What is wrong with us!

DSHD86428 · 2023-10-19T12:33:05+00:00

This month marks the 4th year since we decided to try for a family of our own. We have had all the tests and we were diagnosed with 'unexplained' infertility approx 2 yrs ago. My periods come every month, usually on the dot and last 6 days. I have a 27 day cycle most months. We have regular sex especially around the time of ovulation (every other day or every 3rd day) as advised by the clinic/doctors. I have a history of bowel disease and 3 major operations which I worry is stopping something from doing what it should. I also have Hashimoto's but I don't think this is the cause as my periods are regular. My partners tests were all perfectly fine. How do you cope with the 'not knowing' why?? :( Thanks all. 37 yrs old from Cambridgeshire.

JadeAC · 19/10/2023 18:30

@DSHD86428 Sometimes there is no why, it’s just one of those things. We were similar. I was overweight though. I lost 3.5 stone and then we did ivf. I’m now 6+2 pregnant. Are you still ttc naturally or have you considered ivf?

Original poster

DSHD86428 · 19/10/2023 18:32

Thanks. Yes we are unfortunately not eligible for IVF due to my partner being over the required BMI! mine is where it needs to be. Congratulations on your pregnancy

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GabbyGal · 21/10/2023 11:49

I can relate, we have unexplained secondary infertility, we conceived our DD easily but just hasn’t happened second time around so we’re trying IVF. All of our tests were normal. I assume you’ve spoken to your GP about TTC with Hashimotos? I don’t know much about Hashimotos but I have an underactive thyroid and had to have my meds adjusted to TTC because TSH needs to be at the lower end of the healthy range in order to conceive, maybe it’s similar with Hashimotos? Have you had tests to check that you are actually ovulating?

Original poster

DSHD86428 · 21/10/2023 15:25

Sorry to hear that. I've had my TSH levels tested so many times and they say they are fine but I often wonder if they know what fine actually should be!! It's underactive I have but it's hashimotos. They haven't even suggested it could be that that's causing it 😢

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Creatingspace · 21/10/2023 16:12

@DSHD86428 I can't relate to the unexplained part as I know what's causing our issues but I honestly know how hard it is to be 37 and 4 years into a journey that you'd hoped would take a couple of months! It was also 4 years for me earlier this year and I'm the same age as you. I know it's hard to hear but we've just got to look for the positives about how much stronger this journey is making us and how much we'll cherish our babies once they arrive. Just remember that you're not alone and even though it seems like everyone gets pregnant at the drop of a hat it really isn't the case. For unexplained infertility try googling Saskia Roell (I think I've spelt her name right) she works with lots of women in that situation and has great results. Sending love and hope that you get your bfp asap! 💖

Gardenlady543 · 22/10/2023 06:24

@DSHD86428 what are your thyroid autoantibodies levels? As this can affect fertility and ongoing pregnancy? I started on low dose naltrexone through dicksons chemist which people think can bring autoantibodies down.

A lot of people don't believe in the phrase unexplained infertility and consider it lazy. Since there may well be a cause, it just wasn't identified from the very basic tests undertaken. IVF can be diagnostic in a way as you gain a lot of information on egg quality and fertilization. Can you afford private IVF?

Original poster

DSHD86428 · 22/10/2023 08:23

Gardenlady543 · 22/10/2023 06:24

@DSHD86428 what are your thyroid autoantibodies levels? As this can affect fertility and ongoing pregnancy? I started on low dose naltrexone through dicksons chemist which people think can bring autoantibodies down.

A lot of people don't believe in the phrase unexplained infertility and consider it lazy. Since there may well be a cause, it just wasn't identified from the very basic tests undertaken. IVF can be diagnostic in a way as you gain a lot of information on egg quality and fertilization. Can you afford private IVF?

I dont know to be honest. .my last tsh test was 2.05. I beleive there is also always a reason just not found yet. No we can't afford private IVF sadly

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Original poster

DSHD86428 · 22/10/2023 08:25

Creatingspace · 21/10/2023 16:12

@DSHD86428 I can't relate to the unexplained part as I know what's causing our issues but I honestly know how hard it is to be 37 and 4 years into a journey that you'd hoped would take a couple of months! It was also 4 years for me earlier this year and I'm the same age as you. I know it's hard to hear but we've just got to look for the positives about how much stronger this journey is making us and how much we'll cherish our babies once they arrive. Just remember that you're not alone and even though it seems like everyone gets pregnant at the drop of a hat it really isn't the case. For unexplained infertility try googling Saskia Roell (I think I've spelt her name right) she works with lots of women in that situation and has great results. Sending love and hope that you get your bfp asap! 💖

Thankou so much. Sorry for your troubles too. Time isn't on our side is it 😕. All my siblings have children and its very hard at times. We will get through this 💪 xx

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Gardenlady543 · 22/10/2023 08:34

@DSHD86428 Your TSH needs to be under 2.5 but ideally lower. Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition causing hypothyroidism. You should have had your autoantibodies tested at some point: thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and thyroglobulin autoantibodies. If your autoantibodies are high then the TSH isn't relevant, it will increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage.

Itfelloffwithaclunk · 22/10/2023 09:02

Couldn't read and run. We were TTC for 8 years (!!!!) before our only +ve. Is there any way you could afford private tests, if not the whole IVF process? If you're in Cambridgeshire then you're near Bourne Hall where it all started, and they're the 'big guns' of IF. I send you all possible hugs, you are definitely not alone.

Original poster

DSHD86428 · 22/10/2023 22:17

Gardenlady543 · 22/10/2023 08:34

@DSHD86428 Your TSH needs to be under 2.5 but ideally lower. Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition causing hypothyroidism. You should have had your autoantibodies tested at some point: thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies and thyroglobulin autoantibodies. If your autoantibodies are high then the TSH isn't relevant, it will increase the risk of infertility and miscarriage.

I honestly have no idea of they have been tested. They usually just say they are testing my thyroid function. I've had it since I was 11 now 37 almost 38 so I just go with what they tell me

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Original poster

DSHD86428 · 22/10/2023 22:19

Itfelloffwithaclunk · 22/10/2023 09:02

Couldn't read and run. We were TTC for 8 years (!!!!) before our only +ve. Is there any way you could afford private tests, if not the whole IVF process? If you're in Cambridgeshire then you're near Bourne Hall where it all started, and they're the 'big guns' of IF. I send you all possible hugs, you are definitely not alone.

I went private for the tube tests and amh bloods as wasn't getting anywhere with the NHS. sadly we can't afford IVF private. Thank you so much. 💓

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