I'm new and stressing! 1st consutation. Help pls...

[Lara-Croft]

Hi all,

I'm new here and feeling rather nervous. I have my first NHS consultation at the hospital on Wednesday. We've been trying for a quite a number of years with no success.

I'm just wondering what to expect at the consultation? What sort of thing will they ask, and do I need to make sure to ask them anything in particular? Should I be asking for any other tests?

So far my husband's sperm test was fine, as have been my blood tests. I think we might end up being 'unclassified'. What do they normally offer on the NHS for that? Will it just be IUI, which I've read is a low success rate? Can we push/ask for IVF?

Any help welcome. Any on been through this?

[dcba]

Hi Lara-Croft.

I've just joined this forum too. I've been in the same position a few weeks ago when I had my first NHS consultation (after waiting a month for it, following a few months process with the GP!). The doctor should be telling you what tests you need and writing the referrals. In my case we already knew that my husband has low sperm motility and that this was likely the reason I haven't been able to get pregnant. I also had had a blood test which came up fine. In order to rule out any female infertility, the consultant sent me in for a hysterosalpingogram (a test that checks that the fallopian tubes aren't blocked) and an ultrasound of the pelvis (to check the structure of the reproductive organs etc.). The hysterosalpingogram showed that there aren't any blockages. I'm doing the pelvic ultrasound scan later this month and have another appointment in July to discuss IVF.

So I think these are the tests to be aware of. At some point you may need an AMH test to establish your ovarian reserve, but I think I'll find out at my next appointment.

My frustration has been that everything happens so slowly. Almost every test/appointment I needed done involves at least a month wating time. I wonder how long we will have to wait until we can start IVF. So be prepared for the long process...unless you are lucky.

I hope this helps and good luck with your consultation.

[Leesalou]

Just wanted to say Welcome,

It all differs to what area, clinic etc your in,

And what your results are, think also age comes into it.

My hubby has sperm morphology and I have only one tube which is clipped so we are having icsi and that's on the NHS,

My first cycle was also icsi privately funded which was unsuccessful due to my hydrosalpinx,

Wishing you lucks of luck on your journey 🍀🍀

Everyone on here is lovely and helpful xx

[_MrsC]

Hi Lara. I think the biggest piece of advice I can give is to take things as they come. The consultant will talk to you about your journey and will tailor it to you.

We have unexplained infertility too. I had a hycosy after the consultation which showed nothing wrong with my tubes or uterus so be prepared for them wanting to do something like that perhaps. It was fine as a procedure. Frankly you get used to having to do the whole legs akimbo thing.

We are just on our 2nd ICSI cycle which they decided on for us. Our first one was unsuccessful because the embryo, despite being a good quality one, didn't take. Unfortunately we also didn't get any embryos to freeze so we've had to move onto another fresh cycle which will be our last on the NHS.

I hope that helps and wish you the best of luck.

Vic x

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Our consultant wanted to know all about my menstrual cycle- boy there were many abnormalities there ( I was under a general gynae,) He also wanted to know how long we'd been TTC ( 5 years at that point) if we had any children within our relationship- or in a previous relationship, he also wanted to know if there have been any pregnancies in/,out of the relationship- even miscarriages counted. He looked at my husband last sperm test-,at this it was 4 years ago,- we laughed as we thought it was 2 years ago!!! Our jobs were also discussed- maybe to see if there was anything causing the infertility due to occupation. He looked over my blood tests and previously I had an HSG done ( at our first clinic-won't discuss them 😬!) and a hysteroscopy. I was weighed! He also wanted to know if either of us smoked ( we don't) and the no units of a alcohol consumed each week-long ,yikes! At the initial consultation he believed my cycle issues were caused by polycystic ovaries and he prescribed me 100 mg clomid to take from days 2-6 of my cycle for 6 months and arranged a follow up appointment in march should that not made us conceive. Sadly due severe unexplained pelvic pain I had to cease clomid treatment after my 4th round.

The pelvic pain in my lower left abdominal side was due to undiagnosed endometriosis that I had in my pouch of Douglas whuch was diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy. After 5 years 10 months it was such a huge relief for us to know the cause of our infertility- so I completely understand your frustration at not knowing. Such a stressful diagnosis. We await a follow up next month but hope we can try naturally for a few months before considering private IVF- I have an 18 year old son from a previous relationship..

Usually tubal assessment is done either via HSG or laparoscopy- particularly if the specialist suspects that you might have endometriosis. Endometriosis can only be diagnosed by laparoscopy. It surprises and saddens me it isn't a standard fertility test offered. If you get given the option have a laparoscopy- that's my biggest advice..

Once the consultant has conducted his/her investigations they will be be able to advise you the best options available for you- under nice guidelines usually IVF is the recommended treatment for couples with unexplained infertility.

I have no experience of IVF- but there any many ladies on here will be able to offer advice on IVF.

Diane the nurse here has a list of questions- too big to list here but can email you them!

I hope the consultation goes well and you feel positive about the way forward. It can be nerve wrecking but you are in the right place. Each step is a step closer to having your baby- take it one step at a time. As my story demonstrates things can change- sometimes taking a different path but that can work better.

I have gone to see our consultant and I have been so worried and stressed but he is amazing at calming me down and we always feel positive after seeing him! And we always have a curry club afterwards with a glass of wine( naughty naughty!!) at spoons- definitely recommend a treat afterwards 😋deserved of course 😁 x x x