38, cycle 10 and GP won't help TTC

[Solo1]

I am at a loss as what to do. We have been trying for 9 cycles (since Nov) period due tomorrow so cycle 10 and when we went to the GP last month to ask if we could rule out semen and any fertility issues she said they would laugh at her and not deal with it.
I seem to have an 8-9 day LP; GP said not an issue esp as i have regular periods regularly. She could well be right but seeing as i'm struggling with life since ttc and asking to start to rule things out i'd have thought she could help.
Everywhere i read including the NHS it says seek help if over 35 and been trying for 6 months with no luck.
I wrote her a letter saying i was very disappointed with her response and was very down and struggling to cope with life which is not me generally. She rang and assured me things are ok and she would see me in Sept if no luck.
I've always been a competing athlete, BMI spot on, eat a variety of fresh lean foods and glug water - pee is barely coloured. Hubby the same.
Does anyone have advice to help me move on, even if it is a coping mechanism?

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I had a mmc in Feb but been TTC for quite a while. I'm 33 but 34 later this year and I certainly feel like my clock is ticking for NHS help. However, your doctor should have pointed you in a better direction for private care. Over 35's as far as I'm aware will not get any Nhs fertility related help but you can pay for private testing. You will be able to google local clinics in your area or your gp (or maybe not since they seem so hopeless) might be able to recommend a clinic. Otherwise I'm sure some ladies will be able to recommend places if you let them know whereabouts you are based. X

Good luck on your journey. X

Also I wanted to point out. Even with NHS care they will usually want you to be TTC for at least 12 months before any testing or further investigations are taken. On average 12 months is a more than normal timeframe to conceive. And 90% within 2 years. X

Thank you, that is what she said too.
I asked wouldn't it better to eliminate basics now rather than further down the year...
Yet whatever i had read; self helping as best i can rather than trouble making, seemed to say get help sooner so i thought i was doing the right thing reaching out for support. I was shocked to get the get the door slammed in my face so to speak.

NHS won't help you and if you're looking to go down the IVF route they say at least 2 years TTC before you start treatment.

Pay privately for tests if it's affecting your life so much, but to be honest 9/10 months isn't that long. Chin up

Solo you need to see a different GP, go armed with the NHS guidelines.
It depends on your CCG what fertility treatment is available but tests should be available if TTC for over 6 months at your age.
Unfortunately in some areas there is no IVF funding but remember it's not the only option.
Ask for at least the day 21 progesterone test for you and sperm analysis for your partner. My NHS doctor arranged this and at the same blood test appointment I could have AMH tested for £60.
Some GPs are reluctant to make referrals to try and save money so you could see if there is one with an interest in women's health at your surgery. Good luck.
I'm in a similar position and taking NHS prescribed Clomid and on waiting list for IVF.

Solo, do either you or your dh already have children? This might make a gp more reluctant to run tests or refer you as you wouldn't be entitled to treatment...

Sorry you're going through this. It's crap.

Aww you poor guys going through similar. Im surprised we have to fight at this so much.
I think asking to see another gp or ladies health is a good idea thanku. We are only supposed to see our own gp though.
No neither of us has children this is our first.
I wasnt even asking for IVF, just could we rule out semen and my bloods.

I would change GP. It's really crap to tell you what she told you - you're over 35 and trying more than six months so she should give you the tests: her dismissing you goes against nice guidelines and what the NHS themselves state on their website. And it was rude and unprofessional to make you feel like her "being laughed at" was your problem. Sorry she was so unhelpful - find yourself another GP and they should help get you the sperm analysis and bloods without issue.

Solo if your over 35 and been trying for more than 6 months then the nhs has to start investigative tests.
I'd def go back and ask for someone else! I've just had to do similar and got offered a ton of blood tests (Lh, fh, prolactin, thyroid, and good old STIs!) and depending on results I'll get referred and then see what is covered/ how long I have to wait.
I've just been asked to go back in for a repeat blood test today as my prolactin was super high. Urgh. Although weirdly feels good to be investigating and problem solving.

@Solo1
I totally get where you are coming from

I'm 38 too and have been TTC since July last year- had a MMC at 13 weeks last year- started TTC straight after negative PT.

By the autumn I was pretty concerned as no luck (previous 2 pregnancies happened straight after coming off the combined pill when I was aged 34 & 37)

Back in November, my GP happily agreed to do baseline tests (which all came back normal).

I think it's pretty standard to start investigations if you're over 35 and TTC for at least 6 months.

Totally understand how you want to find out if there is an issue NOW rather than 12 months down the line.

I know it's normal for TTC to take up to 12 months or more but at the age of 38 you don't necessarily have time to just wait & see. If you were say 10 years younger it would be a different approach from the GP (I imagine).

Next month will be a whole year of TTC and I'm at the point where I'd be ready to pay for private testing/further investigations but am going to see how far we can get going via the GP

Good luck with everything OP.
I really do understand totally where you are coming from.

Sending you lots of baby dust StripeyDungarees & Turquoisedress x

Maybe my GP is going on months trying not no. of cycles...i'm every 22-24 days (always have been and so was my mum) so about to start cycle 10 in 7 months.

@physicskate
My GP reassured me that there were lots of tests/investigations that could be done even though I've had one healthy pregnancy & baby before.

I was half thinking they'd tell me to go away as I'd already fallen pregnant v easily twice and had a toddler.

In fact the opposite, my GP was v reassuring that there was lots they could do to help.

Yes we wouldn't be eligible to IVF but there are lots of parts of the UK/England where it's difficult to get IVF even if you don't already have a child

@Solo1
Thanks for the baby dust- really in need of some! X

Well my GP told me to bugger off and have another miscarriage. After over a year of ttc age 33, when they should be referring me for initial tests according to NICE guidelines.

I was just adding as to why they might be reluctant, not saying they shouldn't run the tests, but some GPs are more willing than others to help, and with already have a child, some are more reluctant. This is purely based on my own experience, which is no less valid than your experience. That's great they've been willing to run tests for you turqoise, but not everyone has a gp who takes this stuff so seriously.

Fx for baby dust all round!

I'm so glad I have these groups to vent to and see I'm not only one in each situation!

There's so much I've learnt through trying now! If I applied the same time researching and concentrating on this to my actual job I'd be a millionaire;)

@physicskate
Sorry to hear you had that experience- sounds like there was no question you should have had tests given your situation.

I think I wanted to highlight to the OP that her GP really should be running tests for her given her age & length of time TTC

NHS guidance says seek help after 6 months ttc at your age so you are perfectly within your rights and NHS guidance to ask for help.

This link explains that and the treatments that should be offered:

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg156

I'd take the NICE guidance to the GP and insist! However, with the NHS you (may) get the right to treatment. The downside is waiting times. They are not obligated to treat you within a certain time period and waiting lists for IVF can be long. In some areas of the U.K. They don't even fund it for patients over 35. You need to find out who your ccg is and what they fund in your area, as it can be a postcode lottery and vary wildly.

This site will give you an overview of the funding in your area if you know your ccg:

www.fertilityfairness.co.uk/nhs-fertility-services/ivf-provision-in-england/

You could consider private testing of your amh to start with - it will give you a decent guide to your fertility levels and if you have time to wait for the NHS to treat you. My NHS hospital did it for a £100 charge.

Good luck!