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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

TTC but don't think I'm ovulating - any advice?

27 replies

2023ttc · 07/03/2023 14:35

Hi everyone. Long-time lurker, first time posting. DH & I are in our early/mid 30s. Both childless. I came off contraception 18 months ago. My periods have been very irregular (first one 6 weeks later but each period later and later, most recent was over 4 months since the last). I don't think I'm ovulating - is there anything that can be done? Already had blood tests and ultrasound a year or so back for period issues.

Saw GP recently with a TTC hat on. They've said they'll do more bloods and referral to gynae is a couple of years who would then have to refer me to fertility specialists. I was told "dont worry you have time" and that privately would be "20 grand".

Is there nothing in the middle? Surely costs of fertility treatments vary based on what the treatment is. Doing some reading I think I need something to induce ovulation / regulate cycles, I think this is what Clomid does? I just felt a bit hopeless to be honest. Already a "normal" weight (a little chubby in some places, working on it but BMI <25), never smoked, normally casually drink but currently teetotal in hopes of TTC. Not sure I can/would like to sustain that for years. Any advice?

OP posts:
Original poster
2023ttc · 07/03/2023 15:02

@OdeToBarney Yes - COCP. Did your periods get further and further apart post coming off the pill? The worry is if it continues this way... how infrequent could it get/will they stop. Its obviously really hard to plan TTC when periods are over 4 months apart but also feels pointless if not ovulating.

Not in London unfortunately (about 4hrs away), how quickly do people generally get seen privately? Does that make you ineligible to also stay waiting your turn on NHS? Could I ask what you had exactly and how much did that affect your life (I work full time, can be odd shifts).

OP posts:
OdeToBarney · 07/03/2023 14:51

I assume you were on hormonal contraception? I came off the pill and I don't think I ovulated at all in the year after. I then had ivf (unrelated issue, male factor) and since having a baby, my cycles have been regular and my body is basically doing what it's supposed to! I honestly believe I'd been on the pill so long my body just got a bit stuck and needed a reset.

Of course there is something in the middle, your gp is being ridiculous. Ovulation induction can be done privately and will not cost 20 grand. Depending on your circumstances, ivf may not even cost that - I paid less than £5k for mine. Given your age, I wouldn't hang around and I think it would be wise to start contacting private gynaecologists ASAP. If you are in london/Surrey I can recommend one who I saw prior to my IVF.