Fertility referral, what should I expect?

[DNAshelicase]

Hi all,

I’d appreciate some info on what’s to come for DH so that I can manage my expectations.

I’m 28 DH is 30, TTC for a year, had a mmc and a chemical in that time. I know 1 year isn’t that long in TTC terms but I’m keen to ‘get into the system’ in case we continue to be unlucky, while I’m young and fit enough for any treatments to have the best chance of being successful.

We have our first appointment next week, what can I expect? Do investigation tests come first/how long is the wait for preliminary tests? What treatments are then usually tried first and how long did it take to get to the point of treatments?

I’d really appreciate if anyone would be willing to share their experiences

Depends where you go but if you've not had any recent history/bloods/semen analysis/pelvic scan done then they'll do all that to get an idea of what the issue might be. They may well then be able to create a treatment plan from that, there and then.

For me, I knew I had PCOS and wasn't ovulating and all the tests showed that. My DHs sperm was fine too so I was able to start clomid straight away.
We had a lot of testing done before our first appointment by request of the Fertility Clinic but I know some places will also do all that at the first appointment.

Is your appointment with the fertility clinic or is it with your GP?

They usually get you to get blood tests and semen analysis through your GP before referral.
At fertility appointment they go over these results, give you an internal ultrasound and do some weight/height/smoking tests on both of you. They'll then discuss what's next. The next type of tests can vary from person to person and your individual circumstance.
I was given a HyCoSy appointment for following month from my first fertility centre appointment and then following that put on list for IVF as we have been TTC 4+ years with no hint of a BFP.

Do you know of any issues or suspect anything at the moment? I'm 28 also, been on waiting list since May and it's looking like March next year we will be seen as they are going through backlog and getting those 40+ in first at my clinic.