What would you class as long term ttc?

[lisa1985]

Hi ladies,

I was just wondering what you class as long term ttc? and when you were finally referred to fertility clinics?

I came off the pill June 2013, got pregnant in August cycle, sadly miscarried mid October 2013. Periods came back as normal, but for 2/3 cycles we were not ready so used condoms, April 2014 we were not trying, not preventing and from August 2014 we were trying properly, I then got diagnosed with PCOS. I had a blood test in December that confirmed ovulation, because of this dr will not medicate and said she will not refer me for at least another 18 months! Said they will not see me as I am 29!? and to carry on trying etc.

It is becoming very stressful, I have Hashimotos disease (underactive thyroid) and PCOS. Any advice would be appreciated. xx

 

[hopingforbabyf]

I think each area and dr is different. I've had problems with my periods since December 2012, went to the dr a few times throughout 2013 and was fobbed off with pills. I then saw a different dr in feb 2014 as we wanted to start ttc. I never mentioned this at my appointment though. I got bloods done and went for a scan at hospital, all fine so she tried dif pills which worked but periods started coming every 2 weeks. I went back in maybe October and mentioned we were ttc and she started bloods every week which showed I wasn't ovulating. We got referred just before Christmas and have our first appointment at infertility clinic in a month. She never asked how long we'd been trying but I'm guessing that's because there's something wrong.

 

[snowbee]

In this area you are referred after a year (under 35) or 6 months (over 35) if no known issues. If you have known issues it can be sooner depending on what those issues are. In this area with PCOS you still have to do the year but I think they may do some blood tests sooner, I waited out my year and then went and was referred straight away for more testing. We did have a pregnancy while going through the testing, ended in mc, but this didn't affect our referral we just started again where we left off.

Every area seems to be different. When do you turn 30? Some places seem to see that as a bit of a milestone so may be worth trying another doctor once you are 30 and see what they say.

 

[Trina]

I'm sorry to hear the issues you have been having.

I think that each care trust is different. The fact that you are 29 is frankly rubbish and has nothing to do with it. The only time age seems to matter is for when they will start infertility investigations (if you are over 35 they will usually start after 6 months of ttc when if you are younger you have to wait a year) and for whether you qualify for iui/ivf treatment as different trusts have upper age limits.

I have heard of people being told they are young and have plenty of time so wait and see but that is not true and shame on the doctor for saying it. I know (through a friend) two couples who have been through ivf recently and both are in their early to mid-20s.

The only reason I can think they may take longer to refer you is that they have a diagnosis (underactive thyroid and PCOS can both affect fertility) and if they were looking to treat those with medications or something like that then they may wait to see how you respond.

From what I have read, PCOS more affects fertility by affecting ovulation, so if you are ovulating (even with PCOS) unless the doctor is going to try medication for either condition then you should be referred. If the doctor you saw won't refer you then I would go back and see a different doctor and push for it as you have been trying for long enough xx

 

[lisa1985]

Thank you for your replies, I guess it really depends on your postcode! It is so frustrating, because my journey started in June 2013 and it is now nearly Feb 2015! It is very frustrating that i am possibly ovulating but still not becoming pregnant.
I am only just 29, 30 in December. I think if I am not pregnant by April, I will try another dr and hope they refer....

 

[snowbee]

We were referred in Nov 2013 and that was after over a year ttc! Still not started any treatment and I'm now 33 and my oh is 38, even if I got pregnant today I would be 34 by the time of birth, a depressing thought as I always fancied having 3, don't think that will be happening it is going to be a miracle for us to get one at this rate.

Good luck, hopefully 2015 will be the year of the bfp!

 

[lisa1985]

Aw Snowbee that is a long time, you are so patient! Why won't they hurry up and start treatment? Do you temp, use opks etc?

Yes fingers crossed for us all, that 2015 will be our year!! x

 

[snowbee]

I don't temp as my temps are all over the place, it just doesn't work for me. I do opk. How about you? My cycles have been all over the place since my mc, this current cycle is just ridiculous, I think I'm on CD75 now and I think I finally ovd last week. It has taken over a year to get all the testing done and I've still not been told some results as they will only give results at consultant appointments and our next one isn't for ages. We have decided to give it another 6 months and then if we are no further forward to look into private treatment as I'm sure I need help with kicking that egg out.

Come on 2015!

 

[lisa1985]

My temps were ok and last 2 months I tried it for said I was ovulating, december cycle confirmed with blood test also. I also used clearblue ov tests for last 6 months, get a peak every time. But because it is stressing me out a bit, I have given all my ttc goodies to my oh to hide from me, going to try a relaxed cycle or two and see what happens!! My cycles are ok, but this af that is currently ongoing, started with spotting on 17th jan, still spotting now, with 2 heavy days on 21st and 22nd Jan.

Wow seems like such a long time to wait, even when you do finally get referred for tests, it is expensive but maybe going private will be the way forward? x

 

[snowbee]

I don't think our waiting time is normal so don't panic. I know another couple who were referred the same time as us and they got all their tests done and treatment and now have a baby. Our wait was made longer due to mc in the middle of testing and having to rearrange all tests etc, plus I can't stand the consultant and the feeling seems mutual! I know it shouldn't come into it but he was very rude to me and my oh but the other couple said he was great, really friendly and helpful, not the same experience as us at all.

 

[MelC2011]

I'm my area it's 3 years before they'll refer you in no know problems are found.
It's such a postcode lottery and so unfair.
Good luck xx