Referral for IVF

[Catlady101]

Hi All, hope you’re all well and keeping safe. I had an online consultation with my gynaecologist this morning (on the NHS), this is 3 months after starting clomid. Unfortunately it has not worked so far and if anything has made my periods very light, 2 days max. I explained all of this and that I wasn’t too keen on continuing taking them for another 6 month. He listened and advised there is another tablet I could try but again I’m not too keen on that. He said my options were to be referred for IVF as we have been trying for 3 years with no sniff of a BFP or wait for a laparoscopy which could be well into next year with the covid waiting list. I said I would like to be referred for IVF which he agreed to. I’m just worried now that something may have been missed as I haven’t had a laparoscopy. I hate the constant questioning I do to myself. I just want to give us the best chance I can of a positive outcome 😔

[User20]

Hi Catlady,I think you are right for getting a referral for IVF. You would think you'd have a proper consultation with an IVF specialist before starting treatment. They'll look at all tests you had done and discuss which other tests would be worthwhile doing.

Fingers crossed for you

[Catlady101 in reply to User20]

Thank you, I really hope so 🤞🏻

[LizzieBW]

Hi Catlady,

So sorry you're having a rough time emotionally. You're doing the right thing reaching out on here!

Is there any particular reason they'd be keen to do a laparoscopy? Do you have tube issues, endometriosis or do they think there is chance of fibroids or something else? I know laparoscopy can be explorative but I just wondered if you already have an idea of what they'd be looking for.

I can't comment on laparoscopy from an explorative perspective (others may be able to, hopefully!) but I had my most recent lap op June 2019 to flush fallopian tubes and to remove endometriosis then unfortunately our IVF start was delayed due to Covid. At a recent scan, just about to start IVF again they found a returned hydrosalpinx so I'm off for another lap surgery before Christmas 🤷‍♀️

What I'm trying to say is try not to worry (easier said than done, I know!) because if anything crops up along the way they will advise you on your options and next steps.

I have definitely found the start, stop, start again, stop again, change the course and plan again really tough but I've definitely got better accepting lack of control and trusting in the process.

At least you have your referral for IVF in place now & it's a new part of the journey 🙂 welcome to the gang 💐 xx

[Catlady101 in reply to LizzieBW]

Hi Lizzie,

I’m so glad I found this forum, makes things a little easier knowing there’s people out there who understand and have been through it. I think they mentioned the laparoscopy as the “gold standard” procedure just to rule anything out that’s not been picked up. I’ve had a hycosy and that came back fine, no one has mentioned possible endometriosis but I guess who knows until they’ve had a proper look?

I am hoping though that through IVF I can cover any tests that they think I need. Just so desperate to move on to the next thing now, the waiting is absolutely the worst thing.

I’m really hoping this is a start of something great for us 🤞🏻 xx

[LizzieBW in reply to Catlady101]

Hi,

Yes, it always seems ludicrous to me that surgery seems like a good idea to professionals to investigate when there are other much less invasive ways to do initial checks as some of the other lovely ladies have mentioned in your replies.

You're heading in the right direction by the sounds of it! Very best of luck with your consultation when it comes around. Xx

[Catlady101 in reply to LizzieBW]

Thank you I really appreciate that! I’m hoping it won’t be long but with Covid now god knows xx

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely, When you have your IVF consultation they usually suggest doing a hysteroscopy in the first instance which just takes a good look at the uterus to make sure no polyps etc, so might be a bit easier - it's not invasive like a lap. They'll scan you to look at your tubes etc and if you've already had a hyscosy then that's pretty comprehensive in terms of getting everything checked before you start. Good luck xx

[Catlady101 in reply to Millbanks]

Hi Millbanks,

That definitely makes me feel loads better, thank you. Just want to make sure everything is tip top to give us the best chance. Xx