TTC for 8 months - what are the next steps?

[Anonymous]

I'm 35 and my husband and I have been trying for our second child. for 8 months now. Things were quick and easy with our first child, so I'm perplexed. I have an appointment set up with my OB in September to talk about all of this.

I'm not sure what to expect from this upcoming appointment. I'll come prepared with information I've collected over the past several months on the timing of my period and the results of ovulation tests. What will likely happen and what would be the first course of action? I'm assuming that since I'm 35, she will suggest that we try something. I'm new to this! Any guidance out there?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I would go straight to a reproductive endocrinologist who will run a bunch of tests. I'm not sure exactly which tests you'llhave to take, since I have primary IF and the tests may be differnt for secondary infertility. Personally, I wouldn't have an OB treat infertility since it's not really their focus. Better to go with someone who deals with this all day, every day. That said your odds of getting pregnant again are higher b/c you've been pregnant before. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Agree with PP. I wouldn't take your meeting with your ob seriously at all. They always seem to act like they really know what they're talking about re: fertility, but they usually don't. If you are at all concerned, I would go ahead and set up an appointment with an RE.

[Anonymous]

PPs are correct.

[Anonymous]

Have you read taking charge of your fertility?

I use BBT and CM for my charting and have found these methods worked well for me. But there is other info in TTOYF which might help. For example, I had a friend who was taking antihistamines for allergies and because of this she did not have a lot of cervical mucus. She did not know that this could be inhibiting her ability to conceive. She stopped taking the antihistimines after her period each month until after she ovulated. The 2nd month she did this she conceived.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I second the TCOYF recommendation. I agree that it's better to go straight to an RE rather than work with an OB. However, I would also recommend that you consider trying acupuncture. It is a lot gentler on your system than fertility drugs and works for many, though not all, people. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I know 35 is young, but in reproductive terms, I won't even say it. You should make an appointment with an RE right away, most have waiting lists. Skip the OB. TCOYF is great, but read it while you are waiting for an appointment.

They will do a blood test on you to check your hormone levels. They will do a semen analysis on your husband (sometimes things can happen to block semen--totally treatable). They will do what's called an HSG where they look into your reproductive organs, and probably a basic ultrasound as well. The lowest level of treatment is a Timed Intercourse cycle. They monitor your cycle from day one. You go in every few days for a blood draw and an ultrasound to check on your follicles, or developing eggs. When one or more is ready to ovulate, they give you an intercourse cycle. This may or not be medicated with a drug like Clomid.

The next step is an IUI, which is medicated. But instead of intercourse, they insert the semen in your uterus for you.

Hope that helps!

[Anonymous]

OP here. This is exactly what I needed. I've had nobody to really talk to and I've been waiting way too long for this appointment with my OB, which i was concerned will end up just being a consultation about things and more waiting. When I made the appointment I was told that we would be discussing "timing of intercourse" which of course, I have already analyzed to no end.

So, I just scheduled an appointment in 2 weeks with Dr. Levy of Shady Grove fertility (found his name in a search here). Wish me luck! And thanks again for the support and information.

[Anonymous]

Good luck -- I have heard GREAT things about Dr Levy. Also, while you are waiting for your appt, you might want to check out your insurance coverage. It may help you weigh your options if you know what (if anything) will be covered.

[Anonymous]

I agree with others that it's best to go to an RE which it sounds like you're now doing. The one difference I'd like to add is, depending on your issues, is it's sometimes good to get a couple RE recommendations from your OB. Someone they know and have worked with. It isn't necessary in all cases, but in mine I ended up requiring surgery and my OB and RE worked together through the entire process.

[Anonymous]

Dr Levy is the best. You will find no better. Seriously. I'm surprised you got an appt in only 2 weeks. I remember having to wait more like 2 months. Good luck, you are definitely doing the right thing. Your ObGyn may act like they know what to do, but they'll just waste your valuable time. Go right to the experts.