This week’s episode is a conversation Kate and I had with our resident expert Dr James Nicopollus about Secondary Care as we want to make sure you understand what it means and that you aren’t dismissed when you go to see your GP asking for investigations.
I appreciate you have may have been on my email list for a while and this information is possibly too late, however I’d still be keen to hear about your experience.
There are better tests that can’t be done in Primary Care, which means at the GP and we’ve discussed them with James.
For example, seeing a gynaecologist with a special interest in fertility is key.
Unfortunately, women often go to a fertility specialist later, because there is often a delay in referral from GP to Secondary Care and then there can be a delay from Secondary Care to IVF. This has been heightened by the Pandemic.
When it comes to the referral we discuss the kinds of tests you should expect including semen analysis and AMH tests and Tubal Patency checks which are important to rule out pelvic issues such as thyroid, polyps, or endometrioma which might impact the outcome.
We also talk about STI’s such as chlamydia which can be silent so these tests are important to exclude them.
Did you know that a complicated appendix procedure could have caused adhesions or any other significant pelvic surgery can cause issues. If there is any suggestion of painful intercourse or painful periods further tests should be done.
We also talk about when Sperm DNA fragmentation is needed and why there needs to be more joined up working with Urologists and Andrologists in more clinics.
Dr James explains how it is key that you have your options explained: Continuing naturally, IUI, IVF with the success rates explained.
Was this your experience? Are you currently pushing for more tests? I’d love to hear more.
Email me at info@thefertilitypodcast.com and fill me in if you have the time or drop me a note on Instagram here: @FertilityPoddy
