Problems with unhelpful doctors

[Bumblebeee]

Hello, before I get started let me introduce myself, I'm Mel, I'm 23 and we have been ntnp 2009 and ttc since jan 2010. I went to see my GP back in October about my having trouble conceiving, and he went through a checklist asking 'do you smoke.' Nope. 'Do you take drugs.' Nope. Etc... At the end of the checklist he said 'good news, you're a perfect candidate and eligible for IVF.' Some of you may not understand why, but I turned down the offer. At 23 I know I've got time on my side, and the reason I went to my GP was to find out why I was having trouble conceiving but he didn't offer any tests or any helpful information at all - he just went straight in with offering IVF. What I'm trying to get across to him is I want to know if there's anything hindering my ability to get pregnant, and if there is, then we'll go down the IVF route. But the not knowing is aggrivating me. How can I get them to test me?

 

[blueeyedgirl1]

Wow, that's pretty weird!

Before anyone actually would offer you IVF, they would have to test you for the reasons why you haven't been conceiving. So I'd take him up on the "offer" - he'll have to send you to a Fertility Specialist (not like he can do it himself!) and they'll offer you all the appropriate tests. The GP will most likely need to order several tests for you anyway before the FS will see you!

 

[Melbram]

Blueyedgirl is right its not really his decision. Some GPs will do some blood tests and get 1-2 SA from your OH and then decide on that infomration whether you need to be seen by a fertility specialist. Maybe your GP surgery just refers individuals straight away without doing preliminary tests. I was referred for IVF last July(ish) - my blood tests havent been re-done with the hospital but OH has had to do another 2 SA and been examined by a male fertility specialist who found he has a varicocele....the investigation continues: we havent formally been put foward for IVF/ICSI by the hospital yet.

Go back to your GP and take him up on the offer x

 

[jack79]

Hello, before I get started let me introduce myself, I'm Mel, I'm 23 and we have been ntnp 2009 and ttc since jan 2010. I went to see my GP back in October about my having trouble conceiving, and he went through a checklist asking 'do you smoke.' Nope. 'Do you take drugs.' Nope. Etc... At the end of the checklist he said 'good news, you're a perfect candidate and eligible for IVF.' Some of you may not understand why, but I turned down the offer. At 23 I know I've got time on my side, and the reason I went to my GP was to find out why I was having trouble conceiving but he didn't offer any tests or any helpful information at all - he just went straight in with offering IVF. What I'm trying to get across to him is I want to know if there's anything hindering my ability to get pregnant, and if there is, then we'll go down the IVF route. But the not knowing is aggrivating me. How can I get them to test me?

Hi Bumblebeee

I understand how you feel...my doctor hasn't been the most helpful since my partner and I embarked on the fertility journey 2 years ago. I'm 32 and would love to jump the IVF queue (it's 4 years where I live). But you def have age on your side and if I was your age again (ha! I wish!) I would much rather try to conceive naturally before going down the medical route.

IVF is a treatment that shouldn't be taken lightly, and the success rates aren't very high. Your doctor should be testing your hormone levels to see if you are ovulating and that there are no problems there. Your partner's sperm should also be tested.

I have found that I have had to do a lot of reaserch before going to see my doctor as he doesn't really have a clue about fertility issues. Of course, he isn't a fertility expert, but I sometimes feel he lacks empathy and understanding of the situation we are in.

I would go back to your doctor and explain to him that you would like the appropriate tests done. You are entitled to these tests after all.

Good luck!

 

[Bumblebeee]

Yes, it is very frustrating It's hard to rationalise aswell, I know the docs not a miracle worker, but he bloody well should be!! Lol!! I am thinking of going to a private fertility clinic and finding out that way. When I was 15 the docs did some tests and an ultrasound showed an enlarged left ovary indicating pcos yet they couldn't find it in my bloods so I was put on to Dianette to help with my possible pcos and it was left at that. I was tested again back in May and again, no pcos in my bloods. So I might possibly have pcos but other than that, no obvious reason for the difficulties