Just turned 35, TTC for 6 months...So what's next?

[Anonymous]

TTC for 6 months and not pregnant (been using OPKs). Because I am 35, I was told by my doctor to come back if after 6 months I still wasn't pregnant. I have already made an appointment with my primary care physician, but have no idea what to expect. Can anyone give me a heads up on the types of tests they might run or the prescriptions they might prescribe? Should I go to an RE first? Admittedly, I am lost and I feel so overwhlemed by it all. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would recommend reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I started TTC at around the same age. Initially my cycles were really irregular as I came off the pill. I used the software provided as a part of TCOYF and charted my temps and I was very aware of my CM. By doing this we were able to conceive. OPKs never worked for me.

[Anonymous]

I would go ahead and get some preliminary testing done. Why not find out if there are any hormonal or structural problems before deciding what your next steps is? Your OB/GYN should be able to order all of these tests for you. They will likely have you do a Day 3 FSH blood test, thryoid bloodwork, and and HSG to make sure your tubes are open. Your husband should probably also get a semen analysis.

At 34 I did all of these tests and everything was fine physically with me and my husband, so I decided to try some more "natural" methods. I had already tried charting my temperatures and cervical mucous as prescribed in "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" with no success. I used ovulation test strips and a fertility monitor and we didn't succeed, so I moved on to acupuncture, and then the book "Making Babies". Despite all of my efforts, none of this worked, so I finally felt certain that I needed to see an RE. We got pregnant with our first IUI, which was totally unexpected. Unfortunately, the pregnancy wasn't viable, but it goes to show that sometimes you just need a little help.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

As part of an initial workup, you'll likely do a Day 3 blood test (this tests for ovarian reserves and a lot of other things too, I'm sure), they'll do a sperm check on your husband (they will check out his sperm count, morphology, and motility), and you'll do an HSG (make sure your tubes are clear). This is what my RE did. I think this is pretty standard.

These tests are all pretty painless. Even the HSG. I'd go do them so you can see if you have an identifiable issue that would definitely prevent you from getting pregnant on your own. That will likely help you decide on next steps.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I'd skip the appointment with the primary care physicisan and go straight to an RE. Just my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the great advice. What's the main difference between a RE and an OB/GYN? Might I have to see a RE eventually?

[Anonymous]

An RE specializes in fertility problems and reproductive treatments, such as Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), IVF, etc. Most OBs can only help so much when you're trying to get pregnant, unless you have a very specific problem that is easily treatable with medication. If you've been trying for a while, I'd go ahead and go to an RE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks for the great advice. What's the main difference between a RE and an OB/GYN? Might I have to see a RE eventually?

An RE is trained in fertility issues. An OB/GYN is not. I did preliminary testing through my GYN but then moved on to an RE when the tests came back normal. I don't think it matters where you get the initial testing done, but there are advantages to going straight to the RE since you may end up needing treatment. I know some folks here have been treated for "mild" fertility issues through their OB/GYN, but REs really are the experts and many OBs will refer you to an RE anyway after doing the initial testing.

[Anonymous]

Go see an RE so they can rule out any potential problems and give their opinion to you. Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

I'd go to an RE- I find it's much easier to get in to see them - for my ob-gyn I'd need to wait a month or two - most RE's can get you in pretty quickly and you can get started. They will be much more knowledgable and helpful with analyzing the results.

[Anonymous]

My obgyn sent me to do an HSG and did a postcoital test, which is probably useless. You will definitely get a more comprehensive testing done with an RE.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest seeing an RE too. However I'd also take a good, hard look at how your insurance will treat those visits. My crappy insurance (Aetna) gave me a hell of a time.