finally refered to fertility clinic what to expect on first app as worrying now????

[xxbeckyxx]

Hi all,

I've been trying for that little miricle 3 years now and have finally been refered to a fertility clinic today! Woohoo!!!

Was wondering what to expect on the first appointment as its not until nov 8th I've got plenty of time to worry about it!!!
Will it just be a chat to talk about my options?? I've had the bloods done to check my hormones, thyroid, kidneys etc they were all normal. Would they do a dye test or ultrasound on the first appointment?? Sorry for all the questions I just get very nervous going to drs or hospital so would like to have a good idea of what's going to happen.

Thanks for any replys in advance. Babydust to all xx

 

[Lawgirl]

I think it varies by region, but for my first appointment we saw the nurse who ordered Day 3 and Day 21 bloods (we had already had day 21 bloods and a Semen Analysis at the GP, but the hospital like to do their own blood tests). When we saw the consultant at the next appointment I had an ultrasound and she confirmed our blood tests were fine. She then ordered an HSG. Because everything was fine, meaning we have unexplained fertility, we then had to go away and wait before we could be put on the list for ivf. As you need to have been trying for 3 years before you can have ivf if you have unexplained infertility, I think things should move pretty quickly for you.

Good luck.

 

[xxbeckyxx]

My dr didn't say anything about semen analysis to us but my oh has twin 7 year old boys could this be why? The only thing is we work together and my appointment is on a day when I'm working I should be able to get it off but I doubt they would let us both off(we work 12hr shifts in a factory and they are very strict on time off!! Lol) do u think I should change my app or wouldn't it make much difference if he wasn't there? X

 

[ickle pand]

My DH had to have SA done even though he's got 2 kids already, because things can change and there's always a chance that people could've lied about who the dad was (not saying that's the case with your OH but I'm sure some people must find out that way) so it's best to check and know for sure.

We got through an information pack of forms to fill out before the first appointment - had to have passport photos of the two of us and all sorts and a leaflet telling us what to expect. We actually had 2 appointments on the same day - the first one was first thing and was for DH to give his sample and the second one was just before lunchtime with his results and to discuss everything. We both had to be there for the appointment since it was to discuss his results and the way forward after that.

They definitely won't do an HSG (dye test) at the first appointment - that's something that you'd need to be booked in for and is usually done in radiology rather than the fertility clinic. They might do an ultrasound though but they're fairly straightforward so don't worry too much about it.

If you know what clinic you're being referred to, look up and see if they've got a website that might tell you a bit more about how they do things. The HFEA website is also really good and should tell you a bit about the clinic since they all have to be licenced by the HFEA.

I just looked up my clinic and found this leaflet https://www.aberdeenfertility.org.uk/uploads/files/0087.pdf Hopefully your clinic do something similar. Good luck!

ETA - I hope your clinic's in a better place than the one I go to - for some reason it's based in the maternity hospital. Totally sucks having to go to appointments and walk in past women with massive bumps standing outside smoking!

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Hi I just looked up my fertility clinic and it says if I've read it right that the east of england commissioning group funds the nhs ivf in my area and they only fund it if neither partner has children already as my oh has 2 it looks like I won't be able to have ivf if I need it!! And ill never be able to fund it myself god I hope it isn't saying what I think it is! How is that fair! X

 

[ickle pand]

Yeah I know - everywhere has different criteria. It's just a postcode lottery. Just remember that fertility treatment isn't always IVF - there's things they can do before it gets to that stage.

 

[MrsOjo]

Thanks for all the info shared in this post, it has been so helpful. I am 26 and I have been ttc#1 for 18months now. I have very irregular periods and cycles, sometimes my cycles last 60-70 days. I never know when I'm going to have a period until I get the usual signs a few days before.

So I have been to the GP and had some tests done at Royal Free Hospital- day 3 blood tests to check hormone levels (fsh,lh, etc.). I have also had a transabdominal ultrasound to see if I have polycystic ovaries. My GP said the results came out normal, and has sent a referral for me to go and see the gynaecologist as the cause of my irregular periods is still not known. I think the next step will be the HyCosy test but I really do not know what to expect. I am waiting for the letter, to know what the next step is.

I have been thinking about going private, as this whole nhs process seems to take forever. Well at least maybe for the next set of diagnostic tests. I am thinking about the costs involved and also the waiting times involved.

Has anybody been through this process? What do you suggest? I would appreciate any feedback. Were you also referred to see a gynaecologist? What did they do and what was the outcome.

Thanks guys, I am new here, maybe you could direct me to a post that has all the relevant info.

 

[ickle pand]

If it was me, I think I'd get the diagnostics done on the NHS and save my money in case I needed any treatment. If you need IVF (and I'm not saying you will) you will only get a limited number of cycles, at the clinic I go to it's 3 but from what I hear, that's quite generous.

I know that when you're TTC that every month seems like a year, but 26 is a good age to be starting this process.

After the blood tests etc my clinic did an HSG rather than a hystereoscopy, probably because it's cheaper, but also less invasive. Lots of women get a benefit of a boost of fertility for 3 months after, probably because it clears out your tubes a little. I got pregnant 2 months after mine, although that ended in m/c, after trying for over 3 years.

I've been seeing a gynae since before I was TTC, for various problems but he's left all the fertility issues for the fertility clinic. I think each trust works differently though so maybe it's different where you are. They'll most likely want to do their own blood tests to find out if you ovulate and might want to give you a tv us.

Do you chart your temps? That might be a good idea so that you know if and when you're ovulating so can time intercourse better. Also now would be a good time to lose any weight if you need too - some places won't treat you if you're over a BMI of 30 or 35. Maybe look into supplements you can take to help your cycles - Angus castus (vitex) and soy are good ones, although can't be taken together, or taken while you're taken fertility meds.

HTH. Good luck!

 

[urchin]

First appointment will be talking through your history and ordering tests - you might have some blood tests but that's about it.

You definitely need your OH with you though - this is an issue for the couple rather than one person or the other... They will need to check his history too and order his tests - i also have a sneaky suspicion that they also check out if both parties are as keen on havin a child - before they get involved in helping to make one!

If time off work together is difficult then do it on medical grounds - legally they have to let you have time off work for hospital appointments. Ask your clinic if they can send appointment letters that don't give detail about the type of appointment .... Mine will send one that just says gyne appointment ... Yours might do something similar if you ask

 

[Bradpittswife]

Is it a fertility clinic or a gyn at your local hospital? We were ref to the local hospital expert and from there you are then ref on to a fertility clinic which deals with ivf etc. Every area is different but our hospital appointments letter stated the importance of the both of you attending the appts. Hope this helps. GL x

 

[MrsOjo]

Thank you all so much for your replies, I am one of those anxious people who over think about everything, especially things related to this issue.
I have been referred to the gynaecologist at the hospital, not to a fertility clinic. I guess I will try to be patient and see what the nhs can offer. They say patience is a virtue, but I know the person that invented that saying was not ttc, lol.

I will definitely attend with my OH, he has no choice in the matter.
Is the HSG the same as the HyCoSy test, I heard the latter is a less invasive method of checking ffor tubal patency. I did chart my temps for a while, but I felt they were not accurate and it was allmover the place, when it said I was ovulating, I definitely wasn't because I was not getting my period until like a month or more later. I actually don't need to lose any weight, I'm a size 8 and my bmi is 22. I have never heeard of those supplements, so I will make sure I look into them.

 

[ickle pand]

No they're different. An HSG (hystereosalpingogram) is where they put a tube through your cervix and put in dye and take x rays. No anaesthetic needed, just paracetamol and ibuprofen, although its a bit uncomfortable. Fairly quick procedure - think mine took about half an hour. It's a bit restricted in what it can show you but good for checking tubes and general shape of uterus.

HyCoSy - is where they put a camera into your uterus to see what's going on. You need a GA for this, but they can see more. I would think they wouldnt do this unless they had a reason to suspect something wasn't right. I've not had one so I can't comment too much.