I thought I would do a quick recap for those who didn’t want to read the whole long drawn-out saga. This is obviously our journey, so the outcome of your tests and procedures may determine a totally different route.

Fear of the unknown after IBD surgeries
I reached out to my IBD team for support but didn’t get any. I contacted my GP and got a referral to Gynaecology.
February – August 2021.

Hormones, swabs, and semen
There was a stressful mess up with the referral. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and Progesterone blood tests were ordered and completed. Cervical swabs were ordered and completed. Semen analysis was ordered. Referral was re-sent.
August – October 2021.

Gynaecology appointment and plan
We had the initial gynaecology appointment. This post covers the conversation and planned tests. More blood tests (missing from the referral still): Estradiol, Prolactin, and Testosterone.
October – November 2021.

More bloods & Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
HSG attempted and failed due to dilation of cervical entrance. Blood tests completed. Pain management suggested I try Duloxetine – why I decided not to.
November 2021 – January 2022.

Abdomen, pelvis, and transvaginal ultrasound
Gynaecology appointment; blood test results (FSH out of range), not willing to try laparoscopic investigations due to scar tissue/risk of further damage. Cervical dilation, repeat blood tests, and ultrasound were ordered. Ultrasound completed.
January 2022 – March 2022.

Cervical dilation procedure
How the cervical dilation procedure went.
March 2022

Late period bonus article
September 2022

HSG X-ray (Hysterosalpingogram)
Follow-up appointment; repeat HSG and blood tests as FSH was still out of range. I’d forgotten I’d had the ultrasound in March and she didn’t mention it to remind me. HSG procedure completed.
November – December 2022

Hydrosalpinges and hormone problems
Follow-up appointment; results of the HSG were as expected. Fallopian tubes are blocked and filled with fluid. She was not willing to carry out exploratory surgery/tube removal as she felt it was too risky. Reiterated I needed to repeat the blood tests requested previously as we were at the point where she could refer us for IVF, but I needed in-range results first. Mentioned my tubes would need to be clipped ahead of IVF.
March 2023

Follicle-stimulating & Anti-Mullerian Hormones
Blood tests were repeated. FSH is still out of range. A letter requested I do them again. Mental health struggles.
March – June 2023.

The conclusion
Follow-up appointment. Discussing IVF and the potential complications for me. Returning to contraception. The end.
June – August 2023