Anyone had fertility referral appointment?

[GGW13]

Hi,

I'm a 37 and a half year old who's been trying to conceive for 18 months with no success.

I did all the GP fertility tests and was referred to fertility clinic around 4 months ago.

Today I received a message saying we have our first appointment on TUESDAY, and I was surprised at how unprepared I felt.

I suddenly felt daunted by the thought that I don't know what they're going to find (not the poking and prodding - it's not the nicest, but I'm fine with that.)

However, I was wondering if any users would mind sharing their experience if they've been through it? What happened from your first appointment and what was the timeline like? Did they find anything and if so, what was the treatment?

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to share. I'm just curious and would like to know more to help me feel more informed and prepared.

G x

[CarlottaD27]

Hi there! Exciting news that the appt came through and things are progressing.

For me, the first review with the fertility specialist didn’t involve any tests, but rather a review of the tests my GP had sent and details of my medical history and timelines of trying to concieve.

They may prescribe some more specialist tests after this appt (e.g. HyCoSy to see if tubes are open, a transvaginal scan to have a look at ovaries, etc), but in my case I was always given warning via a letter as to when I would have appointments which requires further poking, so by the sounds of it that may well not happen for you at the appt!

I think you can read up online what the guidelines for your local area are to make sure you meet the criteria and mention information that is helpful for qualifying.

Good luck!

[GGW13 in reply to CarlottaD27]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply 💜

[Allotmenteer16]

I was referred at the end of 2018 and had my first review in the fertility clinic, in Jan 2019, I had some extra tests, so ultrasounds and a few other blood tests, then went back to see the consultant for the results, I also had to lose some weight for NHS funding. In June 2019 I got approval from the consultant and he requested the NHS funding. At that time the local fertility clinic didn't have much of a waiting list so we saw them in July 2019 and started our first cycle in August.We had known for a long time we'd need fertility treatment as my partner has Cystic Fibrosis, so he also had to be referred to urology for a procedure to obtain some sperm, that was going on alongside at the same time (Procedure was in May 2019).

I hope everything goes okay with your appointment, this forum may be helpful to you as you go forward on your journey x

[GGW13 in reply to Allotmenteer16]

Thank you for your input on this and taking the time to write your experience out 💜

[Allotmenteer16 in reply to GGW13]

Realised I'd written a year wrong there somewhere, hopefully it made sense!

[Bee_86]

hello lovely,

I am the same age as you and we started ttc 18 months ago also.

We went to our GP jan 23, tests were booked. I had ultrasound and blood tests etc where they discovered I have a very low AMH, the results of which I got in feb 23.

My partner had his first semen analysis in March 23, No sperm found. They booked him in for a 2nd one which wasn’t until July 23, again no sperm found. Azoospermia.

Low AMH and Azoospermia are not a good match for making a baby.

I can’t remember exactly when they actually referred us but our first appt was August and it was a telephone appt where he basically went through our diagnoses and medical history and 10 minutes into the call he said we aren’t eligible for funding because of my low AMH. Devasted.

So we went private for both my partners condition and ivf.

I hope it goes well for you 🤍

[GGW13 in reply to Bee_86]

Oh my goodness. That sounds like such an ordeal for you both! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that.

All the very best of luck to you both. I am sending you lots of love 💜

[IVFgotthis37]

Hi there. Similar situation for me too. I'm 38 next month. TTC for just over 2 years.

We were referred in February 2023. Initial appointment August then follow up in September after I'd had all tests (the ones other people have already mentioned).

Only thing that took me by surprise in my initial appointment was the swabs they took. I wasn't expecting them. Didn't hurt or anything, just not nice are they.

Partner has had 3 semen analysis over the whole period.

I've been told I have PCOS and he has low morphology. No treatment and await IVF.

Another appointment in December to go through the IVF process and due to start injections next month.

It's all the waiting that I've not liked over the tests.

Hope everything goes well Tuesday x

[GGW13 in reply to IVFgotthis37]

Yes, I can understand the waiting being the worst part. Thank you for sharing and good luck on this next leg of your journey!

[Tir-26]

it’s great you’ve got an appointment. My own experience, be prepared with dates and details of your periods and bring your partner as they’ll need details from them too. One last tip, act quickly and if you’re unsure, ask.

All the very best

[GGW13 in reply to Tir-26]

Thank you for the advice. I will heed it and take notes with me (and while I’m there!) x

[Marylyn]

ask for active vitamin B12 , folate, iron , Vit D levels.I am a fertility awareness educator & have had success with clients achieving a pregnancy with supplements of vit B12.