Pushing for a referral

[Happilymarried155]

Hi, new to this board. Have been trying for 16 months now (I know this isn't a huge amount of time in comparison to some ladies) we have been been doing everything we can, dtd every other day, Accupuncture, certain diets, dh taking zinc, me pregnacare blah blah blah

Went to the doc after a year, did day 21 blood tests said I was fine & to come back on another year :( she said she would refer me for other tests until I had been trying for two years as I am under 35. Has anyone else come across this? Everywhere I look it says we should be referred after a year. Shall I push for more tests or wait until the two year mark, I feel like I'm going crazy :(

[Happilymarried155]

Wouldn't refer me, not would!

[KnackeredCow]

You're right. The guidelines are one year if you're over 30, and two if you're under. At 35 the referral criteria is six months.

I'd change GP if I were you. Or take along a copy of the NICE guidelines. All your GP has done has established that you're ovulating. On my first GP appointment they checked FSH (for ovarian failure), confirmed ovulation, screened me for chlamydia, tested my rubella immunity, referred DH for a semen analysis and did a referral to fertility.

When DH's SA came through we received a letter from FC and appointment. They referred me for an HSG to check tubal patency. When that came back normal we saw the Consultant who took a full history and referred me for a transvaginal scan and laparoscopy. And then the found the problem - a benign tumour on left fallopian tube (it was patent but not functional) and adhesions caused by childhood abdominal surgery sticking my right ovary to my pelvic floor. The correct diagnosis meant I could be referred for the right treatment - IVF. After three cycles, I am 5+5 today.

I received excellent investigation, but my GP was clued up and followed the guidelines. Many don't have a clue so please don't be fobbed off and push for proper investigation.

HtH

[BadgerFace]

I agree, change GP. Mine referred me without a problem when we'd been trying for over a year (and I was 34, DH 39).

Day 21 bloods are also only any use as an indicator if you have a 28 day cycle as it should be done 7 days before your next period is due so if you have, say a 35 day cycle, it should be done on day 28. Worth checking that your GP understands these things - mine didn't!

If you can afford it it might be worth getting a sperm analysis for your DP privately whilst you wait for referrals etc as it can at least sometimes give some answers. If the results are low then you can then use that to push your GP for a referral on the NHS.

[Happilymarried155]

Thanks for your reply, I went back to the surgery and requested a make doctor, a friend that has had problems for years, said men tend to be more sympathetic, I thought it was worth a try as two female gps said two years. He was amazing! Said a year is plenty and referred us straight away! I am so relieved. Thank you for your replies x