Unexplained fertility - how much longer to try naturally

[Daisychain333]

If you were told your infertility was unexplained (12 months since both stopping pill and TTC), how long would you keep trying before looking at IUI or IVF?

Not sure what to do next. I am 30 and partner is 35.

Have never had a positive pregnancy test

Have you tried tracking your follicle growth to make sure you have sex at a right time?

Do you mean tracking LH? If so, yes have been doing strip tests the whole way

Are you eligible on the NHS for tests and treatment? If so I’d get a referral now and get the ball rolling whilst still trying natural in the mean time.

Actually, I meant ultrasound monitoring of follicle growth. This helped me a lot with the right timing.

I’m in the same position but 5 years older and DP is 42, it’s really tough remaining hopeful when it’s unexplained. Your chances of conceiving at 30 are still good though, so I would hold off for a bit longer but it’s a personal choice and only you know what is best. If you’re not eligible for NHS treatment yet, there are some good affordable IVF options that we’re looking into (either ABC or Kind) which it sounds like you would be eligible for. Good luck with whatever you choose 😊

I would definitely go to the GP and seek a referral

Have you self diagnosed yourself as unexplained infertility? Or has a doctor told you this?
Assuming a doctor has told you, then you would have had all the tests required and should be on the pathway to IVF. the doctor would have told you what is the next thing to do.

Stay on that journey, and take the NHS funded round as soon as you feel comfortable with.

chances are though at your age, your AMH will be high so you have a good few years yet of potential healthy eggs. Just keep trying naturally until IVF kicks off

It’s my understanding with the NHS that you’re only ‘fast tracked’ for IVF if you have a diagnosed fertility problem (endometriosis, low sperm count, etc). If you have unexplained infertility I believe you have to TTC for 2 years before being referred for IVF. That being said, it is a lengthy waiting process so it’s a good idea to contact your GP now to get the balling rolling, in case.

I was in your position a couple of years ago, unexplained infertility, 2+ years of TTC, the whole thing was heart breaking and I truly believed it would never happen for me. Then one morning I got the shock of my life when I seen that BFP. It’s more common than you think, people are quick to tell you how they fell pregnant just by looking at their DH, but those who have struggled are not so forth coming with information. I found when I opened up to friends that I was struggling, so many of them rattled off how they had been through the same thing, it doesn’t make the situation any less shit but it is reassuring that you’re not alone in an experience that can feel so isolating. If you don’t have anyone you can talk to IRL, there are loads of threads you can jump in on MN for support.

Good luck OP 💐

Personally if NHS tests aren't throwing up an explanation, and finances allowed,, anf I would look into immunological causes with someone like Dr Shehata before doing IVF. I know a number of women who have had their babies via super ovulation combined with immunological treatment. Can be cheaper and less invasive than IVF and avoid IVF failures stemming from immunological causes.