Hi I'm Sarah, TTC 2 years and wondering if I should try going for fertility treatments? I am a little afraid of going that step. Do you think I should try more or go on and have ourselves tested? Any advice?
TTC 2 years should I go for fertility... - Fertility Network UK
TTC 2 years should I go for fertility treatments?
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EdwardsSarah996
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I would say if after 2 years no success then yes, unfortunately you need to go down the route of fertility treatment. They say 95% of people are pregnant after 2 years TTC naturally and the 5% will need treatment. I have been trying for 2.5 years now and just starting ivf. They have said this is the closest I’ve come to being pregnant. Have you been doing OPKs? Have you had your partners sperm tested? There can be loads of reasons why it’s not working. Not sure of your age so this may be a reason if you are a bit older.
Nope none yet. I'm still jittery about it. It's just that my husband's friend had their baby through ivf and I started getting interested in it. I'm 27.
You should be fine but if you go down the ivf route it’s taken us a long time from our first appointment with the specialist till now. Better to start sooner than later. It may be just you need help ovulating
I sure hope that is the case. That makes me feel a lot better. But I will give you lovely ladies updates for I certainly will go to our GP!
Hello
I would certainly start the ball rolling with tests from the doctors, it can sometimes just take a little longer for some people. The advice is to get checked after two years so it's worth a visit to the GP x
Thanks, I will need to discuss it first with DH though. I suppose he too will be tested.
Depends on your age slightly. But I would definitely book a consultation privately if you can afford it as it's faster than NHS. I'd still do NHS at the same time. It's not as scary as you think, it just kicks starts everything and you get tests to check everything is as it should be. Best of luck 🍀
I'm 27 now. Hubby's 31. I think we will go to our GP first and see from there. But can a GP answer our questions? Maybe she'll just refer us to a specialist? Do you have an idea how much a specialist consultation would cost?
Between £200-300 plus for each blood test and scan you'll need...probably a £1000 more or less depending on what you need and whether they'll let you get some bloods done through your gp. Some clinics line to use their own labs. It is worth it as it'll clear your mind and let you know if there is anything obviously wrong do you don't waste time trying if there is a problem. Best of luck 🍀
Yes! That is a helpful info that makes me feel empowered! I'm definitely letting you know what happens in our first GP visit!
Like others have said I would start the ball rolling... I'm not sure how old you are but after 2 years it would be worth being checked. You can ask your GP for a 21 day blood test to see if you're ovulating, thats probably the first step. Lots of clinics so MOTs for both partners which we found really helpful. If they highlight an issue you will then be able to look into the options and whether you can have treatment for that which would enable you to continue naturally, or go down the IVF route. Depending on your age, if there are no issues identified, you may want to keep trying naturally for a period before going for IVF. It's also worth looking into IVF treatment in your area and whether you qualify for NHS funding as that can often take time to sort. Wishing you lots of luck xx
Thank you Lisbie, you're very helpful. I'm 27. We are also due to meet up with a couple who experienced ivf for their baby. Maybe hearing her firsthand will ease my fears a bit.
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK
Hi EdwardsSarah. 2 years is plenty long enough to try. I would make an appointment with your GP and both get checked out, then you can move on from there. Good luck! Diane
Thanks Diane, yes I'll do so after we meet up with my DH friend who tried it.
Definitely Male the appointment for the chat ... at least you can make informed choices once you know more of the process. Best of luck with whichever you decide Xxx
Thank you Kiers!
I reckon, yes. I remember when my partner suggested we start fertility treatment and me being a bit panicked because I wasn’t sure if I was ready.
It must vary a lot throughout the country, but all the tests and pre ivf treatment took so bloody long (in our case almost 2 years to our first IVF cycle) that I was really glad we hadn’t left it any longer. I have 2 friends who started the process and conceived in the waiting time so hopefully you will never need it! Good luck xx
Two years of pretesting Before ivf? oh wow. What sort of tests did you have?
Hey. I would definitely recommend booking in with your GP to get the ball rolling as it takes so so long to wait for NHS appointments. I was turned away for 2 years and told to keep trying. Nothing happened and as soon as 2 years passed I finally got referred for investigations. It took from January this year to September to find out what the problem is and get an IVF referal. Everything takes time if you go via the NHS so would strongly recommend you start making appointments. In the meantime just keep trying. All the best xxx
So really that long? I think the couple I'm meeting didn't go through NHS. I think they even went overseas. But thanks. Now I know I should not waste anymore time.
Yes. The NHS is wonderful but sadly means waiting a long time. Even now I have been referred, I am waiting to see if we have been approved for funding and for my next appointment. It's all a waiting game. I guess waiting times vary in different areas though. I have looked into private and my local clinic can see us within 2 weeks if we need to go down that route. Wishing you all the best with your journey xxx
Thanks! Good luck on your approval. Will this be your first baby?
Yes hoping for a first baby 🤞. I have a very low AMH which is lower than my local NHS criteria, so I am not sure we will get funding. But for the sake of a few extra weeks we are waiting for the decision. If not we will go private. Will be hard financially but needs must 😊 xx
All my fingers are crossed for you! I can just imagine the savings you get if NHS approved! We met with my Dh friends already. We're starting to feel more comfy with the idea if ivf needed. We're having our tests done this week.
Thank you. Good luck with your tests! Xx
Thanks! It seems I have a blockage - having more tests. urggh! Hubby is fine at least.
Sorry to hear that! But I guess on the positive side of things it is useful to find out these things so they can be rectified. Glad all is well with your husband as thats one less thing to worry about xxx
So true! But then it is making me feel guilty. I dunno its kinda weird that I think it would've been good if we were both having problems haha!
I know what you mean! But I think when you break it down, things would be far more complicated and difficult for you both. We cant help our situations as awful as they feel. Try not to feel guilty, but I know its easier said than done! Hopefully with a bit of medical intervention all can be sorted xxx
They got me to see an RE, and to start with NHS - I see there is a BMI requirement? Oh boy.
That's good news! Will get the ball rolling! It's so annoying how much of a postcode lottery there is. Hope you get some answers at your appointment. Yes there is a BMI criteria for IVF - if you search your local criteria you may be able to find a list on the internet. Try not to worry though, with time this can be sorted. Sadly as expected we found out we were not eligible for funding due to my low AMH. But at least I can use my NHS test results, which has saved us a bit of money. We have our first private appointment in November. Good luck! Xxx
OMG I do not meet the BMI requirement! What to do?!!
Bless you. Not a stress you need right now. Have they given you any lifestyle support to try and meet this? I have a friend who was over the BMI and she changed her diet, reduced alcohol and did the NHS couch to 5k exercise thing which did the trick. Try not to worry as with time you can sort this xxx
I just read in the eligibility requirements but I'm still on the wait list. Oh boy this is going to be longer and harder than I thought.
Hi ladies! I'd like for you to know that we started our tests already. We actually had a sperm test at home for DH and he seemed okay, but our GP wanted to have at least two rounds of sperm tests for him. As for me - I didn't realize there were so many tests for this! I'm wondering if I should take all that they recommended!
Hello dear, usually the hardest part is knowing exactly the best way to go about this. Sometimes it's best to follow doctor's suggestions. But it is also good to do your own research and ask their opinion on what you found. Meantime, no harm in having fun with hubby and who knows - a baby might just pop up! I hear of some blockage issues that still managed to have babies.
Hello, I sure hope so! I only wish!
How are you now dear? Have you started treatments? Does your blockage require surgery?
Yes it does 
I gained a lot more weight over the holidays. Haven't started treatments. Right now, I'll just try to shave off some pounds.
That's okay dear. As long as you had fun! That's the important thing. Good luck on your plan to lose weight.
thanks!
Hi,
glad from the above comments that you have got things started. It’s good to get tests done so they can find you the most effective plan for successful ivf. However, if you are struggling on money side maybe ask how likely the blockage they already found is cause of the problem. If it’s highly likely maybe there is less cause for further tests with you? It’s definitely worth having the further sperm tests as quality can vary. Obviously advise your partner (and yourself) eat healthy, drink lots of water exercise, no smoking or drinking and cut back on caffeine for best results. Best of luck xx
Thanks! It seems the blockage is the cause. The eating healthy and exercise is gonna be a struggle, we're kinda on the heavy side, I'm afraid.
Sorry to hear about your blockage Sarah. What is your update? I can't really give you much advice, but I can share that we had a sperm donor and we are expecting now. We were lucky. And we loved where we had our treatment too - in the beautiful island of Cyprus.
Hi now my next challenge is to try to lose some weight!
You didn't reach the BMI requirement for NHS? Yeah I think you need to do so. It will be best for your treatment too, and your overall health! Have you decided how to go about it?
It seems I not only have a blockage in my tubes but in my brain too! I hate diet and exercise.
That's okay Sarah. Just make the first step - enlist some help - a diet plan or an exercise class. Have you heard of intermittent fasting?
Yes that's what I'm planning to do. I'll start with a 16-8 doing a 9am-5pm feeding window.
You'll do just fine, how many pounds are you planning to lose? Just don't skip meals. Do the three meals within feeding time. Small frequent feedings is the key.
I just need to lose 10 to 12 pounds. Thanks for the advice - but right now it's holidays so I'll be stricter on January 
Oh yeah, the holidays! Do enjoy!
Enjoyed a bit too much! Now I gained even more weight!
That's expected, are you at your dieting now? Don't worry dear, you will lose them. Just focus on your future baby as motivation.
thanks, it's hard to get back on a diet! hoping to get things straightened out by next week.
what's your update Sarah?
sadly still having problems recovering from holiday binges. And now I am having open surgery to remove blockage on my Fallopian tube
When is your surgery? Good luck Sarah, praying for you.
March 17, thanks.
How did it go Sarah?
It went well. They say they removed the blockage. I'm recovering from the surgery right now. Hopefully after this, I can finally get pregnant.
Hi Sarah how are you? It's been 5 months - wow time flies fast still despite all this huh? AFM I'm happy to share that we have a new baby had her in June
Oh I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!
What about you? How are you getting along?
It seems they found another blockage. Oh well...
Oh no Sarah so sorry to hear that
Sarah just wanted to see how you are?
I have a blockage on my Fallopian tube and they think this is the one causing the problem. We're seeing an RE now and will try our luck on NHS.
How did it all go Sarah? I’m due to be referred to the infertility specialist and I am worried about bmi too, I have PCOS, bmi was 39 now 36 following finding out about PCOS and focusing on a insulin resistance diet it has helped, still high but falling , I’m worried about my appointment and as always worried about mine and future baby’s health any advice?
Xx
Hi Kate, a bit on a break now. Last we talked with my RE is she wanted a few more tests. She said the blockage needs to be removed. Great job on losing weight! I can't give you much advice though, I'm still on the wait list. Good luck on your appointment! Keep us updated.
Fingers crossed for you x
Thank you Kate, happy holidays!
Kate how are you now dear?
It all depends on your age and circumstances. I would jump straight into of the earlier the better as it's a long drawn out process. It's really expensive and emotionally draining but I don't think the actual retrieval and objective is anywhere near as hard as I thought it would be. It's the waiting and testing and high and lows of it fails that is what makes ivf hard. Start soon as younger the better. You can always keep trying naturally in the background but at least this way you're ding the investigations and not wasting time if there is an issue you're unaware of. Best of luck 🍀
Thank you! Happy holidays!
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