Struggling to fall pregnant with #2

[firsttimemummy11]

Hi everyone, we've been ttc for over a year for #2 with no luck at all. I've contacted the doctors today who've said that they can't do anything for us as NHS can't do anything as we already have a child.

So to be honest, I don't really know what to do, do we go private (I have no idea of cost and if we could afford it) but I'm curious as to what other couples do? I mean we'll keep trying, but I've tried numerous different apps and different ovulation strips - what else can I be trying/doing? I take folic acid already, I tried pregnacare but it messed up my cycles... is there other things I could be taking..

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm 35 this year and starting to worry I'm not going to be able to have another baby...

Hi @firsttimemummy11 there's a list as long as your arm of supplement to take but it depends on where the problem lies.

Are you ovulating? - do you temp to confirm as well as use OPKs?
Is your cycle length ok?
Are you and your partner generally healthy?
What's your (and your partner's) lifestyle like? - do you drink/smoke?
Is your current partner your existing DCs Dad? - if not, he might need his sperm analysed.

Have you tried SMEP or just DTD every other day from the end of your period? It can be easy to miss your fertile window if only DTD around expected ovulation x

Hiya,

Sorry I should have put more detail.... according to my strips I'm ovulating but I've not done the temping - I might try that!

My cycle length is 27 days, we are generally healthy, both active, and eat well, we don't drink a lot only on occasions and are social smokers - but for the past few months have not smoked at all in hope that might help.. my partner is my DS's dad so I think his sperm is ok - he's a couple year younger than me so I'm his early 30s...

I've just read about the SMEP so that's what we were going to try next!!

@firsttimemummy11 that seems terrible they are saying there is nothing they can do - I would try and get a second opinion? Ie maybe they can't refer you to IVF for that reason but they should at least agree to some investigations like a blood test etc - could you make another gp appt to speak to someone else?
My friend had IVF in London and I'm not sure of the total price but I think if you have a quick search online you can get a rough idea (kings college hospital in London have a price list for their private fertility services online) but hopefully it won't come to that.
I had been trying for a while and was told by gynae doctor that if I still wasn't pregnant in 6 months GP could refer me to the fertility clinic, and they also scanned my ovaries and did a follicle count.
I've since fallen pregnant but was reassuring to know there were some things they might be able to do, I think maybe pushing for a different doc might be a good way to go?

[quote italianwifey]@firsttimemummy11 that seems terrible they are saying there is nothing they can do - I would try and get a second opinion? Ie maybe they can't refer you to IVF for that reason but they should at least agree to some investigations like a blood test etc - could you make another gp appt to speak to someone else?
My friend had IVF in London and I'm not sure of the total price but I think if you have a quick search online you can get a rough idea (kings college hospital in London have a price list for their private fertility services online) but hopefully it won't come to that.
I had been trying for a while and was told by gynae doctor that if I still wasn't pregnant in 6 months GP could refer me to the fertility clinic, and they also scanned my ovaries and did a follicle count.
I've since fallen pregnant but was reassuring to know there were some things they might be able to do, I think maybe pushing for a different doc might be a good way to go?[/quote]
Yeah I felt quite surprised by the response but I wasn't sure if this was normal. Like you say I was hoping to get some bloods or something done and not necessarily get referred for treatment but just to check everything is 'working' how it should. I might try ring them back and see!

I'm glad to hear you managed to fall pregnant

I'm currently ttc second child and have been referred via the nhs for bloods/husband for semen. I'd push back on them if I were you. I'm sure everything's fine but it's good to know for peace of mind! We are trying smep and temping this cycle so still very hopeful!

@naevo

I'm currently ttc second child and have been referred via the nhs for bloods/husband for semen. I'd push back on them if I were you. I'm sure everything's fine but it's good to know for peace of mind! We are trying smep and temping this cycle so still very hopeful!

Oh that's interesting to know, I'll definitely be calling them back then! Thank you for letting me know.

Eek - good luck and fingers crossed it happens for you soon!!

I got blood tests and a scan and husband got sperm analysis when ttc our second (on the NHS). All results came back fine so GP said as we have a child there's nothing else the NHS could do for us and just keep trying and it should happen. Every month I was using ovulation tests and conceive plus and having an orgasm after DH ejaculated as the spasms are supposed to launch the sperm on their way(!) On month 25 we tried a fertilily and I'm now 9 weeks pregnant. It's a cup that you insert after sex that keeps the fluid at your cervix. I don't know if it made a difference but I was prepared to try anything. We're both early 40s so there is still time for you.

Did you have a vaginal birth or c section with your first?

@1940s

Did you have a vaginal birth or c section with your first?

Vaginal birth?

@BabyMoonPie

I got blood tests and a scan and husband got sperm analysis when ttc our second (on the NHS). All results came back fine so GP said as we have a child there's nothing else the NHS could do for us and just keep trying and it should happen. Every month I was using ovulation tests and conceive plus and having an orgasm after DH ejaculated as the spasms are supposed to launch the sperm on their way(!) On month 25 we tried a fertilily and I'm now 9 weeks pregnant. It's a cup that you insert after sex that keeps the fluid at your cervix. I don't know if it made a difference but I was prepared to try anything. We're both early 40s so there is still time for you.

Oh congratulations!

I'll definitely look into the fertility cup - as you say you'll try anything 🤣

We have been TTC for 16 cycles and recently started receiving private treatment. The consultant recently recommended proxeed for DH's sperm and it has fantastic reviews. You can buy it on Amazon . I wish he had been on it sooner as like a lot of supplements, can take three months to work. Might be worth a try!

I don't think it's right that they won't investigate.

They might say you're not eligible for treatment on the NHS, but they should still be trying to understand if there is an underlying issue. They should do all your blood work and a semen analysis.

Push back on your GP.

The reason I ask is that c sections can be a cause of secondary infertility. I wasn't just being nosy I promise.

My GP did provide bloods and a scan for my secondary infertility but no further action. That was enough though for us to make a decision on how we wished to proceed.

I don't think the GP is obliged however as they know the NHS will provide no further treatment. Might be worth getting a second opinion however!

Your age / timeline and story is virtually identical to mine so I'm wishing you luck!