Initial fertility appointment NHS

[Apat10]

Hi all! Earlier this month I was referred to fertility (NHS) by my doctor. I've been off the pill for a year and my periods have not returned, I've had normal bloods back but had PCOS diagnosed in June after an ultrasound.

The hospital phoned me just two weeks after the referral to offer an initial telephone appointment next week which I am very pleased about as I had thought I could be waiting for many months!

The lady said we would talk through any tests that need doing during this initial consultation. I'm just wondering how long after this appointment I can expect to start any form of treatment assuming tests confirm that it's the PCOS preventing us from conceiving? I am hoping clomid might kick start ovulation for me.

I feel very lucky we've got in the door so quickly so am cynically wondering if there might just be a huge wait further down the line accessing the actual treatment!

In my experience there is a long wait between appointments (sorry!) and each appointment is only for one thing. So first appointment is just a chat (maybe a scan?) then husband did sperm test, then I had the test where they squirt dye up the Fallopian tubes (can't remove the name!) and then I had an appointment and got prescribed clomid. Between each appt was about 6 weeks. V frustrating at the time but actually was pleased that the NHS took time to actually check whether IVF was necessary, unlike the private clinic I went to for number 2 who offered IVF at the initial consultation (which I didn't need but would have earned them lots of money)

My tip would be to ask 'what difference will the result of these tests make to the next steps?' There were times I waited for the next appointment to find out the result of the test, when really the next step would have been the same whether test was positive or negative so they should have just referred me for the next step whilst waiting for the result. IYSWIM.

Anyway, clomid worked for me so good luck!

@ThreeFeetTall thanks for this! 6 weeks between appointments wouldn't be the end of the world really considering I'm being seen so quickly - I had thought I might still be waiting this time next year to even get a foot in the door. Frustrating when you feel the ticking of time but as long as I know there's a plan it feels more manageable.

Great advice too. I've already had some tests before the PCOS diagnosis, husband is having sperm done too so hopefully we can keep things moving. I agree that I'd rather they look at all options rather than going straight for IVF if avoidable!

So great it worked for you, gives the rest of us in this boat some hope 😀