2 years ttc... should we keep going?

[threepiecesuite]

Have dd age 4, conceived straight away. Trying for 2 years now with nothing to show for it. All tests normal except I have one blocked tube. I'm 34, dp 40.
I just dont know whether to keep trying naturally any longer or beging ivf. Have about £2.5k saved and would have to borrow the rest. We'd only do it once so need to think carefully.

Has tube been dealt with? Hope so, as will improve chances.

Hi Three

These choices are never easy. Before making any big decisions, it might be helpful to have a complete assessment of where you are and what your options are? If you haven't already done this, it might be helpful to track ovulation each month to be sure you're ovulating, ask for a full analysis of DH sperm, maybe more tests to better understand what's going on with you etc.

In addition, you might want to look at whether supplements or alternative therapies can help improve your chances (eg boost DH's results, or acupuncture to help with your cycles, etc). And if you are thinking of going down the assisted route, you might find that IUI is all you need (significantly cheaper than IVF).

At the end of the day, only you and DH will be able to make this decision, but the more info you have the better armed you'll be.

And I would just add that, speaking as a 34 yr old myself, we're not past it yet! So don't despair!

Best of luck!

Thank you, consultant advised not to do anything to tube as it may jeopardise the good one. Ovulation is spot on, day 12 every month, dp's results were normal.
I'm inclined to wait a little longer, maybe til I'm 35 (April) but it's just so hard. A women at my work has had 3 babies while I've been trying to have one. It's so tough.

It is tough. We had a long journey to have our ds, and as you say other people completed their family in that time.

Has the consultant suggested assisted fertility? It is good news with do, which helps ( we had both of us with issues, sadly). It sounds a good idea to decide how long you will ttc naturally and then look at alternatives. And you already had many of the fertility tests so should be quicker into the system. I found having a plan helped me - we chose a date when would seek ivf and just knowing that was helpful for us both.

Well success at ivf decreases from 35.
Is it a hydrosalpinx?
Is the tube likely to drain?
As for ivf we are advised to clip them as they decrease success by up to 50% implantation. They think they wash the embryo out or drain stuff on them.
You would have to budget for 2 ivfs just in case as less than 50% success rate so maybe 8k. Iui could work well as they could check you are ovulating on the correct side, i would look into that.

I'm beginning to think maybe I only ovulate on the blocked side? Is this likely?
No it's not a hydrosalpinx, just torsion and stuck down right up near ovary.
No way would we be able to find £8k, I only work part time.

I am in a very similar situation OP. I've just turned 35 and have been trying for DC2 for 20 months. No obvious problems beyond age. I'm giving it until January (which will be two years) and then I think we're going to do something drastic.

Sorry I have no useful advice but I know how you feel; watching everyone around you popping out babies is always tough. I am finding the fresh hope each month is the most unbearable thing so have stopped counting the days for a couple of months, just to stop myself obsessing.

Presumably you're doing all the no alcohol/caffeine, good diet, stuff?
Good luck.

Well iui would be a lot cheaper than ivf.
I dont know but i had a hydro on my ivf scan and that side just wasnt growing big follicles anyway (no hydro previously and there usually are follicles) so it could have been linked.
I think its more likely the blocked side is not ovulating if its twisted but thats only a guess.

I would think a couple of scans could tell if you are ovulating on the good side.

Though just because you know that is wrong doesnt mean for certain the tube is causing the problem.
(Though i have pcos it is DH sperm issue that is the problem)

That is the adv of ivf you know you have an/several embryos.

If egg share - think have to be 35 and under though, it can really reduce costs. Need to meet set criteria though ( ie get enough eggs to share) and be happy to do it. Not done it myself as too old to even consider.

I don't really drink and have cut down to one coffee a day. We are both in good health.
Had laser treatment last year for pre - cancerous cells, wonder if it could have interfered somehow?
Feel so down about it all.

Will the NHS do any more tests or suggest any treatments now?

No, they can make a quick referral yo the private IVF clinic but that's about it.

While we're just trying and waiting, I'd like to feel like I'm doing something.
Has anyone any experience of acupuncture? Which vitamins could we both take?
Feel like I've lost control of the situation.

I would get things underway with a referral. It may take a while to be seen by anyone.

I saw my GP and was referred to a clinic in Feb 2012 and got pregnant in May 2013 (IUI). We had some investigative procedures along the way though which meant our first cycle of treatment didn't start until September 2012.

We've had all of the investigations already so can begin privately funded assisted conception when we choose, but as we'll only do it once, we're just waiting a few months longer.

So do you know if you're a suitable candidate for IUI then? If so with £2500 you can have more than one try.

I think so, not sure if having one blocked tube may prevent this.

IUI is £800 at my clinic plus meds. You are scanned regularly with an IUI so they can see which side the follicles are on.

Also IUI gives you a chance to see how you respond to the stimulating drugs. This might be something to consider if you only have one chance with IVF. If you have an IUI cycle in the bag this will give the consultant additional info when deciding on doses.

I had two BFPs out of three IUIs, one of which resulted in my baby boy (unexplained infertility). Lots of luck to you. It's such a tough journey.

Thank you, that's really helpful, I'm definitely going to explore this.
We have one DD who is 4 and conceived easily but it's so frustrating being unexplained now for 2.5 years.