Tests normal - What next?

[Naneth.Estel]

We had 21 day bloods & sperm analysis done on the 4th of October and phoned up for the results on Friday.

We were both told that the doctor had looked at the results and that 'no further action was needed'. I was hoping to get the actual figures but the woman on the phone didn't seem to have any more to tell us.

We've got an appointment to see the doctor on the 8th of November and I'm wondering what the next step will be. I'm guessing something to check me out because the SA is about all they can do for the men, isn't it?

What questions should I make sure we ask? And what might the next lot of tests be?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jennifer01]

Hi,
Not sure where you are located, I am in Canada. Our next steps ordered were hsg, uterine biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound. They may order another SA because numbers can fluctuate. My doctor also had a large number of blood tests not just one. I also had a regular pelvic ultrasound beforehand. I would want to ask what the next steps are if you are considered unexplained infertility...it seems like this varies from place to place. Hope this helps a bit, good luck!

 

[cooch]

I'm uk. They made sure I had an up to date smear, a pelvic exam. Other than that if you've been trying for over a yr possibly checking your tubes are open.

I had 1 specialist appointment with NHS at assisted conception services of my referred hospital. They were happy with everything and that I was ovulating and said next step was lap and dye to check tubes. I would imagine then we will either discover a problem or we will be classed as 'unexplained'.

I'm still waiting on lap and dye appointment which is taking ages.

 

[Naneth.Estel]

Yeah I'm in the UK. I had the smear done earlier this year when we first started looking into why it had been over a year TTC without results. The bloods and SA were supposed to be done at the same time but there was a problem with my sample and then things happened so we couldn't get it re-done until recently.

I'm guessing my next step will be the same as yours then Cooch. I'm guessing it'll probably take a while to get to the next procedure, there's probably a waiting list for these things. I'm worried that because I'm 25 I won't be given as high a priority as people who are older and trying for their first or whatever.

Do you know what the lap & dye involves?

Good luck to you both.

 

[fisher640]

I'm in the US. My regular gynecologist first had DH perform and SA, which was normal and then ordered me and HSG, which was normal. After that she referred me to a fertility specialist.

I'm still in the process of my first month of fertility specialist work up, she ordered CD3 bloodwork, then I was ordered to perform home OPK tests each morning starting CD 11 until I got a positive and the morning of the positive they brought me into the office for more bloodwork and a transvaginal ultrasound to see if I had any follicles. Then 7-10days after that she wanted me to come for more bloodwork to verify that I did ovulate.

After that I'm not sure we'll have another meeting or not. She said during my initial appointment with her that she expects that will all come back normal and then I will be officially 'unexplained' and then she would be comfortable prescribing me clomid and from there IUI or IVF are really up to my & DHs personal preferences regarding timing and finance and we could go as fast or slow as we want. Although any treatments would be self-pay since they're not covered by insurance so I don't know how much that has to do with it.

 

[Naneth.Estel]

Can Clomid be prescribed if you are definitely ovulating? I wasn't sure if that was only for if you weren't ovulating.

Good luck with your tests.

 

[fisher640]

My fertility specialist does prescribe it. I think pretty much everyone does even if you ovulate. Theory being more eggs = more chances.

 

[ashknowsbest]

I'm in the US. My regular gynecologist first had DH perform and SA, which was normal and then ordered me and HSG, which was normal. After that she referred me to a fertility specialist.

I'm still in the process of my first month of fertility specialist work up, she ordered CD3 bloodwork, then I was ordered to perform home OPK tests each morning starting CD 11 until I got a positive and the morning of the positive they brought me into the office for more bloodwork and a transvaginal ultrasound to see if I had any follicles. Then 7-10days after that she wanted me to come for more bloodwork to verify that I did ovulate.

After that I'm not sure we'll have another meeting or not. She said during my initial appointment with her that she expects that will all come back normal and then I will be officially 'unexplained' and then she would be comfortable prescribing me clomid and from there IUI or IVF are really up to my & DHs personal preferences regarding timing and finance and we could go as fast or slow as we want. Although any treatments would be self-pay since they're not covered by insurance so I don't know how much that has to do with it.

I'm in almost the same situation. Maybe we could be TTC buddies? I am in the process of doing a FS work up as well and have had most of the same tests done. I'm doing an HSG on Monday the 24th of October I'm pretty sure it is and then after that I'm hoping my doctor puts me on clomid. It would be good to have a buddy for support so if you're interested just let me know. We could "stalk" lol each other and then celebrate our bumps when we get them =D

 

[fisher640]

Sure thing Ash. We'll have the okay to start clomid after I schedule a follow up appointment. DH is super fearful of multiples so I'm not sure how long it will take til he's comfortable enough with the risks to start it... Do you have a journal?

 

[ashknowsbest]

Sure thing Ash. We'll have the okay to start clomid after I schedule a follow up appointment. DH is super fearful of multiples so I'm not sure how long it will take til he's comfortable enough with the risks to start it... Do you have a journal?

Uhm no journal yet ... I thought of starting one but I've just been really busy with the appointments and things I just haven't had time to start yet. Once I start one I'll add a link to the bottom of my page. Do you have a journal yet?

About the twin thing! I am totally excited that twins on clomid is possible. I've always wanted twins and even though it is a scarrrry thing I'm so looking forward to the possibility. It's a 1 in 10 chance on clomid if you didn't know.
My DH already has a son ... he's always wanted a girl and he actually wants 3 more kids soooo twins doesn't scare him that much. It does as far as finances go but he has a pretty good job and can support us so...

The scariest thing for me about twins is the effects on my body and having the time to take care of both when they're born! My mom lives close by though so I'm sure she'd be more than happy to help! Well if you have a journal can I get the link and I'm happy I found someone on here that's pretty much on the same schedule as me as far as testing and starting clomid goes!

Good luck and lots of baby

 

[Lawgirl]

Can Clomid be prescribed if you are definitely ovulating? I wasn't sure if that was only for if you weren't ovulating.

Good luck with your tests.

I think it depends on the consultant. Mine would not prescribe me clomid because I was ovulating normally, so after the blood tests and HSG there was nothing more they would do until I had been trying for three years, at which point I will get put on the ivf waiting list (roll on January!).

Your age won't make any difference.

 

[ashknowsbest]

Sure thing Ash. We'll have the okay to start clomid after I schedule a follow up appointment. DH is super fearful of multiples so I'm not sure how long it will take til he's comfortable enough with the risks to start it... Do you have a journal?

Well I'm starting my journal today and do you mind if I add you to my friends list?

 

[Naneth.Estel]

I've not got that long to go for my appointment now. About two weeks, so it's come around a bit quicker than I thought it would.

Really can't wait to hear what the doctor says, she's been fantastic so far, prescribed me folic acid straight away and organised the first lot of tests so I'm hoping that she'll be as awesome with the next step.

My big worry is that she'll say 'everything's normal, you just have to keep trying'.

 

[Sophe]

Can Clomid be prescribed if you are definitely ovulating? I wasn't sure if that was only for if you weren't ovulating.

Good luck with your tests.

I think it depends on the consultant. Mine would not prescribe me clomid because I was ovulating normally, so after the blood tests and HSG there was nothing more they would do until I had been trying for three years, at which point I will get put on the ivf waiting list (roll on January!).

Your age won't make any difference.

min has given me clomid, but i fear when i get back this is what I will be told too