First doctors appointment on Friday. Please share your experiences with me!

[Figaro82]

After 15 months ttc, I thought it was about time I saw the doctor. I know its only an initial meeting but I want to make sure I get as much from it as possible and that I get things progressed as quickly as possible. Have any of you ladies got any suggestions of any good questions to ask or suggestions on how to get them to act quickly?

Hi figaro

I'm in a similar position... Ttc for 13 months and no luck, my appt with gp is 4 april. By which time I'll either be late, just started period, or pregnant! I'm hoping they'll refer me straight on as I've got endometriosis.

Apparently you need to be clear how hard you've been trying (i.e. Every 2 days throughout cycle) and any problems you know you've had, in order to get pushed through quickly. On the nhs website they say when you should consult your gp, so go armed with this so they can't fob you off.

Not sure what other advice to give. I've been told to take husband, and records of cycle.

I hope your gp treats you well. I feel better just for having made the appointment!

Thanks Nellie! Will have a look at the NHS website. I have a BUPA health assessment through work on Thursday and they will do some basic fertility tests (found this out this afternoon!).

I feel better too! It feels like your doing something about it, doesn't it?!

I hope you don't have to go to your appointment and that you get your BFP!

You might need to be a wee bit stubborn.

Mine got DH to do an SA first and the test me afterwards.

I did have to be a little be forceful though. Are you taking your DH with you?

My first GP appointment I went alone. GP asked a few questions about how long we had been trying, my general health, whether either of us had ever had any pregnancies etc. He then sent me away with an appointment for an internal examination and some bloods and DH was asked to come in to book a sperm analysis which then happened three weeks later. It took between 10-12 weeks to get from initial GP tests to the actual appointment with the fertility consultant at our hospital.

I think different docs will go about things in different ways to be honest. For example, my GP wanted DH tested and basic stuff i.e. diabetes and thyroid done on me but no checking on ovulation etc whereas my friend who sees a GP at the same surgery had ov tests first then was packed off to the hospital for a HSG - they didn't ever test her DH at all, she fell pg after they HSG. Good luck!

You should get asked about your cycles regularity etc. whether you have ever been pregnant. Any problems medical and sexual. Whether you are having regular sex every 2-3 days. Any family history of medical problems. Basic bloods day 2-5 ish for LH and FSH probably 'day 21' helpful for consultant. DH should have sperm analysis. Should be done together as one both or neither of you may have a problem picked up in primary care and even if your bloods say we're abnormal that does not mean DH sperm will be normal. Good luck look at NICE guidelines before you go

Thank you ladies for the advice! Its just me going. I did ask the receptionist if my partner should come and they said not this time. Going to have a read of those guidelines. Appreciate the tips and advice!

Be frank and honest. They need the full picture. They've heard worse.

BUPA will act quicker (smaller waiting lists), but if you turn out to have pcos or endometriosis or similar you may not be covered for more than diagnosis as they're considered chronic conditions by many health insurance schemes. Check carefully.

Just thought I would let you know that my appointment went well :). I had a really nice understanding doctor. I'm booked in for day 21 bloods and been referred for an ultra sound. Thanks for the help ladies!