Please or to access all these features

Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

No luck TTC

16 replies

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 16:06

Hi everyone,

Just looking for some advice.

Dh and I have been trying for well over a year now with no success, not even a chemical. I am reluctant to speak to the GP as I am very overweight and generally that’s what any medical issue seems to get put down to. Has anyone else been in this position? Aside from weight I have regularly cycles, been off contraception for 3 years and always get positive opk’s although I’ve seen that doesn’t actually mean you’re ovulating. I just don’t know what else I can try.

Is the best course of action to try and lose weight and then see the GP and hope that they take it seriously then?

OP posts:
Gardenlady543 · 17/03/2021 16:37

Hi @Twiggywinkle13 I’m sorry to hear about your situation, out of interest how old are you and have you had children in the past? After 12 months I saw my GP and they arranged the standard blood tests, I then paid privately for an ultrasound at a local fertility clinic, we had my DH sperm tested and we had a consultation with a specialist. We then decided to progress with private IVF at this time.

I think you should see you GP and ask for the initial tests, at the worst then they will say lose weight first. I am not sure about how BMI will impact on your GPs decision to conduct investigations, all I know is that you need to meet certain criteria for fertility treatment both through the NHS and through private clinics. What is your BMI at the moment?

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 17:20

I guess you’re probably right it might be best to at least ask. DH and I are both 30, neither of us have any kids.

OP posts:
Gardenlady543 · 17/03/2021 18:00

You’re both 30 years of age? If so that’s good, time is still on your side. What is your BMI?

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 18:50

My bmi is high, in the 40’s I think. Which is why I’m wondering if I’d be better working to get that down first?

OP posts:
Gardenlady543 · 17/03/2021 19:07

Ah that is very high. For the best outcomes in getting pregnant, IVF success and lowest miscarriage risk, I think it really needs to be under 30. I’m sure you don’t need a lecture on it though, as you clearly already realise it’s an issue that you need to work on. The initial tests my GP arranged were blood tests, so they may do them for you, you can try. Although I guess, if it did pick up an issue would you be more stressed knowing about it, given they may not refer you on until you’ve lost a certain amount of weight. Have you tried asking your GP for help with weight loss? That might be a good option?

EpiphanySoul1 · 17/03/2021 19:22

In your shoes I would both of you go and get tests done to determine if there is any major issue with both of you - sperm count, thyroid problem etc.

For example you had a sperm issue that required a varicoele embolization that could be a few months waiting for the op, then 3-6 months recovery. In that time you could be focusing on losing your weight so you’re both ready to go.

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 19:56

Ah ok, this is some brilliant information from both of you. Much appreciated. Yes, absolutely going to focus on weight loss but think it probably is best to at least have a chat with my doctor to see what they think.

OP posts:
CycleGirl20 · 17/03/2021 19:56

I paid privately for an ultrasound. It cost £120 and it showed up a fibroid that would have prevented pregnancy, even though it was only small. Just had it removed surgically. You could pay for an ultrasound privately but ultimately you'd have to take it to a doctor to get it treated.

Your weight could be related to something underlying like PCOS or an underactive thyroid which a doctor would help find. I know they can be an ar$e with weight. I've been told off by them for being overweight and one time they told me off for having a BMI of 23 because it didn't give me enough wiggle room to stay in the healthy category as I age 😂!

I'm over on the blood sugar diet on the fast threads too. That's worked really well for a lot of us.

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 20:20

Oh gosh, getting told off is no fun at all especially when you’re way down the scale! I have read a bit about pcos but don’t appear to have any of the symptoms although I guess that doesn’t mean I don’t have it.

Did you have any symptoms of fibroids at all? That could be an option that I can look into to pay privately for.

OP posts:
CycleGirl20 · 17/03/2021 20:34

The only symptom I had was not getting pregnant! You can see things like fluid in your tubes and maybe even a lack of follicles/eggs on an ultrasound.

I would recommend going to your doctor though. They probably will ask you to lose weight but that is just a practical concern that they've probably said to a load of us on here at some time. They will be able to do blood tests to check your hormone levels and treat any issues with medication. I'm going to start taking drugs to help me ovulate because I was ovulating really late (day 17/18) then only having a 9 day luteal phase (should be 14, but 9 is short). I don't think treatment like that has a weight limit.

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 21:15

Interesting @CycleGirl20 i seem to ovulate (I know opk’s can’t be totally relied on) or at least have a surge between day 16-18 and then have a 12ish day luteal phase. I think I really need to pluck up the courage to just ask the doctor. The worst they can say is no, not until weight has been lost - which is what I’m expecting anyway I guess and I am happy to do that. I just worry there’s some horrific underlying issue that I’m totally missing because I focus on the fact that it must be because I’m fat!

OP posts:
Daisychain69 · 17/03/2021 22:10

Hey @Twiggywinkle13, I have recently had a scan of my uterus and have booked in for my day 3 and day 21 bloods. I'm also 30 and my BMI is 37. So far, not one person has mentioned my weight. I am aware if we need IVF my BMI needs to be under 29 for the NHS, but my CCG also needs us to be trying for 2years so we've got some time to shred the weight and rule out everything else in the meantime. Please don't let your weight put you off going to the drs, if it ends up weight related they can also support you with weight loss. It has certainly made me feel more in control of the situation knowing that I've taken those first steps to get some help.

Twiggywinkle13 · 17/03/2021 22:15

Thank you so much for that comment - I get myself so worked up thinking oh my goodness this is it forever but realistically I’m sure it’s not, we’re only 30! I think you’re right - I need to take control of the situation in the only ways I can.

OP posts:
Marty13 · 22/03/2021 03:01

There is a connection between weight and fertility but it doesn't mean your weight is automatically the issue here. As an exemple, my SIL is significantly overweight but also extremely fertile (as in, got pregnant with an IUD. Twice. Kind of fertile). So, work on weight loss by all means, but don't wait to get checked !

I understand that in the UK you have to go through your GP (sounds ridiculous to me not to be able to go directly to the gynae but apparently that's how the British system works.) so you could go to them and say, "I'm already working on my weight but I'd like to rule out other issues, including thyroid, PCOS, AMH, FSH, etc."

I also suggest your partner gets a sperm analysis. It's such a non-invasive procedure compared to many of the tests you might go through, so it's best to rule out the easy stuff first. Also I believe you have to repeat the test 2-3 times at a three months interval (that's the time it takes to generate new sperm) to be conclusive, so you might as well get it done (though tbh I dunno if it's covered or not by NHS).

Don't lose heart, it takes some couples up to 2 years to conceive ! I have two friends going through investigations atm. Struggle are a lot more common than people think, but most do end up with a child so try and be positive.

Final thing, if your diet doesn't include a lot of greens/fruit, think about taking vitamins ? I realized recently that my diet sucks (family life leaves me little time atm) and I was tired all the time. I started takings vitamins and I think I feel less foggy and exhausted. Maybe give it a shot ? I use OTC multivitamins.

hoping2021 · 22/03/2021 14:48

Dear @Twiggywinkle13,
You have every right to see your GP regarding your fertility issues. Of course your chances will greatly increase if you do require IVF but at least your GP may be able to make some recommendations for you.
Your BMI is high, but I have met people (including my own family members) who have managed to shed the weight.
Good luck to you - but your GP may be able to help with eating advice,
and also do some initial basic fertility tests like FSH. I do hope you get in touch with them,
Bw

Twiggywinkle13 · 22/03/2021 20:37

Thank you all for your comments and advice they’re all so much appreciated. Had a bit of a break down about it all last week, I know so many people struggle but I naively assumed it wouldn’t take long at all, the arrival of yet another period was enough to set me off. I’ve booked an appointment with the doctor so I’m hoping that I can at least rule things out as a starting point whilst working on the weight side of things.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page