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  • 14-03-2013 11:24pm
    #1
    Roustabout
    Registered Users Posts: 33 ✭


    I'm 36 and have been TTC for 8 months now. Trying to stay positive but I think it may be time to see my GP and start looking at things a bit closer. I have lots of questions though!
    My first question is when is the best time to go? Is it when I get my next period, around ovulation time or when? I don't want to wait another month and then find out I should have ideally gone 2 weeks ago! Also what should I expect on my first visit? Should my husband come along with me or should I start with myself first? I don't have a medical card or private health insurance so apart from my initial GP fee, what other expenses are we looking at?
    Apologies for all the questions but denial has prevented me from even thinking about them up to now!
    Thanks in advance :)


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    #2
    pwurple
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,449 ✭✭✭✭pwurple


    What they normally do is get a sperm analysis from husband, and take your day 3 and day 21 bloods. Day three bloods can actually be taken anytime from day 1 to day 5 of your cycle my gp tells me (i have had a LOT of these taken). So basically go during your period, try for day 3 if possible. If the gp doesn't suggest blood tests, maybe Mention it yourself. Smetimes they will say things like... Relax and come see me in 6 months. Reiterate that you have been trying for 8 months already if that happens.


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    #3
    lollpop
    Registered Users Posts: 159 ✭✭lollpop


    Sorry to hear you're having problems OP.
    I agree with pwurple, go at the start of your cycle. They should be able to do the day 3 bloods and schedule you in for the day 21 bloods also.
    As for expenses, to be honest it differs between GPs. Mine charges 20 euro for bloods, so it was 55 for the initial consultation, 20 for the day 3 bloods and 20 for day 21 bloods. I ended up getting the day 21 bloods done a few times so it was 20 euro each time.

    After that, it really depends on what they find and what investigations are recommended next. You can get some of this done under the public system but waiting lists can be long and given your age, i'd imagine the GP will recommend going private. If you do that then it's either to a fertility clinic or a gynae. Some GPs prescribe fertility meds without doing any further investigations. My GP doesn't as she's of the opinion that you need to see a specialist in the area. My day 21 bloods showed low progesterone. I was referred on and chose to go for a fertility clinic rather than a gynae as I thought we'd get a more overall picture of us as a couple. The initial appointment with the fertility clinic cost about 500 euro once you include all of the tests that had to be done (more bloods, ultrasound, Semen Analysis etc).


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    #4
    Roustabout
    Registered Users Posts: 33 ✭Roustabout


    Thanks for advice and information. Will go early in my next period so, but obviously hoping that day won't come ;) It's such a daunting road to start down but denial doesn't help either. I know people say to stop stressing about it and it will happen but that's easier said than done when you have to be conscious of fertile times etc!
    Best of luck to all


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