Tests

suzannemorris · Post by **suzannemorris** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:04 pm

Hi all, I'm after some advice... We were diagnosed with unexplained infertility approx 18 months ago. The tests were carried out on the NHS. I had a HSG and blood tests to check whether I ovulate and the quality of the egg produced. DH had a sperm test. Anyway, what's started worrying me recently is just how thorough these tests are, as surely I could have something wrong that would not necessarily have been picked up via the tests carried out. I was wondering about your experiences, both NHS and private. As I'm wondering whether to look into having more thorough tests done privately. We're due to begin IUI in the new year, courtesy of the NHS, and I can't help think, what if it's a waste of time due to undetected problems. Would really appreciate your advice and opinions on this. Suzanne.x

andreaj · Post by **andreaj** » Tue Nov 26, 2002 9:40 pm

Suzanne, When me and dh started going through our investigations, the hospital did the same tests as you've had done - including a lovely 'post coital' one, where we had to have sex in the evening, and then I had to have a scan & examination the next day - without having a wash! Ugh!! Anyway, the tests showed that although I ovulate, the egg wasn't arriving anywhere, so they suspected that I had blocked tubes; they then did a laparotomy to peer at them - where they discovered that lo and behold, my tubes were knackered! It sounds like the tests that have been done have shown that there's nothing 'wrong' with you; I'm sure that if there was anything to find, that it would be known by now. So please don't worry about 'what ifs'( easier said than done, I know), and don't waste time and/or money on having tests that you don't need - which will probably mean that any IVF/IUI treatment you have will need to be delayed. Andrea <><

bibby · Post by **bibby** » Wed Nov 27, 2002 8:30 pm

Suzanne We too were diagnosed with unexplained infertility about 2 years ago via NHS. They did tests on me (scans/blood tests) and the usual for DH. Everything showed up OK, a few minor probs for me with one tube but nothing that should stop us achieving a pregnancy. However, after 5 years of trying - nothing!! I too felt there could have been other tests but decided not to pursue the private route, just wait for IVF (IUI wasn't offered to me, don't know why). Just had my first IVF, during which time I was told the reason for infertility in unexplained cases usually crops up. At every stage of my treatment I thought they were going to say "Oh, we've found .....", but they didn't. To cut a long story short I was very very lucky and am now 6 weeks pregnant. I'm not sure if this story helps you as everyone is different but I thought I'd post it anyway. Good luck in whatever route you decide to take. love bibby [Edited by bibby on 27-Nov-02 20:31]

Chrissi · Post by **Chrissi** » Wed Nov 27, 2002 10:17 pm

Hi Suzanne After having the same tests as you on the NHS we too were diagnosed with unexplained fertility about 18 months ago - like you I thought there has to be an explanation and wanted more tests but they wouldn't offer me any more tests on the NHS and I didn't really know what other tests to ask for. I evenutally saw a private consultant who suggested a HSG or IVF - I opted for the HSG as the Laproscopy I had on the NHS showed one of my tubes blocked, strangely the HSG was clear - so we decided to go down the route of IUI. We were told IUI rather than IVF as its less invasive and also less expensive - we have to have private treatment as there is no NHS funding in our area. I guess this doesn't really help you much but thought I'd tell you my background as our stories are similar. Fingers crossed that we'll both be lucky and are successful first time round with IUI. love Chrissi.

Sarah30 · Post by **Sarah30** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 3:35 pm

Hello Suzanne Sorry for the delay in replying, keep meaning to and only just got round to it. My gp started off with the blood tests 3 years ago and dh sperm count. When both of these were confirmed as being ok, we were referred to the fertility centre at the hospital for further tests. They did all sorted of tests on my (that actually lasted months and months) and after it was still unclear what the problem was, they booked me in for a lap and dye (keyhole op to look at tubes) and they discovered that my tubes were both totally knackered up - hence no conception! and hence IVF. I would definatley push for some more tests as they don't seem to have been very through, there are plenty of other tests they can do to look at your ovaries, tubes, womb etc with doing any surgical procedures (they're all a bit grim with the lovely probe scan and everything, but worth it to find out for sure). Hope this helps you. Sarah ps - mine was all on the NHS up until they referred me for IVF have recently had FET and am now 7 weeks pg tomorrow YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE am very excited as you can tell.

) Good Luck!

Savannah · Post by **Savannah** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 4:15 pm

Hi Suzanne, I was just reading your note and really know what you are going through too! I had my HSG today and with that being fine, I'm not quite sure where I'll go from here! Not even sure what the next step is. If there is any bonus for you, your treatment you are receiving sounds excellent! Me and my dh have been trying for over 2 years and I have only had 2 big tests done. 1. Am I ovulating 2. HSG. I am under a consultant, but you are going to pass out at this...... I have never met him! The fertility nurse looks after me, she is fantastic, but I feel a little 'unimportant'! Do you know what I mean? I was under a gyny last year who messed up a little so I was transferred to this specialist! Am I making sense? Please let me know how you get on and what you are planning to do next! It might give me some ideas to ask for! Cheers for now Savannah

Tracey D · Post by **Tracey D** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 4:43 pm

Hi Suzanne, I'm afraid this is rather a sensitive subject for me. I'm afraid my experience wasn't very good. I was under the NHS for 4 years and they did blood tests, and a hysterosalpingogram(which is what I think the other girls call an HSG). I was told I had unexplained infertility and had 6 IUI's which all failed. It wasn't until I went private that they strongly recommended a laparosocopy because I complained about agonising pain during my period and found I had extensive endometriosis, and a fibroid on my uterus - that was in July. I had my first IVF in May/June of this year which failed but have just found out I am pregnant with my second IVF. Different NHS's vary but mine say they do not like doing Laparascopys because in their view they can be dangerous but I have just read a book by Prof. winston who strongly recommends having a laparoscopy, among other tests, before determining infertility problems. I'm afraid everyone has a different opinion which seems confusing! I really do understand what an agonising situation you are going through. To be honest unexplained infertility is one of the most infuriating things to be told because you feel like shouting - there must be something bloody wrong because I can't get pregnant!!! But there are women that genuinely do have it and IVF works for them. I'm sorry this is probably no help at all but I wish you every luck in the world for your dream to have a baby to come true. Tracey D

suzannemorris · Post by **suzannemorris** » Thu Nov 28, 2002 9:20 pm

Thanks all for taking time out to reply. Even more bloody confused now though (lol). Think I'll contact the consultant at the Hospital and have a chat about it, although she's a bit of a mad old bird. One thing really sticks out whilst discussing all of our different experiences, and that is the disparity in terms of the treatments offered (or even NOT offered, as is the case for some)by the NHS depending on where you live. Thanks again, Suzanne.x

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