What can I expect?

[Newbie39]

We have been TTC for nearly two years, my husbands tests were fine but I have had 2 day 21 tests that didn't catch an ovulation even though my ultrasound was normal. I'm now off to an infertility clinic and I'm terrified as there was no info given on the letter it just says they need me for two hours?! What are they going to do to me for two hours? Should I prepare in any way?

Thanks in advance for any advice this my first time posting to mums net so please be gentle and let me know if there is any etiquette I need to follow.

Your DH also needs to attend this appointment if at all possible. Such can cause considerable nerves and he can also provide moral support as well as ask and answer questions.

Write down any questions now that you want to ask them and take this with you; you do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked about ...". No question is daft.

The initial appointment is usually a chat to both of you about lifestyles, your gynaecological history and your medical histories. Further appointments will be made to have you both tested further (any test results done over six months should be discounted and you both need up to date test results). It is little point in testing you solely to begin with, your tests should be done in tandem.

Thanks Attila, that's really good advice. I will jot down some notes tonight.

Day 21 tests are good if you are a regular 28 day cycle. If your cycle varies their is a chance that they could have just tested you on the wrong day. I have heard many of the other ladies talk about clomid and such for lack of ovulation. So dont panic untill you have spoken to your consultant. Dependent on how they feel to proceed they may try you on a drug to help you ovulate or they may do further tests such as a HSG. Take note of how long your cycles are. Every thing that attila has said is spot on. I have never heard of an appointment being 2hrs long though.

Thanks ScottishJaggyNettle. What is a HSG please?

They put a dye up your hoohaa and Xray to see if you have any problems with your tubes. A HSG also gives you a good clearout of mucus from your tubes as sometimes this can be the problem the real name for it is hysterosalpingogram . I was told that the HSG is sometimes a treatment.
It can sometimes show up problems that are not picked up with just ultrasound. Ultrasound looks more at sructural abnormalities like your ovaries being too small or in the wrong place.

Web MD

www.webmd.com/women/hysterosalpingogram-21590#1

HSG is an imaging test. A contrast liquid is syringed in via the cervix and images are taken. It's looking at if your Fallopian tubes are open and clear, if your uterus is a good shape, etc.

It's uncomfortable; for me worse then a smear, easier then a coil fitting - but obviously it varies person-to-person. I'm told if it's painful it's usually because they push the liquid too fast.

thanks to everyone for your advice. I had my appointment today no mention of a HSG thus far just blood tests, ultrasound etc. It was no where near as traumatic as I had vuilt it up to be in my head, that being said I don't think I would have slept last night without all of your reassurance so thank you. I ❤️MumsNet!

I have my first fertility appointment next week and I'm feeling nervous. Not because of the tests they might do but because I am terrified of what they might find. I know that sounds stupid as if they find something then they might have a treatment for it. It is the acceptance that there is something wrong and it is not just bad luck that we haven't conceived yet.

FiestyLittleOwl that's exactly how I felt, my husband has health issues so I was convinced that when we went to the docs for the initial tests I was all ready to comfort him when we got the results. I hadn't really considered for a moment that it was going to be me that needed further tests! It hit me like a bombshell because I was totally unprepared. So don't beat yourself up, it's not stupid to feel the way you do, it's human and normal. I cried when a got the first letter that said "infertility" on it! My first appointment was really just to fill in a form after which I got told I needed some more blood tests that was about it. So don't be surprised if they don't have answers for you right away. Just know you are not alone on this journey.

I've been through this journey and come out of the other side! I just want to wish you all good luck, there may be lots of appointments and tests heading your way but these are all positive in that they are helping you to get closer to a pregnancy. In my case the tests didn't show anything however I didn't get pregnant naturally but with the help of IVF. I love IVF. Have plenty of and and I hope that you all get good news soon.

Gosh, you were only just 41 about an hour ago on another thread, I guess time moves quickly in spam land!

And gosh. Your first time writing in a forum in your post at 5.17, but your first time writing is clearly before that as evidenced by your previous post on the same thread at 04.25.