Testing his swimmers

[Mummy2011]

Hi, I've got a second gp appt later to discuss results of Day 21 test and referral to fertility clinic. First appt did not go very well, as I felt that my GP fobbed me off, told me to have blood test, and come back in 4 weeks after discussing with DH what we want to do next?! She also said I was wasting my time charting and using CBFM and to go for IVF if the we are eligble as I'm nearly 37.

At what stage should DH have his swimmers tested and does he need to see his own GP for this?

We dont want to have any more tests until hes been tested first so we know whats what.

Please help? I need to try and not back down with my GP later when she sends me off feeling useless again!

Your GP sounds massively unhelpful - huge sympathy from me.

Have you only had a Day 21 test? You should have had Day 2/3 bloods to get a clear picture of your fertility: Day 21 may only indicate whether or not you have ovulated in that cycle.

IVF is obviously an option, but if there's nothing wrong with you, then it's a bit ridiculous to head down that route first.

And your husband should DEFINITELY be tested. By the sounds of things, he may need to see his own GP for a referral, although mine referred him as part of the testing process.

Good luck!

Hi,

He should be tested as a matter of course in the early stages of any fertility investigations. The best people to do this though would be the clinic, not the GP (who btw sounds hopeless).

Day 21 is only part of the story; you should have a day 2 done as well to check and compare your LH level against that of your FSH. LH and FSH are two very important hormones as they kickstart the ovulation process; if these are awry then ovulation is affected.

Potential fertility problems are outside the GPs general remit anyway so you should be referred to the specialists asap (gynaes like to see women over the age of 35 if they have been ttc for six months without success). It may be that you will not need IVF at all (its certainly not the full answer to all fertility issues).

Be polite but persistant with regards to a referral; you will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Good luck later on

BTW if GP is unhelpful anyway would consider changing GP practice.

Would also mention that semen analysis should be repeated. One poor semen analysis does not necessarily indicate that there are male factor problems.