When do get testing done and what to ask for?! 😢

You're 34 weeks pregnant or are you 34 years old? Sorry i need a little clarification before answering

Wishful thinking Patrice. 34 just changed it xx

@Incognito no worries! Im 35 and have been ttc for over 10 years. Had an early miscarriage in 2010 and no luck since. Most doctors want you to try atleast 1 year or so of ttc becore reaching out but you can still reach out to doctors due to age. You should ask for testing to see what is causing infertility etc. but usually the doctors will test anyways to see if they can pinpoint the reason to why you are not conceiving naturally. Im currently on my IUI cycle due to having PCOS and not ovulating on my own plus husband has low motility but a great sperm count

Thank you for your reply! That really helps - it can feel so lonely and isolating at times can’t it? I feel for you but you’re so helpful and kind. I really hope you get what you deserve xx

I would personally tell your GP you’ve already been trying for a year to get the ball rolling as they can take ages to get things investigated and for you to be referred. I’ve been trying since i turned 30 and still had no success. I went to my GP at 30, they did basic bloods which all came back normal and then was referred to gynaecology, but this took almost a year and then those investigations can also take time with the nhs. It then took me 2.5 years before I actually got my free ivf round on the nhs, so I would definitely just get booked in at your drs asap xx

I was thinking that but I didn’t know if to or not so appreciate that comment. It’s hard with the NHS isn’t it I can imagine it’s not their first priorities at times which is hard for us lot. I hope you’re doing ok xxx

I don't know what they say in other countries but the Australian recommendations are trying for a year before seeking fertility help if you're under 35, and if you're over 35 they recommend seeking assistance after 6 months of trying. So I'd say you're definitely at a point you could consider seeking help. Xx

Read GOOD books on fertility (like real food for fertility), change your diet, both your partner and you stop drinking alcohol and smoking pot if you do. Listen to podcasts! They're little sacrifices if you really want a baby. Best of luck to you!

Hi there, I went to my GP in Dec and said we’d been trying for a year and recently had fertility checks at the clinic and got the ball is rolling for further tests taking place in July. To clarify I went to docs in summer due to suddenly painful periods and they discovered I have certain cysts I was worried about too and that helped my case. So we weren’t trying a full year but had been for 7/8 months at that point. As long as you weren’t on the pill less than a year ago that’s on your record, they’ll get it all set up for you. Reach out if you want to know more, happy to talk through. Xx

Thank you Katrina. Is that how long it’s taken to get more checks. 7 months? Xxx

@Incognito thank you so much. And yes can definitely feel lonely at times but staying positive and active is helping me. I have my fingers crossed for you ❤️

@Incognito Hi there :) So it was summer last year we had been trying for 7/8 months and noticed a change in my cycle so went to docs and then 3 months later had an internal ultrasound (Dec) where they found cysts, then I explained we had been trying and doc put a referral in to gyno at the hospital which was March but got cancelled, and moved May. I now have a Hycosy booked for August. It seems once you’ve had the fertility referral and the appt, things then move. If you have concerns I’d book with your GP now for simple blood work to check you ovulate etc etc and then they refer you. So it’s 5 months essentially from GP to hospital gyno referral in my experience. ☺️ xx

I would just like to follow up and say once I told my GP we were trying, he told my husband to go to his GP for sperm analysis and that was super quick! I think like 3 weeks later. And in between initial docs about cycle change and ultrasound, I did have all blood work to check ovulation etc and all was normal. Husband has slightly lower than average motility but we’re not sure how much that will or is affecting things. Sorry for the rambles but hope it helps xx