Fertility tests

[ItNeverHappened]

Hi guys, really looking for people in the same boat as me. Feeling really alone in my ttc journey. I’ve been Ttc for years but only just got round to properly sorting it. Other relationships I just saw as it wasn’t the right time and have now seriously been trying for 4 years but nothing happening for the last 10 plus!! Doctor has sent me for scan which is 5th March, for scan and transvaginal. Partner hasn’t done sperm test yet. All of my friends are either pregnant or have kids already, I’m 27 and it’s breaking my heart that I know I have left it so long knowing something is wrong. What happens if my scan comes back normal and does the scan pick up blockages on my tubes, what’s the next steps etc? I have irregular periods, sometimes every month for 3 months then nothing for 2 months. Has been like this since I can remember. X

Your DP should be having sperm test and you will have blood tests to check things like hormones. Hopefully you'll get an answer and there will be a solution.. if no then it can be a long road of many more various tests and fertility treatment. Good luck x

Hi @ItNeverHappened I've recently had fertility tests, started the process in November. Saw the GP and gave had cd1-5 and cd21 blood tests, triple swabs and a scan. The scan can't check your tubes so you'll probably need a different procedure but my GP said they don't do them, it would be under a fertility clinic. My dh has had a sperm analysis. The GP collects all the results then sends them off. Ours are only just being sent to the clinic now.
Good luck x

We were TTC for 3 years and had fertility tests. First were the bloods to check hormone levels. 2nd was the transvaginal scan which picked up that I had polycysitic ovaries and the last was an hsg test. This one was where they inserted a dye through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes and they take scans to check for any blockages/issues. The lady performing the last scan said that she'd heard anecdotal evidence of people getting pregnant after that procedure as it seemed to 'flush' the system out. Happened to us, got pregnant straight after. Have a 2 YO. When we came to TTC again we started early as we didn't know how long it was going to take and got pregnant first time. I'm convinced the dye helped clean everything out. Good luck.xx

Hello venusstar & 2childrenandout, thankyou so much for your replies. I’ve had my cd 1-5 blood tests, was also sent the paper to have my prog one but my periods can be so irregular it’s a nightmare timing it for day 21 prog. So doctor agreed we can hold that one off. I’ve got my scan on 5th March and I will get my partner to do sperm test to.. thing is he doesn’t have a doctor, he said he just hasn’t needed one - can he go thru my doctor for sperm test? Such a nightmare as he doesn’t have a passport and isn’t on my utility bills or anything .. x

Ps 2 children... I suspect that I may have pcos... only speculation though and would the scan pick that up? Amazing how the dye test worked for you, do you know how long it took from scan to get a dye test? X

I had my bloods done at the GP and my OH has his sperm test done through our GP too. When my bloods were ok the GP referred us to our local hospital for fertility tests and to see a consultant as we'd been trying for so long and my age (35 at the time). At the the first consultant appointment she arranged the tests : transvaginal scan and hsg test. I had those done before I went back to see her 3 months later. That pregnancy ended in miscarriage but 3 months later we got pregnant again and it stuck. I'd had not a peep for 3 years and then 2 BFPs in a few months. My transvaginal scan picked up my polysistic ovaries, she told me at the scan when she did it.

I could of quite literally wrote this post! Except i'm 33!

Have been to docs as my periods can be heavy and so irregular its a joke and then like you last what seems forever!!

I have had bloods done (haven't gone for my results yet)

I had a ultrasound scan and nothing showed up on it. I haven't had a transvaginal one (yet!) though

I have an appt with the infertility doctor on 5th march.
I'm petrified something is wrong.

While we haven't been trying for 8 years we have had unprotected sex for about that amount of time and i've never had a "scare"

Xx

2children - your personal experience gives
Me so much hope that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Amazing how the dye test worked, maybe it is just a case of flushing out and it being okay for me too. I hope so, I’ve cried so much in the last few months, longing for a child and seeing everyone around you announcing pregnancies is heartbreaking. I will ask my gp if partner can go through my gp for sperm test. He hasn’t been to the doctors since he was a child and he’s 25! Lol. Hard to get him into one too as he doesn’t have the right documents! Just don’t want anything delaying treatment or referrals. So lovely to hear it’s sll worked out for you and I really hope I have the same outcome. In a weird way, hope the scan and transvag scan pick something up so that I know I’m not going crazy, which is how I feel a lot of the time.

Smarty14 - thanks for your reply it’s nice to have someone to talk to and relate to.it sounds like we are at similar stages and both have important appointments on 5th March, that’s quite spooky! Lol

How did you work out your day 21 prog when your periods are so irregular? When I explained to the doc I was having trouble working it out due to irregular periods she put me in for my scan, now I’m thinking perhaps there was something else she could have done but I’m very thankful to be referrred for a scan as I really don’t want to waste anymore time. It’s reallt been getting to me in the last year especially , I’m totally ready to have children and I cry all the time. My dad even told me to get a move on with grandchildren as he’s 50 in April and wants to be a grandfather, I haven’t told him about my struggles, it really broke my heart.
I think it should be the dye test next from your fertility appointment on the 5th shouldn’t it? And as 2 children had said the dye test works for a lot of women, I pray you are the same xx

I totally agree that I wanted something to be picked up during the tests so there would be a reason why. Then we could get it fixed and move on. I don't want to sound dismissive or unkind but it's hard to remember how TTC felt. I cried constantly and obsessed over it. But when you have your child it gets forgotten about as the months and years pass. You're doing the best thing by investigating and you'll have a plan which will make you feel better. I know lots of people who have struggled to conceive but they've all had babies eventually. I hope it happens very soon xx

The problem is there can be so many factors in infertility. I've found the worst people to take advise from are people who have also struggled to conceive... as their giving advice from their personal experience and that is likely to be very different to yours. For example I have endometriosis, o e Fallopian tube (ruptured ectopic.. and then had another ectopic in one remaining tube 🙄) and then 5 years into various tests and assuming I was the problem discovered via genetic tests that actually DH is the carrier of genetic issue making it very unlikely for us to conceive a healthy baby.
What I'm saying is OP, the first few tests are the same for everyone.. but then do your research and speak to professionals because whatever issues you may have will be unique to you xx

Just to pick up on something - when you say your partner doesn't have the right documents to register with a gp, are you suggesting he's in the uk illegally?? In which case, he doesn't qualify for assisted reproductive technology unless he has ilr, pr or citizenship. You are treated as a couple.

He needs to sort of his status/ documents.

Physics Kate- god no!! Lol I just mean that he doesn’t have a passport and he doesn’t have any utility bills in his name as they are all in my name ... gosh that makes him sound terrible lol I’m just more of a control freak!! And I no you need passport and utility bill in your name or is there another way x

Hiya,

My doc just sent me for a full run down of blood tests. She said its hard to do the date one as i never know where i am in my cycle.

In my head i just presume i'll go to my appt in march the doc will give me a prescription for miracle tablets and in a few months i'll be pregnant!! I know that is so not going to happen but need to have some optimism!

I know i am in for more appts and scans etc.
But like you i just want to know whats going on so we can try and sort it.

I am overweight and going to slimming world as i know they will say this is a factor and i do want to be in best possible health for a baby.

You can go private and get partners sperm tested its around £140 and you get the results the same day. Its alot of money but might be easier for you maybe?

Be great to keep each updated on our progress etc
X

Hiya @ItNeverHappened how did your appt go.
I met with the doctor (she was lovely) took down all mine and hubbys info

I have a transvaginal scan now booked and also trying to book in a H.S.G
All had all my blood taken it feels like and hubby has been referred for sperm analysis; although that appt is in july so we are hoping to get one sooner through the Gp at another hospital or we will pay for it.

She is currently thinking endometriosis and if after the H.S.G shows my tubes are open then it will be key hole surgery to look into endo!!

She also said i am definitely not ovulating because of how crap my periods are (my words not hers)

Hope yours went well xx

Hi Hun, we went through the process of scan (PCOS and fibroids confirmed), put on Low GI diet, HSG (no blockages), sperm test (lazy buggers) and blood tests. Just as we were to head down the adopt/IVF road, I fell pregnant, soon after HSG (it cleared away cobwebs, so to speak and even the gynea performing the procedure told me to 'get on with it, now they have blown away some cobwebs). Good luck and try to stay positive.

@TeaforTwoBiscuitOrThree i have read alot of that about the hsg scan.
I would love that to happen!!
Does the hsg scan hurt? I am a complete wimp! X

The HSG was no worse than a smear test, I too was worried sick (thanks Dr Google!) about it being very painful, so I took a couple of painkillers about 20 mins before. I had no blockages, so I can't say it wasn't painful because of that. I did have some gunk (the dye stuff) come out for a day or so, but got pregnant 3 weeks later. Fingers crossed for you!

It took a while to conceive our DS. I had bloods done and ultrasound. Husband had sperm count done (he was fine. I have polycystic ovaries).

Been trying for 4 months (although we were not not trying for 7 months) and now undergoing investigation for endometriosis. My laparoscopy is in May (unless I fall pregnant first 🤞). Am aware it could take us longer though.

Good luck with your testing :)

Been trying for #2*

Hi,

Excuse my first post but I am in the same boat in that we have been trying now for over 18 months and just wanted to say good luck for your results if you haven't had them yet.

Iv had a lot of blood taken, ultrasounds and still none the wiser. I have been cleared for PCOS but haven't yet had Endometriosis ruled out, would have thought it would have been after my internal scan?

What I do know is that I have really low to next to no proeastrogen levels so unlikely to be ovulating, my dr keeps writing to the hospital for advice and rather than give him advice they just request I am referred.

Only thing missing is Sperm test which whilst my partner is happy to do I feel is a last resort I'd rather try less invasive processes first as I'm only nearly 30 (we cant get him registered at the local drs anyway as they are full) and I'm frustrated they cant just sort my hormone levels out.

So I just wondered if anyone else has similar circumstances and if theres another route I can take.

I have read on here too that whilst it helps ovulation it also is vital in the development of the pregnancy if it was to happen.

@Lawton89 you can't see endometriosis on ultrasound (apart from certain types of adhesions). You have to have a laparoscopy.

The sperm test, you can do at home and just get the specimen to them within a time limit but your OH would need to be registered somewhere.

@smarty14
So sorry I haven’t been in touch in the last couple weeks, although it’s a tough journey, I am so pleased the gp is referring you for all the tests you need and the ball is rolling for you xxx

I had my ultrasound yesterday, think I’m really lucky where I live as the sonographer said the results get typed up and sent to my gp that day. Went down to doctors this morning to get an appointment with my regular doctor but she isn’t in until next week, booked appointment with a different doctor for Friday. The receptionist did say the doctor did want to see me but is not urgent. So away I go, then I get home this morning and remember I am signed up for patient access, where you can see your test results online. As an impatient and fed up woman I log in, not really sure what to make of the results. I’m just going to put a few bits from the results here invade anyone can give me some insight into what they might mean - I know we’re not doctors but experiences help xx

Here goes:
REPORT: TA and TV scans performed. TV scan performed with patients
verbal consent. LMP = 2 weeks ago. Anteverted uterus was normal in
size and appearance measuring 7.1 x 2.7 x 3.1 cm.
A regular endometrium was seen measuring 6 mm. The right ovary had an increased volume of 11.4ml, and contained multiple non dominant follicles
throughout. Appearances have some features suggestive of PCOS.
Clinical and biochemical features need to be taken into account. The
left ovary contained a dominant follicle measuring 3.4 x 3.8 x 3.3cm.
No free fluid or adnexal pathology seen within the pelvis.

Hope someone can give me some insight, especially when it says multiple non dominant follicle? And left ovary dominant follicle? You know what it’s ljke with these results, send yourself crazy on google.
Kind of wished I had of waited until my appointment with doctor on Friday as I’ll be worried until I get proper answers on Friday xxxx

It depends how many 'non-dominant' follicles but could be indicative of polycystic ovaries. Pco should NOT be confused with pcos!!!! Up to 30% of women have pco and it causes no issues whatsoever!

Pcos is a hormone (endocrine) disorder and one symptom can be pco (but some people with pcos don't have pco). It is diagnosed through having two of the following three criteria: pco, an lh:fsh ratio of 2:1 or higher, physical symptoms.

In and of itself, one polycystic ovary is indicative of nothing.

@Lawton89 - it's a very strange attitude to have that you want multiple invasive tests instead of a simple sample in the cup from your partner. What if you go through multiple surgeries/ prods/ tests/ scans and nothing is found and only months later does your partner do his test to find that there is a problem with him???

You need to be treated as a couple!

Not sure what you mean by 'sort your hormones out' as there isn't much of a magic bullet for that. You won't be prescribed clomid (which increases chances of ovulation which would cause higher progesterone levels after ov) if he doesn't have a test, because there isn't much point getting you to ovulate (btw all those drugs have potentially dangerous side-effects for you) if his swimmers are an issue.

I highly suggest you read 'taking charge of your fertility' as it seems like you might have some misconceptions...

@physicskate - when it says left ovary contained A dominant follicle ? Is it normal to have only one follicle?
And my right ovary has multiple non dominant follicles throughout - what does this even mean? I do get dull aches in my right ovary too ...