LTTTC Ladies, Advice please!

**ValleyGirl** · February 18th, 2008, 09:07 AM

Hello everyone, I hope you don't mind my first post being to ask for some advice. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for just over 2 years. We fell pregnant last year only to have a missed miscarriage at 12 weeks. We have been trying again after that awful time for nearly a year now and still no luck. He has been tested and all was fine. I also have had the full run of tests(blood tests, laproscopy, dye test etc) and they all came back normal as well. Our FS is telling us to keep trying until mid year when I turn 35 and if we have no luck she will refer us for AI/IVF. Has anyone else been in this situation when supposedly all is well but still having trouble conceiving? I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you all you wise women!

**collo04** · February 18th, 2008, 03:26 PM

Oh my I here what your saying. I am in the same position and no doctor would try to to investigate. I researcehed Dr Gavin SACKS WHO IS AN Reproductive immunoligist and he thinks he found our prob even though everyone else said it was unexplained infertility. Dont wait always get a secomd opinoin as in our case we got a third opinon. Good luck with everything.......

**Peta** · February 18th, 2008, 06:08 PM

Don't wait to see what happens. We were only trying for 8mths naturally before being referred to our FS & he was happy that we came sooner rather than later. We too have "unexplained infertility" + I don't ovulate, so my GP & FS knew I was not going to fall preggers naturally! I say get another opinion. GL with everything!

**Cuddlepie** · February 18th, 2008, 06:28 PM

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 · February 19th, 2008, 07:49 AM

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** · February 19th, 2008, 12:04 PM

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** · February 24th, 2008, 08:10 AM

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** · February 24th, 2008, 08:47 AM

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 · February 25th, 2008, 07:08 AM

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** · February 29th, 2008, 11:33 AM

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

**Acacia** · February 29th, 2008, 03:19 PM

Hey Valleygirl

Welcome to Belly Belly. I hope that you are able to receive some answers that help you decide how to proceed. If you aren't entirely satisfied with your doctor's answers then don't hesitate about getting another opinion. It's your body, your life and your fertility. The sooner you are feeling comfortable, informed and aware of what your options are and are able to take action in the time that suits you, the better. My DH and I moved into IVF the same day we had a second opinion about our infertility issue - this was the right thing to do.

Good luck, hun

Miss C

**belle333** · February 29th, 2008, 07:10 PM

Hi Valleygirl

Goodluck with your IUI, I hope that it works for you.

DH & I have unexplained infertility, we have both been checked out thoroughly and repeatedly. FS even told me that my anatomy was 'quite excellent'. But we still don't have a reason. He encouraged us for some time to try naturally. We've just had our first stim IVF cycle, 7 good blasts on ice. Was sick so have to wait till April for transfer.