Seeing GP for referral to fertility specialist

[klcuk3]

Hi....we've been TTC for over a year now and have just made appt for GP so that I can ask to be referred for fertility help.
I was under gynae many years ago for pelvic pain and scan showed PCOS back then so am assuming this won't have just disappeared. The doctor back then told me I would probably need help conceiving so hoping that GP will agree to refer us.
In others experience what's the likely timeline for getting appt with FS and do you think I'll have any problems with the GP referring me?
What kind of tests do they do generally?
Thanks for your help xxx

 

[MrsChambers]

Hey there,
When I first saw the doctor and was referred to a gynae my waiting time was 3 months. In the mean time I had to have some blood tests which apparantly tested me for rubella, LSFH and some other stuff, I also had a chlamydia test too. They also sent hubby for a sperm analysis too.

You should not have no trouble with the doctor referring you but I know some doctors are a big of a ngithmare for referring. However as long as you go in and explain that you have been diagnosed with PCOS and explain the situation then I am sure you will be fine.

 

[Starbright]

Hi
I agree - mention the PCOS and what the other doctor told you and you should be fine.
Personally I got my appointment through in a couple of weeks, so waiting wasn't an issue.
Your GP might do some tests to start with - mine arranged for me to have blood tests done. But the lab didn't send them on so the hospital had to re-do them at my first appointment anyway! GP also arranged for my DH to have a sperm analysis.
I found getting the ball rolling to be quite nerve wracking. But it's been ok so far. Good luck to you for your GP appontment
xx

 

[FBbaby]

What your doctor might insist on, and that probably won't be him but the protocol in place by the pct, is that some tests are done before he refers you (ie, cd3/cd21 blood test and SA for your man). If that is the case, check what the waiting list is for an appointment with the specialist is (to find out, you can contact the Choose and Book hotline or I think you can find out directly with on www.nhs.uk). If the wait is more than 6 weeks, than suggest to your gp that you do all the tests as soon as possible, but ask him if you can still be referred during that time, saying that if you fall pg in the meantime, you will make sure to cancel the appointment. GPs are under pressure not to refer until there is evidence of a problem rather than routinely and he might think he needs to see the results of the tests first. That is the worse case scenario though, most likely, he will be perfectly fine to refer you.

I saw my gp after only 5 months after my m/c, I only wanted him to agree for blood tests, but he decided to refer me (had been ttc for 6 months all together and am over 35). The wait was 3 months. I'm so glad he did as it turned out the problem with my OH and we would never have done a SA unless we'd been referred as we never considered for a second that this could be the test. I thanked him for it as because of my age, it might mean the difference between having a child via icsi or having lost our chances.

 

[mamawannabe]

Hello, we went to see the Dr in February and had our first appointment at the fertility clinic in March (end). The Dr did some CD3 and CD21 blood tests whilst we were waiting for the appointment to come thru from the fertility centre.

At the first appointment we talked to the nurse and gave her background and answered questions. I was then referred for an HSG which I had last week, internal scan and more blood tests and DH semen sample x2. We go to see the consultant June 11th to discuss all the findings.

I cant see why you would have any problem being referred particularly as you have already been diagnosed with PCOS.

Good luck to you xx

 

[klcuk3]

Thank you for all your comments they're really helpful Just wondering did you go to see GP as a couple or on your own?
My appointment for the GP happens to fall on CD21.....maybe she can take some bloods whilst I'm there?! Does cycle length alter which day they take bloods? My cycles are between 32-36 days
Thanks again for your help x

 

[anniehope]

Out of interest - a year on how did you get on? x

Hi....we've been TTC for over a year now and have just made appt for GP so that I can ask to be referred for fertility help.
I was under gynae many years ago for pelvic pain and scan showed PCOS back then so am assuming this won't have just disappeared. The doctor back then told me I would probably need help conceiving so hoping that GP will agree to refer us.
In others experience what's the likely timeline for getting appt with FS and do you think I'll have any problems with the GP referring me?
What kind of tests do they do generally?
Thanks for your help xxx