where to begin

[joelnjessica]

I all , never been on a forum befor but trying to seek some answers. We have been TTC for 2 years with no help as firstly thought it would just happen when were ready, but its not happened. Iv been to the Dr and had a scan of my overies and all is ok with them and my partner is going to dr next week to get sperm tested so will have answers about that soon to. I would just like to know what I sould be requesting at the Drs as Im not having much luck with them taking me seriously, the first one told me to quit smoking then come back, the second one told me to eat healthy and get exercise then see how I go (and by the way im only 70ks so im not that overweight) and the third told me to get my partner tested.... I feel like i am not getting any help with finding out whats going on with my body... what sould I do. is there a specilest I can go direct to or do I have to get refered from my Drs..?

[myturn]

Welcome JoelnJessica

Sorry to hear you are on a long journey

I guess it might be different depending on how old you are.... I suspect if the GP has not been worried so far, you are probably in your 20's??

Nevertheless, you will need to get a referral to a Fertility Specialist from your GP - after two years trying, no matter how old you are, I think you should be able to 'insist'. All the testing the GP is doing, will be helpful for the specialist though, so whatever you are doing so far it is not a waste.

You should also get a blood test to check your hormone levels etc (someone else around here might know what specific tests you need - I can never remember!)

I think the main thing I can suggest, is to keep pushing! You are entilted to ask for a specialist referral.

Good luck - maybe join the 12mths + thread - and chat with the girls in there for some extra support.

Here's the link for you https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...C-12-months-18

best of luck - hopefully you get the longed for BFP (Big Fat Positive!) and won't have to hang around the TTC threads for long. x

[juniper76]

Have you been charting BBTs to confirm ovulation each cycle and to check that your timing is good?

I agree with myturn that, after 2 years, you are well and truly entitled to a referral to a fertility specialist. In fact, you can seek a referral after only 12 months (and only 6 months if you're 35+). Heck, I was offered a referral after only 8 months when we were TTC#1 (I was 31 at the time). You need a referral for the specialist's fees to be eligible for medicare.

There's a lot of testing that a specialist can do and their labs are generally better-equipped for fertility testing since that's all they do. There's a lot of different test that can be run depending on where you are in your cycle and what information your Dr wants.

If you wanted to do some preliminary testing before seeing a specialist, I'd probably just suggest a progesterone test to confirm ovulation. It would need to be done at 7dpo (or approx 7 days before AF is due, assuming you have a 14 day luteal phase). I've always had to pay for those sorts of blood tests though when I've requested them through my GP and they're not cheap. Charting BBTs can generally give you the same answer, but for the cost of a thermometer (about $20) - it just takes longer.

[HomeStyleMumma]

Just had a squiz at this thread & thought to put in that I happened to be talking to someone 'in the know' about hormone level testing and she said if getting it done don't get BTs but to INSIST if necessary to get saliva tested coz bloods are nowhere near as accurate. Just something to keep in mind/look into

[juniper76]

Just had a squiz at this thread & thought to put in that I happened to be talking to someone 'in the know' about hormone level testing and she said if getting it done don't get BTs but to INSIST if necessary to get saliva tested coz bloods are nowhere near as accurate. Just something to keep in mind/look into

I've never heard of that (aside from using a saliva microscope to test at home for the oestrogen surge)? We did 2.5 years of testing and treatments with fertility specialists while TTC#1 and I've never had that done... I'd love to see more information if your friend can point me in the right direction?

[HomeStyleMumma]

Well she just owns/runs local heath food & supplement shop. But she knew a lot about it (pretty sure she's had some personal experience) gave the impression that doctors didn't usually do it coz they just don't usually do it iykwim! But that any good natropath should recommend it. I don't honestly remember enough of what she precisely said to say anything else now.... I'll try ask about it when I go to town next!