When to ask GP for tests? What next?

[todaywasafairytale]

Myself and DH have been TTC since July 2018. I'm 29, he's 31. My cycle is very regular, it's pretty much always 28 days (give or take 1 day) and I always ovulate on the same day (11 day leutal phase).
We could both be doing with losing some weight, which we're working on.
We've also both cut down our alcohol use (we generally only drink at weekends anyway, aside from the odd time during the week).
I smoke now and again which I've also stopped.

I'm thinking of booking a doctors appointment to look into testing. It just feels like things are taking forever. What happens next? TIA.

[Heismyopendoor]

Here the gp won’t do anything until you have been trying for a year.

[Chanel05]

I’ve been ttc since June 2018 and I went after 6 months, the doctor was quite dismissive and told me to come back after a year!

[smarty14]

Unfortunately i don't think the GP will send you off for any tests as yet because as you say you are regular etc. In the eyes of a doctor you haven't been trying long enough. Some docs won't send you until you have been ttc for around 2 years!

Good luck! X

[physicskate]

And even after a year they sometimes tell you to just keep trying. 80% will fall pregnant within a year. There's only a max 20-25% chance each month, which means about 50% will become pregnant within five months. That's why they wait ages to run tests - you are more likely to just need more cycles than to have an issue.

Infertility is classed by WHO as 12 months regular and unprotected sex without a conception.

And age is on your side. Try to be kind to yourself and have low expectations.

[hcopp]

We've been ttc since September 2018, so not far behind you. I saw my gp because I was really concerned about the strength and duration of spotting before my periods (up to 7 days, and constant). I was lucky to find a really good female doctor who listened really well and took me seriously. She was happy to refer me for Day 3 and Day 21 blood tests, mainly to reassure me. I think my age was also a factor - I'm 34 in four weeks time.

I think it's luck of the draw if your gp will refer you, but you stand a better chance if you've a particular reason for concern, or are that bit older. I've heard they're less likely to if you or your partner has any kids already.

Good luck!

[bloomamary]

I have PCOS and my doctor said she will see me if I haven't conceived within 6 months. My doctor is extraordinarily amazing though.

For what it's worth I read the average time it takes is 8 months.

[todaywasafairytale]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. Your replies have reassured me, it can be difficult when it feels like on every second thread someone has conceived within 6 cycles. I just need to give it a bit more time.