The Next Step - too early?

fluffybear

Hi everyone,

I'm 36 and my husband and I just started TTC about 4 months ago with no luck yet. I've been tested, and my husband's had a sperm count -- all normal. Because of my age and some minor issues (previous abdominal surgery, unexplained abnormally long periods), my gyn. recommended clomid, going to a fertility clinic, and possibly IVF if less invasive methods don't work. I'm a bit hesitant, because it truly has been only 4 months.

On the other hand, I'm not getting any younger, so maybe I should get some help now rather than later. I'm a teacher, and I fear how being on hormones will affect my job. I take great pride in maintaining a level head in the classroom, even when the kids are driving me crazy, and I just don't know if I want to deal with the emotional swings that go along with fertility treatments.  

Based on your experiences, is it worth getting help now, or should I wait?

Thanks!

 

superaunt

Hi there!

While I don't have experience with Clomid, I did want to ask if you use OPK tests, or if you're temping and tracking CM or anything.  Those things really helped me (and I think a lot of women) learn when they're O'ing and learn when it's best to have sex in hopes of conceiving... since you and your H were already tested and everything came back OK, I *personally* would say it's a little too soon for the next step.  If you're not using OPK's, I would suggest starting there first.

But really, it's all up to you.... we've been TTC for almost a year now.  I started out tracking everything for several months and grew tired of never getting that BFP so I stopped temping and stuff.  Lo and behold the next month, I got my BFP (which was lost at the end of the month).

I *certainly* can understand and appreciate your hurry to get pg (I'm 36 too), but since you know that you and DH are fertile, I'd give it a little more time... but again, that's just me.

Lots of luck - hope you get that sticky BFP real soon!

snwfields

I agree with previous poster. It seems a bit too early for infertility specialists....just make sure you are O'ing and wait a few more months...good luck!!

NewMrs07

It's a personal decision. I'm 38 and have been trying 10 months. We also had tests come back normal so I was giving it a little more time. I've been temping since January but after this month I'm stopping. Maybe being a little more relaxed about the whole thing will help me conceive, who knows. It can't hurt. For me, after this cycle I'm scheduling an appt with a specialist to see if I can start Clomid. I was hesitant until now but after 10 months I think it's time. Plus, at this rate, I'll be 39 or 40 when I give birth, yikes! I would be willing to do IUIs but not sure about IVFs. I guess we will cross that bridge if we get there, hopefully not. My insurance doesn't cover sh!t.

GL and welcome to the board!

iluvtom

Whatever decision you make I just wanted to say good luck. It can be overwhelming.

fluffybear

Thanks for the advice ladies. Maybe just chilling out a little, and checkingwith ovulation kits is a better route to go for now. Perhaps in March I'll revisit the fertility treatment idea. Thanks!

Dr.Loretta

IMO, it's totally worth getting help now. While you've only been trying 4 months, your underlying medical issues make you a good candidate to see someone sooner rather than later. My philosophy is, it doesn't hurt to see an RE and find out what they recommend, then you can decide what treatments you're comfortable with and when you want to start them. It's good to have options, then you can decide what to do with them.

I would let the RE do the Clomid, since I highly recommend monitoring while on it. While there can be some emotional side effects, many people take it with no major issues (myself included), and maintain a pretty decent emotional level from a medication perspective.

Good luck.