Secondary infertility

[gobbyone]

Where do I start?

I have literally no idea.

We have one DS(2) and would love another. Been trying for six months. I'm 38.

When do you bother the GP. Is there any point?

This is breaking my heart.

[physicskate]

At 35+ they suggest seeing the gp at 6 months. But you're still well within the normal timeframe of conceiving (about 50% will have conceived in 5 months and 80% - so 4 out of 5 - within a year).

Do you have any diagnosed issues that may fit make conceiving difficult? Pcos? Endo?

[gobbyone]

Nothing diagnosed.

Conceived on first cycle with DS.

[Polly99]

To be honest, the biggest factor in this will be your age and the resulting quality of your eggs. Not all of them will be viable (this is the case for all women but is more of an issue as we age). Six months isn’t really all that long to try and is perfectly normal, but as it is upsetting you why don’t you book a private appointment at a fertility clinic for an assessment. They can do a hycosy to check your tubes are open and scan your ovaries/ check hormone levels. It won’t tell you about the quality of your eggs but you can rule out other factors.
In the meantime, there are two books you might want to read. One is “The impatient woman’s guide to getting pregnant” by Jean Twenge. She got pregnant in her late 30s and offers some reassurance and tips. The other is “It Starts with the Egg” by Rebecca Fett which covers some of the science of improving egg quality through taking supplements and adjusting your lifestyle. All the best.

[gobbyone]

Will the NHS even deal with secondary fertility?

I'd rather stick with the NHS - both cost and quality.

[physicskate]

Depends both on your ccg and the gp you encounter as to how far the nhs will help. Some will offer nothing, and some will offer more extensive testing. None offer ivf.

The reason the 6 months is recommended at 35+ is because the testing takes time and with time, your fertility declines. It doesn't mean anything is 'wrong'.