Is it worth getting a second opinion?

[PrettyWoman1989]

Hi there,My husband and I have been trying to conceive for 4 years and have been categorised as having unexplained infertility.

I have an under active thyroid and I am currently trying to get my BMI down within the accepted level in order to be able to have IVF through the NHS.

My husband has had two sperm tests, which both came back as 'fine', but with no other explanation or even consultation from the GP. I am thinking that it would be worth while having a further explanation to understand the quality of the sperm too, would you agree?

Also, I have had a diagnostic laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and polypectomy all of which were clear and showed no signs of concern. However whenever I describe my troubles with my periods, everyone always queries if I have endometriosis. My periods are very painful, heavy and clotted. Could it be that something was missed during my tests? Has this happened to anyone else?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated 💖

[Solly-44]

Hi,

I guess something could always be missed but you’ve had pretty comprehensive tests. As far as I’m aware a laparoscopy is the gold standard for endo diagnosis so I think it’s unlikely. I have the same symptoms as you period wise, and don’t have endo - this was suggested several times for me too. I do have PCOS but I’m presuming they’ve done an ultrasound and blood work at some point to check for that?

I’m sorry, we had a diagnosis for ours but I have a friend who was treated as unexplained and it must be hugely frustrating. It’s natural to want answers. I don’t have any knowledge of sperm issues but hopefully someone who does will be along soon! Good luck with your future treatment xx

[Emjh]

Hi, the word "unexplained" can be so frustrating but whether you have a diagnosis or not, if you don't conceive naturally, the treatment plan usually ends up at IVF. If you are already accessing IVF then I wouldn't stress yourself out trying to find a cause, you already have enough on your plate TTC.

I have PCOS but I am still down as "unexplained" infertility and start IVF next month through the NHS but haven't had a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and polypectomy.

[Weareback2]

With unexplained my Dr told me that there is a slightly higher chance of success as there is no reason why it wouldn't work. For me my fresh cycles haven't worked ( one miscarriage, one just didn't work) but my fresh cycles have been successful. It sounds like you have had in depth tests. I think with ivf we are always looking for an answer as to why. Unexplained in itself is the answer, sometimes there is just no reason for not falling pregnant. Good luck in what ever you do!

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I have underactive thyroid too managed by levothyroxine. Are you taking medication for yours? If not, definitely worth talking to your GP. Hypothyroidism can make getting pregnant difficult so clinics usually have set rates for the different hormones and won't treat you until you get them within those. Good luck!

[Jane8412]

I'm sorry- nothing more frustrating than unexplained infertility!

Did they provide you the details of the sperm tests? The reasons I ask is because we were told my husbands results were fine but then when I actually got hold of the details and did some research it turned out his morphology was actually considered below average. We ended up getting it improved after some diet and lifestyle changes.

Periods shouldn't be extremely painful and clotted so there could be an issue there. I read a book called the period repair manual which I found really interesting and helped me understand how my period should actually be.

Have you had a full thyroid test? I had mine tested privately through medichecks. I then shared my results on the Thyroid UK board and got some great advice. Unfortunately the NHS doesn't do a full thyroid panel and can say everything is fine as long as your TSH is below 4.5- when a lot fo fertility doctors say closer to 1 is ideal. I took a small dose of thyroxine before my second round of IVF and had success. May be unrelated but worth making sure your thyroid is in top shape for IVF.

Sounds like you have had loads of tests already and it is frustrating they haven't found any issues but hopefully that means IVF will work well for you. Don't get me started on the BMI requirements for IVF on the NHS, so frustrating.

Sending you lots of luck xx

[AnnieAnnie]

Hi there,

I have pretty much suffered with terrible periods since mine began, for years it was put down to just painful periods. We have been struggling to conceive for over 12yrs. I had a lap in 2021 which only picked up a very small amount of endo which doctors say wouldn't have been the cause of my pain for all these years. I have had 3 separate scanners pick up adenmyosis for which I was diagnosed with suspected adenmyosis around 4 years ago now. Check it out and look into the symptoms, I had no idea it existed.

I think clearly you feel something isn't right hence you questioning, and I think that if it is something that is niggling away at you, you should get a second opinion. I am forever questioning and pushing for answers.

I have thyroid issues, they have been pretty stable ish with ocassions of increasing TSH and then being under control but recently have been slowly increasing for which my gp was a little miffed about. He has done an antibodies test which shows my thyroglobulin antibodies are 85.6 iu/mL when they should be <4.1 iu/mL. For the first time I have just been referred to an endocrinologist. Have you ever had you antibodies tested? x