Planning my infertility battle - need help

[IKVH]

I and my OH have been TTC for 7 years. We have a 7 year old DD, but have not had any luck concieving since then. I am 42 so time is against me.

We went to the GP about 3 years ago and I had a blood test and my OH had a sperm test. As life and time gets in the way we never continued looking into what could be wrong, but we are now ready to start again.

My initial blood test 3 years ago showed no issues with my menstrual cycle (I am very regular at a 30-31 day cycle), but I do have polycystic ovaries and a uterus didelphys, as well as very painful periods with rather large clots at the heaviest days. I also had some retained material in my uterus after my DD birth, which I had day surgery to remove, but they could not find any stuff left.

I've booked an appointment with my GP next Tuesday to start my journey and battle this infertility. My OH will book an appointment as well and do all he can.

I need help planning my questions for the GP and my next steps from you lovely people.

This is what I've come up with so far:

1. What could be causing me not concieving?
2. What tests can I do to eliminate possible causes?
3. Could fertility acupuncture help?

I have also emailed a fertility acupuncturist to book an initial consultation, as I'm hoping that may help.

With all the retained knowledge on mumsnet, what tests and treatments are there I can ask the GP about?

I don’t mean to sound at all insensitive but the most likely factor is simply age. At 42 your egg reserve will be significantly depleted and your fertility will be low. That’s not to say that it’s impossible of course, and I’m sure someone will be along with a positive success story about conceiving at your age.

A doctors appt is a good idea - are you prepared to pay for private treatment as age and existing DC might prohibit NHS funding?

I hope I haven’t sounded overly negative. Sending best wishes and good vibes your way.

The main reason will probably be age related, you have conceived before so you are unlikely to receive any funding, I would suggest enquiring if there's any medications that could help that your gp can prescribe on the nhs before you see a private clinic

If I were you I'd see the gp, ask for all the blood tests they can do, ask if they'll refer for a scan and I'd also book in with a private fertility place and turn up with all blood test results and semen analysis. Time is not on your side and you won't get much through the nhs (I have a dc already too) and the wait could be long. The wait is very very long in my area. I ended up spending £100 (much cheaper than I guessed it would be) on an initial consultation with a private gynaecologist and he's been really proactive. Since then I've had various treatments that I don't think I'd have got through the nhs.

I would speak to your GP about tests for endometriosis and scarring of the womb lining. I have had both and been operated on for both.

Endometriosis generally causes heavy painful periods. It is also a cause of infertility. It's where the womb lining can attach itself to other areas of your womb rather than all coming out each month during your period

Scarring of the womb lining (Asherman's syndrome). After my first child I had retained placenta, the operation to remove resulted in my womb lining scarring. It's hard for a fertilised egg to embed into the womb lining if there is a lot of it is scarring. However my main symptom of the issue was lack of menstruation whilst still have all the period pains. I've had two operations to resolve it as it was preventing us from getting pregnant.

As previous comments the NHS are unlikely to fund IVF treatment however if there is an underlying issue with your womb health that should be a priority to get resolved for your own health and wellbeing.

If you (or anyone else is reading this) do end up having any surgery in your womb. Do not allow them to D&C (apply heat to remove), insist the use of cold micro scissors. D&C is what can cause scarring to occur due to the shock of the heat being applied

To note all my treatment has been private. Getting the right consultant on NHS that uses the micro scissors technique is difficult

Good luck!

Honestly? If you have the funds and are serious about getting pregnant I would ask them for a referral letter to a private fertility clinic. As you know your age is very much against you and the inevitable NHS delays even small ones for initial investigations is not time you can afford to waste.

Thanks everyone for all your replies.

We can't fund full IVF privately, but I do want to try as much as I can afford. I understand that going private is likely the answer. Your advice is just the sort of thing I was hoping for.

Regarding acupuncture, the usual response is it that it won't do you any harm but there's not much significant evidence it works.

I'd save your acupuncture money for private treatment. And I say that as someone who is having private treatment and has previously had acupuncture. I randomly get 3 free sessions a year through work, so I'm going to start going again soon. It's relaxing and I sleep well after but I don't know if it's having an impact fertility wise.

There is an ‘over 40 ttc’ thread I think it’s in the conception section. Loads of good advice there and a few recent successes!

Depending on the outcomes of the tests there may be cheaper and less aggressive options available to you such as using stimulating hormones and IUI. But until you’ve done the requisite tests you won’t know whether those are realistic options.