LTTTC Ladies, Advice please!

[Cuddlepie]

Hi Valleygirl, I am with the others ladies, don't wait and get onto it now...

We are diagnosed "unexplained infertility" as well which is more frustrating to deal with, I'd like them to explain it..please. Done all the tests and nothing wrong with us...

We started trying when I was 33 and I wished I didn't wait up until last year to try IVF, I am 36 now and are in the middle of our 2nd stim cycle...hope this cycle will work. I have never realized how fast time rolling ahead since we start TTC, so I think the earlier the better and you are psychologically relaxed and prepared too knowing you still have way too much time...(BTW, they will tell you that being 35 you are still spring chicken

Just being assertive to your GP that you don't want to wait any longer and want to be referred to FS and they don't have right to refuse you for sure.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[tassie~butterfly]

DH and I are fit and healthy and have had heaps of tests and all have come back great (apart from some extra cysts on my ovaries which apparently mean nothing except for better IVF response rates!) According to all the Drs so far we are perfect specimens of a couple who should conceive quickly and easily, we produce lots of great quality embryos ... but still nothing. I guess it just goes to prove that doctors don't know everything, and there must still be something going wrong that science doesn't know anything about yet. Either that, or someone has to be the LT TTC statistic and that happens to be us!

My two cents - if you're comfortable waiting and trying on your own a bit longer, then go for it. If it's all upsetting you, then go see someone else and demand some action.

[BB73]

Hi Valleygirl. I am also new to this, although I have been lurking for several months, following everyone's stories. My DH and I have been trying for #1 since Apr 07, and I will also turn 35 mid year. I had all the tests with FS only to be told all is normal with both of us. This was Nov 07. My FS gave us a choice there and then, after only 9 months of trying naturally, due to my age. We had decided to continue to try naturally until Mar 08, and I will start OI + IUI in 1 week. I suggest speaking with your FS again, but this time be firm about your choices and don't give up. If they won't refer you for IVF yet, change to another FS. Good Luck!

[ValleyGirl]

Thank you so much for your replies. It's all so much sometimes but I guess I will follow my doctors advice and try naturally for another 2 cycles then head back to the FS to start looking at my next options. They have suggested we will be trying artifical insemination first before IVF as there seems to be no reason for us not to conceive. Is this normal? Or are my odds better if we move straight on to IVF?
BB73, thank you for sharing your story. Our stories sound so familiar and I would love to hear how you go with your first IUF cycle. Good luck!
This site is so amazing, I'm so glad I've found it!

[tiggerlinda]

Valleygirl,

In answer to a few of your questions:

1. To see and IVF clinic all you need is a refferal from a GP I went and checked out 2-3 chose the worng one due to loaction and went back to my first choice who is great and I really love.

2. If sperm levels are OK IUI is usally the first option as it is less invassive than IVF

3. It is up to you after 2 years I would be looking for the specailist that matched me.

and postive vibes for you

[tassie~butterfly]

I think IUI is generally the first option for many specialists before IVF because as tiggerlinda said it is a lot less invasive (and expensive!). IVF has higher success rates per cycle though because you're starting with a growing embryo. I think from memory (please correct me if I'm wrong girls!) you can do 4-5 IUI cycles for the same cost as an IVF cycle, so it is a good way to start. I went straight to IVF though because I wanted to rule out any fertilisation / embyro development problems.

[BB73]

Hi Valleygirl
Had my appointment yesterday to start my first cycle of IUI. Can't wait to get started. Injections start tomorrow. Will be sure to let you know how I am travelling.
BB73