Any tips or advice? TTC for nearly 1 year and losing hope...

Any updates OP? Xx

My DH (47) and I (37) had been trying for a year with no success, fertility tests were all fine so we decided to keep trying for a few months but still nothing happened. We decided to go straight for IVF (went private as didn't want to faff around with NHS waiting lists) and everything has gone really smoothly so far, currently 6+4 after fresh embryo transfer and first scan in a week. I do wonder whether we would have eventually conceived naturally if we'd kept going but I'm sure there must have been something stopping it.

Anyway, I have no regrets and we now have a few good quality embryos frozen as well if we decide to have another, or if this one doesn't work out.

Wishing you ever success whatever you decide to do.

Do you think it would be worth going private for this?

When I was going through this, pre-covid, I worked abroad part of each year and paid privately there for the testing. I was fed up with the long waits in the UK, plus my GP being so dismissive of my concerns. DH and I have STI blood tests, he had a semen test, I had a hycosy.

I still had to wait to see the fertility consultant in the UK, but they accepted all the tests I'd had abroad. I vaguely think that before I even got to the fertility specialist, I had to wait for my GP to get approval for my IVF on the NHS. I can't recall which happened first though- but I still had to wait for things.

You can also do the entire testing and then IVF if needed as a private patient. I don't know where you are, but these are the prices at Guys to give you an idea:
https://guysandstthomasprivatehealthcare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Self-funded-price-list-2023.pdf

I'm not sure why they want you to wait for 12 weeks after your scan. Do you mean ring them back in 3mths- to then book an appointment?

*history of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) not PIV, though I do also have a history of that but hope it wouldn't affect my fertility 🤣

@Tryingtobepatient001 "harmless, of no consequence" apparently. But not much info on why it's there, does it go away etc.

The stress is my biggest problem I think...and yes...so much meta-stress about the fact I am stressed!

If it does take us a while - which for a few reasons (history of PIV, suspected endometriosis) - I think it might, I hate to think what I will be like in 6 months, a year etc, because my baseline at 3 months is already very stressed and obsessive.

I don't want to derail your thread though - there are lots of people here who have been in your position and are out the other side!

@Tryingtobepatient001 we have only been trying 3 months so I feel embarrassed for feeling so stressed already. I have also had a random cyst on all of my recent pelvic scans (had two before starting...both because I was concerned about my fertility).

I really hope it happens for you soon. Best of luck with getting any of the investigations or treatments you need...hope the GP and NHS are kind to you 💓

@Tryingtobepatient001 I did have a pregnancy but it ended in a loss unfortunately. I am a Clomid baby myself though and I have 2 friends who have Clomid babies so it does have good results.

@Tryingtobepatient001 I was ovulating each month too but my consultant asked me to try Clomid for 10 months. I used it alongside a mid month follicle scan and a trigger shot to force ovulation.

@Tryingtobepatient001 you might struggle to get Clomid from your GP. It's usually prescribed by a fertility specialist so this will either be once you're referred to your NHS fertility clinic or if you go private at an IVF clinic.

Clomid or IUI are much easier on your body compared to IVF so you might want to try those first. I appreciate that time isn't on your side though and if you want to get an IVF round on the NHS, you will need to skip these options.

@Tryingtobepatient001 Clomid stimulates the follicles on your ovaries and there's a higher chance of ovulation every month and the potential of two or more follicles to produce a mature egg. Clomid basically increases the chance of you producing an egg or multiple eggs each month thus increases the chances of conception.

Have you had a hycosy or HSG? This checks the shape of your uterus and also whether your tubes are clear.

Personally, I'd start to process of IVF- even if you decide not to go down that route. Due to waiting times etc, it could take ages and you might fall naturally beforehand anyways. Do also check the exact requirements in your area for NHS IVF. If you were say 39, and the cut off in your area is 40 (for example) your GP should be making a fast track referral to ensure as minimal delays as possible. I had to explain several times to my GP's receptionist what IVF I was allowed to have/not, have due to my age etc. She was adamant she knew it all and if I didn't have the knowledge to question her- I'd never have had my NHS IVF.

Welcome to mumsnet 😊

I bought a 2nd hand copy of 'It starts with an egg' from ebay. Some really useful info to decrease chemicals in your body. I started DH on a lycopene supplement. Its found naturally in red/orange coloured fruit/veg, but some studies have shown it can improve sperm quality.

What type of cyst is it? Some can come and go without causing issues, others can be more problematic and affect fertility. My friend has a bicornate uterus. Her 1st pregnancy ended in MC, but now has 2, healthy children. I think she had more scans to monitor things. It depends on the degree deformity whether this could be an issue.

I used to plan weekends away during the fertile time, or even just a meal out, cinema etc and tried to make things fun.

The NHS IVF route can be a lengthy process. Can you get hold of Clomid in the meantime and try a few months with that while you're on the NHS waiting list?

You're taking all the right supplements so that base is covered.

Morphology is only a real problem if you're talking under 2% combined with a low count or poor motility.

I agree with pp who said speak to your doctor about starting the process now. Has she offered clomid? Have you asked?

are you both fit and healthy? Regular exercise? How is your partner’s health? Is he fit, a healthy weight, does he eat well, has he cut out cigarettes and alcohol?