my partner has had lots of tests over 5 yrs. her ex (male) i am a male also, couldnt produce enough sperm.

i can and have been tested. my partner has had lots of tests and had lots of probs rules out. she is now going through the same test for the 4th time to test her levels of proggsterone. she has been referred to a specialist and been told 16 as a level is ok above great below not good. this time her tests came back at 3, 17 and 4. but the nhs will not prescribe this medication called chlomide. we understand the potential problems but after all she has been through and even an opporation to test for endimetriosis (prob incorrect spelling), but also she hasnt got that. so moving forward they are going to check her tubes (AGAIN) so we can presume thee same result.

so my question is has anybody experienced this sort of process at this time scale before?

can anybody give us any advice on what to do, where to go, maybe a place to get chlomide?

last question; if you have been tested for progesterone levels, what were you told as a low level? a high level? and a on the libe level?

thank you so much, oh and she is 31 i am 30. we are losing all hope for a natural conception.

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Hi, welcome, lots of questions, but firstly, I have to say, whilst it doesn't feel like it, time is on your side. Your partner has lots of tests, but this is fairly normal whilst they are trying to work things out, and the normal case is that you should be trying for 2 years before it is classified as Unexplained Infertility, which I don't know if you have. You also haven't mentioned about any tests on you.

Clomid is a drug that is given to stimulate ovulation, and is often linked to PCOS, so if she hasn't been diagnosed with ovulation issues, then it is unlikely that it will be offered. I belive it is available on the NHS.

With undiagnosed infertility, waiting is a key part of the issue, as my pCT only offer treatment after 3 years of trying - which is forever when you're not getting the results you want.

I suggest trying to talk with them, and ask further questions about what it means for you, perhaps when these next results come back? Treatment may be available on the NHS, but it will depend on where you live and your circumstances - this is the true post code lottery.

If they aren't able to provide treatment, you may need to look at other options like going private. Whilst you may need medical assistance, please don't rule out at this stage natural conception, and I if you go down the assisted route, if it gets the results that you want, you won't find it that bad.

Hope this helps and good luck

FG x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. The test to check for ovulation is called the “Day 21 progesterone test”. As it says, it should usually be performed on day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The result, if carried out at this time should read more than 30. It is then assumed that you have ovulated that month. There are many reasons for not ovulating, one of which is having polycystic ovaries, early menopause and hormone imbalance. It might be an idea to ask your partner to see her GP regarding checking her FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level. A blood test taken on day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. This should read between 2 and 10 approximately. I feel that as you both seem to have a problem – low progesterone and low sperm production, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to ask your GP to refer you for further investigation and possible treatment. The drug Clomid that you mention can only be prescribed by a consultant and not a GP. I wouldn’t advise you to try and obtain it from any other source, as it needs to be monitored carefully during use.

If you have a look at our website infertilitynetworkuk.com you will be able to read further information, and see how we can support you at this time.

Diane Arnold