When to see your GP

stickybean

Girls, we are thinking it is time to go and visit our GP, we stop using contraception last September, and started more seriously trying since Jan / Feb, by which I mean using OPK (ovulation prediction kits) and monitoring cervical mucus.

But we are coming up to our 10 / 11th month and starting to think there may be a problem.

When did you first approach your GP? And what is the first course of action? I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks xxx

Neyite

Generally speaking, most GP's will tell you to be trying a year (if you are under 35) and 6 months if you are older than 35 before running tests, so its up to you to insist if they are trying to fob you off and demand the tests.

For women, there are basic blood tests pre and post ovulation that give them information as to whether your hormones are the correct levels at certain times of the month, and you'll probably be asked about your cycle, so bring your calendar or whatever method you have of tracking your cycle. You should aim for your first visit to be around day 3-7 of your cycle and the return visit at +21 days. If you are due a smear test, they may wish you to get that up to date too.

After that, if you are being referred to a fertility specialist your husband will need to get bloods and semen tested, but you usually get a letter from them specifying exactly what needs to be tested and you bring that to your doctor to start the process.

Lac21

I would also say to try gauge your G.P's reaction when and if you visit.
First time I spoke to my then G.P. she was very dismissive. Told me I was worrying unnecessarily, didn't take any bloods etc.
Few months later I attended another recommended G.P. who immediately took bloods, suggested a referral to fertility clinic and gave me some very good general advice.
Best of luck!!

How Strange

I went to my gp on Friday because it was cd3 and I wanted her to take my bloods. She was extremely supportive and didn't try to fob me off. I'm 38, trying for our second child and have been properly trying for 3 cycles. We got pregnant first time on our son once I started using opks.

I've to go back on cd20 for the next bloods. I've been charting my body temp and using opks for the past 8 months so I know when I ovulate etc.

I'd say go to your go now and if you feel he/she isn't taking you seriously then go to a well woman health centre.

stickybean

Thanks for the replies girls, we are 28 and 29 - have been just a month of a year trying.

So would it be best to go 3 days after AF starts? I have been tracking everything so I can bring that along. Will my husband get blood test on the the first day as well?

Just waiting for AF to come now - 13 days late, have done 5 tests all BFN's so my cycle is all over the place this month!!!

Lac21

Yes, 3 days after AF starts is ideal. You can get blood test that day. Then return on day 21 to get progesterone checked. You might know this already but it's not really day 21, it's 7 days after you ovulate. It's day 21 on a regular 28 day cycle.
Have you been getting positive results on your opk's? I used to but line was never really as dark as the control line. Only ever used Internet cheapies. Was never really sure whether I was ovulating or not. Although i used to get a temperature rise. Cycles were very irregular. Turns out my progesterone was low and eggs were not mature enough for successful pregnancy.

Only blood test my OH had was a standard std one before we were seen in fertlity clinic. He had it about a month before we went.
Hope this helps. It's a nerve wreaking time. I'm a real head in the sand person so I know how hard all of this is.

stickybean

Thanks for that Lac21, I didn't actually know day 21 was 7 days after O. I have been using OPK's, and getting a positive roughly day 19 every month. This is the first month we haven't monitored O and it has now been 41 days since my last AF, I am cracking up here.

When does your husband get the sperm and blood test? I thought they would rule that out first, guessing the sperm test is done at a fertility clinic as oppose to in your GP office?

pwurple

sperm quality test can also be done by GP

Lac21

I think a lot of it depends on whether or not you want a clinic referral together yet. Where I live, local GP can organise sperm analysis but says to wait if you want to attend fertility clinic together. SA is done an hour before the couple appointment and they have the results when you go in. Waiting time for first appointment is about 3 months though so you could get a head start on some tests if you wished.
Hope AF has showed for you by now? Hopefully it has. If not, you could still go to GP and get progesterone checked at this stage in your cycle. Result might indicate whether or not you've ovulated yet.
Good luck!

stickybean

Thanks Lac, I am literally cracking up - I am ove 19 days late, I have spent a fortune in tests, definitely not pregnant, I am amazed at how being so stressed can mess with your cycle.

Trying to stay calm so AF will come and we can start again *deep breathes*