Hi ladies I am in ninth cycle so got couple more months to wait before I can see doctor about possible fertility problems but just got few questions:
What does the doctor ask?
How long tests etc take from that first appointment?
What is the normal series of tests that they run?

Just want to be as prepared as possible if the one year mark comes with no bfp.

Thanks in advance x

Hiya,

It depends on where in the UK you're located. In my PCT, they do not refer you to a fertility specialist (FS) until you've been trying for two years. The FS just turns you down if it's any less than 2 years unless there's a *really* good reason for an earlier referral.

If your GP is clued up, they will take blood samples from you on day 3-5 of your cycle and also on day "21" - that is, 7 days after you have ovulated.

Lots of GPs don't have much knowledge about women's cycles and TTC and it's worth pinpointing your ovulation day yourself so you're actually going for your blood test 7 days after it's happened. For some women (me included), ovulation doesn't (always) happen on day 14 and it's common for ovulation to happen on different cycle days from cyle to cycle.

I found that charting and using OPKs gave me a good knowledge of my cycle and what's a bit screwy with it. I don't know if you are charting, but it's also a good way to see if your cycle is looking the way it "should". If you identify that there's a problem through charting you may even be offered medication by your GP.

But it all depends on where you're located, the PCTs vary so much!

I totally agree with Blue eyed girl, I have been ttc for 5 yrs now and still goig through tests etc my GP didnt investigate anything until after 2yrs ttc, however I do think it depends what GP you see and there policy.

I had blood tests done and o/h had semen analysis done x2 at around 10 months ttc, we got our first f/s at 13 months ttc. But i think this is down to me having pcos which was discovered in june 2011.

Hi.

Our GP was happy for my husband to have an SA done before we reached a year but we waited to the year point. The first one came back low so he was sent for another. I was also sent for blood tests CD2-4 and CD21.

In the meantime we were referred to the local fertility department in the hospital. Once the appointment came up the consultant had the results through from the GP but wanted her own ones done at the hospital.

In early December I had blood tests done again plus an ultrasound and an HSG and my husband had another SA. Our follow-up appointment was in January so all the results were back. Everything fell under their normal category so we fall under the unexplained infertility category. The next step for us is IUI x 3 with a month off in between.

We had to wait for a few more weeks for an appointment with the nurse. That happened in mid-Feb where she talked us through the IUI procedure and gave me my prescription for Clomid. I then had to call up on CD1 of my next cycle and they would let me know when to have my blood test done and when to start taking Clomid. We had our first IUI on Friday and are now in the TWW!

Unfortunately it is a bit of a lottery as to how well you will be investigated.

I was given blood test at 6 months which confirmed no ovulation and prescribed clomid by GP. 19 months after starting ttc we finally got our PCT to accept our referral to FS who did another SA, Ultrasound and then HSG. Unfortunately now classed as unexplained and FS has said IVF needed BUT PCT are refusing to fund until I reach 30