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I'm just wondering how long you TTC without success before going to doctor? It is only early days, I'm 32 this year and are going into 3rd month of actively trying. I'm just not sure that my body ovulated properly, I don't think I did at all last month judging by CM. I haven't used OPK's yet but will start this month.
I believe they say 12 months however age does affect that, so if you are older, you may want to go in earlier iykwim.
They say 12 months but I went in after 6 months. Even though I was 26 when I was TTC, I have PCOS so wanted to make sure there were no other issues.
When I was 28/29 and was ttc number 1, I got a referral at 11 months of ttc. I also had two m/c during that time.
For number two it was three m/c and approx. 6 mths of ttc, I was 31 then
FS recommend 12 months if you are under 35, six months if you are over.
^^^ Yup, that.:
I doubt any FS would consult after 3 months, maybe if you have a past history of infertilty. It is normal for a woman not to ovulate every single month in her fertile life too, perhaps last month was one of those :dunno:
A normal healthy couple actively trying to get pregnant have about a 1 in 7 chance of falling pregnant in any one month. So it is perfectly normal for it to take 6 or more months to fall pregnant (although I know once you have decided to TTC that long can seem an eternity)
I would wait up to 12 months if you're having regular cycles and signs of ovulation. I got a referral after 6 but I wasn't having regular cycles and correctly suspected I had PCOS
Re: not being sure if you ovulate. The best way to tell if you ovulate is to take your temp - preferablly via vagina - the minute you wake up before you get out of bed and/or move about. Record the temps. Your BBT rises to indicate ovulation, and then drops again if you ovulate but haven't conceived. I had ovulation issues and to conceive DS3 consulted a naturopath/acupuncturist who gave me traditional chinese medicine to help me ovulate. She had me keep track of my cycle via BBT. It certainly was an accurate way of telling, and is how I knew I'd conceived, as my BBT stayed higher than usual. Good luck.:
I'm only young but my doctor recommended 8 months because of my diagnosis with endometriosis
This. However, if you have a prior diagnosis of a condition that affects fertility (eg PCOS, endometriosis), you can get a referral after 6 months, even if you're under 35.:
Also, if you start charting your cycles (as per Andie's suggestion) and you identify that you are not ovulating, you can go sooner. Three annovulatory cycles in a row would be sufficient justification. That's what my sister did. If you want to start charting (and I do recommend it), the charting course on Fertility Friend (website) is an excellent place to start learning what to do. The website also provides a charting function and they have a free iphone app for charting too. The basic charting functions (and the course) only require the free membership.
Thanks ladies I appreciate your advice. I knew it was too early yet but my husband had asked what the process is if we don't fall naturally. I have never had regular cycles and have joined FF. I have in the past been told I wasn't ovulating which is when we decided not to try, go on an overseas holiday then come back and see FS. But, DD decided we were ready :-) Although because of this DH thinks he has super sperm and we will fall easily this time. Fingers crossed him being so optimistic will help.
I've known people who try for years to conceive before consulting a doctor. It took me about a year and I'd say if you are fairly young (35 and below) you do not have much to worry about. After a year and you're approaching mid thirties, I would consult a doctor for assistance. My grandmother had difficulties conceiving for 15 years before she went to a specialist. My mom on the other hand, had no trouble whatsoever.
I was 33 when I started trying and went to the Dr after 6 months of unsuccessful TTC.... I am really glad I went then, as I wouldn't be as far along my TTC journey now if I hadn't gone to the FS then.
But keep your chin up, it takes most normal couples 6 - 12 months on average to get pregnant - so try to enjoy the journey - and have fun, it will be so much easier if you do
:hug: