*fertility specialist*

[mytimewillcum]

For those who have been referred to a fertility specialist, how long did it take for you to get your first appointment, ... and what to expect?

Thanks!! ann info would be greatly appreciated

 

[mytimewillcum]

Anyone???

 

[KatO79]

Hi mytimewillcum :wave:

I live in Denmark so I don't know what it's like where you live. But I can tell you that it took us 1 year of TTCing to get the referral at all (crazy Danish rules ) and when we called the clinic of our choice, there was a little over 1 month waiting period before they could see us for the 1st appointment

I don't know if you've been through any testing but if not, they'll want to test your CD3 (and maybe your CD21) hormones plus test your OH's sperm with a SA. We were also tested for HIV and 2 Hepatitis types but don't know if other countries do that You'll also need to have an HSG done to see if any of your tubes are blocked. The HSG is done after AF is over but before you O. I was also through an U/S the day of our 1st appointment so she could take a look at a couple of things. For the hormones and HSG (and perhaps the SA) they'll probably refer you to get those done. Once the results are in, they'll discuss with you a plan of action best suited to your situation, if it should be IUI, IVF or something else.

Good luck

 

[mytimewillcum]

Hi mytimewillcum :wave:

I live in Denmark so I don't know what it's like where you live. But I can tell you that it took us 1 year of TTCing to get the referral at all (crazy Danish rules ) and when we called the clinic of our choice, there was a little over 1 month waiting period before they could see us for the 1st appointment

I don't know if you've been through any testing but if not, they'll want to test your CD3 (and maybe your CD21) hormones plus test your OH's sperm with a SA. We were also tested for HIV and 2 Hepatitis types but don't know if other countries do that You'll also need to have an HSG done to see if any of your tubes are blocked. The HSG is done after AF is over but before you O. I was also through an U/S the day of our 1st appointment so she could take a look at a couple of things. For the hormones and HSG (and perhaps the SA) they'll probably refer you to get those done. Once the results are in, they'll discuss with you a plan of action best suited to your situation, if it should be IUI, IVF or something else.

Good luck

Thank you so much for replying!, i'm in birmingham , i've had a few tests done, had my thyroid checked which was normal, i'm waiting to get bloods done for ruebella, GP said I must have that done before the referal, i've had day 21 bloods done, which confirmed no "O" ..I've recently had a full STI screening which was also normal, my OH had a SA but that was done well over 6 months ago, he's also had a full STI screening (normal)..i haven't had a HSG done, don't no if I would have to, if i'm not even O'ing? ... I just want to be prepared for what lies ahead, i.e testing e.c.t.. I've been trying for quite a while, and just wanna get the ball rolling... a month waiting list isn't to bad, I thought it would take a lot longer, my referal will be sent off on the 9th of feb after my upcoming bloods results for ruebella, excited but also really scared

 

[KatO79]

Hi mytimewillcum :wave:

I live in Denmark so I don't know what it's like where you live. But I can tell you that it took us 1 year of TTCing to get the referral at all (crazy Danish rules ) and when we called the clinic of our choice, there was a little over 1 month waiting period before they could see us for the 1st appointment

I don't know if you've been through any testing but if not, they'll want to test your CD3 (and maybe your CD21) hormones plus test your OH's sperm with a SA. We were also tested for HIV and 2 Hepatitis types but don't know if other countries do that You'll also need to have an HSG done to see if any of your tubes are blocked. The HSG is done after AF is over but before you O. I was also through an U/S the day of our 1st appointment so she could take a look at a couple of things. For the hormones and HSG (and perhaps the SA) they'll probably refer you to get those done. Once the results are in, they'll discuss with you a plan of action best suited to your situation, if it should be IUI, IVF or something else.

Good luck

Thank you so much for replying!, i'm in birmingham , i've had a few tests done, had my thyroid checked which was normal, i'm waiting to get bloods done for ruebella, GP said I must have that done before the referal, i've had day 21 bloods done, which confirmed no "O" ..I've recently had a full STI screening which was also normal, my OH had a SA but that was done well over 6 months ago, he's also had a full STI screening (normal)..i haven't had a HSG done, don't no if I would have to, if i'm not even O'ing? ... I just want to be prepared for what lies ahead, i.e testing e.c.t.. I've been trying for quite a while, and just wanna get the ball rolling... a month waiting list isn't to bad, I thought it would take a lot longer, my referal will be sent off on the 9th of feb after my upcoming bloods results for ruebella, excited but also really scared

Rubella, I forgot about that one Had that done too Your OH might have to get a new SA done so it's more recent. My DH got a new SA done by the clinic as the one done by our GP wasn't satisfactory and didn't give them enough info. The SA has influence on what treatment they'll recommend as if it's worst case only slightly impaired, your good to go for IUI while anything lower than that will require IVF. I had to get my Pap smear done over as it was more than 3 months old but our RE did that on our 1st appointment If you haven't had CD3 hormones checked, they'll need to do that to see if any of them indicate certain issues. They'll do an HSG regardless to see if your tubes are open as that also has influence over what treatment you'll get. If none are blocked or only one tube is blocked, it'll most likely be IUI while if both are blocked they'll go right to IVF (and not even try IUI as it requires at least one open tube). The Oing problem they can solve with drugs if you're going to have an IUI. On my IUI #1, I was on injectables but it depends on what your RE deems best as some are put on Clomid or Femara (I think that's how it's spelled). That should help with helping you to produce eggs and the trigger shot should help you with actually Oing if it's an IUI while if it's an IVF they go in and remove the eggs so you don't need to O yourself (they don't want you too).

Hope you get some good results I know I was nervous hearing mine but it's truely a relief to know what's going on. I was lucky and my CD3 hormones were normal and both tubes open while DH's SA was normal but on the low end. Even if they find something there is so much they can do to help people to get pregnant and I believe they can help most of them.

 

[mytimewillcum]

Hi mytimewillcum :wave:

I live in Denmark so I don't know what it's like where you live. But I can tell you that it took us 1 year of TTCing to get the referral at all (crazy Danish rules ) and when we called the clinic of our choice, there was a little over 1 month waiting period before they could see us for the 1st appointment

I don't know if you've been through any testing but if not, they'll want to test your CD3 (and maybe your CD21) hormones plus test your OH's sperm with a SA. We were also tested for HIV and 2 Hepatitis types but don't know if other countries do that You'll also need to have an HSG done to see if any of your tubes are blocked. The HSG is done after AF is over but before you O. I was also through an U/S the day of our 1st appointment so she could take a look at a couple of things. For the hormones and HSG (and perhaps the SA) they'll probably refer you to get those done. Once the results are in, they'll discuss with you a plan of action best suited to your situation, if it should be IUI, IVF or something else.

Good luck

Thank you so much for replying!, i'm in birmingham , i've had a few tests done, had my thyroid checked which was normal, i'm waiting to get bloods done for ruebella, GP said I must have that done before the referal, i've had day 21 bloods done, which confirmed no "O" ..I've recently had a full STI screening which was also normal, my OH had a SA but that was done well over 6 months ago, he's also had a full STI screening (normal)..i haven't had a HSG done, don't no if I would have to, if i'm not even O'ing? ... I just want to be prepared for what lies ahead, i.e testing e.c.t.. I've been trying for quite a while, and just wanna get the ball rolling... a month waiting list isn't to bad, I thought it would take a lot longer, my referal will be sent off on the 9th of feb after my upcoming bloods results for ruebella, excited but also really scared

Rubella, I forgot about that one Had that done too Your OH might have to get a new SA done so it's more recent. My DH got a new SA done by the clinic as the one done by our GP wasn't satisfactory and didn't give them enough info. The SA has influence on what treatment they'll recommend as if it's worst case only slightly impaired, your good to go for IUI while anything lower than that will require IVF. I had to get my Pap smear done over as it was more than 3 months old but our RE did that on our 1st appointment If you haven't had CD3 hormones checked, they'll need to do that to see if any of them indicate certain issues. They'll do an HSG regardless to see if your tubes are open as that also has influence over what treatment you'll get. If none are blocked or only one tube is blocked, it'll most likely be IUI while if both are blocked they'll go right to IVF (and not even try IUI as it requires at least one open tube). The Oing problem they can solve with drugs if you're going to have an IUI. On my IUI #1, I was on injectables but it depends on what your RE deems best as some are put on Clomid or Femara (I think that's how it's spelled). That should help with helping you to produce eggs and the trigger shot should help you with actually Oing if it's an IUI while if it's an IVF they go in and remove the eggs so you don't need to O yourself (they don't want you too).

Hope you get some good results I know I was nervous hearing mine but it's truely a relief to know what's going on. I was lucky and my CD3 hormones were normal and both tubes open while DH's SA was normal but on the low end. Even if they find something there is so much they can do to help people to get pregnant and I believe they can help most of them.

I done 2 rounds of clomid un monitored with the GP, I didnt like it at all, (anxious because I wasn't being monitored)..but I guess if I was to go bk onit, the clinic would monitor me closely, i've just recently had a smear (monday) should receive my results in 14 days, well either way i'm ready for this journey and so is my OH, although I am bit overwhelmed that at 26, I need help to become a mum, I just feel as though I should be able to do this on my own, but I am massively grateful for the help i'll get over these next few months, life can b a bit cruel sometimes, and people who don't deserve to have children, have child after child, thats what really hurts me the most.. and other women who truly deserve the title "mum" simply struggle to have children (sorry for my little rant lol)

Another few questions for you,

Once you had your first appointment and tests, how long was it before they put a plan in action?

What treatments are you receiving and why was you referred ?

Also have you had any success yet?


Hope u don't mind me asking

But thank you, you have been a great help

 

[KatO79]

Hi mytimewillcum :wave:

I live in Denmark so I don't know what it's like where you live. But I can tell you that it took us 1 year of TTCing to get the referral at all (crazy Danish rules ) and when we called the clinic of our choice, there was a little over 1 month waiting period before they could see us for the 1st appointment

I don't know if you've been through any testing but if not, they'll want to test your CD3 (and maybe your CD21) hormones plus test your OH's sperm with a SA. We were also tested for HIV and 2 Hepatitis types but don't know if other countries do that You'll also need to have an HSG done to see if any of your tubes are blocked. The HSG is done after AF is over but before you O. I was also through an U/S the day of our 1st appointment so she could take a look at a couple of things. For the hormones and HSG (and perhaps the SA) they'll probably refer you to get those done. Once the results are in, they'll discuss with you a plan of action best suited to your situation, if it should be IUI, IVF or something else.

Good luck

Thank you so much for replying!, i'm in birmingham , i've had a few tests done, had my thyroid checked which was normal, i'm waiting to get bloods done for ruebella, GP said I must have that done before the referal, i've had day 21 bloods done, which confirmed no "O" ..I've recently had a full STI screening which was also normal, my OH had a SA but that was done well over 6 months ago, he's also had a full STI screening (normal)..i haven't had a HSG done, don't no if I would have to, if i'm not even O'ing? ... I just want to be prepared for what lies ahead, i.e testing e.c.t.. I've been trying for quite a while, and just wanna get the ball rolling... a month waiting list isn't to bad, I thought it would take a lot longer, my referal will be sent off on the 9th of feb after my upcoming bloods results for ruebella, excited but also really scared

Rubella, I forgot about that one Had that done too Your OH might have to get a new SA done so it's more recent. My DH got a new SA done by the clinic as the one done by our GP wasn't satisfactory and didn't give them enough info. The SA has influence on what treatment they'll recommend as if it's worst case only slightly impaired, your good to go for IUI while anything lower than that will require IVF. I had to get my Pap smear done over as it was more than 3 months old but our RE did that on our 1st appointment If you haven't had CD3 hormones checked, they'll need to do that to see if any of them indicate certain issues. They'll do an HSG regardless to see if your tubes are open as that also has influence over what treatment you'll get. If none are blocked or only one tube is blocked, it'll most likely be IUI while if both are blocked they'll go right to IVF (and not even try IUI as it requires at least one open tube). The Oing problem they can solve with drugs if you're going to have an IUI. On my IUI #1, I was on injectables but it depends on what your RE deems best as some are put on Clomid or Femara (I think that's how it's spelled). That should help with helping you to produce eggs and the trigger shot should help you with actually Oing if it's an IUI while if it's an IVF they go in and remove the eggs so you don't need to O yourself (they don't want you too).

Hope you get some good results I know I was nervous hearing mine but it's truely a relief to know what's going on. I was lucky and my CD3 hormones were normal and both tubes open while DH's SA was normal but on the low end. Even if they find something there is so much they can do to help people to get pregnant and I believe they can help most of them.

I done 2 rounds of clomid un monitored with the GP, I didnt like it at all, (anxious because I wasn't being monitored)..but I guess if I was to go bk onit, the clinic would monitor me closely, i've just recently had a smear (monday) should receive my results in 14 days, well either way i'm ready for this journey and so is my OH, although I am bit overwhelmed that at 26, I need help to become a mum, I just feel as though I should be able to do this on my own, but I am massively grateful for the help i'll get over these next few months, life can b a bit cruel sometimes, and people who don't deserve to have children, have child after child, thats what really hurts me the most.. and other women who truly deserve the title "mum" simply struggle to have children (sorry for my little rant lol)

Another few questions for you,

Once you had your first appointment and tests, how long was it before they put a plan in action?

What treatments are you receiving and why was you referred ?

Also have you had any success yet?


Hope u don't mind me asking

But thank you, you have been a great help

Before the appointment, when DH called to schedule it, they helped refer me to get my CD3 hormones checked as my GP is an arrogant unhelpful jerk Well I had my 1st appointment November 5th I think and that was around 4-5 days after I'd Oed. They told me my hormones were normal and just needed to get an HSG done while DH needed to get another SA. So since I'd already Oed, I could first get my HSG next cycle. I got the number of the place I needed to call when AF showed up again. When AF showed up I called them and got my HSG done on CD11 (the latest they allow) as they were super busy Since that cycle was done, I could first have an IUI the cycle after but then the Christmas Holidays got in the way (they were closed because of the holidays) so they could first help me this month and told me to call them as soon as I got my first AF in January. So just been through my 1st IUI and am 12 dpiui and waiting to take an HPT on 16 dpiui as instructed by the nurse. This is due to the trigger shot (HCG) has to first be out of my system so we're sure it's a genuine BFP and not leftover trigger shot.

In Denmark they always refer you after 12 months of unsuccessful TTCing. If you don't wait for the referal, it costs money to get assisted conception. If you wait those 12 months out they'll refer you and you get free unlimited tries on IUI (although they never do more than 6 of them) and 3 free tries of IVF if it's needed. The only cost is the hormones. Our clinic will set us up for IVF at a hospital (as that's the only way to get the 3 free tries) if I have 3 failed IUIs as the waiting period is 4-5 months In the meantime, we'll be put through IUI #4-6 while we wait.

As to meds they put me on injectables, Puregon 50 IU (IU = international units) but will up it a bit if I need IUI #2. I think it's because injectables give a slightly higher chance of a BFP than e.g. Clomid. We're technically in the unexplained infertility category as there's nothing seriously wrong with any of us and our reproductive parts and hormones are working as they should

As to success I'll let you know next week if AF showed up or if it was a BFP I had 2 follies before the IUI so bigger chance of success but I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much in case it's a BFN/AF

 

[mytimewillcum]

it's seemed to have moved pretty quick considering the high demand for fertility treatment, how did u find the IUI (this part scares me) I am gunna read up onit as much as I can just so I can mentally prepare myself, plus i'm such a worrie wart which really doesn't help! x

 

[KatO79]

it's seemed to have moved pretty quick considering the high demand for fertility treatment, how did u find the IUI (this part scares me) I am gunna read up onit as much as I can just so I can mentally prepare myself, plus i'm such a worrie wart which really doesn't help! x

The only part that was a bit uncomfortable was when she pushed the tube into the os of my cervix, it hurt a bit But I've read many people don't feel it at all so maybe my cervix is a bit sensitive The shots I took weren't bad, it was very thin needles I got so could barely feel them. I think if someone stuck me with one from behind I wouldn't feel it at all But don't know if you'll be on injectables or on pills

The only waiting time at my clinic was that 1st appointment, after they know what treatment you need they're flexible to your treatment needs and when you need to come in for e.g. U/Ss (ultrasounds) and the actual IUI. Probably because the 1st appointment is about 1 hour long while all the other appointments are about 15-20 minutes and easier to squeeze in between all the other couples.

Be careful with searching the net, sometimes you find horror stories that way I'd definitely advise you to not search for HSG experiences as there are so many horror stories out there and it really wasn't bad. Just slight discomfort when she put the catheter in and very slight discomfort while the dye was being pumped through.

 

[libbymarks198]

it was going to take another 1 year for me as i am so young they don't think i should need it! so i self referred myself and just pay for it with our own money it is expensive but i knew i was not o'ing so there was no way i was going to waste another year when it had already been 18 months

 

[Juliet11]

here was me in a nutshell, although it will vary by doctor/clinic, and your specific needs

I had to try first for a year cause I was under 30 at the time. Then I got to a see a specialist. From there they did lots of tests, mostly blood tests and sperm analysis. I could also do charting with temperature and checking cervical mucus, etc. I was bad at charting though.

Then from easiest to hardest, we tried clomid for 3-6 months, can't recall exactly. I had hoped this would work because it is pretty noninvasive.

then went on to a lap dye test to check that tubes are open and laproscopy to remove scar tissue... I did not like surgery, it was uncomfortable for 2 weeks after from the gas they use to make your stomach big.

From there we had multiple IUIs and medications. I really wanted this to work, but it also didn't.

Then the last resort was fresh IVF cycle, lots of money and medications but did work! I had 17 frosties left over, and am now on my third attempt at a FET.

hope this helps! some people the clomid works wonders, while others like me have to go through all the steps to IVF.

best of luck!