Getting tested on NHS Scotland for infertility - how does it work?

[Pheasant28761]

We’ve been trying to conceive for 6ish months now and nothing is happening. I’m 33 and he’s 32. Ironically I work for the nhs as a doctor and am anxious about the reality of waiting times etc. I’m being eaten up about not knowing - if pregnancy isn't going to happen for us, I’d quite like to know so I can move on with my life. I am not a obs/gyn doctor and find much of what is online either very basic, contradictory or even wrong. Symptom spotting and scrolling the internet for those who thought they would never get pregnant and now have, isn’t healthy for me (although I am super happy for those people, I feel it could be giving me false hope).

Just wondered how the process works, you go to GP who takes a history, then refers you to an infertility clinic? What sort of timescale is it? I live in Scotland if that helps. I also know the nhs says 1 year but for me that suggests it’s a resource issue. Surely if you haven’t conceived in 6 months, the likelihood of one of you or your partner having a problem goes up.

Thanks in advance. Apologies for negative post, I’m just upset and miserable!

At your age, in my ICB, it's initial tests after 1 year, semen tests and hormone tests to check ovulation and 6 months if 35 or over. If there's a problem you get referred for fertility, otherwise it's two years to get an IVF referral.
We got our IVF referral in early June (male factor) and we have our first appointment next week.
I think if you have your tests done privately the NHS will also refer to IVF if there's an issue so a lot of people see a private gynae to get checked too as a year is a long time.
TTC is a really hard journey and infertility makes it that much harder. You see pregnant people and babies everywhere and it's all a bit destroying especially when you are told to be patient and relax...fingers crossed for you!

Thanks so much. Did you get investigated through NHS? If so, were all the initial investigations done by GP or were you referred to a clinic?

My GP referred me after 1 year of ttc. In my experience if you are under 35 I don't think they like to refer you before then unless there is a specific reason. My GP organised the semen analysis, day 21 progesterone test, thyroid test and chlamydia test which you need for the fertility clinic. I was put on the waiting list beginning of May and have my first appointment next week.

Ok great. Thanks again. Wishing you loads of luck!