Some advice or info

[Anonymous]

Just got back from the doctor (OB/GYN). So I have been taking my temp for the last month (been off the pill for 7 mos and trying ever since and I'm 35, he's 40) and thought I'd ovulated yesterday due to temp rise and EWCM. Dr. took a look at my chart and said that he didn't think I had ovulated unless I was gearing up for an unusually long cycle. I'm on day 23 right now and cycles vary from 34 to 28 days, average of 31 days. He took blood and told me to come back on the third day of my cycle to see how "fertilizable" (yes he used that word) I am. And he said he'd give me "something" to increase my progesterone level. Can someone decipher what this means? I know I should have asked exactly but I was trying not to cry so I didn't. And maybe I have no right to cry but everything is relative so it upset me. And if you suggest I go to an RE can you also include a name - I'm in Bethesda/Chevy Chase. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Golly, that Dr. sounds like he's jumping the gun a bit. I am really sorry. Really, I don't know your situation, but 7 months off the pill isn't that bad. I know you are 35, but lots of women get pregnant over 35. I didn't earnestly try getting pregnant til 37 and did fine. My OB/Gyn refused to run the 3 day test until we'd been trying for awhile.

It sounds like you are trying to figure out when you ovulate. I really recommend trying the ovulation predictor kits. If you can, on your next cycle, test everyday until you can find at what time in your cycle you ovulate. If you can figure out when you ovulate, then you can give yourself a much better understanding of when to try. You may not ovulate at all or you may not ovulate regularly, and in that case, an RE would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP. OP, your doctor does sound like he's jumping the gun.
Just because you're having a long cycle (ovulating on day 23) does not mean you're not ovulating at all. Earlier this month, I was sick and had a stressful trip and I didn't ovulate until day 36 of my cycle!
Have you read Taking Charge of Your Fertilty by Toni Weschler? It is a fascinating, informative, empowering book. The author talks at length about irregular cycle lengths. We're not all Barbie dolls who have 31-day cycles.
I would read the book and inform myself before letting my doctor begin all sorts of invasive procedures.
Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Previous advice was good. Also I just wanted to add (from personal experience) that I wouldn't mess around with fertility stuff at the regular ob/gyn, get to a RE/fertility specialist.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I have TCOYF. I have tried the OPK's, though I ran out this month and didn't have any on the days I think I ovulated. My dr also told me not to chart my bbt because it was "stressful." Whatever. I am just wondering what drug he is getting ready to give me and why he is taking this path.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone. I have TCOYF. I have tried the OPK's, though I ran out this month and didn't have any on the days I think I ovulated. My dr also told me not to chart my bbt because it was "stressful." Whatever. I am just wondering what drug he is getting ready to give me and why he is taking this path.

Knowing your body is not stressful - it is empowering. I might suggest finding a new dr. Like you I started TTC when I was 35. When I stopped taking the pill my first few cycles were all over the place. I found TCOYF and started charting. I conceived 4 times (1 miscarriage) over the next 6 years. Twice that was when I was breastfeeding and my cycles were VERY long.

Also - for me I NEVER had a + OPK. For me charting BBT and CM were the indicators for when I was ovulating.

[Anonymous]

OP, I cannot believe this doctor told you that informing yourself about your body is "stressful." Sounds like he was telling you not to worry your pretty little head about such things!
I would think long and hard about going back to him and/or following any drug protocol he wants to put you on.
Just my two cents.

[Anonymous]

OP. Please, please, please, go see an RE. Or at least have your regular doc do day 3 blood tests, sperm analysis and maybe an HSG. You really don't want to mess around.

And, maybe try ovulation predictors. A lot more reliable than temping. I know I tried everything to figure out when I was ovulating and it is really hard and indeed stressful when you are TTCing and not succeeding.

Funny thing is since I had my first (with ART), I am not the master of my fertility and can pretty much tell exactly when I am ovulating. DC #2 was conceived pretty much on the first try -- but for DC #1, there were underlying issues (solved with minor surgery) so all the temping the OPKs in the world were not going to solve my problem. So, I was always frustrated with all that stuff.

Please don't delay in getting help. And, don't let your regular OB put you on any drugs until you do the other tests -- it would be a stupid waste of time and money to take clomid or progesterone if the issue is DH's sperm or something.

[Anonymous]

Should say "now the master of my fertility". Not the master of typing obviously.

[Anonymous]

If you have been trying for 7 months (at 35yo) I'd go talk to an RE as soon as possible. It sounds like this isn't a specialty for your OB (very common). An RE will be able to properly test & treat if needed. IMO you are wasting time with the OB.

And he probably was talking about taking progesterone supplements after you O to raise your p4.

Hope you find success soon!!

[Anonymous]

And I don't have any recs for MD, but know that Shady Grove Fertility has offices up there.

[Anonymous]

OP, I went off BCP at 35 and got pregnant 7 months later. The first few months I had no idea about charting, OPKs, etc....we just had sex a lot and thought nature would take it's course. After 4 mo's of that not resulting in pregnancy, I started charting (using TCOYF) and using OPKs. I also tried to "relax" (I know, I know), do yoga, eat healthfully, and stay positive. We also started using Pre-Seed (sperm-friendly lubricant) in the 6th month. We got pregnant in the 7th month. I don't know your particular situation, of course, but sometimes it just takes a little while.

That said, a good OB and/or RE should be able to tell you exactly what s/he'll give you to increase your progesterone (most likely progesterone cream or suppositories), describe why s/he thinks you haven't ovulated, etc. I've heard good things about Dr. Sacks, downtown, as well as about SG generally.

GL to you OP, and keep the faith. MANY, MANY women conceive at 35 (even if it takes 6-12 months), or conceive with assistance, and I'm sure you will too.

[Anonymous]

OP, this is PP again. One other thought -- your DH should also get a sperm analysis as a preliminary matter. 40% of fertility issues are attributable to male factor, and as w/ women, MFI issues go up as men age, so it could be his swimmers that need a little help (though again, more likely it's just a matter of time).

[Anonymous]

Also, I think the progesterone suppositories are usually Endometrin, Prometrium or Cronine.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Made an appt at Columbia after talking with a few friends who've dealt with differing levels of infertility. I still feel like I am jumping the gun here, but I suppose it's better to have a specialist tell me I'm jumping the gun now than my ob/gyn tell me I need to see a specialist a year from now.