34 yo ttc - how long to wait before seeing RE

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I'm 34 and we've been trying to conceive for four months so far with no success. How long should we keep going before we make an appointment with an RE? I don't want to wait too long in case there is something clearly not right, but my understanding is that before 35 the suggestion is to try for a full year, so I'm not sure if we'll be turned away at the door or if it's foolish to go see a doctor so quickly. No known medical issues and sister conceived in her late 20s and early 30s with no issues. We had been trying BBP but found it confusing, so now using OPKs and think our timing has been pretty good.

I also understand that there are mixed reviews of GW vs. Shady Grove. GW is more convenient for us, so inclined to start there. Seems like Shady Grove gets better results, but is not as strong on customer service and could be relatively inconvenient for folks living in DC without a car. Is it weird to do your initial testing at one and then switch to another one?

Appreciate any insights!

[Anonymous]

I was in that boat. Give it a few more months, and then see if your OB will order any testing. You can get some of that out of the way before you see an RE. We then had an appointment at exactly one year of TTC at Shady grove.

[Anonymous]

If you aren't already, buy some cheap ovulation sticks off Amazon and use them.

[Anonymous]

I was only 30, but had perfectly timed sex (wondfo ovulation sticks and BBT) for 6 months with no luck. I was getting nervous, then tried preseed and the instead cups (you insert after sex to hold the semen against the cervix). That month I got pregnant with my daughter. I really wouldn't be surprised if my DH didn't have the most robust sperm and the extra help was enough to overcome the issue. We plan on TTC again in a few months, and will go right to the preseed and cups this time.

My plan was to go to the doctor after 9 months to start preliminary testing. Sperm analysis is non-invasive, cheap, and can rule out a lot of issues with little effort. I think 4 months is a little early to start worrying, but I would be 100% sure you're timing sex correctly and make an appointment in a few more months. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I agree I wouldn't be too worried yet but it also depends on how many kids you want. If you are 35 when you conceive, then pregnant and wait a year before trying again per recommendations, you are easily getting to later thirties where fertility often is an issue. So my advice is to keep the big picture in mind as you decide how aggressive to be.

Also if you wait a month or so, CCRM will be an option in VA too! https://www.ccrmivf.com/northernvirginia/

[Anonymous]

If you are concerned now, send your dh to a urologist and have a sedan analysis. I was 33 and we had tried for 6 months and nothing. No fertility issues in my family. People though I was being crazy when I send dh for one. Turns out he was low everything and we had a one way ticket to IVF. It came out after that that three of the five nieces and nephews were IVF babies.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Appreciated all the helpful and encouraging thoughts. Started using ovulation strips more seriously (twice per day) and timing based on that. It looks like it worked. Got a positive on an early pregnancy test this morning!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,

I also understand that there are mixed reviews of GW vs. Shady Grove. GW is more convenient for us, so inclined to start there. Seems like Shady Grove gets better results, but is not as strong on customer service and could be relatively inconvenient for folks living in DC without a car. Is it weird to do your initial testing at one and then switch to another one?

Appreciate any insights!

I'm also curious how difficult it is to get initial testing done at one and then switching to another (for convenience for example). Do you get a copy of your records, is that possible?

[Anonymous]

Under 35 they say wait a year unless there are known issues. Over 35 they say to go after 6 months of trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are concerned now, send your dh to a urologist and have a sedan analysis. I was 33 and we had tried for 6 months and nothing. No fertility issues in my family. People though I was being crazy when I send dh for one. Turns out he was low everything and we had a one way ticket to IVF. It came out after that that three of the five nieces and nephews were IVF babies.

This made me giggle. Corolla or Camry?

[Anonymous]

Congrats, OP!

[Anonymous]

Congrats op!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Under 35 they say wait a year unless there are known issues. Over 35 they say to go after 6 months of trying.

This is bs. Most
People I know who don't have fertility problems get oregnant within a few months of well timed intercourse. If you are doing it two to three times before and in the day you ovulate, than I'd wait two More months before doing the testing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are concerned now, send your dh to a urologist and have a sedan analysis. I was 33 and we had tried for 6 months and nothing. No fertility issues in my family. People though I was being crazy when I send dh for one. Turns out he was low everything and we had a one way ticket to IVF. It came out after that that three of the five nieces and nephews were IVF babies.

This made me giggle. Corolla or Camry?

I love my dh but with his sperm, a Kia! Lol

[Anonymous]

Congrats, OP!!