Whats the process for help with falling pregnant/ assistance, etc?

[StrawberryTheMilkshake]

Hi guys

I just wanted to know, when you go to the doctor to seek advice about trying to get pregnant (that is, youve been trying for a while and nothing has happened), what's the process?

What happens?

When would they check DH's sperm, etc?

[HelenHasTwins]

I went to my GP after trying for 2 years with no sucess, she referred me to my FS and we went from there....they did do test on me and my DH to start with and I had a laparoscopy to find out I had endo....we went from there to doing IUI and ended up doing IVF...with success after 5 goes:smiliedance:...so I would say go and have a chat with you gp, you will need a referal anyway

Good luck

Helen

[Elestrial]

How long have you been trying?
After 12 months (if you're under 35 or 6 months if you're over) you're GP should refer you to a Fertility Specialist. He may decide to do some blood tests and a sperm test before your referal. You might also get an ultrasound.
Once you're at a Fertility Specialist, you'll probably have to repeat some/all those things. Particularly sperm tests becasue specialists think they're labs are so much better than the normal ones.

[Amara]

A sperm test on your partner is usually one of the first things that gets tested. Normally the test can be collected at home & transported quickly to the pathology place (I know that's one of the things guys are worried about, having to perform in a room in a doctor's office).

Generally a GP wont refer you for help unless you've been TTC for over 12 months (6 months if over 35).

For the woman it's usually blood tests, ultrasound & laparoscopy.

[StrawberryTheMilkshake]

Thanks ladies.....

My concern is, that im an overweight person and i know their answer is going to be "loose weight".

Of course, i am being careful and trying to make healthier choices, etc.

But im worried that they wont touch me until im a certain weight.

Ive had two pregnancies in my life.... and the first one happened when i was on the pill, and the second (my five year old) was after one week of coming off the pill.

I am with a different person now, and my life is more hectic. Im a little heavier than when i had my DD.

So, it might not be me who is having fertility problems, it could be DH.

So i just wanted to know what the plan was.... are they nice to you?

And is it 12 months of solid trying, or is it 12 months at random... i mean some months i havent tracked it so unsure when ive ovulated, etc.

Its a slight chance i may be pregnant now so i spose ill wait and see...... and it hasnt been 12 months yet anyway.

Scary.

[Elestrial]

My concern is, that im an overweight person and i know their answer is going to be "loose weight".
I was afraid of that too, and it might be a factor, but I supose the worst thing they can do is give you practical suggestions for more effective weight loss. That's not too bad is it? I think the reason we don't want to be told weight is the issue is because it means it's actively our fault. If we have faulty ovaries we can't be blamed but weight we can. Don't worry too much about that and just trust your doctor.


So, it might not be me who is having fertility problems, it could be DH.
Sperm tests are a pretty routine first response. I went to the GP knowing the problem was me and she still sent DH for a semen test.


And is it 12 months of solid trying, or is it 12 months at random... i mean some months i havent tracked it so unsure when ive ovulated, etc.
It should be a solid 12 months, but you don't really need to have tracked anything for that time (I think). As long as you have been actively not preventing you should get referal. That said it's always helpfull to have some kind of tracking with you so if you have some temps/mucas/something then take that info with you.