Think I might be infertile

[GirlAfraid23]

Hi there,

Me and my partner have been TTC for 6 months. I know it's not that long in the scheme of things. However I have this horrible gut feeling there's something wrong and I'll need intervention.

I have heavy periods with clots and they can be very painful. However they're very regular, every 26-32 days. I ovulate every month, around day 13/14/15. I think my luteal phase is over 10 days so I don't understand why I'm not getting pregnant!

I haven't been tested for anything yet as we've only been trying for 6 months so we're to try another 6 months and go back for testing. I think I might have endo because of the bowel issues I have during my period including pain when opening my bowels

My periods were never this bad when I was in my teen years and early 20s, since being on the pill they've got much worse. I've been off any form of hormonal contraception for years now though.

Weirdly, since TTC my symptoms before and during a period have been worse?!

I take pre conception seven seas trying for a baby vitamins with iron, vitamin d and folic acid, vitamin c with bioflavonoids, selenium and fish oil/omega 3. I also take evening primrose oil until day 14 of my cycle each month.

My next step is to try castor oil packs...

Any advice would be good, thank you xx

[emu2016]

Hello GirlAfraid... don’t be afraid. Sending you big hugs.

You’re right... it’s early days. So keep trying and then go back & take no for an answer. There are tests you could have privately to make sure everything’s ok.

I was like you. I just knew. My periods were horrendous and the Dr’s always assumed it was because my smear tests always resulted in further treatment needed. They said this (coupled with being overweight) was why we were struggling. Turned out 4 years later it wasn’t. I wish I’d pushed for tests and checks if only to put my mind at rest. Because it wasn’t until the coil, the weight loss and cyst removal meant my periods were still bad and we still couldn’t get pregnant that I asked my Dr to put me on the pill because I couldn’t live like this with periods. She referred me to fertility clinic and the rest is history.

Do try and get through the next six months. But don’t take no for an answer on those tests when you get there. X

[GirlAfraid23 in reply to emu2016]

Thank you for your reply.

What was your issue in the end if you don't mind me asking?

[emu2016 in reply to GirlAfraid23]

Low egg quality and low egg quantity. But my periods were irregular and very heavy and painful. My period would last anything from 8-33 days x

[Hidden]

Hi hun, some of the increase in symptoms could be because of the extra iron you're taking in the multi vitamin. Don't stop taking this, but I hope this eases your mind a little.

I understand your concerns regarding flow and pain and whether this may be endo. As emu2016 says, keep pushing for answers if you get to the point where you begin infertility investigations. I hope you don't get to this stage though.

I checked back on your profile and saw your post about high heart rate. It may be worth trying the typical new year health kick to see if this helps your symptoms in any way. You don't need to go all out with a super healthy diet and excessive exercise, but start little by little and hopefully you'll see some improvements. Good luck x

[Hidden]

Morning,

I was in my mid-late 30's when I met my partner and we didn't start trying for a baby until we had been together for a couple of years so after 12 months ttc I went to my doctors who referred us for tests, I have now started my 1st cycle of IVF and having to self fund. I'm not sure of your age but I would recommend being referred sooner rather than later if you are in your mid to late 30's.

I wish you all the luck with your journey x

[GirlAfraid23 in reply to Hidden]

What turned out to be your issue? I know we'll get at least one free round on the NHS.

I'm 28 and my partner is 36. So I'll be going to the doctor this summer (will be 12 full months of trying) or sooner possibly. X

[Hidden in reply to GirlAfraid23]

My FSH level was high and sperm quality was below the average reading, I have been put on the max meds so hopefully that will increase my chances.

Fingers crossed for you but would definitely recommend getting tested as soon as you can as there can be a wait between referral/tests.

Claire x

[kelsbels88]

Hi 👋

Apologies now for the long post but I feel it’s all relevant. Lol 😂

Your post is very similar to my current situation....

Bit of history, I’m 29 my OH is 35. We have been together 10 1/2 yrs and have only been trying for a yr and a half (since we got married).

I used to suffer painful heavy periods, went on the pill (as at 13/14) they thought this was best) and it did help. Then fast forward 11/12 yrs and I come off the pill to TTC and the painful 😖 horrible periods are back with a medium to heavy flow and I’m dosing myself up on heat packs ibuprofen and paracetamol every 2-3hrs for 8days a month.

Now this is all pretty bad but when you then throw in the bowel pain and bowel movement issues you can imagine it’s not fun. To cut this a little short they thought I had gastro issues (I don’t) they thought I have coeliac (I don’t) I did umpteen blood tests all came back negative and clear. I did my own research and believed I had endo potentially from the start. Still not confirmed...yet.

I visited various drs and consultants and finally got a guy who would take me seriously he left then a lady took over and continued what he started.

I have a laparoscopy booked in Feb where my consultant is also going to do a dye test to check my tubes.

I hope you get your answers and honestly keep pushing your gps. Dependant has n your symptoms they may be able to do blood tests to rule things out and check you are ovulating etc etc...You know if your body is not right and no dr or consultant should make you feel like you don’t know what’s going on. Please don’t be afraid as scary as it is. For me I’m scared but I want answers, I want to know what is causing my pain and discomfort so that I can go forward and put a plan in place so that one day my husband and I can be the ones to have our miracle like so many other ppl seem to get so easily and some take for granted.

I know that all of us on this forum will eventually get our dreams and that hope can be an amazing thing. So please keep your chin up and if I can help in any way don’t be afraid to ask.

Fingers crossed for us all and lots of baby dust ✨✨✨✨

Kelly xx

[Waterfall2]

6 months is still early days, but if you are already starting to worry then it might be good to talk to your doctor and see if they will start some investigation, even if it is just blood tests. If your periods are heavy and painful I don't see it matters that you are trying to conceive, surely that needs to be investigated anyway. If you do find waiting too stressful, you might want to look into private tests. They are expensive, but I've saved up to have a couple done when the NHS waiting times have been really long and I knew the stress of waiting would be too much.

Wishing you the best of luck.

[GirlAfraid23 in reply to Waterfall2]

Thanks but I really don't think I can afford private unfortunately.

[sanchia46]

How old are you?

[GirlAfraid23 in reply to sanchia46]

I am 28

[sanchia46 in reply to GirlAfraid23]

Ok you have a little time on your side then. Speak to your doc about the bowel issues first and see if you can get that looked into? I have endo as well but decided against any ops. But the time I started my ivf it was too late to consider an op due to my age (37).