Please answer?!? ttc?

Question

thinking about goin for a fertility check up at the doctors but nervous what exactly does it involve for me and my husband?

thank you

Answer 1

If you are in the UK, you will need to have been trying for six months if over 35years old and if younger a year. I am 35, I was referred onto a specialist by my GP(this took a couple of months) where I underwent an examination of my ovaries and tubes using a scanner - it was fine but I think the first app, varies, I have had variable menstrual cycle length so they looked at me rather than my husband. Hubands usually askedto go in and give a sperm sample as a separate app, then they look at motility and count. I now have to keep a chart of my menstrual cycle - and I am seen every six months. Next app. they will look at giving a fertility treatment (1.5 years after first app). I have one child, but we are having difficulty ttc number two!

TTC means babydancing every couple of days!

Answer 2

Hi,

I think once you been to your doctors he will then see if it worth you going for specialist tests at the hospital or specialist fertility clinic.

Treatment for infertility within the NHS is limited and waiting lists vary. When you see your GP ask him what is available locally on the NHS and if there is a limit to the help you’ll receive. Check too about the cost of any prescribed drugs. Will the practice pay or will the bill come to you? If you want treatment privately, your doctor will tell you about clinics in the area. Phone them to get information about the tests and treatments they offer, waiting times and the costs involved. Then ask your GP to refer you to the clinic you’ve chosen.

When you see the specialist you’ll have limited time for the consultation. Take a list of questions you want to ask. You may have waited a long time for this appointment and you may wait a long time for the next.

Tests for you may include:

Blood, urine and cervical mucus tests – to check hormone levels or ovulation.

Ultrasound scans – to check if a follicle, which should contain an egg, is being produced. Treatment for ovulation problems usually involves drugs and has a high success rate.

Sperm mucus crossover – this checks if the woman’s cervical mucus allows her partner’s sperm through.

Endometrial biopsy – a sample of womb lining (endometrium) is removed to check that it is free from infection and that ovulation has occurred.

Hysterosalpingogram – where dye is passed through the fallopian tubes to check they are not blocked.

Laparoscopy (usually under general anaesthetic) – uses a thin telescopic instrument to view the reproductive organs through a small cut below the navel. It checks for scar tissue, endometriosis, fibroids or any abnormality in the shape or position of the womb, ovaries or fallopian tubes

Tests for your partner may include:

s***n analysis to look at the number, shape and size of sperm, as well as the way they move.

Blood or urine tests to check hormone levels.

Testing the sperm in special solutions.

Special X-rays/scans to find blockages or check the blood supply to the testes.

You’ll probably go through a range of tests because a couple can have a combination of problems that cause infertility. Once you have a diagnosis you may just need straightforward treatment or surgery to help you conceive. If the tests aren’t conclusive, assisted conception may still be successful. The techniques listed are not miracle solutions. Whatever the treatments available, a woman under 35 will stand a much better chance of a successful pregnancy than a woman over 40.

Good luck!

Lx