Awaiting IVF

[ditsy999]

HI,

Me and my husband have recently been referred for IVF on the NHS. My first appointment for an ultrasound is on 26th August, what the process after this and how long does it take>?

[abbie103]

Hi,

Im in the early stages of IVF as well, ive already had my scan, did they say they are scanning you whilst you are on your period?

Do you have any infertility reasons have they said what's making it hard for and your partner?

xx

[ditsy999 in reply to abbie103]

HI,

No they haven't said I need to be on my period when I go for my ultrasound scan. My husband is not producing enough sperm which is making it harder to conceive for us . . how long has it been since you had your scan and when is your next appointment? . . good luck to you

[abbie103 in reply to ditsy999]

I had my scan about 5 weeks ago and went back for my results about 2 weeks ago they are pretty quick with the appointments ive had my consultation and signed all the consent forms im waiting for a latter back and once i get my letter i need to phone on the first day of my period and because i have stage 4 endo i have to be put on prostap for 3 months before they start my process, ive been confirmed that my body is ready for pregnancy its just the endo thats preventing it from happening, when you have your first scan they should measure your follicles, they said im producing the right amount, they will also check your bloods as well to make sure there normal, what did they say the scans for ? xxx

[ditsy999 in reply to abbie103]

the letter just said to monitor and make sure there are no problems before they proceed to make an appointment with the consultant. Not really sure what the process is as my doctor wasn't very good at explaining, so will ask what the next process is at my appointment. I haven't completed any forms or anything like that yet, I guess they have to determine what treatment/options they will offer us first . .good luck

[abbie103 in reply to ditsy999]

This will be the scan i had then after that u will have your consultation and they will tell you the best process for you, after the scan you partner might b asked to go for a semen analysis that's what happened with me and once they checked me and him over they make the decision on the best outcome and what type of ivf u need xxx

[saffi2182]

Hi, we had our referral in April, had first ultrasound and blood tests pretty quick then just had HSG today, next appt is 28th of this month back with consultant to see what next step is. Do you have any idea for underlying causes as I think that could make a difference to time scales. Ours is unexplained so having to look at everything. Find out next Friday I guess what we're up against and how long it takes, just to let you know though none of the tests are too bad. Good luck on the start of your journey!

[ditsy999 in reply to saffi2182]

Hi,

my husband not producing enough sperm is our issue. Hopefully it will all be okay . . you've been waiting few months just to see your consultant?

all the best with your appointment next week

[saffi2182 in reply to ditsy999]

Oh no sorry, prob wasn't clear, our first hospital appt was in April where they outlined all the tests we'll need, the follow up for results is this month, as here is manchester the wait for hsg can be quite long. Hopefully find out rest next week. We have a similar known prob with my partner but they thought I might have some contributing issues which is why the rest of tests

[ditsy999 in reply to saffi2182]

oh ok . .thats probably why they want to do scan and check all is okay with me i guess. Did your partner come with you to the scan or did you just go alone?

[abbie103 in reply to ditsy999]

When i went for the scan both me and my partner had to go because they took his bloods as well as mine, the scan is to check your uterus is breaking down correctly and the right amount of follicles are producing xxx

[ditsy999 in reply to abbie103]

Thanks for the info Abbie x

[abbie103 in reply to ditsy999]

Keep us informed good Luck xxx

[ditsy999 in reply to abbie103]

thanks good luck to you too x

[saffi2182 in reply to abbie103]

My initial scan was just to check placement of everything. My partner came with me but they made him wait in waiting area for me.

[Mammoth]

I expect this is an internal scan.

It takes 5-10 minutes of scanning.

You meet the sonographer and they ask you to undress the area that needs to be accessed (eg trousers and knickers off) in private, then to place a sheet on top for dignity. They return after a discreet amount of time. It's then knees up and attempting to physically relax. They then put a condom on a dildo-shaped scanning device. This is covered with gel and inserted vaginally. They will look at both ovaries (so placing it into the 'corners' of your vagina with a little pressure and wiggling). They may note down the numbers and sizes (in mm) of any follicles that they see on the screen. They will also be noting the depth of the endometrial layer in mm. They will see whether you have three distinct layers in your uterus. They will look for any unusual shapes, cysts etc.

They may point out what they see to you on the screen, though many sonographers are trained NOT to tell you much of anything and so you have to wait to see the doctor afterwards. It is not their job to interpret the data, just to provide it. You return to the waiting room and then hopefully you will see the doc on the same day. Sometimes not.

It it not normally painful, although I find it can be for me, unfortunately, due to a myriad of gynie issues. I sometimes bleed a little afterwards, though I don't know if this is normal.

[ditsy999 in reply to Mammoth]

oh ok thanks for the info . .after they have done this scan and everything is okay , what is the next stage in the process? Will a appointment with the consultant be the next step in this IVF process?

[abbie103 in reply to ditsy999]

Yes u will then have your appointment with the consultant which you will talk about your results and they will tell you the best option for you in the meantime don't quote me but i got all my consent forms through the post and was told to bring them with me to the consultation and me and my partner signed them after going through them with the dr xxxx

[ditsy999 in reply to abbie103]

thanks for explaining . .new to the process, very helpful thanks

[Mammoth]

Given consent forms, read consent forms, appointment to sign consent forms with medical staff witnessing (so many signatures required!), agree on a protocol, discuss dates, get sent protocol with dates, get medication, injection training... Not necessarily in that exact order.

[ditsy999 in reply to Mammoth]

great thanks for the info, at least i know what I'm in for