Seeking advice

[LoliP]

Just wanted to join the infertility forum having tried for a year without success.

Can anyone who has started the ball rolling with infertility checks explain what should happen or advise how to get the tests done asap.

Is this really possible via the NHS or do you need to pay and go private?

I have been to my GP but as I have had two miscarriages she doesn't think there is a problem. But it has been almost a year since my last miscarriage and my periods never really returned.

My DH has had his swimmers checked but I don't understand what the results mean and the GP said she 'thought' they were okay, but didn't explain anything.

Thanks to anyone who can give some advice, I am sorry to ask because you are probably dealing with a lot already.


Loli P
37 yrs ttc no 1.

[loubylou]

((Lolip)) Drs are so rubbish dealing with these things I only found out from my local Hospital after I was reffered with my 3rd mc that after 35 they will do all the mc tests after your 2nd mc. My Dr must have known this but didnt volunteer the info. So check what the criteria is within your area trust, I'd call the EPU at your local hospital and ask them.

For general fertility tests, again my Dr didnt want to know, but I thought once a year had passed you could go and ask for the tests. Again I only had the general blood tests done by the consultant at the mc clinic.

Hopefully someone else can advise you more/better. Its horrid feeling no one is taking your problems and concerns seriously.

[Clareok]

Hi there

Firstly, I think maybe you should see a different GP! I can't believe she didn't go through DH's results and explain them to you, that's a disgrace. And yes, I most certainly think you qualify for testing on the NHS.

I found this for you re:semen analysis, maybe it'll help a little (if you have the results, or didn't they give you figures?) It's World Health Organisation facts.



Criteria Reference value

Volume= 2.0 ml or more
Liquefaction time Within 60 minutes
pH 7.2 or more
Sperm concentration 20 million spermatozoa per millilitre or more
Total sperm number 40 million spermatozoa per ejaculate or more
Motility 50% or more motile (grades a* and b**) or
25% or more with progressive motility (grade a) within 60 minutes of ejaculation

Morphology 15% or 30%***
Vitality 75% or more live

White blood cells fewer than 1 million per millilitre


* Grade a: rapid progressive motility (sperm moving swiftly, usually in a straight line).
** Grade b: slow or sluggish progressive motility (sperm may be less linear in their progression).
*** Currently being reassessed by the WHO; in the interim, the proportion of normal forms accepted by laboratories in the UK is either
the earlier WHO lower limit of 30% or 15% based on strict morphological criteria
Table 5.2 Definitions relating to semen quality
Term Definition
Normozoospermia Normal ejaculate as defined by the WHO reference values
Oligozoospermia Sperm concentration less than the WHO reference values
Asthenozoospermia Less than the WHO reference values for motility
Teratozoospermia Less than the WHO reference values for morphology
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Signifies disturbance of all three variables (combinations of only two
prefixes may also be used)
Azoospermia No spermatozoa in the ejaculate
Aspermia No ejaculate
Crypotozoospermia Few spermatozoa recovered after centrifugation

[sarahx]

Hello,

As the other ladies have said because you are over 35 (but a spring chicken compared to me) you should be entitled to all the tests now.

I'm not sure of the procedure at the GP's because I was referred straight to the fertility clinic but perhaps you would rather that too. It certainly seems to speed things up & you feel like you're getting somewhere. Mine was excellent & I was also lucky with my GP.

Good luck & if you have any questions on your journey feel free to pm me & i'll try to help from my own experience.
Sarah
x

[Julia]

Not sure why GP would not do all the tests thoroughly - after all it was researching my infertility that threw up the cause - which was a condition with infertility as a side effect - that they insist on treating for the rest of my life! Like the others, I'd say go back to the GP.

[Julia]

Btw, when I was referred - after long waits for pregnancies and 3 m/cs - the clinic (in Reading) was one and the same for recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility.

[zena]

Hi Loli,

In my experience you have to tell the Dr what YOU want, they never seem to give you the options, which is totally wrong I know. I insited they help me and eventually I was sent to the hospital for tests and although I have never had a mc I just wasn't getting pregnant.
The first thing they did was to do blood tests to check if I was ovulating, which I wasn't, so I was given hormones to kick start this, then I had a high cosi where they check the fallopian tubes for any blockage. In the end I had unexplained infertility, but at least I had the checks, but it was only because I insisted after 12 months of ttc.

I wish you all the luck in the world ttc

((Zena))

[raccioc]

Hi Loli - yes you can get tests on the nhs. My sister is having them right now. Her GP referred her quite easily and she got an appointment within a couple of months.

Good luck!