TTC Timeline Opinions Please

[Clapham4]

I know this might seem a silly question to pose but I’m trying to realistically calculate how many TTC months I am at, and would like some opinions on what you would count.
Basically I came off the pill ahead of my wedding in July 2019 as I just wanted to get my body in a normal cycle (which it did) ahead of TTC at some stage. We DTD unprotected but never paid attention to the FW, some weeks my DH would be away with work or I would be so I imagine we missed the FW quite a few months. In July this year we decided to “properly” TTC and took it seriously tracked ovulation, Pre-seed, DTD in the FW, SMEP etc.
I went for private tests in Aug too just as I wanted to make sure we were both good to go. Both DH & my results were good and above average.
Anyways now it’s 5 months later and nothing has happened. I’m not sure whether to contact my GP and start the IVF route, or is that premature given we’ve only TTC “properly” since July? Or would you count the year previous of not using any contraception too and nothing happening.
Would appreciate any thoughts! X

Hi lovely

Month 11 of TTC - had previously come off the pill to settle my cycles, and DH and I did have some months we didn’t try but also, used nothing!! I’ve only started counting from January this year when we decided to try try 🤣

How old are you guys? If you don’t mind me asking! It can honestly take 12 months even up to 2 years to conceive your first. And it honestly feels like forever 😕

DH and I wouldn’t be eligible for NHS IVF due to him having a DC from a previous relationship so we’re definitely waiting until 2 years to start any IVF and I’m really hopeful it’ll happen naturally. We’ve also had tests done privately and all is as it should be ☺️ I know it really really sucks!!!! But there’s just no rhythm or reason to it.

We’ve decided to relax more, lay off the OPKS. DTD when we want to and I’m hoping it’ll happen soon 💘 sending you lots of baby dust x

Hmm, this is a difficult one to call. Women are only fertile for 5-7 days per cycle so it's perfectly possible you have no fertility issues but have just missed that window regularly. Even on a 'perfect' month, there's meant to be around a 25% chance of falling pregnant.

I'd probably say you've been TTC for 4 months, but if you have reason to worry about your fertility then it might be worth talking to a GP about getting basic fertility tests as you've not used any contraception for 16 months or more. Do you have reason to suspect fertility issues? I'm wondering if there's anyone in the family that has had issues? Is age a factor or do you have time to wait? I feel considering IVF might be a bit premature, but it's so difficult to tell.

Thanks @Izzie94 @Curiosity101, sorry I should have said our ages, I’m 32 and DH is 33, both healthy. No fertility issues that I know of, the private tests I did in Aug all came back with good results, so I suppose I thought it would happen a lot quicker as the consultant was so optimistic. I’m leaning towards continuing TTC naturally and seeing what happens? Xx

@Clapham4 Sorry, just realised it seems weird that I'm suggesting you repeat the fertility tests. The reason I suggested that is that you might need to get those fertility tests before you could be considered for any further treatment (if you need it).

I had my thyroid checked recently and it showed I had Hashimoto's disease but the NHS GP had to repeat the test before diagnosing as they can't make a diagnosis based on private results.

If I were you I think I'd probably keep going for another 4-6 months or so and then start considering other options.

@Clapham4 I completely get that, as they were at my fertility tests tooo! And I’m fed up of the “you’re young, you won’t have issues, stop stressing it’ll happen naturally” 🙄 it’s very annoying. What tests did you have done privately? You can have bloods through the nhs at the one year mark, then they begin more testing after that! If it will help put your mind at ease, do it ☺️ I’ve had both bloods and a fertility MOT with an ultrasound. And it definitely helped ease my mind, but of course I’m still now like you wondering why it hasn’t happened and scared it’ll fall under “unexplained” but heyho!! I’ve finally realised that getting upset or angry about it won’t change it 😔 i definitely have my moments, but you’ll hopefully get there lovely 🤍✨keep going I say!! You have no reason to worry right now xx

@Izzie94 I know! It’s much easier said than done 😂 Doesn’t help that my 2 friends with children fell preg straight away so I was blissfully unaware of the TTC world.
I had a fertility ultrasound, and then a HyCoSy too, all was clear. I didn’t get bloods to I think I’ll book in for those just incase, And just keep trying in the meantime. It gets disheartening doesn’t it but I’ve seen on here so many great stories of people finally getting a BFP after a long time. My SIL told me recently she took 3 years with her daughter, she just kept going!

@Curiosity101 thank you! Yes I think I’ll try for another 4ish months and go from there. I’ve not heard of Hashimoto's, will that affect fertility for you? Hope you’re okay.

Wishing you both the best of baby dust💕

@Clapham4 It definitely could have affected my fertility if I hadn't been lucky enough to get tested privately. My TSH level was almost 6, NHS guidelines suggest it should be below 2.5 and 'normal' is anything up to 4. But a raised level (above 2.5) is a risk marker for pregnancy-related issues, including miscarriage.

It was a shock when I found out but it's not a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. I'm so much happier knowing that I'm now being treated (with thyroid replacement hormones). In theory it should have no impact on a future pregnancy .