what to expect at the first appointment at a fertility clinic

[profsturg]

what can we expect at our first appointment with a fertility consultant

Mine was an interview with the consultant as to why we were doing it etc.

This is all from a private clinic; we never did NHS (so might be a bit specific to the clinic). You will answer a lot of questions about your general medical health, and how long you've been TTC, previous contraception, STDs, all sorts of stuff. Plus a load of questions to find out if you have any hormonal problems (like asking about excess facial hair for you, lack of facial hair for him, libido, that kind of thing).
We had the basic tests first - a blood test to check my hormones levels to see if I was ovulating, and a semen analysis for DH. We were then sent off to the specialist to talk treatment options, further tests etc. As it happened we decided on trying treatment first, and then when it didn't work we had the more invasive tests (HSG, ultrasound etc.).
Good luck.

its nhs we are going through. what kind of things do they ask you

Loads of questions re: how long trying etc, menstrual history. Set up lots of blood tests to check hormones. More questions. Internal examination. More questions - including some funny ones, how could a gynocologist be easily embarrassed?????? - But he kept asking how DH and I 'were together' and it took us a while to work out that he was basically asking whether we had sex regularly!!!!
Good luck with it all.
(We now have 2 DC).

Hi

What happens when you are referred because the problem lies with your DH? Do you still have to go through all the tests and examinations too (found out today DH has zero sperm count )?

Hi Londonlottie. He's only done the one, understandably he's gutted. Our GP has asked him to provide another and is referring us to the infertility clinic immediately. I'm hoping it won't take too long for that referral to come through.

I've had bloods taken, and they all came back fine. I'm due for a scan to check the state of my ovaries etc on Tuesday.

Good luck at Kings. We are based in Colchester so don't know which clinic we will go to.

Thank you Lottie. I've just met him off the train as he has to go to work this morning. He sobbed as he saw me. Keeps apologising, and has managed to convince himself that he can never have children

I'm really hoping the next sample he provides shows he has some sperm at least, as the results of this test show no sperm at all.

The awful thing is, AF is actually late this month . Normally, I'd have my hopes up, but I don't want to as the chances are extremely slim.

Oh best wishes with all the tests. we are just about to start IUI. Unfortunately we have to go private as we already have 1 dc (concieved naturally) We've been given the very long scary label "un explained secondary infertility" At our consultation the doc said he wouldn't be doing any more tests as he had results from previous nhs tests and said best go straight for IUI or IVF as there wasn't anything obvious wrong. I was a bit surprised by this although nhs did do a laporoscopy, scan blood and sperm tests.

Very insensitive to stamp abnormal on your results - not very good bed side manner. I have heard of a procedure where they can extract sperm from the testes to use for IUI or IVF using a needle. Have you asked if there is any way of boosting sperm count? I cross my fingers for you both