Quick question......

[HelenEmjay]

How common is it to be ttc for 2 years with no luck at all!!My cousin and her husband started trying just after they got married 2 years ago, and they have both been for tests and told they are both fine!!???? She is now considering trying accupuncture and reflexology, has anyone else tried these for this problem, and why cant they conceive if there is nothing wrong with either of them?? She is so sad about it all

It depends how old you are, well, particularly how old the woman is.

If your cousin is in her mid thirties or older then 2 years is probably not that unusual. In a younger person two years would be considered quite a long time and definitely be considering testing & possible referral to fertility services.

A large percentage of couples who are referred for fertility treatment are "unexplained" i.e. there is no obvious reason why they are not conceiving. However there are also some possible factors which would not be tested for in an initial batch of tests.

Have they been referred to a specialist clinic / unit?

No they havent been refered yet although they think they will be soon, they are both in there mid thirties, she has suffered from really bad stress and depression for years and the Dr said that may be causing some probs, thats one of the reasons she is considering reflexology and accupuncture, can stress have a big effect on fertility?

Hi

First off I think it is nice of you to be so concerned for your cousin like this.

Fact is if a couple cannot conceive within 18 months regardless of age there is likely to be underlying problem/s either with him, her or equally as well the two of them are contribuitng to their subfertility. It is likely that this couple have not been adequately investigated to find the root causes of the problem. To be told in such circumstances that they are fine is not at all helpful and they should seek help from elsewhere. They need to get their GP on side and get a referral to an NHS gynae/subfertility specialist asap (NOT a private clinic - at least in the initial stages).

Unexplained infertility is no diagnosis at all - all this means is that the docs have so far failed to find out what is wrong. It is often given as a so called "diagnosis" to people who have not been adequately investigated.

Do you know what sort of tests have been carried out to date?. I would also add that any tests done over six months ago should be discounted as these would be considered to be out of date. I still feel that they have not been at all investigated properly.

Accupuncture and reflexology may help her feel better but will not address or cure the underlying problem surrounding the subfertility it its medical in nature.

helenemjay - Yes stress can have a big effect on conception, not sure if it can on fertility as such but can pout extra strain ont he body in general. I am going for reflexology next week, to see if it will calm me down and de-stress me a bit, have had 2 miscarriages in the last 9 months and suspect i am putting too much pressure on myself. I have been told that reflexology is great for conception because it helps you de-stress, and this is commonly something that slows down the process with women trying. Hope that helps

Thanks MeerkatsUnite and diddle, as far as im aware he has only had a sperm count?? and she has had minor investigations done and thats all, she says she feels a failure! - i WISH i could do something to help them - anything! i know i cant really but they are so heartbroken about it all

Helen

This poor couple.

Minor investigative tests like this are not ideal (e.g sperm analysis often needs to be repeated; one test is not sufficient). Also any such tests should ideally be done by the hospital rather than the GP.

They need a referral to a subfertility unit urgently.

Can understand that it must be very frustrating for you. All I can suggest also is for them to keeping pushing the GP for a referral.