RE basically told me to keep trying, good advice?

TeAmoMiAmor

I'm mostly a lurker but wanted some advice on my first RE appointment last week. Some background DH & I are both 30, TTC #2 since July 2012, however due to the length (short) of my cycles we've been trying for 15 cycles. We conceived DS our first attempt. SA, HSG, 7dpo bloodwork all normal/higher than average. 

As soon as I started cycle 14 I decided to schedule an appointment with a RE, that appointment was last week and he basically told me to keep trying on our own and doesn't recommend we try any medication or intervention till at least fall/winter time since everything looks good and we have previously conceived. He did order CD3 testing for me, but I just started the 2WW so that wouldn't be for a couple of weeks. He pretty much just threw a bunch of statistics at me, told me of all the couples he sees we are one of the most fertile, said the HSG is known to increase fertility for 3-4 months and that he is optimistic I would conceive on my own. 

This is not at all what I excepted to hear. I mean I guess it's good that he's optimistic and I would love to conceive naturally of course, but I feel like I'm just losing time if I wait to fall/winter to start any treatments. And it made me feel like if I was just patient enough I would get pregnant especially because I've done it before so I should be able to do it again (which honestly makes me feel worse that I'm currently not pregnant).  I mean if I haven't gotten pregnant in the last 15 cycles would 3 more attempts really make any difference? I don't know I'm just so confused about his advice to just keep trying on our own - any one else get similar advice at first? This is the best clinic we have in the area so I'm not sure if I should seek a different RE or to just take his advice.  

MJC1116

Hi and welcome. My ob told me the same things when DH and I first started ttc #2,but I hadn't completed any fertility testing yet, so it was all hypothetical based on my age and the fact that I conceived DD so easily the first time. Here I am 2 years later and still no pregnancy, just now starting my first IUI cycle. (We waited so long because of our own reasons... RE didn't prevent us from starting).

I know it's easier said than done, but maybe try to keep going and in the meantime, plan out your course of action if you don't get pregnant in these next 3 cycles. One thing I've found with 2IF is that while a few months feels like an eternity, in hindsight, it's really not that long. Who knows, maybe you'll get pregnant naturally in that time! Good luck! 

74dragonfly

Hi..I hope it is OK if a lurking Grad of this board jumps in. How long are your cycles? you said short. if they are too short (luetal phase defect) the egg can't implant. Did you do pooled progesterone test? Basically 3 different blood draws over a 5 day period to make sure levels are high enough. 

One thing I'd consider is age. You don't say how old you are but fertility really declines and if you are older you have less time to wait.  

In my situation the first RE I met didn't seem positive about our chances (due to my age). I found another RE who seemed positive and wanted to get me pregnant.  It seems like your current Dr doesn't want to take any action to help you get PG quicker. 12 or more cycles without pregnancy is defined as infertility. I'm glad he feels things are hopeful for you but in my opinion he needs to do SOMETHING to help get you there. 

I went thru all the fertility tests and my only issue was age, I'm late 30s. Now 39.  A few things I think helped me (we conceived on our own eventually after 21 cycles and two losses). 1. My vitamin D level was super low. There is research that suggests that low vitamin D harms fertility. 2. I lost weight. I was 30 pounds over weight and lost 15 pounds when I conceived this baby. 3. I started taking progesterone 3 days post ovulation. I used to spot about 7DPO and although my tests looked fine the Dr said if I was spotting it meant that my levels were not stable. 4. Used preseed and Robetussin to help/increase CM. 5. Sex every other day days 8-20. 6. COQ-10 vitamin. These are just things you can try. 

I know how much the waiting sucks. Sorry for the long post, hope it is Ok for me to chime in. Basically if you like this Dr stay with him but Id have an action plan. Things like Clomid or Femera can get more eggs into the mix.

Good luck! 

tryingyetagain

The only reason I can think of that he/she wants you to wait is that HSG.  I've also heard that there is a higher bfp rate for a few cycles after an HSG (although it didn't help me, unfortunately).  Other than that, though, 15 unsuccessful cycles sounds like more than long enough for the RE to get moving on figuring it out for you.  If I were in your shoes, I would maybe wait two cycles and then push for more action.

Good luck to you!

AprilDrew04

Truthfully, I would go ahead and keep ttc on your own.  Get the blood tests done, and see if that information is helpful.  Your RE could just throw some meds at you, but it would be better if they could pinpoint the problem before trying any interventions.  Maybe ask if there are any other tests he recommends, so you don't feel like you are wasting time.  30 is still considered a good age fertility-wise.  If you were over 35 then I would be more anxious and push to start trying something.

I've heard the same thing about HSG, the dye can flush out anything that may have been blocking you from conceiving,  Hopefully, that is all you needed and you are ku before your next 3 cycles are past. 

TeAmoMiAmor

Thanks everyone for the responses. I've done a lot of thinking about it and have decided to just relax (or try to) and see what happens in the next three months. The RE I went to came highly recommended, has nothing but good reviews and the clinic he works at has the highest success rates in our area so I guess if he's optimistic then I should be too. I do feel good that he gave me a timeline and I know it will go fast, but sometimes when your in the thick of it 3 months feels like a lifetime when I wish I could just be pregnant already. Thanks again!

 

Kitty Holland

Did you speak/ask specifically about luetal phase defect? If your cycles are short, it's something to look into and easy to treat (generally speaking). Good luck!