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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

what tests to ask for to check for fertility problems

7 replies

MrsFogi · 17/08/2004 14:52

As I have been ttc for well over a year now I have decided to take things in hand and go to the dr to insist on tests (I'd prefer to know now rather than in many months if there are any problems). However, I'm in France and in the past when I've been to the dr they have just palmed me off with a fist full of clomid (which I didn't take as I don't think that me saying that I have been ttc for 6 mths and haven't succeeded yet justified it (particularly as the gyneco didn't really ask anything other than how long we'd been trying + didn't even suggest a sperm test (I had to ask for that) + I understand that there should be some sort of supervision of taking clomid).
So.....so that I don't get palmed off again what tests shall I ask for (both for me and dh)? (I think I'm going to need to demand certain tests or I'll be palmed off with pills again.

OP posts:
mckenzie · 17/08/2004 15:13

I would think that you want to ask the doctor to check your husband's sperm level and to check that you are ovulating.
I'm no expert but Dh and I had problems conceiving and they tested his sperm and I had a HSG which is where they put some dye through your tubes to make sure they are not blocked. Sometimes, if there is a small blockage, the dye being passed through can be enough to clear it and some people (like me) get pregnant the following month. Can of course be a coincidence.
Good luck Mrs Fogi

Flip · 17/08/2004 15:18

I had regular blood tests to see if I was ovulating. Which I wasn't. Dh also had sperm tests done. After nearly four years they concluded I'd gone through the menopause. I went on the pill for six months, three months without a break, then another three months and I stopped. I got pregnant that very first month after stopping because of the boost in hormone. So for someone who'd gone through the menopause at 22, I think I did quite well. Although since having ds2 (8 months) I've only had two periods and my last one was four months ago.

Chandra · 17/08/2004 15:18

I was very resigned to the idea of being infertile that I didn't even TTC, I just went through 3 yrs of blissful marriage without any protection and never got pregnant, got pregnant the first month I tried clomid. Sometimes the only thing you need is to know when you are ovulating or to make sure you will ovulate for certain day so you can take action and get pregnant. I wouln't ask for more tests if you have not taken clomid. Things may be simpler thatn what they seem.

Good luck

malinki · 17/08/2004 15:55

Hi Mrsfogi, there are variations of fertility problems and each one must be checked, I suffer with sub fertility, I can get pregnant, but only after years of treatment. I was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic Ovarian syndrome), they took my blood and checked for LH/FSH levels, blood sugars, testosterone(sp!!!) thyroid, glucose and other hormonal things. Then I had an ultrasound which showed the cysts on my ovaries, then like you I had years of taking Clomid, Metformin, Nasarel, I had 2 Lap and Dyes (yeah don't forget blocked tubes) and finally gave my husband the once over as well. As far as supervision with clomid, they cannot leave you taking this drug on your own, you need to know if you are ovulating as clomid forces ovulation, today I had CD16 ultra sound at my hospital, it showed 5 follicles that were developing well 16.1mm, I haven't been ovulating since god knows when, but did managed to successfully get pregnant nearly 5 years ago, she is 4 today. Clomid should be a supervised drug, you need ultra sounds (follicle tracking) and blood tests, otherwise, how does anyone know if it is doing what it is supposed to do. I would ask for a blood test to check your hormone levels, then maybe suggest a HSG (this is an uncomfortable procedure - not painful, a bit like a smear, but they put a tube up inside your uterus and send a saline type solution into your tubes, this way they get to see if they are ok), tell them that you are having a problem conceiving and that in your opinion, ask the dr how he/she knows that the clomid is working. Just a word of caution, Clomid can be used for 6 months at a time, if you are ovulating, if you are not ovulating (so the clomid may not work for say the first 2 cycles), then you can take it for 8 months as the 1st 2 months do not count as they didn't do anything. How long have you been on Clomid???

Twiglett · 17/08/2004 17:32

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Twiglett · 17/08/2004 17:33

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nannyjayne · 18/08/2004 17:35

I had the usual blood tests internal scans and a lapaoscopy. You also need to keep a diary of your periods. I personally think that an internal scan is very inportant as they can see if your womb lining is good and also if it is the right thickness at certain parts of the month. It doesn't hurt. I wish you all the luck in the world and the best thing you can do is not to worry.

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