What should I expect?

[magicvw]

Hi girls

looks like I am out for this cycle (no. 16) as I'm spotting, so I have booked an appt with my gyno for next Tuesday, which I guess will be 1 day before af arrives.

It's my first appointment to discuss problems ttc. I'd just like some pointers as to what to expect, what the doc might ask me or suggest, what I should ask about? Feeling rather in the dark!! (and scared.....)

Thanks so much!

 

[krissi]

Have you has tests done before, docs usually start with blood tests and CD21 tests to see if you are ovulating. This would prob be a good idea as you didn't get a positive OPK this cycle. If these come back with a below average score they may try you on something like Clomid. Are you goign to appt alone. I always like to take OH along as they can often try and baffle you with science.

They will probably also take swabs to check no infections present (so no nasty knickers that day!!)

Just relax and I always try and scribble down a few things i want to ask and then say to them sorry i need to go through these questions as I am nervous and i know I will forget to ask things, that way i can be really clear i have asked everything xx

Good Luck

 

[magicvw]

No, I don't think I've had blood tests specifically for this. I had some bloods done last year when I found a lump in my breast, but it disappeared before I got to see the consultant and I don't know if anything showed up in the bloods. I've been on progesterone for a while, which was prescribed specifically for luteal phase spotting, but they didnt' do the cd21 test, just went by my symptoms. I wasn't discussing ttc at that stage, just the spotting and occasional bleeding after sex.

TBH i am pretty sure that I do ov, as I've been charting since April and my charts have showed that I do.

I have to go alone as DH is working. I'm fine with that - I don't find the science bit particularly baffling and DH is too squeamish anyway! I'm better on my own for things like this! (But I do have a tendency to burst into tears if anything sounds scary or looks like it might hurt!)

 

[krissi]

It wouldn't hurt to let them do the CD21 tests just to be sure x

Good luck at the app and please let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you x

 

[magicvw]

It wouldn't hurt to let them do the CD21 tests just to be sure x

Good luck at the app and please let us know how you get on, will be thinking of you x

Well, I'm gonna let them test me for everything, even if it does hurt and even if I do cry. I'm fed up with this and need some answers.

 

[maz]

My doc did my Day 21 bloods and then the first appt I had with a specialist, I had an internal scan and swabs taken for chlamydia and then I was told to phone them at the start of my next cycle to organise a HSG test. Oh - they also weighed me and calculate my BMI and checked my medical history too.

I agree with Krissi. Best advice is to write down your questions and don't be afraid to write down their answers too.

Hope that helps.

good luck hun

 

[rachelle1975]

Hiya

Sorry you are out this month.

I saw my doctor 3 weeks ago for a chat about TTC etc. She asked me if i had monitored anything - i.e. temperature/CM/CP etc and also asked about how much sex and when etc.

She wrote me up a hosptial path form and then sent me off for my 21 day progesterone test. I got the results back within 7 days. Today i had my CD5 test which was for hormones and thyroid - test my prolactin levels, rubella, LH and also FSH. DH also had his 'swimmers' test on Wednesday so results back next week on all of that.

My doc said to me that after all those tests depending on the results they would look into bloods for DH and also a procedure for me whereby the inject dye into my tubes to make sure they are free flowing (sorry can't remember what it was called)!

Fingers crossed you have a good doc and they are proactive and sympathetic - good luck hun x

 

[magicvw]

I guess I am hoping that since I am fairly sure I do ov, that I won't have to wait till cd21 for the first tests and have to wait a whole cycle before any other tests will be done. I'm hoping they will get some tests done more or less straight away, but may be this is wishful thinking!

 

[krissi]

the dye test is called an HSG:

Here is some info on it magic incase they say you need one:

Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant (infertile).

During a hysterosalpingogram, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube that is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray (fluoroscopy) as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. A hysterosalpingogram also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall. See an illustration of a hysterosalpingogram.

Why It Is Done
A hysterosalpingogram is done to:

Find a blocked fallopian tube. The test often is done for a woman who is having a hard time becoming pregnant. An infection may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes, preventing pregnancy. Occasionally the dye used during a hysterosalpingogram will push through and open a blocked tube.
Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure, an injury, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a foreign object in the uterus. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages.
See whether surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.

 

[magicvw]

Thanks Krissi - that was really useful! Do you have the page link so I can see the piccies?

I am wondering if there are any "foreign objects" in my uterus since I have lived abroad for 10 years!!

 

[krissi]

https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysterosalpingogram-21590

I had mine about 6 months ago so if you have any questions please feel free to ask xx

 

[magicvw]

Thanks Krissi! You can be sure i will if that what he says i need!

 

[rachelle1975]

I guess I am hoping that since I am fairly sure I do ov, that I won't have to wait till cd21 for the first tests and have to wait a whole cycle before any other tests will be done. I'm hoping they will get some tests done more or less straight away, but may be this is wishful thinking!

I seem to ovulate fairly regularly as well but last few months went a bit wonky - i kinda think it's stress related although i'm adamant that i'm not remotely stressed!! (yeah right). I was quite happy that we managed to get all the tests and hubby's done in a month, it did make me feel a bit more chilled. My doctor said that 50% of the couples she sees for unexplained fertility tend to fall once the tests start! Oooh lets hope we are one of the 50%!