37, TTC for 2 months and the doctor just ordered fertility tests?

[Luciana]

Hello everyone,

I started TTC for the first time 2 months ago, this would be my 3rd cycle trying, I still have to wait about ten days to be able to take a pregnancy test. However, I went to see my GP today and he seemed worried by the fact that I am 37, and order a comprehensive blood test (FHS level test) and an ultrasound, he also told me that DH had to go in so he could order a sperm count for him. I just wanted to see the GP to make sure everything was ok, and maybe for a prescription of multivitamins, but now I am starting to get worried, can I be having a fertility issue? My cycles are all fairly regular, I am quite healthy (I exercise often and I am not overweight in any way) and I used an OPK this month that showed I was ovulating on day 13. So why is the GP ordering all this fertility tests, also the blood test order says: fertility problem. Any advise, comments about this? I am starting to freak out a little.

 

[Princess81]

I’d say he’s being very over-cautious!
There’s no reason to suggest that anything is wrong with either of you.
I am also 37 and ttc my second. I have pcos so I know there’s a problem and we are on our 5th month and I had to convince my doctor to order some bloods to be done on me, and that’s with a diagnosis already! I wouldn’t worry if I were you, just a very proactive doctor! X

 

[cfjs]

2months is over cautious, you don't have to have the testing if you don't wish to just yet, however they do say 6 months and testing will start normally given anyone over 35

 

[MoominGirl]

I agree with the others that it sounds like you have a very proactive/over-cautious doctor but always remember that it's entirely your choice if you want the testing or not. The NHS recommends testing after 6 months if you're over 35.

Just to give a slightly different viewpoint as someone who struggled for 3 years to get pregnant which hopefully you find helpful. I think much of the decision depends on the sort of person you are. You will find so much on Google telling you how much poorer your chances are when you're over 35 despite the fact that lots of couples conceive easily and lots of younger couples struggle (like me). If you can ignore all than and are happy to just enjoy sex with your partner for now and see how it goes to begin with then great. It's probably a better approach for both of you.

What I would say to counter that though is that we had several issues in the end and most of them we would never have known about if it wasn't for the tests. Depending on your area the NHS can be notoriously slow so if testing was to pick up something then the sooner the better. There are also strict age criteria for access to treatment depending on area.

I don't want this to come across as a downer but it's totally come from a place of 'if I knew then what I knew now'. For me, I would take the testing on that basis but only because I know I'd rather know what I'm dealing with and that I could face it regardless of the results. That wouldn't be the right approach for everyone.

 

[Pebbles11]

In a way you are lucky! I’m early forties and saw a doctor after a year of ttc she ordered blood test to check my hormones and that was it, she said they only worry after a year and half. I reminded her of my age and concern but she sent me in my way. Another year later still ttc went to another doctor in despair and straight away referred me to fertility clinic as urgent.
Definitely depends on who you see.
Yes 2 months is extremely cautious but if it was me I would accept any tests to rule anything out. Hopefully all will be fine then you can relax and ttc with piece of mind.

 

[Sunflower1]

No, after 3 months you are not having a fertility issue. The average is 6 months. You've just got an awesome GP. But if you think all the tests are going to stress you out then you don't have to do them right now. Going through tests can be hard. It's not normal to be given them all so soon.


If there are issues with your partner's sperm, you can do a lot nutritionally so don't panic. A good alkaline diet is good for fertility and can counteract some issues. Sometimes these tests throw up something simple like dehydration, which is easily fixed.

 

[miamia]

MoominGirl agree, but if a woman is younger, then docs recommend testing after 12 months