30+ ladies who have been TTC for 6+months, come in.

kerivp · October 2010

I'm starting to feel panicky about TTC #2, since I'm 33. I'm going into cycle 7, and I'm wondering when it's advised to see a doc after that 6 month mark. 9 months? A year?

Just to check tubes, SA, etc.

My assumption is that you're charting, ovulating every month, and having sex nearly every day during your fertile window. And that you're over the age of 30. (these all apply to me)

I don't even have an OB in this town yet.

Thoughts?

maybebride · October 2010

I am 32, 33 in December. DH is 37, 38 in a week and half.

The "norm" is one year of trying if you are under 35, over 35 is 6 months. This is true even if you have had a previous pregnancy.

However, some women here have had their doctors agree to testing before the year mark. The usual things to start with are bloodwork, an HSG, and and SA for YH. But, not every doctor is willing to do testing before the year mark and many insurance companies will not pay for it prior to the year mark.

I waited the year because of the basic statistics that say it can take a healthy couple with no known issues up to a year to conceive. There is only a 20% chance each cycle of conception, so to me it made sense to wait. But, I do completely understand the age issue staring you in the face.

kerivp · October 2010

maybebride:

I am 32, 33 in December. DH is 37, 38 in a week and half.

The "norm" is one year of trying if you are under 35, over 35 is 6 months. This is true even if you have had a previous pregnancy.

However, some women here have had their doctors agree to testing before the year mark. The usual things to start with are bloodwork, an HSG, and and SA for YH. But, not every doctor is willing to do testing before the year mark and many insurance companies will not pay for it prior to the year mark.

I waited the year because of the basic statistics that say it can take a healthy couple with no known issues up to a year to conceive. There is only a 20% chance each cycle of conception, so to me it made sense to wait. But, I do completely understand the age issue staring you in the face.

I completely understand that. Thanks for the info. But my question is, doesn't that 'up to a year' statistic refer to couples that are not charting and are not able to pinpoint their O?

maybebride · October 2010

kerivp:
maybebride:

I am 32, 33 in December. DH is 37, 38 in a week and half.

The "norm" is one year of trying if you are under 35, over 35 is 6 months. This is true even if you have had a previous pregnancy.

However, some women here have had their doctors agree to testing before the year mark. The usual things to start with are bloodwork, an HSG, and and SA for YH. But, not every doctor is willing to do testing before the year mark and many insurance companies will not pay for it prior to the year mark.

I waited the year because of the basic statistics that say it can take a healthy couple with no known issues up to a year to conceive. There is only a 20% chance each cycle of conception, so to me it made sense to wait. But, I do completely understand the age issue staring you in the face.

I completely understand that. Thanks for the info. But my question is, doesn't that 'up to a year' statistic refer to couples that are not charting and are not able to pinpoint their O?

The "up to a year" refers to anybody. Even charting and knowing when you O and having perfect timing, it can still take up to a year. Now, if you are charting and cannot pinpoint O or are not O'ing, then, yes, that would be cause for concern and would have me calling my doctor.

jb2rn · October 2010

I am 34 but we have only been TTC for three cycles, and this one looks to be annov.

I plan to at least ask my PCP if I can get blood work after six months of trying (charting and well timed sex). I will pay out of pocket. I don't see the point in wasting time if I am going to need meds, etc.

capitalB · October 2010

I think it's reasonable to have some preliminary work done if you've been charting and timing everything right with no success. I'd start with a SA because it's relatively non-invasive and inexpensive. Plus you don't need to go through your OB.

Not sure if this is helpful, but I was 33 when I got pg with my son. We had been charting and doing everything right and it took us 9 months. Now I'm trying again, I kind of expect it to take awhile. The 9 months sucked, but I am glad for the perspective it gave me.

Good luck - I'm sorry you're feeling discouraged.

Tulips114 · October 2010

I'm not over 30 (I'm 28 and DH is 32), but my OB referred me to an RE and said we could go after 6 cycles of trying. (I think I'm headed into cycle 7 here in the next day or 2). She said the RE would start with blood work, HSG, & an SA and go from there.

I know the norm on this board is to wait a year, but it couldn't hurt to at least find a doctor and go for a consult to see what they say.

ETA: According to my doctor a year is when they consider it infertility, and you can absolutely start testing at 6 months. I know there are people who disagree, but that is what she told me.

punkymama · October 2010

I am 33, DH is 40.

My OB started testing for me at my annual since I was past 6 months of charting with no success. When my b/w came back my OB referred me to a RE based on my low progesterone level and my medical history of abnormal paps and my age.

My RE was the one to order a HSG and a SA when we consulted with him.

I think the norm is if you are over 35 and have been TTC for 6 months, you can start testing. If you have a good relationship w/ your doc, they could start doing some b/w and a SA to rule things out for you.

MySweetBaboo · October 2010

I agree with Papps.

I will be 36 in December and I am on cycle 15 with a m/c on cycle 11. I am not panic-ing yet....frustrated YES, panic, NO! My OB said if I did not get pregnant in 6 months from my m/c to come to her for a fertility workup and that is the plan.

I was 33 when I got pg with and had dd.

Mrsosh · October 2010

I am 32. Took 11 cycles to get pg with my first when I was 29. I'm on cycle 10 of TTC #2. I plan to wait until I go for my annual in January to look into things if I'm not pg before then.

I was under the impression that "up to a year" applied even if you are charting, etc. It is frustrating as all get-out though!

I'm curious though...and maybe someone has an answer to this...how likely is it that the problem is with the male partner, if you have conceived in the past?

alison2379 · October 2010

**Papps**:
I think for ANYONE who is under 35, you should wait unless you see something wrong with your charts (as in extremely short LP, spotting throughout the cycle). Even if you do chart, you still only have a 20% chance each month in getting pg

The more people go in for testing, the more it raises costs or takes away time from those who really need it. I had mainly all anov cycles, and still didn't go until month 9. I understand the fear, but I think it's 100% jumping the gun since so many people have luck on months 10,11,12.

Oh and I'm 32

I'm only 31 (DH is 38) and early on in the process but I read this chain with great interest, and I was just curious from a health economics standpoint how it's a supply and demand issue for testing. I'm stumped and I wanted to understand.

sep123 · October 2010

This thread has been helpful for me to hear too! I am almost 35 TTC #2, but it's been 5 years since I had DD. I'm not too worried yet, although DD was conceived on cycle #2 after BCP, and I now know how lucky I was then! I mainly have anxiety about the major age gap that keeps growing between DD and a future sibling, but maybe it's a blessing

alison2379 · October 2010

**Papps**:
alison2379:
**Papps**:
I think for ANYONE who is under 35, you should wait unless you see something wrong with your charts (as in extremely short LP, spotting throughout the cycle). Even if you do chart, you still only have a 20% chance each month in getting pg

The more people go in for testing, the more it raises costs or takes away time from those who really need it. I had mainly all anov cycles, and still didn't go until month 9. I understand the fear, but I think it's 100% jumping the gun since so many people have luck on months 10,11,12.

Oh and I'm 32
I'm only 31 (DH is 38) and early on in the process but I read this chain with great interest, and I was just curious from a health economics standpoint how it's a supply and demand issue for testing. I'm stumped and I wanted to understand.
Think about it like this, car insurance companies are able to offer a certain price, but the more accidents people are in and they have to pay out- the more they will have to increase it. Same with health care.... the more people go in for testing, the more it will cost the insurance company therefore eventually having to raise the cost of insurance.
Health care is a business, they don't want to lose money. Your co pay doesn't even begin to touch the cost of the testing.
Plus it makes it harder for those to be seen that are already at the point of testing when everyone is making appointments. HTH

Totally helps! Thank you for explaining.

brideonjuly8 · October 2010

I'm 30 and if no BFP this cycle we will be on cycle 6. I already know I have lots of issues, so it does really freak me out. I had surgery last month to remove a ovarian tumor, stage 3 endo, and adhesions. So,yeah, I'm freaked too.

WifeofMrA · October 2010

I'm 32 TTC #1

This is cycle 12

If we don't get a BFP we're onto testing. i went for my annual around cycle 9...I think every doctor is different. My dr. said around 12-15 months is when she'll start testing...then I got the it takes time, everyone wants it to happen immediately. She said to wait it out because I don't have any type of issues or have been treated for anything and have pretty normal cycles and came off BC pretty easily.

MySweetBaboo · October 2010

Let me add too that after my c-section when they were inspecting my girl parts, they found endo and a couple of cysts, which they removed. I never knew I had any of that!

I also look at some of my charts and wonder if I have a progesterone issue, even though I don't have "textbook" symptoms. Unfortunately, some people get pregnant easier than others. It does take time.

In my heart, I just don't believe anything is wrong and being the most impatient person you would ever meet, I am surprisingly patient during this process....although I was reaching my breaking point last month, I am okay if it doesn't happen the next 3 cycles...maybe because I know I will get to start testing.

kerivp · October 2010

Sorry for the late post! I appreciate all of your comments and found it really helpful to get everyone's perspective.

Hoping we all get our BFPs soon!!

mrsjones06 · October 2010

I'll be 33 next week & I'm on cycle 6 trying for #2. I'm past due for an annual anyway, so if I don't get pg this cycle, I'm going to call & make an appt to see my Dr for the annual. I'll take that opportunity to bring my charts & discuss ttc. I'm more frustrated than concerned at this point. I got pg with DS the 2nd month of BCP & had this one planned out exactly like I wanted it. Wishful thinking. Confused

siren0076 · October 2010

I am 34 and have a teenage daughter. My dh is 44 and we are on cycle 6. My obgyn and I met Tuesday and she said my charts looked great and everything appeared good. She recommended my DH getting a SA done Due to the fact that he has been on calcium channel blockers. If you haven't looked at both of your meds yet, you should. I wish you and all of us the best.

boymamaco · October 2010

Couldnt help but pop in since there aren't that many of us older posters on this board. I'm 35 and DH is 45. I made an appt with my OB after 6 cycles and am currently in the process of getting hormones tested, HSG, and he is going in for a SA.

Nothing more to add to the above than wishing you all good luck.

stephb7i · October 2010

I have not been TTC for 6+ months but couldn't help but follow this thread since DH and I are both 36. I had my first LO when I was 27 and my second when I was 30--both times I got pregnant very quickly. I have been off BCP since July but we didn't really start trying until this cycle b/c I wanted my system to regulate so I knew when AF was supposed to come, etc. I am much more nervous this time around because it's been 5+ years since my second was born and I am considered "advanced maternal age." I suspect I would talk to my doctor after TTC for 6 months at this age. Here's hoping for the BFP for everyone soon!

epcohen · October 2010

I am 33 trying for #2. In cycle 5 and just saw my OB last month. During this cycle they did bloodwork on Day 3 and 7 days after I ovulated to check hormone levels. They just called me to tell me that I have High FSH and need the help of IVF to get preggers. I am glad I went in last month so now I know I have an issue and can seek assistance. Good luck.

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