Fertility Clinic: what to expect?

[wildworld]

After two years TTC, we are finally seeking help as nothing is happening. DF was on steroids (and other meds) for years with a bowel condition. We didn't know prior to his taking medication that it could all affect his sperm. So here we are. My day 3 and 21 bloods came back fine and I ovulated; my doctor doesn't think it's a coincidence and that I do indeed ovulate every month. He has referred us to a fertility centre for August 13th. Semen analysis will be done at 2pm and consultation at 3pm. Neither DF or I are nervous as we're just glad it's being sorted...but who knows come closer to the time.

If you've been in this situation, what should we expect from this first meeting?

Thanks!

 

[1nceUponATime]

Hi WildWorld-

My DH and I just had our first consultation with a fertility clinic. Our first meeting was basically going over insurance coverage, medical histories (of both DH and I), etc. The doctor talked to us in length about the different fertility tests we would probably need to do, and then about the different procedures. Now, I would have your medical records transferred to the clinic, so they can read your results, and they may even be able to recommend a treatment for that. Sometimes, they like to do repeat tests anyhow (especially if the results were from a while ago), so they might set you up to do more bloods and/or HSG, and DH for a sperm analysis.

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the first meeting is as great as you want it to be (unless you are lucky and they have all the test results they need), because they are basically going over information you already know (from consulting Dr. Google of course), and because they won't really tell you what they "think" is wrong with you without any results from testing.

But, it did give me a sense of hope and relief...it just gave me hope that someone was really going to look into what is wrong with me.

Oh, and if you need one they will also usually do a consult with a financial adviser, if you need to self-pay or whatnot.

Good luck!

 

[heychrissie]

My first fertility appointment was essentially organising tests that I hadn't yet had done. I was instructed to set up a HyCoSy when my next period started. They didn't realise I had already had an ultrasound to see for PCOS - make sure you double check that they know what you've had done. My husband had a SA set up as he had missed the previous one he had had set up and had been discharged.
I wish I had been more forward in asking what the plan of action was as it caused me anxiety worrying that nothing was going to happen. After we had both had our tests scheduled we set up another appointment with the FS, which was set for a day or two after my HyCoSy (I was relieved as the waiting time for the first app was 3 months).

(ETA: I am in the UK)