Fertility appointments😬

[Chlo1995]

Hi all!

So I’m very nervous about my upcoming fertility appointment (20th dec) it’s our first one and I know they do an internal scan, which in itself is not a problem, but what does the scan look for?

I’m more intrigued as to what sort of things they ask us? I know they’ll probably ask how often we’re dtd and how long we’ve been trying.

They’ve said they’ll speak to both of us, is that separately or together?

Is there anything I can expect from this?

If you even read this, thank you!x

Internal scan, check for cysts, follicles etc
Bloods done
Booked in further bloods for 21 day testing
Booked DH in for his sperm test

Questions regarding health, DTD(how often, how long have we tried for)

They will talk to you together.

It was a sort of get to know us, us getting to know them, processes etc, what tests we needed done.

Once tests were done we had another app to decide which route to go down.

@SunshineClouds1 that’s very helpful, thanks for replying!
I’m actually very excited because we’ve been trying for 20 months now so I just want to know what’s going on in there, I’d anything at all😂 previous blood test at the doctor was fine so I’m hoping there’s nothing wrong and it’s just taking us a little longer x

@Chlo1995 @SunshineClouds1 how long did it take for the NHS to agree to start tests?

We got started with tests straight away.
I had to book the hycosy the day of my next period.
I got all my tests done and DH done his sperm sample after mine

@SunshineClouds1 how long had you been ttc before starting testing? I'm just thinking my GP will tell us we haven't been trying for long enough yet 🙄

Depends on age tbh.
28 we tried for 2 years which is want they want.
I think when your 30 something they allow 6 months before testing

@JuniperandI We’d been trying for around 18 months before I rung my gp, I’ve just turned 27.

My doctor actually sounded mortified when I told him my age and how long we were trying so he ordered tests straight away and referred us to the clinic at the same time, the clinic were in touch with me booking my appointment before I’d even had the tests done😂

May be worth giving them a ring and having a chat with them anyway, obviously depending on your age and how long you’ve been trying of course x

Hey, we had our initial fertility appointment on 17th nov.
they asked about our lifestyles etc….
done an internal scan to check follicles and also the thickness of my endometrium as I haven’t had many periods in last 12 months they needed to check it wasn’t too thick from build up.
They then arranged blood work to be taken and discussed that I need to lose weight for ovulation induction etc…
In the meantime, OH has an appointment for semen analysis and I’ve had instructions on who to ring on CD1 to arrange HSG. AF is due this Saturday, hoping it doesn’t arrive and I get a BFP so don’t need HSG.

We felt very happy coking out of the appointment with a plan of action over next few months. I hope you come out feeling the same.

@Ncl31 thank you for this!

I had tests done on day 2 of af and they said everything looked good from that which I’m happy about, I guess it’s one less thing for me to worry about😂

I know 100000% they’re gonna tell me I need to lose weight as at my previous doctor she told me I was basically obese going off of my height and weight, I was mortified😬

I’m hoping I feel good about it after and we have some sort of plan, I’m excited and nervous but just happy to know we’re one step closer to getting some sort of answers x

I was so nervous and anxious about it all. I knew they would tell me to lose weight, which of course they did.
The good thing is though, they haven’t said they can do nothing until I lose the weight. They’re still running the other tests etc in the mean time.

@Ncl31 well that’s really good! At least that’s something and I’m not just gonna have them say they won’t do anything until I’ve lost weight😂

@Chlo1995 they shouldn’t. Are you going to an NHS centre?

@Ncl31 Yeah we’re going to an nhs one, fingers crossed!x

My first appointment was really basic , just few questions and they take your weight and oh was ordered to do a semen analysis. I never had an internal scan at my first appointment or hsg organised straight away . I only had a hsg few weeks ago which was after 9 months going bath and forth to appointmens. It really depends on your consultant. Everyone says waiting between appointments is very slow and regarding internal scan , they look at your womb and ovaries

@MK85 thank you! On the letter they sent it says I will have an internal scan so I’m hoping they actually do it because I’m expecting it to happen😂

Just a little update…

Our appointment went really well! She did mention my weight and obviously said if we were to need treatment my bmi would need to be 30 or under (it’s 32.5) so with it being where it is I should be taking more folic acid too! (Yay, another prescription!😬)

She said that judging by my internal scan, I have suspected polycystic ovaries but she couldn’t just diagnose off of the scan… I was quite surprised as I’d be tested for this around 2.5 years ago due to other things and nothing came back…

Anyway, we’ve taken the first step and hopefully we will be getting another appointment in 6-8 weeks x

@Chlo1995 did she order blood tests to check your hormone levels to confirm this suspicion? Have you suspected pcos based on symptoms prior to your scan of ovaries ?

@MK85 She didn’t mention them but she has said she is going to speak with my doctor so maybe this is something they’ll sort out…
I never suspected it before, I initially went to the doctor because I was having an episode with my depression… and they started asking about my periods and health in general, I’ve heavy painful periods, my moods being absolutely ridiculous and one of their concerns was the hair growth I get on my face and stomach which is why they did blood tests for it x

@Chlo1995 Are your cycles regular ?
I have pcos and they confirm diagnosis based on symptoms and blood tests. You need two or more symptoms to confirm diagnosis. Mine were irregular periods, excess hair like you on face and stomach which is caused by high androgens /testosterone and obviously not being able to get pregnant. Blood test will able to tell if they are elevated. I'd suspect that's the first thing they will do is give you that blood test to check your hormones.

If pcos is confirmed they will arrange another blood test during your period and on day 21 to check if your ovulating. If not then a prescription or clomid will likely be given to help you ovulate. They also prescribe most people with pcos metformin and advise you to take folic acid and vitamin d.
You don't necessarily need cysts on ovaries to he diagnosed. I never had cysts at my scan however fast forward 3 years and my last scan confirmed cysts.
Also I had an ultrasound to check my high androgens aren't coming from a gland .I just thought I'd mention that in the event you do receive a positive diagnosis. If your young don't panic,it's just anout finding the right treatment to get pregnant. I'm an old todger 37 this month so its been a bit more challenging,not helped by the fact It's taken years just to get to this point with doctors.
Let me know how you get on at next appointment .