First Fertility Tests - Which Ones First?

[Wanderdust]

I'm 39, been TTC our second child for a year now (but heading into cycle 15).

After being referred by my GP for further testing (which I know is a very long wait), I decided to go private and book some tests for peace of mind. But I'm regretting my decision already and wondering whether to cancel!

The clinic's first step is to offer a package, which I was aware of when I called, but I'm now unsure if the exact tests they offer are right for me. No consultation was given first - just seems to be a standard package offered to everyone.

I'll get an AMH blood test and AFC scan but what if I have something like a cyst or a blocked tube? Or maybe my progesterone levels are low? My GP didn't go into detail about my results, just said all was fine... It was a 21 day blood test I had, and I have now asked to see a copy of the actual results (will pick up today).

Now after doing some more research, I'm not sure what these new tests will achieve apart from worry me. I am older so not expecting fantastic results. They also seem to be a precursor for IVF (so it's understandable why these places do these tests) but I do not want to go down this road, nor do I think I'm a great candidate.

Is there any benefit to these tests other than telling you how many eggs and follicles you have? I understand they tell you nothing about quality...

It's a lot of money to pay so would rather do some other, more appropriate tests first...

Any advice, and ideas of what tests would be helpful for my first investigations, would be greatly appreciated!

Knowing how many eggs and follicles you have would be useful info though, surely? I'm not sure what to advise as I did end up following the pathway to IVF. But my investigations took the form of blood tests for AMH and progesterone, and a vaginal scan to check on follicles/egg reserve. Also STD tests as I understand some infections that are very simply cleared with antibiotics can affect fertility (wasn't the case for me, but was for a friend who now has two children).

I've actually read on here, and numerous other places, that knowing this can cause quite a lot of unnecessary emotional turmoil. Which makes sense to me - I don't need to know how many eggs I have left, just whether they're good ones! :) It only takes one eh? So that was why I was debating. Not to say I won't go down that road eventually but, for me, right now, I don't think it would be good for my mental health. And I didn't want expensive unnecessary tests before I had some basic tests done, if that makes sense?

As you can probably tell, I've talked myself out of it lol, I did end up cancelling for now. My hubby is getting SA from our GP though so that's positive, and I'll try to hold off on my Googling until that's done! :)

My GP did say I've to have a swab for chlamydia, as they won't do any anything further til that's ruled out so makes sense about the STD part. Better to rule it all out!

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply :) Are you far along your IVF journey, did you manage to conceive?

@Wanderdust - yes, that makes sense. I'm probably too extremely in the camp of knowledge is power, often to my detriment 🤦🏽‍♀️ it sounds like things are progressing with the GP so I wish you lots of luck and hope you can get some answers. I'm glad they're taking you seriously, as I've heard women with one child often get dismissed when they struggle to conceive another.

Thanks for asking about my IVF journey. I have been extremely lucky and am now pregnant with my second IVF baby (first one is now 2.5!)