What happens after an Ultrasound?

[Ultrasound11]

I'm brand new to Mumsnet and I have an Ultrasound appointment to check on my infertility in 3 hours. I've had one before (6 years ago), I know what it's like and I'm dreading it. My question is - what comes after this? Is this the beginning of the road of a long infertility journey? I need advice quick. Thanks.

@Ultrasound11 well it depends on where you're at. Has your GP done blood tests on day 3 and day 21? Is the ultrasound arranged by them or under a fertility clinic?

Have you got NHS funding/ do you meet the criteria?

Specifically for the ultrasound, they will be looking at your gynae anatomy. Like your ovaries, where they will calculate your antral follicle count, this is important to know, so ask them specifically what it is. They will also look at the lining of the uterus and see if anything abnormal is there. It is not the most in-depth investigation, a HSG or saline scan is better for that as the US can miss things. But it is a simple and non-invasive test.

Morning! Good luck today, I hope it goes well. Can’t speak authoritatively but I’m at a similar stage to you so will just share where we’re up to, which might help?

I had my ultrasound about a month ago and DP also had investigations. They found a tiny polyp on my ultrasound so I’ve been referred for a hysteroscopy to take a better look at it which is a fairly long waiting time. Since then we’ve had a consultation where they roughly outlined next steps. It’s relatively straightforward for us as our issues are male factor (other than the polyp), so we’ll be straight to ICSI.

It really depends what they find as to what happens next.

We’re going via NHS, and I have to confess I’ve had to do a bit of nagging and chasing as there were lots of cancelled and rearranged appointments. Understand that everyone thinks they’re the priority, but it does help to follow things up if you’ve not heard anything for a while.

Best of luck, I’m sure it will go fine today. It’ll probably be much less drama than you remember.

Hi, thanks for replying. I don't even know if I'm replying to the thread properly. I've had two lots of blood tests done but I don't know what day they were as I have no regular cycle, they were just booked in regardless. I don't know if I'm eligible for funding, it was never discussed. I had one of these before and it was pretty invasive and awful and I just don't know whether I even want to go through with all of this if it's just the beginning of the road.

Hi, @BeachPeachthanks for replying, it does help to know that someone is at the same stage although you seem to be more knowledgeable on it all which makes me wonder if I haven't asked enough questions. Our issues are male and for me also no visible ovaries on one side at the last scan (I can't remember what that one was but I remember it wasn't pleasant). I'm going via NHS for now but I don't know when that would come to an end. I don't know if I will attend this next one. I'm literally at a tossing a coin stage. Good luck with your journey. It sounds like you've set off and are happy and positive about it all x

@Ultrasound11 it’s all pretty overwhelming isn’t it, when we were first referred I knew so little about the process (still don’t know much) and didn’t get much clarity from our clinic.

I’ve found the fertility network website and helpline to be suuuuuper helpful and reassuring as to the general process. They can’t speak too specifically about your individual case, but having an overview I have found is really helpful.

Also check out BFN podcast if you haven’t already. Again, not necessarily specific to your situation, but a good resource to just be reassured that you’re not the only one driving yourself crazy and getting in a pickle!

Best of luck with it all x

@BeachPeach Thank you, I will check those two suggestions out. I went along and it was as I feared: an internal (as well as an external) and the two ladies weren't friendly (quite bored looking) and had the door open for me to leave as soon as it was over. But, I stood and asked questions although the answers couldn't tell me much. But, I'm pleased I went but I do think the results will confirm what I think I know already. It's a roller coaster journey I'm not sure I'll stick at for long. But good luck with yours, I wish you all the best x

@Ultrasound11 well done for being brave and going along, and for sticking to your guns and asking questions. Sorry your experience wasn’t the best.

The way I’m looking at it, the more information I have, the better able I am to make a decision I won’t regret, so although it feels like an uphill slog, it’s (for me) worth persevering to know I did all I could.

Best of luck with however you decide to proceed. X