1st -apt with fertility clinic - any advice?

[Keziahhopes]

Hi,
after 19months of ttc#1 and a lengthy process to get gp to refer and so on, I have my initial appointment at our local hospital this Thursday am.

Have had a smear (clear), dh a SA (just below average, but 'sticky' sperm which gp said was ok), 7dpo blood test and general bloods by gp and a follow up one. My prolactin is above the level to conceive, 2 tests show this. So I have an appointment with the dr with speciality of endocrinology.

What did people find happen at 1st apt? I know it is 20mins, how did you make the most of it? Are there any questions I should ask, or that outcomes that are desirable? DH coming with me.

Thanks, Keziah

Do you have any other info to take with you? Ovulation/temp charts or the like? History of periods - what they are like? I remember being asked all sorts of qns about my periods - pain, type of blood, etc etc.

Also do ask them to explain everything - my GP said my DH SA was fine, but in fact it wasn't (she wasn't experienced in this field) and turned out to be the problem.

Just be very clear you understand

• the factors which affect fertility
• which of these they have tested for
• what they can test for in the future (doppler testing etc) and how they decide to do it
• what they suggest next re assisted conception.

And write stuff down! DOn't be embarassed to, it helps you remember for later. And slows the meeting down a bit, which is no bad thing, gives you time to think.

Good luck!

Thanks penona - I haven't charted, but I have kept a record of ovulation, will type that up, thanks didn't think of that. And great tip about q's about periods, didn't think of that - it so helps to know the answer in advance so don't get flustered.

Yes, I could take a folder in with all notes, spare paper and a pen. I do that for immunology appointments and they didn't mind at all (dh makes notes!!)

Yes, I was bit concerned about SA results, worth asking about the viscosity (stickyness).

I am going to write your bullet points down to take with me. Thanks.

Good luck. And don't be afraid to appear 'ignorant' - you aren't - this is their specialist area not yours! Ask them to explain terms etc, and start from the beginning.

The sperm thing - I recall is motility, number, deformed rates and viscosity. Also ask if anything could temporarily have affected his SA (My DH was training for a marathon at the time).

Oh, and they will ask lots of qns about how often you have sex, so be prepared for that. It was all rather embarassing at the time as I remember!

Penona - yes this whole process seems one big embarrassment, says I who put off my last smear till I nearly got struck off list for not having it!

But, just need to keep telling myself anything is worth it for a baby. And as I am 34, been married 10yrs, I really do long for a bfp!

Good idea about SA question - no reason I can think of for hyperviscosity and his number was 46%, so just below average... but they may well ask the right questions. Think dh and I need to agree how often we have sex in advance of our answer!

How did it go?

Hi, thanks for asking penona.

Saw a SHO, nice and polite young dr (training to be a gp he told me.) Asked lots of questions, then he saw the consultant we are under who popped into the meeting. Consultant seemed a lovely person.

Result is: another month of bloods for me - day 2 and day 21, repeat SA for dh and an internal scan for me (not the one for dye). The SHO has been told to research links between selective IgA deficiency (I have that) and infertility. I'd asked my Immunologist 2yrs ago if there would be any issues, she said no. Go back in 3mths (if get an apt) for results.

Frustratingly he refused to do anything about my high prolactin level as although it was too high on 2 tests, on day 2 test it was 20 below the threshold. Problem is it is too high when ovulate, or stopped me from ovulating - which he wouldn't consider. Said it needs to be over 1000 to do anything about. So I am going to ask my Gp to test it once a month till go again, so have more evidence if I need it (or proof it is ok now!)

Took folder, copy of tests - most helpful. Writing things down great idea. Those pointers were so helpful as we thought everything through before hand, so limited time wasting and embarrassment.

Do you thing that sounded a reasonable apt? Guess am desperate for all possible tests and treatment as it feels so long. Will be nearly 35 when go for results.