Setting realistic expectations

[Anonymous]

My husband and I started ttc 3 months ago and I must admit that I am nervous that we'll have a difficult time conceiving--perhaps for no real reason other than feeling anxious and worried and knowing way too many friends who have struggled. I am 31 and in good health and was advised by my doctor "not to worry" for 6 months. If after 6 months we aren't pregnant to consider taking a closer look at what may be going on. I don't even know what that could mean other than a sperm analysis? I understand what a long road it can be for so many women and I imagine that figuring out what may be going on and taking action takes a lot of time. Please let me know realistically how long it can take to do the investigating, tests, and then follow up action as you are ttc in new ways and with new interventions. Of course I understand that there is no rule and everyone's body is different but a general guideline of how long it took to rule things out, try things etc would be very helpful as I'm attempting to set some worst case scenario realistic expectations. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have been TTC for 5 months and ob just did some bloodwork to check on FSH, LH, TSH and prolactin levels. She did it because she knew I was anxious ot get pg again after a miscarriage.
Sorry I can't answer your question but I know exactly how you feel. GL!

[Anonymous]

Within 6 weeks of my first RE appointment, I had had bloodwork, hsg, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and a D&C. Within two months after the surgery, I did an IUI. Right after an IUI, I had open surgery, then another IUI, followed by a cancelled IVF, and a successful IVF...this all over the course of one year.

Some women go in, have the bloodwork, nothing is wrong, and BAM! they're pregnant. IUIs are typically easier to start than IVF. This is really so person specific. I have also had friends who had male factor infertility, went straight to IVF, and within a couple of months of their first RE visit, they were pregnant thanks to IVF.

Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? Even if you opt not to chart, the book has some valuable information about women's health and fertility.

Also, if your husband drinks a lot, he should cut that out...and he should be having "events" every few days, at least, to keep his supply up and healthy. If he has been drinking, is under stress, or hasn't been having regular events, it may take a couple months to get his supply looking better.

[Anonymous]

I went to my OB/GYN for my regular annual exam during our sixth month of trying, which was in late January of 2009. Husband and I are both in our early 30s so we were a little nervous after that long, but not too worried. My Dr. ordered a semen analysis for my husband, which came back irregular so my husband did another test a month later (also irregular). Then my husband went to see a urologist for more testing. They never figured out what was causing his issues. We made an appointment with an RE for April. You have to do several tests before you start any cycles (another semen analysis, blood work for you and partner, HSG, ultrasound, etc.), which all takes about another 4-6 weeks. I had my first IUI in mid-June. I attempted another IUI cycle after that but it was cancelled before the actual IUI (July). After that I went straight to IVF and the first cycle finished up in early September. That one failed and I did another one right after which ended at the end of October. That was finally the one! All in, it took about 18 months (8 or so of which were with the RE). We were pretty aggressive once we started with the RE, but I know some people prefer to take it a little more slowly, take breaks between cycles, etc. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Within 6 weeks of my first RE appointment, I had had bloodwork, hsg, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and a D&C. Within two months after the surgery, I did an IUI. Right after an IUI, I had open surgery, then another IUI, followed by a cancelled IVF, and a successful IVF...this all over the course of one year.

Some women go in, have the bloodwork, nothing is wrong, and BAM! they're pregnant. IUIs are typically easier to start than IVF. This is really so person specific. I have also had friends who had male factor infertility, went straight to IVF, and within a couple of months of their first RE visit, they were pregnant thanks to IVF.

Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? Even if you opt not to chart, the book has some valuable information about women's health and fertility.

Also, if your husband drinks a lot, he should cut that out...and he should be having "events" every few days, at least, to keep his supply up and healthy. If he has been drinking, is under stress, or hasn't been having regular events, it may take a couple months to get his supply looking better.

Can you please tell me who did your laparoscopy ????, I had two ivf one with Givf and another with Shady Grove , both failed, I want to have an explratory laparoscopy before proceding with anything else and my doctor at Shady Grove doesn't think I should have it done, since it doesn't increases my chance for success, he's pretty confident that we will get pregnant. I really want to know what is going on inside there since I had a surgery for an ovarian cyst and suspect pelvic adhesions, ever since this surgery I have had bladder issues. I desperately need an re that will make the diagnostic laparoscopy for peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Within 6 weeks of my first RE appointment, I had had bloodwork, hsg, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and a D&C. Within two months after the surgery, I did an IUI. Right after an IUI, I had open surgery, then another IUI, followed by a cancelled IVF, and a successful IVF...this all over the course of one year.

Some women go in, have the bloodwork, nothing is wrong, and BAM! they're pregnant. IUIs are typically easier to start than IVF. This is really so person specific. I have also had friends who had male factor infertility, went straight to IVF, and within a couple of months of their first RE visit, they were pregnant thanks to IVF.

Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertility? Even if you opt not to chart, the book has some valuable information about women's health and fertility.

Also, if your husband drinks a lot, he should cut that out...and he should be having "events" every few days, at least, to keep his supply up and healthy. If he has been drinking, is under stress, or hasn't been having regular events, it may take a couple months to get his supply looking better.

Can you please tell me who did your laparoscopy ????, I had two ivf one with Givf and another with Shady Grove , both failed, I want to have an explratory laparoscopy before proceding with anything else and my doctor at Shady Grove doesn't think I should have it done, since it doesn't increases my chance for success, he's pretty confident that we will get pregnant. I really want to know what is going on inside there since I had a surgery for an ovarian cyst and suspect pelvic adhesions, ever since this surgery I have had bladder issues. I desperately need an re that will make the diagnostic laparoscopy for peace of mind.

Rifka at CFA. I am one of many endo patients he helped. My quality of life after the cleanouts has been fantastic. And I have a daughter thanks to him!