Fertility problems

Snowbird · 16 May 2019 at 4:12PM

I am going to the GPs with someone who has little English and has no one else. She appears to have ovulation problems as she has very very irregular periods.
Anyway, she will probably be referred to a fertility specialist, but I am wondering if, in the first place, she will be able to be prescribed by the doctor, ovulation stimulating drugs.
Does the GP normally do this, or would the hospital have to do it?

skimper · 16 May 2019 at 6:11PM

Theres a thread on the main board called officially trying to conceive where you may get a few my answers, but they will first try and figure out why shes having irregular periods, they will do blood tests and scans to see if she has pcos, or anything else that maybe causing it, I doubt they will give drugs straight away without finding a cause. I know a few people who have had long periods and it's taken well over 6 months to go through all the tests and scans to find an answer.

andycol · 23 May 2019 at 10:16AM

Hi, dear Snowbird,
Your ''someone'' must be extremelly happy to have you by her side! Such a kind lady you are to take care of the one with infertility problems..
I can definitely relate. I'm infertile. In fact, I can conceive, but by body rejects all the wee beans after 4-5 weeks. So our only option to have kids is surrogacy. BTW, I've already posted my issue on thread ''Surrogacy in Ukraine''. Welcome for discussion too.
Coming back to your question. A fertility expert should investigate ALL the possible reasons why your friend cannot achieve pregnancy. Be sure, he'll want her to pass LOADS of tests to evaluate your fertility. If not then at her first appointment the doctor reviews her medical history; assesses her general health; arranges initial tests and investigations for her and her partner. She should bring a doctor’s referral from a GP (valid for 12 months) or specialist gynaecologist or obstetrician (valid for 3 months). For women, depending on the level of testing already performed, the fertility specialist may order further pathology tests. For men, a blood test for hepatitis B and C, HIV and semen analysis are all routinely conducted. Pre-pregnancy screening for some genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis is available too. Other diagnostic tests may include some or all of the following:
Rubella immunity (German measles), Chicken pox, Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Full blood count, checking her blood group, her thyroid status and Current pap smear (within last 2 years). Vaginal ultrasound to check for fibroids, polyps, ovarian cysts, and to act as a ‘baseline’ for reference during her treatment.
Tests for men usually include: HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Semen analysis to check for antibodies and any possible infection. Once they have the results of these tests, the fertility specialist will meet with her again to explain in detail her recommended treatment plan.

andycol · 23 May 2019 at 10:20AM

Also am adding some useful facts. Hope your friend will benefit from them. Tips to get the best prepared for baby making journey:
A detox can be a really good way to get your body back into balance and ready for the IVF journey. Getting rid of all those toxins you have build up in your body over the years.
A well balanced diet will absolutely help your chances of success. Take part in the fertility diet to enhance your reproductive organs and ensure good quality blood supply to the uterus. Good quality blood supply to the uterus increases protein and nutrient secretion around implantation, which your embryos will love.
Get your partner on the Sperm Diet. Fertilisation rates increase with good quality sperm.
Acupuncture is now, without a doubt, one of the best ways to enhance your success rates. It will reduce your stress, enhance your ovarian function, and increase blood supply to your reproductive organs.
Other therapies such as reflexology, hypnotherapy, yoga, or massage can also help. Also the feel-good factor and endorphin buzz produced by regular sexual intercourse can really help to alleviate stress.
Take a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement which contains vitamins A, B, E and C complex, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron and Co-enzyme Q10. which play a vital role in the fertilisation and implantation process.
Essential fatty acids are vitally important. Wheat Grass to keep your FSH in check and Royal Jelly to nourish your egg quality.
Finally make sure you are getting enough folic acid in your everyday diet as research shows this prevents neural tube defects.
Wishing your friend the best of luck on the way ahead. Was trying to be useful.

SleepySara · 24 September 2019 at 12:59PM

Snowbird wrote: »

I am going to the GPs with someone who has little English and has no one else. She appears to have ovulation problems as she has very very irregular periods.
Anyway, she will probably be referred to a fertility specialist, but I am wondering if, in the first place, she will be able to be prescribed by the doctor, ovulation stimulating drugs.
Does the GP normally do this, or would the hospital have to do it?

How do you track your periods and ovulation? If you don't your fertility specialist should show you how to do it. I would also recommend reading sites like Easytobemom and Justparents forums. There are various useful articles and threads for moms and TTCs.
Back to the topic, it's completely up to you to decide. Both GP and hospital doctor can do it.

frankiejhon · 25 September 2019 at 6:12AM

good information

andycol · 29 September 2019 at 1:50PM

Hey there. I'm sorry your friend's facing this. Hope things are getting to their places.. Female fertility tests at doctor’s include the following ~ Through a pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound, the gyn can see the uterus and the ovaries. This test is used for two purposes: #1 To check whether there exists a malformation in the uterus or any other uterine anatomical abnormality. #2 To count the number of antral follicles during the first days of the cycle. To this end, the gynecologist uses a catheter and inserts it through the vagina with a lubricant gel. The catheter sends sound waves that allow the specialist to see on a screen the structure of the uterus and the ovaries. Although the pressure exerted by the catheter can cause certain discomfort, it should be clear that this test is totally painless. Also, your friend is likely to undergo a pap smer, pap test, or cytology test. The purpose of this test is to analyze a small amount of cells from the cervix, which are gently scraped with a curette, to look for the presence of infections or cellular alterations that can compromise her fertility. Also hormone blood tests for female fertility are used to measure the levels of the main female sex hormones. This way, the doc can find out the presence of potential endocrine problems that could be affecting her menstrual cycle. The ultimate goal is to evaluate if her ovaries and pituitary gland are working properly.
All the very best to you and your friend. She must be lucky to have you by her side.

andycol · 29 September 2019 at 2:33PM

Just adding. Am adding a couple of things. Your friend may need several different medications, such as:
Medications for ovarian stimulation - To stimulate ovaries, she might receive an injectable medication containing FSH, LH or a combination of both. These medications stimulate more than one egg to develop at a time.
(If we're talking about ivf, for example.) Medications for oocyte maturation.!When the follicles are ready for egg retrieval - Generally after eight to 14 days - She will take HCG or other medications to help the eggs mature.
Medications to prevent premature ovulation.These medications prevent body from releasing the developing eggs too soon.
Medications to prepare the lining of the uterus.!Your doctor might recommend that she begins taking progesterone supplements to make the lining of the uterus more receptive to implantation.
Your doctor will work with her to determine which medications to use and when to use them.
Looking forward to updates from you.

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