We've hit the 12 month mark.. what now??

[Dawnie]

Well, after TTC for 12 months, I've persuaded DH that we need to make an appointment at the GP. I wondered if anyone had any advice on what to expect? Should I ask for any particular GP (i.e. are they likely to have one at our local surgery who has more of an interest in fertility issues or should I just book in with whoever is available?). Also, should we go together?

As for the appointment, has anyone any experience of what they are likely to ask or what info I should have ready?

My cycles are regular (usually 28/29 days). We haven't been temping but I have been looking for natural fertility signs and think I have a good idea of when I ovulate (think I'm quite 'textbook' in that its around day 14/15 of my cycle) - to back this up I did try an OV test this month and got a positive on day 13 and 14.

We've tried all kinds of BDing methods - every day, twice a day and this month have tried the 'less is more' method! We BD'd about 3 days before OV then on the second day of my positive OV test so I'm sure we've been getting the timing right.

Does anyone know if the doctors recommend any 'natural' things to try or will they refer us to a fertility specialist straight away? I don't get much (if any) EWCM but we've tried using preseed for about 4 months and still no luck.

Any ideas/ suggestions would be gratefully received.
x

 

[Misskitty]

Hi Dawnie

We've been TTC for 10mths, i went to see my GP recently to ask what would be the next step (i.e. when we reach 12 months). I told her that i have been using OPKs etc for the last 6 or 7 months and charting for the last 3. She asked some standard questions about whether my cyle is regular, how healthy/fit me and OH are etc.

She said as we could get the process started straight away. The first thing i have had to do is have blood tests between day 2-5 oy my cycle to test for FSH and LH levels, and then another test on day 21 to test for progesterone levels after ovulation. She said it was important to do these first as it's the first thing the specialist will ask about. OH also has to do a 'sample', which we've got to take to the hospital this saturday. I have also had a smear and swabs taken to rule out any other possible causes (infections etc)

I think she was quite happy to refer us to a specialist early on as we seem to be doing all the right things (BD at the right time, healthy, charting using OPKs etc), and there doesn't seem to be any obvious reason why we're not getting pregnant (i.e. my cycles are like clockwork, temps and chart are good etc).

I saw my own GP (who is very good) rather than just seeing whoever was available as i assumed it would be an ongoing process, and i'd rather real with her.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

[mrs_tommo22]

Hi - weve only been trying for 6 months and i have to go for a blood test and oh has to give a sample.

 

[Dawnie]

Thanks very much for the feedback. It all sounds like it gets quite complicated! Misskitty do you have to go to the hospital for the blood tests or is that at your local doctors? I really hope my doctors take me seriously and start the 'ball rolling' straight away - I was scared they may just tell us to 'keep trying' and send us away.

 

[Misskitty]

They do the blood tests at my local surgery (had the first lot yesterday) and then send them up to the hospital (about 25 miles away). OH has to take his sample straight to the hospital though as they need to have it within an hour of production. When i went to speak to my doctor i went armed with lots of evidence to show how hard we'd been trying (temp charts,using OPKs etc), but it turns out i din't need it.

Do you have a specific GP that you see?

 

[Dawnie]

No, not really. I do have an assigned GP but my surgery doesn't seem to really work in that way. If I ever need to make an appointment I just phone and ask for an appointment with a doctor - it's not necessarily my GP that I get, just the first one who is available. I wonder whether when I phone to make an appointment I should ask the receptionist if it would be better to see my own GP.

 

[Misskitty]

I suppose it depends how you feel about your own GP. Personally when it comes to this type of thing i prefer to deal with a female. If there is another doctor that you prefer i think you can always 'transfer' so you are registered against another doctor at your surgery.

 

[Dawnie]

I always ask to see a female too so will do again - I just hope we get a nice one who is understanding. Thanks for your responses.

 

[surreysharon]

Another angle you could always use is to ring your local Public Health office (or contact your local primary care trust). See if they know of a local surgery who specialise in Fertility. Each practice will nominate something they concentrate on ie. obseity, child fitness/health, heart etc.

May be another option if your GP is rubbish

x

 

[ald]

Hi, I would take a calendar with yor last 12 months of cycles on it so they can see how regular/un-regular your cycles are. Also if you and dh are at the same doctors, and going together then make a double appointment to ensure you have enough time to discuss tests for both of you. Also when you go for the blood test and sperm results make double appointments then as well, to ensure you have enough time to discuss the results and a referral to FS if needed!.