When to see the doc

[snowfee]

Currently on cycle 7 TTC #1. I track BBT everyday and in the past have used OPKs after work (5pm-ish. I can't see how I can test during the day) but never had a positive result so currently stopped using them. BBT does spike for about 2 days a month around day 20 and we make a concerted effort to DTD in the days leading up to and after but still no BFP.
How long should we keep trying before making an appointment to see the doc? I'm 36 (and overweight which I'm trying to sort out) and DH is 37.

As you are over 35, and have been trying over 6 months, I would go now.
I'm not saying there's a problem, hopefully where won't be, but that's the NHS recommendation and you may as well - no benefit to waiting! Good luck!

Above age 35 after 6 months is recommended, so I would go now.

Just a caveat: I don't know to what degree you are overweight and the GP should start the basic investigations incl. blood tests anyway, but if your BMI is into "obese" there are a number of treatments the NHS won't give you until you lose weight, including Clomid and IVF. Hopefully all is normal and you won't need those, but they are quite likely to suggest losing weight as a first step anyway if you are significantly overweight. Blood tests should be able to indicate whether you currently ovulate or not.

Thanks both. I'm afraid my BMI is 30.2 so obese, I'm fully prepared for the loose weight statement. Being a comfort eater and getting BFN is a vicious cycle when TTC!

That must be tough snowfee. Could you and your partner try a healthy eating regime together? It's so much easier with support from the person you live with.

That's true @McTufty, when I lived alone years ago I could loose weight. Now living with DH who's an active farmer therefore needing lots of feeding I struggle to control portion sizes! Really need to knuckle down and get focused.

Go to the doctors and get in the system is what I'd say. Sometimes it can take a lonnnng time to get even the most basic of investigations started. Request bloods to see if you are actually ovulating and hormone levels. Sometimes I think you need to tell the Gps what you want rather than being fobbed off.

As for losing weight, just start from now. Join a slimming group, get that support behind you. I joined slimming world and found I could eat loads (not about portion control but what you eat) and defo lots of leans meats!

Oh and get your partner to go to the doctors too, the more you rule out!

In terms of opks, I found them useful to pinpoint ovulation but only the experience Clear Blue ones, these were more accurate.

Hope this helps!

Thanks @mascaraisamust really helpful advice.

Hi Snowfee - just to check, when you say your temp spikes a couple of days per month, does it stay raised until your period comes or drop back down towards where it was before?

At 30.2 you're only just inside the obese category. It shouldn't take much at all to take you under 30.

I'd agree with going now too.

@SchnitzelVonCrummsTum my temp comes down to normal and then period comes. Not a huge spike, I normally average 36.3 and it goes up to 36.6/36.7 around day 19/20.

When you ovulate your temp should rise and STAY risen until day of AF (sometimes a few days either side) is that not happening for you? I would think that you might have an issue ovulating and you should definitely go see your GP as they will give you clomid. Your BMI is ok, don't worry. It only needs to be under 30 for IVF usually. Under 35 for clomid usually. I'm 36.6 but a size 16 who goes to the gym regularly so I have no faith it's a true representation of real people!!

@MouseLove totally agree with you, BMI is a rubbish measurement when you take into consideration muscle mass rather than fat. For me it's currently fat but I would rather turn it into muscle and be a size 14/16. Life goals!!
I always thought the temp would stay high only if I'd conceived ( that's what the Ovia app has led me to believe) so thanks for correcting me. It does return back to normal though . I've got a doc appointment booked for 2 weeks time.
Really appreciate everyone's advice xx