Going to the GP for the first time

[StaceymAloneForver]

RIght me and DP have been TTC for about 18 months, I have 2 DC's with my XH, Dp has no children.

We're thinking of going to the doctors for fertility tests.

Problem being we are registered at different surgeries, will this make any difference?

Also could you give me some advice on what to expect please?

Thanks!

Being registered at different surgeries shouldn't make any difference, I know at least one couple on here who are in that situation. It can make it more awkward for some things I would guess - i.e. my GP gave me a pot and form for my DH to do a semen analysis without him going to the doctor himself. Not sure they'd have done that if we weren't registered at the same surgery.

As far as what to expect - for you probably blood tests, one on day 3 of your cycle, one on day 21 (or 7 days after ovulation). Maybe a test for some STIs, thyroid, etc. For your DP a semen analysis.

Then wait for results, if there's no obvious problems spotted, you'll probably be referred onto a consultant at your local hospital or infertility centre. If there are problems spotted, these may be addressed by your GP (i.e. thyroid problems) or again, referral on to other departments.

Just because you've had children in the past, does not discount you from potentially having any problems.

Do you chart your cycles at all? Take your temperature, note down dates of intercourse, or track your cervical fluid? If so, this information may help your doctor take you more seriously - i.e. you can prove you're having sex often enough, and at the right time that you should be pregnant by now. Temperature changes and cervical fluid can also show you're ovulating, and will show whether this is at the same time each cycle, the time between ovulation and your next period may also show if you have any problems with your luteal phase etc.

Just because you've had children in the past, does not discount you from potentially having any problems.

I agree - don't let the GP tell you the problem must be with your DH if you have children already!

if i started tracking emp (without a medical professional telling me to) my Dp would probably think i was insane, sounds silly but true.

We have sex at least once a day, every day that AF isn't present though, and have done since we met, well before we started ttc.

Thanks for the advice :)

i keep telling DP it could be a problem with me, but he won't believe me, he thinks it must be him. But Ds is 5yo now so my body has had 5 years to change.

Temping is a good way to get some idea about what is going on with your cycles. It's surely less insane to give that a go than for both of you to go through stressful and time-comsuming tests that cost the NHS money (and some of them like the HSG can be painful for some women)?

but surely there must be some problem if we have sex everyday and still no pregnancy?

we'll need the tests reguardless of temping surely?

You should do the tests either way, the charts just give your doctor more information about what the problem may be. It can be nice to prove to them you've been ovulating, and that timing isn't an issue for you.

Do you have a note somewhere of your cycles? Just the day your period has started each month? This also will be useful for them.

The initial tests are not particularly invasive, and are quick and easy to get done. Some people struggle to get their GPs to take them seriously, which is why I mentioned taking along any extra details you have.

If your DP does have some problems with his swimmers, sex every day may be causing some problems. For men with some issues sec every other day is recommended, as it gives the swimmers a chance to regroup :)

Go see your doctor, and good luck.