TTC (long time, no success) and poor mental health

[Keziahhopes]

Hi

I have been ttc#1, seriously for 16 months now, no success. DH going for semen analysis next week, I haven't yet asked for testing, apart from a general blood check.

I am on venlaflaxine and have several other medications prn that I use sometimes. My psychiatrist said it should not stop me conceiving, I tried to come off them but had to go back on them. Just looking for reassurance I think, or stories of people conceiving despite these medications/issues.

Concerned Gp will not refer me for any tests if I ask due to my mental health and history, which in turn has lead to an awful 2 months.

Hi Keziah
I'm sorry to hear you've been going through such a tough time. TTC is very very stressful. You need to look after yourself, and you need to look after your relationship with your DH as TTC can put huge strain on a relationship.
I don't know about how medications affect conception, but you should trust your psychiatric if they say it shouldn't interfere.
I've got friends who struggled to conceive for years and then got pregnant when they started to think of adoption. I think when that stress and worry was lifted, something changed physically and they were able to conceive. It's so hard not to get stressed though.
You should not think that your GP won't refer you for tests because you have a mental health history. You have a right to investigations and treatment just the same as anyone else.
Hope you have good news soon
x

GetDown is right your GP does not have the right to withhold treatment from you because in their opinion you shouldn't conceive or have help conceiving. They may want to have a good talk with you about it though.

I have friends who are both struggling with depression, both on treatment and are now halfway through pregnancy after 5 attempts of IUI. It is all possible.

Thanks for the reassurance about testing from Gp - I am very stable on my medication, never been hospitalised and work in a professional job, it is just without the chemicals I couldn't do any of it!

Yes, the stress is really not helping Getdown.
Madmouse, that was so encouraging to hear of your friends both pregnant.

I can't believe the GP is refusing to send you for tests. They have no right to do this, especially if conceiving will help with your MH issues (although being pregnant brings a load of worries and mental strain itself, I'd far rather be pregnant than not). See if there's another GP in the practice who will refer you. You can also talk to the local PALS (patient advice and liaison service) about what you are entitled to. Check the NHS website.

Wishing you lots of luck with conceiving in the new year. x

bearcrumble GP has not refused, KH is concerned they will...

Oh, I see. I read it as "concerned GP" - ie the GP was concerned about her, not that she was concerned they'd refuse.

Thanks - just had general blood tests done - have high prolactin level .... been to another gp to get this done, thanks for the advice! Now they want me to do a 21 day test, but that is all.

I think my AD's causing high prolactin, maybe why not pregnant. Bit stuck, and waiting even more.

Keziahhopes - those are the normal tests to begin with - for everyone. Well done you x

You should ask to be refered to an Medical Endocrine clinic: the high prolactin levels will almost certainly stop you conceiving naturally. I also have high prolaction levels and after six months on cabergoline conceived my dd. Your prolactin needs to fall below 500 to be fertile I think. Hope this helps and you get things sorted

Oh thanks for that information - my prolactin is 675 ... so medication can be given to reduce it? Cos I know I will not be allowed off my antidepressants?

Really positive information there - will ask gp, thank you.

Hope it all works out. Some excellent information here which may be helpful to other people.

ADQ

littleshamrock - could you take the cabergoline as well as antidepressants (if you were on them) and can only an endocrine clinic prescribe this type of medication?

I will certainly make an appointment to see gp to ask for referral, although I think gp may not necessarily link high prolactin and infertility. I also have an immune disorder, no IgA and I read somewhere that prolactin can bind to IgG - but my immunologist said my immune problem should not cause any problems conceiving ....

sorry, am rambling on.
Thanks for help.

Hi there, wasn't on any other medication at the time so I'm really not sure about that one. However, anti depressants and other medications for mental health issues can cause a rise in your prolactin. I had to be refered to the Endocrinologist as my high prolactin was due to a small growth on my pituitary gland which was found by doing an MRI scan. Since this isn't the reason for your prolactin being high, maybe the gp would prescribe cabergoline? 675 isn't super high for prolactin and a level like that is likely caused by medication not a growth, my prolactin was 4500 on diagnosis! Good Luck with the gp

Thanks for that littleshamrock, am trying to get an appointment for Friday. 16months of trying, heading to 35 I am sort of wanting some action,and perhaps email my immunologist after gp appointment as well to see if that is causing it. At least I feel there may be a reason why not BFM (AF tonight!) so have some home.
Wow, 4500 very high!