newbe questions

[stegasaurus]

So, I'm new to this and don't know where to post so am starting a new thread. Hope that's ok. We've been TTC first child for 13 months now and got nowhere. On Thursday we have first appointment with a specialist at the hospital. What should I expect to happen? What kind of things are they likely to ask?

You should both attend this initial appt if at all possible.

Write down anything you want to ask ahead of time and make notes during the appt if you can. You do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked about...".

Find out how often you will be seen by the clinic. Also ask about their success rates and how patients are monitored particularly if given drug treatment like clomid (this is for ovulation problems).

They will ask both of you about your lifestyle, menstrual history (particularly with regards to irregular and or heavy periods and or any severe pain suffered during them) and medical history and whether you have had any abdominal surgery (like appendix removal).

They should then arrange for both of you to have further tests done. It is little point in solely treating you first off only to discover that there are male factor problems. This is why you should be tested in tandem.

What you need first and foremost though is a diagnosis.

Make sure too you fully understand the purpose of tests. DO not be afraid to ask questions of these people and keep asking, it is vital that the three of you can work as a team.

HTH and good luck!