Been referred. Got our appointment in a month!

[seabird85]

Hi all. We have been trying to conceive for 1.5 years now and have been referred on the NHS. No idea what to expect from the first appointment. We have tried everything and are just so fed up. Any help or advice on what to expect from a referral would be welcome!!! Thanks x

[louisear]

hi, each hospital may be different but we first had an appointment with the nurse then a month or so later with the specialist to talk about options and partner had a wash and swim test. We then had to make another appointment to discuss the results. Our appointment and progress was hindered by my weight as my BMI too high. Now I've got it under 30 we're ready to start treatment this month. From seeing our GP to get the ball rolling until now has taken just over a year. Hope this helps. Good luck!xx

[emmab178]

On mine they weighed me looked at the blood tests done by the gp, and husband's swimmers tests, ordered amh blood test and went through fertility history, ever been pregnant, how long have you been trying etc to try and figure out how to help.

[CountryCat]

Hi Seabird, my first appointment was almost 2 years ago but I seem to recall that we were issued with a series of letters and referrals for tests pre-assessment. These included various blood tests, such as for Thyroid Function and those to rule out STDs.

I was then given 21 day progesterone test, an ultrasound and MRI. It was only after all these results were in that my husband and I received an appointment with the Chief Consultant at Obs/Gyn. It may have been to do with my age...I am not sure.

I think every NHS hospital is different. Remember to ask as many questions as you like. The process can be very confusing and it may help to have a list of questions prepared, if there are any worries you may have.

All the best to you both. It is the start of something and that in itself is hopeful and positive!

[bfrida]

Agreed with the girls, every clinic is different, so don't worry, as far as I know they ask for the similar tests. like the blood tests, spermogram and ultrasounds, they should know what's wrong with you. We also went to our GP in order to take my fertility history, So it's all ok.

The main issue is to stay positive about it and everything will be ok. I can tell you from the own experience.

[Hidden]

Morning Seabird, from the replies above it does seem that everyone's experience is different. My GP had ordered some blood tests before our first appointment, & my husband had had his SA so we went through those in the 1st meeting, they weighed me and I had an internal scan. Lots of questions about how long we'd been trying, general health, alcohol intake etc for both of us. They told us there and then that IVF was the next step. We were both then sent for additional blood tests and had the next appointment about 6 weeks later when a different consultant took us through the results of those and the IVF process in more detail.

We then went on the waiting list, and had our follow up appointment 6 months later - we're finally starting our first cycle in April.

We also had an open evening the night before our first appointment where they went through the process (with about 200 of us!), which to be honest didn't tell me anything I hadn't read or heard from friends, but think it was helpful for my husband who wasn't really sure what we were letting ourselves in for!

Good luck with it all and don't be afraid to ask questions, I'm sure they will have been asked the question before! x

[seabird85]

Thanks all. Good to speak to people going through the same thing!!! My appointment is on the 30th march so I'll let you know. I have already had a 21 day progesterone and hubby has had sperm analysis and both came back fine. I tend to ovulate on day 20 and then start a new cycle on day 28 so I'm pretty sure my luteal length is the issue. Fingers crossedddddd

[pana82]

Hi Seabird! Every clinic is different as others have already said. They will most likely repeat tests your GP has done, plus perform a few more specialist tests like checking your tubes, etc. What happens after that depends on whether they find anything wrong and on your local funding criteria for treatment. All our results were normal so we were told to return once we were eligible for treatment, which meant after 3 years of ttc for us... the clinic website often has information specific to your borough. Good luck! Xxx

[seabird85]

So i finally got my appointment...I have been told i need an ultrasound and an hsg....Fingers crossed!!!!!