TTC

[sarah01855]

Hi, we'll have been TTC for eighteen months soon. I went to the doctor back in October and I've had both bloods and an ultrasound, which came back okay. My OH has had his semen analysis done and that also came back okay. I've got a GP appointment next week to discuss next steps and I'm not sure what I should be asking for or what our options are at this stage really. Should we be asking for a referral to a fertility specialist? Any ideas would be great so thank you in advance x

[LKT1]

Hi sorry you are in this position. Hopefully your gp will suggest the fertility clinic but if not then definitely ask as they normally refer you if you have been trying over a year. I hope they get to the bottom of it for you but keep trying naturally in the mean time. Wishing you the best xx

[sarah01855 in reply to LKT1]

Thank you for that. I'll definitely push for a referral now xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi sarah. Good to hear that all basic testing has come back OK. I would definitely ask for a referral, just in case you should need your Fallopian tubes checked out etc. I feel you have tried for long enough. Hope all goes well for you. Diane

[sarah01855 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thank you for that. I'm going to push for a referral and further tests xx

[Florencenightingale]

Hi, yes ask for a referral to fertility specialist. They will likely do more bloods and a dye test (hysterosalpingogram) to check your fallopian tubes for blockages etc. Good luck with everything xx

[sarah01855 in reply to Florencenightingale]

Thank you for this. I'm definitely going to be asking / demanding that now! xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to sarah01855]

I'm quite surprised that your gp carried out those tests as we were referred to fertility clinic then they did those tests. Hopefully they will all come back normal too and you'll get your happy ever after. If your OH takes protein shakes etc then that would need to be stopped. Thyroid, ibs, diabetes all play a role in altered fertility too. I found a great book called It starts with the egg. It gives you a lot of info about why you may not be getting pregnant. Good luck xx

[sarah01855 in reply to Florencenightingale]

A friend actually sent me her copy of that book for Christmas so it's next on my reading list. Thank you for your advice xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to sarah01855]

I found it really helpful. Try not to stress over doing literally everything it advises though, relaxing is key xx

[sarah01855 in reply to Florencenightingale]

And that's where I struggle 🙈 xx

[Florencenightingale in reply to sarah01855]

We all do. Easier said than done. Keep in touch if you like xx

[FrancyItaly]

Yes, asked to be referred to the fertility clinic. Good news is both tests came back ok and it might just be a matter of time. Are you testing for ovulation?

[sarah01855 in reply to FrancyItaly]

Yes and it seems to be happening on CD14 or CD15 every month. That's made me feel a little bit better but I know it takes more than just that 😬 xx

[FrancyItaly in reply to sarah01855]

I know the anxiety when the 2 lines never appear! Even if I lost my baby I’m still happy it actually happened! Good luck on your journey!

[Hidden]

Sorry you are struggling ttc is very stressful ☹️

Our GP ran initial tests after we’d been ttc 1 year- as we were under 35 & no cause was unearthed we were told to continue to try for another year ( 2 years in tying in total) before the gp would refer us to a fertility doctor.

Eventually after TTC 5 years & 10 months I was diagnosed with endometriosis previously unexplained infertility ( which was diagnosed via laparoscopy) we suffered a early miscarriage I had another 2 surgeries ( to treat my endometriosis) & we had our daughter last June ( after a 7 year struggle to conceive)

If you get the opportunity to have a laparoscopy I would go for it ( they can check your tubes at the same time) I wish I had pushed for one a longtime ago hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Good luck your GP sounds very pro active & supportive makes such a difference xxx 😘

[sarah01855 in reply to Hidden]

I'll definitely see if a laparoscopy is offered and, if it is, I'll be saying yes. It's so reassuring to hear about your story - sorry you had to struggle for so long but I bet it's made you love your daughter even more xx