Fertility treatment

[baibee]

Hi all

DH and I have been ttc #1 since Oct 08 with no luck yet. I am planning on making an appointment with my GP next week to get a referral to a FS. I am just wondering what is likely to happen when we first see the FS? What is the usual process?

My DH had a semen analysis done about 2 and a half months ago. He has slightly higher abnormally shaped sperm than average (90%). Motility and count were ok.

I had blood tests done about 2 months ago to see if I was ovulating, to check for chemical pregnancy as well as a couple of other things I've forgotten. Everything came back normal. I have started to see an acupuncturist over the past 5 weeks.

Any insight/information you girls can give me will be appreciated. Thanks

[waterlili]

Hi, I can only speak from my own experience so I'm not sure whether it's all the same. We had not had any tests done before we went to a FS so on our first app he ordered a sperm analysis for my husband and some blood work for different days of my cycle and a general check up. After they all came back ok (DH was fine, I was ovulating etc) I think I had an internal ultrasound during my second app- and have had many since, just to warn you. I had to have a levovist test to see if my tubes were blocked. They put dye through your tubes (it hurt like hell even though they said that it should only be slightly uncomfortable) but it only takes about twenty minutes. When that came back fine he recommended that we try IUI as they did not know why we were unable to get pregnant. I am now in the 2WW after my second IUI attempt. I hope this is helpful and not full of info you already know!!!!

[lovingbeingamum]

Hi, I'm in the same boat, am thinking about making a GP appt for a referral too. I can feel my endo coming back... I don't want to have another laparoscopy :no:. Things would be so much easier if there really was a cabbage patch!

[Hayls70]

baibee- hiya:wave:

First appointment with FS is to find out your history and to organise a bunch of tests for them to get an idea what (if anything) is the problem and what will be the course of treatment.

They will get you and your partner to do blood tests and maybe require another semen analysis from your partner.(my fert clinic had my dh do two samples a month apart just to make sure of results but they wouldnt all be the same as he had a fever a month before which can affect sperm count for a while!)

I also had the dye to check my fallopian tubes were clear- called a hysterosalpingogram(or hsg!!) In my experience the preparation is what took the time- getting machine ready etc. Then its almost like going in for a pap smear but they insert dye through a thin tube. It didnt hurt me at all, and it took about 2 minutes as my tubes were clear.
-you can actually have the laparoscopy which they put you under general anaesthetic and is keyhole surgery, I opted for the hsg as it is quicker and easier.

Once all the tests come back then your FS will have a better idea on how to treat you...and depending on your age will prob generally go for the mildest form of treatment first
ie- tracking- where they do blood tests on you to see when you are ovulating

- IUI- where they do the above but at ovulation time they collect a sperm sample from your partner,wash it to get the best sperm and insert directly into your uterus.

Then if these arent appropriate they may suggest IVF but they do like to exhaust other avenues first!
anyway, good luck I wish you all the best on your journey to a BFP!!

[LillyPonds]

:wave: Baibee

We've been ttc since Feb 09. I firstly saw my GP and he did some BT and then ultrasounds (external & Internal). I have suspected PCOS. He then referred me to a FS.

She ordered SA for DH (all is fine there plenty of them and they swim fine) and put me on a drug called Clomid. 50mg = 1 tablet once a day for 5 days starting day 2 of AF. The FS can increase this dose if neccessary.The next dosage is 100mg = 2x tablets once a day for 5 days. I beleive the dosage can go up to 250mg at the absolute max. I'm currently on 50mg and it is working every cycle for me.

This medication tricks your pituitary gland into thinking your ovaries aren't working properly so makes them work harder to "mature" an egg, essentially making you O. Are you Oing on your own? Some times the FS may prescribe Clomid even if you are Oing on your own as a back up to make sure you are Oing every cycle.

It will depend on your FS as to what they will start doing. Some ladies have mentioned they have had HSG done? I haven't yet. That will be if we haven't gotten pregnant in the next 2 cycles.

I know it all seems overwhelming but just arm yourself with knowledge. The more I find out about what I need to have done the less scary it is for me. The ladies on here are fantastic and have been very helpful. Usually there are older threads on here I read that have answered questions for me.

Hope this helps! feel free to ask lots of questions! :)

PS. I forgot to add that you don't need to have PCOS to take Clomid if that is what your FS wants to start you on.

[baibee]

Thanks so much for the replys. :) It really helps to have some idea what I'm (we're) in for. I have to admit it's all a bit scary. I never thought I would be in this situation but I guess no one ever does.

Good luck to you all :flowerz:

[wannabubbad]

Hi Baibee

i know you've had lots of replies already but i just came accross your post now. I've been ttc since Jan 08. In April this year I went to see FS. DH was sent for a SA ( results were ok, not great, but ok - FS words ) and I got bloods done at two separate times in the month. I also got an internal scan at that point which showed that i was ovulating. FS then basically told me that I was v young and that i was stressing over nothing. he said i should come back next year if we hadn't conceived at that point. Last week i decided i was sick of waiting, would love to have made some progress by christmas so I'm booked in for a HSG in early December - hoping that all is clear and that we can take it from there - that's as far along as i am so don't really know what happens after that but will keep you posted how december goes!
Wishing you all the best when you go to see your FS.

:hugs: