So when you first go to the doctors

[Robotindisguise]

What actually happens?

I'm over 35, so my GP has said to come and see her after 6 months of unsuccessful TTC. Now that's looming, I'm beginning to wonder what will actually happen?

they'll try to build up a picture of your background re your cycles etc, you'll go for some blood tests and your partner will get his 'sample' looked at. I can't recall exactly- at that point I never got the results of my blood tests as found I was pg- good luck x

Hello, this was my (long!) write up from my recent trip to the docs that i put on another thread. although I am younger than you so may be different (I've just copy and pasted:

The GP was actually very nice, I've read so many horror stories of people being spoken down to or told that basically nothing will be done etc I was really worried but he was really nice and said that very first off, before anything, he would get DH to get a sperm test. DH was supposed to come with me but had problems with work so couldn't so he will have to go in separately. I thought that way was a bit odd because I always hear about women having bloods etc done first but he said that he preferred to do it the other way round as tests for women are so much more invasive so it avoids me being put through bloods/scans etc if it then turns out to be DH. We then went through my cycles, whether I knew how to spot ovulation and my 'symptoms' in terms of ovulating and periods etc and he seemed reasonably convinced that everything was working as it should in that respect which is good. He then said, 'really, you mustn't worry, so many women become stressed very quickly and there really is nothing wrong, it just takes some a while longer than others' then finished with 'don't worry, you WILL have a baby' and smiled. And that was pretty much it. Came out feeling very positive and understood/calmed/reassured by it all. He wasn't rude or patronising or off in anyway and that really was what I was expecting having heard so many horror stories as I say. GP did also say that they are erring towards asking people to wait 2 years these days before tests as they find starting tests usually ends up in people getting pregnant during the whole process and he pointed out that at 28 I am still plenty young enough not to need to be worried. DH is not so pleased that he has to go first :D but it's the easiest thing to rule out so that's fair enough.

Thanks both x

You will get blood tests (ie/ the commonly known CD21 test which isn't necessary done on CD21 but 7 days after you think you ovulated) which measures your progesterone levels. There is also the CD3 blood test which looks at your FSH and LH levels. Depending on where you live they should refer you to the fertility clinic for further diagnostic tests and for DH to produce a sample.

Are you charting or using OPKs or anything to see when in your cycle you ovulate? Have you tried the SMEP (sperm meets egg plan?) basically involves LOTS of sex ...

I am charting and using OPKs. 26 day cycle, OPK+ day 13, looks like I ov on day 14 which means a less than ideal luteal phase, but not too dreadful. Oh and we used preseed last month but not this one.

What's the sperm meets egg plan?

A 12day luteal phase is perfect!!

Oh really? I thought it had to be 14... Shows what I know

You don't really need a special plan. SMEP is basically sex every 2 days from cd 8 to 18 with a few bonus shags for good measure when you get the positive opk and the next two days. Unless you actually need a lubricant, you can probably skip the preseed. Although it won't hurt and might help.
Any luteal phase higher than 10 days is no cause for concern. If you have a regular cycle I would strongly recommend using ovulation testing or even a Clearblue fertility monitor. And reading up on fertility awareness so you can track your body's signs throughout the month.

MY GP started by doing day 3 and 21 tests for me and then asked me to send the bloke in for a semen analysis. They didn't show any problems so he referred me to a gynae. The gynae then sent me for a t/v ultrasound, HSG, rubella immunity test and asked for a repeat SA from him.

Neither asked much about my cycle. I think the gynae asked average cycle length.

euro what's an HSG?