Infertility tests

[catlover1987]

Hi everyone. We are now at the point where we've been TTC for almost a year and going to go to GP soon to see about having some tests done (I'm 30.)

Would anyone mind talking me through what happens next and what tests they have had done. I'm really nervous about it all. Thanks.

Had my first appt yesterday. Self referred to fertility clinic as gp was totally useless. Have been referred for day 1-3 looks to check fsh as well as rubella immunity and chlamydia. Had an internal ultrasound yesterday as well. Dh has been referred for sperm analysis. Follow up apt in about 6-7 weeks to discuss results/ next steps.

We saw lots of cysts on my ovaries so I suspect that might be the next path we take.

I've been ttc about 16 months. Two chemical pregnancies, so gp didn't want to know, but clinic said they don't 'count' as miscarriages as they were not clinical pregnancies.

Our referral has just been made. Seems there can be a lot of differences with different surgeries and clinics however we've had the following:

21 day blood tests for me to check for progesterone in order to confirm ovulation.
Blood tests to check liver function, kidney function and thyroid function
Swab to check for chlamydia
DH has had a SA.

We've received the initial forms from the clinic and they've confirmed that they need

21 day bloods
Blood tests to thyroid function
Swab to check for chlamydia
DH SA - to be done within the 3 months preceding FC appointment.

My experience hasn't been that great - day 21 for me is always a Saturday meaning I get the test done on day 23 and first test was inconclusive in proving ovulation (result should be 30 and mine was 29) they then forgot to test progesterone the next month and did the other blood tests instead so waiting to have the 21 day bloods test again this month.

We also had to wait 3 weeks for the results of DH SA and then the GP wasn't the best at confirming that he needed an appointment to get the results so we had a weekend of thinking the worst before he could actually get an appointment.

Guess my only advice is to try not to worry - the tests are in no way invasive and its better to know if there is an issue such that they can start looking at treatments.

Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply and I hope your results are encouraging.

That all sounds okay (apart from the blood tests which I can't say I'm looking forward to. Huge needle phobia but I guess I'll have to get over that!)

Thanks again x

Hi Catlover,

We also had the day 2 and day 21 blood tests and DH had the sperm analysis. Nothing was found on either. I then had a lap and dye test where they whoosh dye up in to your uterus and check for any blockages in your tubes. Again nothing there so we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and referred for ivf. All this was about 4 years ago now. We've since gone on to have dd naturally. Now ttc number 2 and I've just had to go and have my day 2 and 21 tests repeated and have had my thyroid checked as well. No sperm analysis for DH as yet. We're planning on going for a private appointment in September if nothing's happened by then naturally. I suspect I just don't fall pregnant easily or quickly but time is less on our side now hence the decision to progress privately.

The tests aren't a barrel of laughs but at the same time I found them positive in making me feel like I was making steps forward to understanding if there was a reason we were finding conceiving difficult.

Good luck x