that about the hsg scan.
I would love that to happen!!
Does the hsg scan hurt? I am a complete wimp! X

Hi Hun, we went through the process of scan (PCOS and fibroids confirmed), put on Low GI diet, HSG (no blockages), sperm test (lazy buggers) and blood tests. Just as we were to head down the adopt/IVF road, I fell pregnant, soon after HSG (it cleared away cobwebs, so to speak and even the gynea performing the procedure told me to 'get on with it, now they have blown away some cobwebs). Good luck and try to stay positive.

Hiya @ItNeverHappened how did your appt go.
I met with the doctor (she was lovely) took down all mine and hubbys info

I have a transvaginal scan now booked and also trying to book in a H.S.G
All had all my blood taken it feels like and hubby has been referred for sperm analysis; although that appt is in july so we are hoping to get one sooner through the Gp at another hospital or we will pay for it.

She is currently thinking endometriosis and if after the H.S.G shows my tubes are open then it will be key hole surgery to look into endo!!

She also said i am definitely not ovulating because of how crap my periods are (my words not hers)

Hope yours went well xx

Hiya,

My doc just sent me for a full run down of blood tests. She said its hard to do the date one as i never know where i am in my cycle.

In my head i just presume i'll go to my appt in march the doc will give me a prescription for miracle tablets and in a few months i'll be pregnant!! I know that is so not going to happen but need to have some optimism!

I know i am in for more appts and scans etc.
But like you i just want to know whats going on so we can try and sort it.

I am overweight and going to slimming world as i know they will say this is a factor and i do want to be in best possible health for a baby.

You can go private and get partners sperm tested its around £140 and you get the results the same day. Its alot of money but might be easier for you maybe?

Be great to keep each updated on our progress etc
X

Just to pick up on something - when you say your partner doesn't have the right documents to register with a gp, are you suggesting he's in the uk illegally?? In which case, he doesn't qualify for assisted reproductive technology unless he has ilr, pr or citizenship. You are treated as a couple.

He needs to sort of his status/ documents.