Support needed please

[PeachesGirl]

Hi all, I took the plunge today and called the doctor to get more details on assisted conception. We have been trying for around 4 years with no luck. We both had test done last year (Sept-Dec) including blood tests, swabs, external and internal ultrasound and sample tests for my husband. We were told everything was fine but still no baby. Today, the doctor told me that the blood test I had (in September 2022!!!) showed extremely low progesterone and it is unlikely I will ever conceive naturally. I don’t know how to feel. I can’t believe we were told the wrong information and have essentially wasted a year trying and being disappointed every month. She has referred me to the infertility clinic and has marked me as urgent due to be being mid 30s. Any words of support or advice at this time would be greatly appreciated. It is such a shock to me! Thanks in advance x

[Kmcdon]

That is tough to hear especially when you thought all was ok. I would say it’s great that you are now being referred. I would suggest (finances depending) getting an appointment with a private clinic. It might be worth seeing how long the waiting list is for the NHS clinic you have been referred to.

I know it doesn’t seem like it but you are only in your mid 30s so time is on your side (trust me!, I was much older than you before I was even referred). If you have low progesterone then there are (hopefully I’m not a medical expert!) fairly easy solutions. You could take daily injections and/or pessaries which help keep your levels up. Wishing you lots of luck. Xx

[PeachesGirl in reply to Kmcdon]

Thank you! It’s all very raw right now but I think after I’ve had a good sleep I’ll be able to think straight and realise maybe it isn’t the end of the world. Just waiting for my appointment and see what the experts can recommend! X

[Kmcdon in reply to PeachesGirl]

Definitely. I think you are entitled to feel rubbish - you thought one thing and now are being told another which is a shock. This fertility stuff is really hard and you need to be kind to yourself. Be good to hear what drs say and hopefully can give you a clear way forward. Xx

[CarlottaD27]

Hello! I’m so sorry that you’ve been messed around. I wanted to share that I’ve come across women with low progesterone issues who have simply been prescribed progesterone pessaries to take on the two weeks after ovulation and they have gone on to successfully concieve. Sharing this as I’m aware a referral for assisted conception often seems to suggest IVF, but fortunately there are lots of other much less invasive options available that may well be just what you need! Best of luck x

[PeachesGirl in reply to CarlottaD27]

Thank you! That is really helpful to hear! I’m so disappointed in the doctors that have spoken to me so it’s good to hear that there may be some simpler options x

[CarlottaD27 in reply to PeachesGirl]

I think sadly because fertility is so complex, GPs and non fertility specialit Drs don’t always understand and offer the most suitable help. I too had low progesterone and had worked out from tracking my ovulation that my Luteal phase was five days instead of the usual 14 for women. A (female) GP initially told me I was wrong and to go away and come back a year later! It was infuriating knowing something was wrong and not getting help so I ended up going privately.

Hopefully for you now the tests results have been spotted, the process will be quick. I think waiting times for referrals should be less than 12 weeks. x

[Bella000]

I am so sorry you've experienced this - I had a similar experience that I was first referred in 2019 in the area we used to live, but the GP didn't do all the 'standard' bloodwork and I only found an issue when I got re-referred where I am now (we've moved around very often for the last few years). I felt like I wasted all those years, and because of the delay in treating it we need to rely on IVF. It's really rubbish. I do appreciate we have NHS but sometimes I wish we could have just gone straight to an conception expert without going through a GP who may not have the most up to date knowledge. A long wait time is far from ideal too. Thinking of you and sending you a big hug xx

[Shrimpin]

Hi, I'm was in a similar position to you with low progesterone consistently and very irregular periods. I was referred to women's health by my GP, where tests showed I was likely to have PCOS. I tried a round of clomiphene which didn't work for me and was then referred for IVF. I'm a little older than you, almost 39. We have just completed our first cycle of IVF of which implantation was unsuccessful, however we did have a good egg collection and I have a few frozen embryos to try next so I'm positive about that. The fertility clinic will be entirely supportive and work with you to find the best avenues for you personally. Dont lose hope, there are still plenty options to try yet 😊 x

[PeachesGirl in reply to Shrimpin]

Thank you so much. I’m so sorry to hear your first round wasn’t successful but sounds really hopeful that you have more to try so wishing you all the best! I’m feeling much better after reading everyone’s messages and having some time so also feeling hopeful myself. Xx

[Shrimpin in reply to PeachesGirl]

I'm so pleased you are feeling better, that is great to hear. Good luck with your journey 🤞👍

[Pintu88]

I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that all, I too have been trying for almost 4 years and I was only referred last year (before turning 34). It’s frustrating because progesterone can be treated out of clinic with pessaries and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant naturally. Take comfort in the fact that you can now speak to specialists who can send you on the right investigations with the correct treatment.

It’s so overwhelming getting that information though, I remember that day clearly. I know it’s not easy. But we’re all here for you and wish you the best for your next steps.

[PeachesGirl in reply to Pintu88]

Thank you so much! I think it just came as such a shock as I thought everything was fine and she was just so blasé on the phone yesterday dropping that bomb on me! Looking forward to speaking to the specialists anyway and hopefully it is a simple solution. Best of luck with your pregnancy journey! X

[CornflowerMoon]

I'm so sorry, I know all too well how upsetting that kind of delay is. We should have been placed on waiting list for treatment in November 2020 but after I chased them up in April last year, it turned out that the doctor had essentially not ticked a box so we were never added to the list. I was so upset at the time we'd wasted and, because of this mistake, how much older we were by the time treatment started. I'm no expert but I would think there should be lots of ways they can support your progesterone up to a normal level. I know it's little consolation but at least this could explain why you haven't been able to conceive and hopefully it's a relatively easy fix. Your time will come 🙏

[PeachesGirl in reply to CornflowerMoon]

That’s crazy!! I hope they were able to fast track you some way. I’m sure there will be a simpler resolution than my brain is leading me to believe! X

[CornflowerMoon in reply to PeachesGirl]

Yeah, they got us an appointment very quickly from there so we didn't have to go on the waiting list. I think I'd be thinking the same as you! X