Semen analysis

[Anypointinseeingdoc]

I went to the GP last week and had bloods done as I don't think I am ovulating. DH wants a semen analysis, but the GP won't refer me due to the fact that I have children already, so can the GP arrange for the sperm analysis without referring him? I know the semen has to be dropped off within a certain time and I can't see how that would work with the GP surgery. Does anybody know how this works in this situation?

I suspect the problem lies with me but it is probably worth getting him checked out.

I'd see another GP at the same practice and request the referral. do you mean your Dh has children already? Gas your Dh requested a referral or have you asked for him? I can't understand why previous children on either side means he can't be referred. Seems little point only investigating one of you.

I should have explained a bit better. We have two children together, and I am 39, so we can't be referred on those grounds. DH is going to the GP next week some time.

Secondary infertility can happen to anyone though. If your GP is following guidelines all you can do is go private.

Thanks, Chub. Can you just go private for a SA?

Thanks, Maples. I think we might do that straight off because I can't see how the GP could order a SA without referring him, because you can't exactly drop it off at the surgery.

Sending him to the GP sounds like a good plan but you may end up having to go private. You don't get referred as such you get the kit from the GP and drop it off at the hospital and the results end up back at the gp. I think the GP will tell the hospital to expect you too (though not at a particular time). So if GP won't agree (and it depends on your PCT's policy) you will be stuck without going private. Fingers crossed dh will persuade the gp (and see a different one to the one you saw).

There's absolutely no reason why your GP should refuse to offer an SA or any tests for you. You are potentially still of childbearing age and you have the right to be checked out whether you have children or not. You don't have the right to IVF on the NHS but that's different. Private SA testing costs around £90-£100 and can be a pain if you don't live anywhere near the private clinic.

I had a battle with my GPs over tests too. I was 39 at the time and concerned that our first child, conceived at 37, took around 2 months TTC whereas I haven't had any luck with no.2 for over a year. They tried to blame my age/eggs (didn't even ask if DP had been tested) but as it turned out DP does have quite serious fertility issues, discovered after I asked him to test so we could rule him out! We'll never know if he had these 3 years ago and we just got lucky but we are at least getting to the cause of our secondary infertility. If it's at all reassuring (which it isn't for me, unfortunately) my hormones seem fine and I have quite a healthy antral follicle count and a good-ish AMH/FSH level for my age so the GPs weren't fair to suggest that it was down to my duff eggs. (Although I'm sure all this would have been easier if life was perfect and I had started a family with Mr Right at 27 instead of 37.)

Good luck and keep pushing.

definately push for sperm analysis and also for basic blood tests on you. It is only that you cannot have fertility treatment on NHS not investigation. though it is a bit hit and miss

Thank you all, this is all very helpful stuff. I didn't know I could have investigation on the NHS as the doctor made it seem like they were doing me a massive favour by taking the bloods at all. I will keep pushing then.

Somebody asked yesterday if I wanted more children and I said oh yes and I nearly started telling them this whole story of what has been happening and then I thought that was probably oversharing so I stopped but I would rather not keep all this to myself.

Clicking, I hope it happens for you soon.

DH had SA at the London Fertility Centre. £130, results by post 2 days later. Was very easy to arrange, just call and make an appt.

Thanks, Anypoint; appreciate that.

I really think it's worth trying to save yourself over £100. We were given the pot by the GP then DP did the sample at home and I drove him to drop it off at the local hospital (all took less than an hour). Results take a week. Our GP didn't hesitate in offering him the SA - he went in himself to ask for it (GP was probably too surprised to hesitate!) We are retesting this week to see if things have improved after giving up booze and trying acupuncture for a few months. The other point is - one test might not be enough to confirm either way. Mens' samples can really vary; my DP thinks he may have had a temperature close to time of testing though I'm more convinced that the rugby accident to his crown jewels aged 18 may have a part to play!

I hope it all works out for you. It's a horrible feeling waking up each morning and feeling like your family is incomplete (and I need to stop thinking like this myself as I have a beautiful healthy 2yo DS and was lucky to have him relatively late on). I'm a terrible over-sharer - I used to have tonnes more dignity and a sense of humour before this! Totally empathise. Come and talk to us - try the 'Brooking no argument' thread on here if you want somewhere regular to go; very nice ladies in there.

Good luck.