What happens at the first fertility appointment?

[LivingInCheckedMidis]

We were referred to our local fertility unit after a PCOS diagnosis and wanting to TTC. I've done my chlamydia test and blood tests and DP has done his sperm sample. We've not heard back yet for our first appointment.

What happens at this appointment? Do they begin investigating more? Do they offer a treatment plan there?

Any help is appreciated

There will be weighing to check you meet the weight criteria and others like whether you smoke. A lot of talking through the process. Maybe more bloods but that’s likely to be a separate rate appointment. Just lots of talking really at first.

Agree just lots of talking - medical history - going over things you probably already done with GP. They then arrange separate additional appointments for tests you will need - HSG, ultrasounds etc. They get sent as separate appointment letters which you have to wait for which drags the process out. They don't tend to discuss a treatment plan until you've had all this. Then there is a consenting appointment/group seminar you have to attend with NHS treatment before you can finally get started. Oh and how have to have the letter confirming your funding has been approved

I was curious about this too. My GP said they put in a request for the fertility clinic referral and I should hear back on the request in 4-8 weeks. But that is just a request for an appointment right; when would the actual appointment be? And can I get ahead of any tests they might want done?

My GP (understandably) refused to speculate about timelines and said it depends on the hospital. But realistically, should I be thinking of March, or June? I need to plan this with work!

Your man should attend this initial appointment with you as they will want to see him as well. They will ask about your medical histories and will ask you about your menstrual history. Both of you will be tested in tandem, it is no point solely testing you further without testing him alongside your investigations.

Write down any questions you want to ask them, no matter how daft they may seem to be to you. No question is daft.

Take notes if possible and if you do not understand anything ask!!. You must ensure that you understand why a particular fertility test is being done.

BTW www.verity-pcos.org.uk/ is a good website for all things pertaining to PCOS.

Good luck, you will need to be persistent in order to get answers.

Thank you.

Seems a mile off having sort of treatment then... we won't be funded for IVF as my partner has a child from a previous relationship. Do we still need this letter for something such as clomid?

@AttilaTheMeerkat he is attending with me and we've completed a form with all of our medical history and he's done 2 semen samples thank you for your link, I'll definitely take a look!

If you aren't eligible for IVF on the NHS I'm not sure why you are bothering to continue down this route? You just ask your GP for a referral letter and take it to a private IVF clinic (although many don't even ask for that)

Can I ask did you get your chlamydia test done at your doctors or online.
They said we both need one despite having a clear one 2 years ago and still with same partner. They said get a free one online but it says its not suitable proof for fertility testing.

@ivfbeenbusy why can’t she? She’s having a fertility appointment for her fertility which the NHS does find for NOT IVF. She made that clear.

NHS do fund fertility investigations regardless whether your granted funding for IVF or not.

OP based on your discussions with them they may refer you to some investigative protocols such as HSG and even a lap. Good luck!

@ChicaXS

The OP asked when they'd get their treatment plan? But if they aren't eligible for treatment then it's best just to go straight to private? Clomid would only be given if the OP isn't ovulating

I just wonder why you would want to wait months for tests and scans which may give an answer but most likely won't. So they'll be given a diagnosis of unexplained and advised IVF is their option but they can't get it on the NHS but if they are intending on ultimately going down the IVF route anyway they could be starting treatment in a matter of months or even weeks? Most IVF clinics don't require HSG or Laps as they aren't really relevant to the protocol they ultimately offer

Our NHS clinic did private treatment, provided that there was a referral from a GP. Our first round of ICSI was funded and then we did the second round as private patients.

From looking at the prices of private clinics, it was a lot cheaper to go to the NHS clinic as private patients than going wholly private. Plus the clinic was more convenient for me to attend for scans than any of the nearest private clinics.

A private clinic might have shorter waiting lists OP, I think it depends on how quickly you want to be seen.

@wannabemum38 ours was done at the doctors, I collected the swab and handed it back at the doctor. They then sent it to the fertility clinic I imagine?

I'm not eligible for IVF/ICSI and I'm not ovulating so clomid would be my initial preference. I can't afford to just go straight private and not try clomid at least. I am ok with waiting, we booked a holiday in September on the provision that we will be expecting a long wait anyway. It gives me time to get healthy and lose weight also.