Getting help

[Pidgeridoo]

So after a few days of spotting (which has NEVER happened to me before) Af turned up yesterday Although it is a much much lighter than I am used to, only needed one pad yesterday and today making this the strangest cycle I can remember. I also had severe cramps yesterday and a much needed beer lol I am definitely making an appointment with my doctor on my next afternoon off! My OH and I have been ntnp for a couple of years so it's time to see if there is an issue! Anyone have any experience here of taking that first step? What did that first GP appointment entail of? I'm pretty nervous about going!

 

[Wren83]

First of all I'd take a test just to rule it out just because of the odd bleeding.
I haven't been through those kinds of tests but I would imagine a scan for you, maybe blood tests then if that's all ok probably a sperm check for your oh.
Good luck and keep us updated x

 

[xMillie]

They usually start off with some blood tests for you and sperm analysis for your other half

I found the first appointment bringing it up the gp a little scary but it's worth it to rule out things or hopefully get some answers

Good luck xx

 

[MoominGirl]

I had a really good experience with my GP. I think a lot depends on the requirements of the fertility clinic they would refer you to if needed. In my case I had all the bloods done and pelvic ultrasound. OH had sperm analysis. A friend of mine who lives in a different county didn't get the ultrasound until after she'd been referred to fertility.

For me, it felt like we were finally doing something useful. Hopefully if you can go in with that mindset you'll be able to tackle things one step at a time as needed. Good luck!!

 

[liz85]

Yes it was like having a weight lifted from my shoulders. Just to chat to someone and start to get investigations started. I would push for what ever you can. My doctor told me there was nothing wrong with me but I knew there was. I pushed for a ultrasound scan. He told me it would show nothing and was no point but I continued to push. They found a large cyst that's needs removed . So me being pushy actually helped xxx

 

[MoominGirl]

Definitely agree with Liz about knowing when to be pushy!! A lot of ladies report issues at various points in the process. For some, GP fobs them off (I was lucky as mine was very supportive) so be prepared to push for what you know you need. I also got the ultrasound no problem - mine showed a polyp which I've recently had removed. Very thankful for the scans as I'd never have known it was there. It was the fertility doctor that was actually our nightmare. If it wasn't for the polyp I wouldn't have had a separate gynaecology referral and the support in getting further investigations that the fertility doctor flatly refused!! Never thought I'd be so thankful for the polyp when they first found it!!!

 

[Pidgeridoo]

Thank you all so much for the advice and information girls! My GP is normally a lovely man so hopefully he will be the same in this instanace when I finally get to see him lol I always get one afternoon off a week, the day can change but it normally stays the same for a few weeks and unfortunately my current afternoon off is on a Wednesday which is the same day that my surgery closes at lunchtime lol I'm patiently waiting for next weeks rota to come and praying that I have any other afternoon off! I really want to get the ball rolling, there are sooo many people I know who are pregnant and I want to feel like I'm doing something proactive to keep myself positive! Does anyone know if OH has to go to his own GP for further tests or will it all fall under my own GP's testing referral?

 

[xMillie]

My hubby had to go see his gp too, I'm not sure if this is different everywhere or just our surgery xx

 

[MoominGirl]

For us, we are registered at the same surgery and OH just made a phone appointment so he could pick up the stuff for a sperm analysis. That was literally it. Once they referred us to fertility they referred through me after all results were back.