When to see doc re: TTC?

[trufflesbum]

Hi all,

Wondered whether pick your collective brains?

DH and I have been TTC for nearly a year. I was on the pill before this, and cycle returned to normal after a month (28 days).

I'm 27 and OPKs say I'm ovulating, and we've been trying every other day (give or take a few!).

I wondered whether anyone can tell me when I should be seeing my doctor? I know it can take much longer than a year, and guidelines (NICE, and local) seem to suggest we should try for up to two years.

I would hate to wait another year, only to find out there's something wrong and I could have started treatment earlier.

So... What tests would a GP do, and how long should I wait before I see him?

Thanks in advance! This is really starting to get us both down

[zippy539]

I went after a year - just to get it logged even if nothing could be done yet. It was so long ago that I can't remember the outcome of that particular appointment - I had a very sympathetic GP and I've got a feeling she put the wheels in motion for the basic tests - sperm test etc - even if it took a few more months before we got on the testing treadmill.

Good luck! :)

[hairytriangle]

Go now. A year is about when they see you, but I have been helped sooner than that as I'm fairly old! They offered me hormone tests after five months after I laboured the age thing, and they were really helpful.

First they will give your partner a sperm test and give you some blood tests to see if your hormones are correct and if you are ovulating.

After that I'm not sure, but i think second step is a tube patency test (hsg). It all depends what they find.

I've had an ectopic since, and I have found out (privately) that I have got a blocked fallopian tube. From the viewpoint of a grand old age of 42, I'd suggest pushing for all possible tets as soon as you can. The thing that gets me down most is that I am quite old, and don't have the time to wait for tests - I'm kinda lucky to have had an ectopic in a twisted way, as it's brought me the knowledge that I can conceive (Ie: sperm can meet egg) and the knowledge that I have a blocked tube - had it not happened, I would have waited a lot more time to get that knowledge!

To give you some hope - a friend had inexplained fertility - they could find nothing wrong - but is now nearly 6 months pregnant after IVF :)

[passionberry]

I started trying at 28 and it took us 18 months - I never talked to my doctor. The last 6 months before my positive test were pretty grim as I was starting to get really worried but decided to give it 2 years before seeking help for some reason.

I'd say, no harm in getting things moving re. tests. I bottled it all up and didn't talk to anyone which probably didn't help my stress levels!

[trufflesbum]

Thanks everyone. This is why I love this site!

Am just starting another 2ww, so will go after this, if no luck... It feels like we've been trying for so long, and everyone around me is falling pregnant. It's so hard to smile and act pleased when people tell me they're pregnant, when all I want to do is scream "why not me?!"

I guess a year isn't that long, but it's good to know that I can start to do something about it now.

Hairy - I really hope things work out for you and you get your BFP! It sounds like you've been through a lot.

[row78]

I would say go now, I was referred after 9 months (no periods so obviously something was wrong). The worst they can say is that you should try a bit longer and the feeling that you are actually doing something really helps. Your GP should have a feel for the waiting list length, so if there is a long one they may be more proactive.

[NamedAfterTheBandActually]

I was 24 when I started trying and it took 14 months. I saw somebody at 12 months when I had an early miscarriage. He was brilliant. Explained why it wasn't of concern for it to take 2 years for a healthy couple. But at the same time acknowledged our worries. Said to take a couple of cycles to get over the miscarriage (but carry on ttc) and then come back and he'd start doing tests though not because he believed there to be a problem iyswim. Obviously, I fell pregnant 2 cycles later.

[NW20]

Have you seen
this book ?

A number of my friends who have had trouble ttc have used it and fallen pregnant almost straight away from following some of what it says.
And obviously it has loads of positive reviews on Amazon too.

[hairytriangle]

Aw thanks Truffles that was really nice of you to say.

I guess as an 'old lady' I would just encourage you to do as much as you can now, while you have lots of time - at my age I feel a bit of a numpty for not dealing with various issues(being in wrong relationship) sooner - but I do feel like I have a huge bonus now.

On my side is that they have said all my tests would be good for a 22 year old :) so at least I don't have any identifyable age related issues.

I know how you feel though - a year might not be long - but when it's your year of trying with no success, it's really hard going!

Best of luck to you!