Going to see gp for inital fertility tests, wat do I need to know?

[nomoremagnolia]

That's about it really, can anyone enlighten me? Have been ttc for 15 cycles, charting for 2 cycles which shows I'm ov-ing late, taking EPO and B6 for short-ish LP (9-10 days) both only til ov and folic acid all cycle.

I'm going through the basic tests at the moment (bloods) and didn't need to say anything to my GP, except for my history...

Good luck.

With regards to any blood test make sure that the GP compares your LH (luteinsing hormone) level against that of your FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) level rather than just look at these separately. They may look okay separately but these two need to be compared. Any discrepancy of these two hormones can affect ovulation.

A semen analysis may also be asked for; would say that all of these tests often need to be repeated.

The GP may decide to refer you straight to a subfertility unit rather than do tests. I would ask for a referral to such a unit in any event.

To speed up the process, I asked my GP for the following tests:

Blood tests
Cd 3 ? LH, FSH (as Atilla said, the LH must be compared against the FSH)
Cd 21 and 28 ? Progesterone (I have very irregular cycles and because I had both tests done I found out I ovulate later than I thought)

Internal scan (to check ovaries/womb)

Semen analysis for dh (very important)

Good luck

if you've been trying for a year most docs refer to assisted fertility clinic.
The clinics like all the mentioned bloods to be done including a rubella antibody check, and of course t'other half needs to get their semen analysed.

i had hysterosalpingogram to check tubes clear

Umm depends how old you are TBH if you are over 35 the docs will do more tests, if you are younger they tend to so 'sod off and come back when you've totally lost hope' (which tends to happen about three minutes after that appointment.

Seriously, there are several stages, the first is charting, which you've done. Take your charts along.

Second is checking hormone levels at various times of the month AND doing a sperm test (ho ho ho, what fun!)

Third they do a lap and hysterosalpinogram (to check there isn't a structural/plumbing problem.

Fourth they do ovulation stimulation if appropriate

There's finally assisted conception etc.

It's V important to find out what is offered in your area and ASK for it SPECIFICALLY. Also, go online and ask for recommendations of consultants from other women in your position, I was warned off one consultant and I'm blooming glad I was (he's been fired now)

However, can I tell you my story? We went through the first four stages, on stage 4, took Clomid (DON'T DO IT) Nasty, horrid stuff, turned me into a complete nutter - husband was expected to bonk the crazy lady who sobbed all day, had hot flushes and told him she was feeling quite homicidal.

Anyway, it didn't work. We've been trying between us for 28 years. No structural issues, PCOS, didn't ovulate regularly. Consultant said 'IVF is your only shot'

We said no.

Went to see acupuncturist. Was ovulating intermittently on day 16 but hormone levels too pathetic to sustain a pregnancy. One appointment at acupuncturist, ovulated on day nine, conceived same day. DD is 20 weeks old.

Don't give up hope and try to live as if this is something that won't happen and hopefully you'll be surprised.

I went to our doctor with dh (first visit re: ttc) and he went through our general ttc history. He told us he wanted to refer us to a fertility unit. We didn't have any tests at the doctors.

He asked us to pick a unit from his list on the computer screen. The list showed different waiting times. We picked one that I'd read was good as was in a good location for us even though the wait was a bit longer.

He did the referral there and then. We went away with a printed referral letter and had to phone the hospital to make the appointment for 2 months later.

I recommend looking up possible places you could be reffered to before you go so you are better informed if you're asked to make a choice.

HFEA

Hi there - I think it depends where you live - I went to the GP in October with DH and the doc I saw was v unhelpful and said to come back in a year (I am 34 DH is 38 and I had come off the pill in Oct 05 to start TTC) Last month I got fed up and went back to the GP and asked to see the original doc I am assigned to - I made my appointment for CD21 on purpose and so when I went in he was much more helpful and did CD21 blood tests then and has referred DH for semen analysis at local hospital. I am not sure that they will launch into all the tests at once, but again it does really seem to depend on where you live.

My GP made no mention of special units but I think that is partly because there are none near us (nearest is over 60 miles away) So I am assuming we will go through all the basic tests with GP.

TBH I am already considering going privately for a consultation in London

Hi all
Just got back from seeing gp, we're both still young (28&29) but she didn't say 'sod off' which is encouraging!
She was however insistent that LP is always 14 days, which I'm not convinced about as temping shows I ov on CD20 and longest cycle is 31 days.
But anyway, she's given DH the sample pot (and instructions ) and I've got to go back on CD1/2 for blood tests. Unfortunately I'm on CD3 today and that's too late. Will go and do some research about local facilities, we're not in London, so guess there won't be much choice, but knowledge is power, so I will go and get wise!

oops x posts - gosh it really seems that everyone tells you something different doesn't it! I thought the other test was on CD3?
Def don't agree with the 14 day LP? Obviously thats ideal but everyones on here seems to be a bit different?

I agree. My LP is 11 days at best and opinion varies but under 10 is definitely sub-optimal. I'm glad you've get the tests under way its annoying to have to wait for yours but it seems like you've made good progress. good Luck

Hello nmm...glad you GP was a bit helpful but I think she's badly advised.... you might want to read Zita West's Guide to getting pregnant (basic summary - everyone's body works differently but you can reset your cycle to make yourself more fertile). I always ovulate on day 16 and my cycles are 34 days long and I'm 'normal' too