38 ttc #1 - straight to doctors??

[Maisey281]

Hi !
I am 38 and ttc for the first time. I have been tracking my cycle for 2 months and all looks fairly normal - I think?

28 day cycle, o’d On day 16. My only concern is that I have a very short AF at 48 hours.

Do you think I should go to the doctor yet, a lot of advice online recommends this for my age? If so what should I expect?! Should I ask for a doctor specifically or a nurse?

Thanks so much in advance for anyone’s input & advice

They won’t be interested in you unfortunately. They won’t see you until you’ve been ttc unsuccessfully for 6 months (because you’re over 35) Also the length of your AF is no concern. If you are coming off hormonal birth control, that could be a reason. Doctors usually don’t worry about AF length as it’s not important to anything. Your cycles change as you get older and a shorter period is pretty normal. Unless you aren’t having periods at all, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s all the other time before your period that can affect ttc. If you get to the six month mark and still haven’t conceived, call your dr and they should start with some preliminary blood tests to check your hormone levels are okay

Hey! Thanks so much for your kind response. That is great news to hear that my AF does sound normal. No, not been on any birth control for ages it’s just the way they’ve been for a long time. Like you say a side effect of getting older probably!!

My periods used to be super heavy when they started and lasted 7 days. Now, 16 years on, the actual bleeding part of my period (not including brown spotting) only lasts a day. My fertility doctor told me that as long as you are getting some form of “good” period (in other words, red bleeding) and they are regular then there nothing to be concerned about. Good luck with ttc, hopefully you won’t need to go to the doctors :)

I would probably continue to track your cycle (temp, cervical position, mucus and opk) so you have some useful info for the Dr if you don’t conceive in that time (small temp rise and short LP can indicate low progesterone for example).

Only my pov but I would go after 4 months of carefully timed dtd rather than 6.

Good advice thank you yes I’m going to keep a log of my cycles, I’m using Clearblue advanced opk but I haven’t started temping yet - do I need a special thermometer for this?

I thought about fibbing about the number of months ttc just to get the appt!!! Just because I’m really concerned about my age affecting our chances... we would like to have more than one child so I’m feeling the time pressure now!

From my research I think my LP is short, last month 9 days and this month 10 days. I have started taking pregnacare, B complex & vitamin C so this could be down to getting an extra day this month! Am curious to know if my LP keeps improving with these supplements!!!

I was thinking about getting a progesterone cream too but thinking that I’m doing a bit too much self diagnosis a bit too soon!!!!

It’s very hard not to self diagnose! I bought this thermometer and it seems fine: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B074VYYDNZ/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_1_a_it?tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1517944577&sr=1

And also ‘taking charge of your fertility’

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0091887585?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd&tag=mumsnetforum-21

It’s mainly about how tracking your cycle and how this can help identify and resolve any potential issues.

The products testing board also has details of an advanced clearblue fertility monitor trial- whether you’re assigned to the test or control group you are given the monitor and two months worth of a test kit for free for taking part.

I think I’ve read some accounts of Angus cactus supplementation lengthening luteal phase although I think it’s limited anecdotal evidence that’s available as is often the way with supplements.

Thanks for the links and advice. I can’t get over how wonderfully helpful everyone is on here!!! I’ll be sure to share my experiences once I have some under my belt-good or bad! X

I would fib to the doctors about how long you've been ttc just to get the blood tests etc done. At least then you know if there's any reason to be concerned or if everything is normal

I’m glad you said this because all the statistics online about chances of conceiving at my age are scaring me a bit... I feel like every cycle is precious now and I need to do everything possible to maximise my chances!!!

Pleasure. I’ve always found this board to be friendly and helpful too.

I was lucky enough to conceive DD on the first cycle but it’s taking longer this time round so it’s been handy to come on here for advice.

The only other things I’m doing in addition to the tracking is using preseed (used it when I conceived DD- threw the kitchen sink at the one cycle it took!) and taking a pregnancy supplement plus additional vitamin D (as I know that practically everyone is vit D definicient and it can’t hurt!). Very best of luck x

I can totally understand you feeling nervous at ttc when a bit older but I'm a bit at the idea of lying to the dr to get fertility tests on a very overstretched NHS after two months of trying. Relatively few people of any age conceive that quickly. Try for 6 months which is a very reasonable timeframe and then call the dr if nothing by then.

I agree with AMA... the doctor won't be able to magic you pregnant (as much as I've begged them to after 23 months ttc). Tests can tell you if there's a problem (though the tests run don't tell you about a lot of problems) but so can ttc without results for another few months... if the initial tests come back all clear and they say keep ttc, you'll still wonder if there's a problem the initial tests just didn't detect.

Agree with Amatree too. 2 months is honestly no time at all and most people won’t conceive so quickly. It’s frustrating having to wait but under 35’s have to wait an entire year so really another 4 months isn’t that bad. I would just keep doing what you’re doing and then go back by 6 months if you’ve had no luck. It would be unfair to fib and take up resources that could be helping someone who genuinely has been trying for that long. Good luck!

Im 37 and was told by the docs they couldn't help until we'd been trying for a year, not 6 months. A year seems a long time when you're nearing 40 and are trying for your first child. We have been trying for 8 months so going to go to docs in the next few weeks

Hi ladies

I'm 38 and trying for a first time.. Wondering how it all went with you?

Hope many new babies were born since these discussions :)