GP is crazy and wants me to do IVF after TTC for 4 months

[newbian]

I saw my GP this past week because my periods have been totally irregular since coming off birth control. Between July and November I only had three periods, one a 58 day cycle and one 43 days. We started TTC in July.

This GP was supposed to be the "women's health specialist" at the surgery. I'd never met her before as I joined the surgery recently.

I told her about the contraception, the irregular periods, and pointed her to my thyroid levels as had my thyroid removed. I'll also add that I'm 30, never had any children before, and no history of irregular periods or fertility problems.

This GP basically got super excited about the possibility of me having all sorts of severe fertility issues. I'm not lying - she actually had a smile on her face during this conversation. She asked if I was lactating - NO and never have - and then proceeded to say that I might have a problem where I'm producing a hormone called prolactin. This went on for about 5 minutes. Then it was that my brain is malfunctioning and not communicating to my uterus - even though I have been ovulating, just not regularly (and had an ultrasound done that confirmed this). Next was that my husband needs a sperm test. And finally she said "I just want you to be prepared for the possibility of IVF."

IVF? Before she's seen my bloods? Before Clomid? And we've only been TTC for 4 months? I was OUTRAGED but just was pleasant and left.

Not only do I never want to see this GP again, I don't trust her to handle my case properly after the blood results come in.

Any ideas on what to do, and has anyone experienced this before?

[iniquity]

That is strange normslly drs won't even discus ivf until 2 years down the line. Change drs and look for one that knows about helping irregular periods

[SilverStars]

Gosh. Does your CCG fund lots of fertility treatment then and without any basic tests - such as a HSG to check whether have blocked Fallopian tubes!

[allchatnicknamesgone]

Can't it take up to a year for your periods to settle down after the pill anyhow?

[dorasee]

That is incredibly peculiar. However you are seeing a 'specialty' GP and this is what she does all day long and this is her area of interest. The fact that you were going to see your GP regarding fertility/pregnancy related issues may be why you were booked in with this particular GP by reception.
I know you're outraged, but you did want to discuss issues around TTC and the specifics of your history. This may be why she seemed 'eager'. If you're not comfortable with her, see another GP.

[cmo123]

Sorry to interupt on this thread but just need some advise on cycles and how you know when your ovulating. I had a misscariage in feb I was on the pill but have not been on any contraception since. My cycles were between 22-27 days then my last one was 38 now come on today making it 22 days. So rather confused about when I would ovulate an be most fertile ect. Any help would be appreciated :)

[ditzzy]

The subject of IVF was brought up when I sure my doc to have my bc implant removed! (ie. before even starting to TTC). I think she just wanted it to be on my radar just in case.... I'm 36, and she highlighted various age restrictions they have around fertility assistance in my area, so was just recommending I don't leave it too long to come and talk to her if there is an issue.

Could it be something like that? Maybe she was just making sure the phrase was spoken out loud long before it becomes relevant so there's no surprises later?

The smiling and seeming pleased to have a you there with a potential problem would seriously creep me out though!

[xBlueberry88x]

New If your definately ovulated its unlikely they would put you on clomid because thats specifically to make you ovulate.

If your having irregular periods there are so many reasons, I know various ladies who have had trouble after coming off the pill and it taking ages to settle down, you could have pcos.

I wouldnt worry to much though if your ovulating you still have a chance to get pg you just have to narrow down when ovulation is and dtd then.

cmo The only definite ways to confirm ovulation are blood test (7 days before period is due) or temping. Alot of ladies temp, it needs to be done as soon as you wake up the same time everyday and when you have had more than 4 hours uninterrupted sleep.

[cmo123]

Thanks for the reply blueberry88 im jst going to stop looking into everything so much think stressing myself out will make it worse. I'll just have to be patient

[Pipbin]

Newbian
I first went to my GP after 6 months of TTCing. I was then referred to the hospital for blood tests. Then an HSG (I think that's what it was called) where they injected dye into my tubes to see if they were blocked, they were. Then off for surgery to see if they could unblock them, they couldn't. So then onto IVF. All that took about a year.
At no point did the GP mention IVF. They referred me to the hospital and it was for the consultant to decide where it should go from there.

You should be undergoing all these test before you go for IVF, I don't expect that an IVF clinic would see you without them.

[Kundry]

She doesn't actually want you to have IVF though does she?

She's very sensibly talked about some of the possibilities, included the fact that there isn't any point in you having all the tests if their is a male factor problem and suggested you have some bloods. And smiled at you.

For this you seem to think she is a witch

[Littlefish]

I wish my GP had talked about IVF sooner. We ended up waiting a year before being referred.

It sounds like your GP is pro-active and informative. I agree with Agent - you went to the GP because you were concerned about something to do with your fertility. Why are you surprised that she talked to you about your fertility then?

[Fairylea]

If you are having irregular periods some time after coming off the pill it's possible you may have raised prolactin levels which can make it near impossible to conceive without medication to reduce the levels. I know - been there, have the t shirt.

If you have thyroid problems (I also have these) it makes it even more difficult as this also interferes with ovulation - quite often if they know you are ttc your endocrinologist will give you extra thyroxine to regulate ovulation.

Both of these treatments are often referred to as the lower end of fertility treatments.

I conceived my ds within a year of taking dostinex and an increased dose of thyroxine.

[Fairylea]

Not sure why you're so outraged... I was absolutely relieved when my gp referred me!

You don't need to be producing breastmilk to have high prolactin levels. However it is one of the signs when it is extremely high even if you have never breastfed. My levels are 4500 at the highest, they should be around 250 ish.

[BumWad]

It is refreshing to see a GP taking infertikity seriously rather than brushing it off!

[NewEraNewMindset]

I have to agree that I would have loved to have had your GP a year ago when I went to the docs and was brushed off. Now 18 months in and nearly 40 I am only now having tests and only because I got a UTI and ended up having an off-the-cuff conversation with a nurse who was treating me, who decided to take me under her wing on haring my infertility woes.

[Albadross]

I had IVF after 2 months TTC, and just on the basis of one blood test. I'm really really glad I did, and had I waited the year stipulated by most GPs, I wouldn't have had a hope!