When Did You Decide To Go The Assisted Fertility Route?

Discussion in 'Fertility & Trying to Conceive' started by sarakar, Oct 24, 2016.

  1. sarakar

    sarakar New IL'ite

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    Reading through these forums, I sense that many of us are going through IUI etc. I am terrified of tests or any medical procedures, so would like to try seriously another 6 months or so before we go this route. On the other hand, my husband thinks we should go with it right away and we seem to disagree on the timing. My fear of procedures and tests wants me to wait a few months. I am 32 and the husband is 35. My Ob/Gyn thinks I should wait since I have not tried hard enough and medically no reason to proceed with IUI. I also have a lot of stress in my life from work. I am making small changes in lifestyle such as healthier food, less exercise ( I run marathons and will scale down a bit), remove stress from my life.

    The input I am looking for is (1) When did you decide normal trying is enough and that you will go the assisted route (2) Not to sound inconsiderate but without any ob/gyn issues (I know some of us have cysts, pcos endo etc) , should I rush into assisted options right away? My doctor has clearly asked me to wait.

    I am happy to find the board; didn't realize that there were so many of us here for support. My expectations are now high from this community seeing that we all have received help.
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2016
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  2. nekkanti

    nekkanti Bronze IL'ite

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    Going to a Infertility Specialist is not all about iui and ivf. There are numerous tests which gyn do not do but an infertility SPL do. Go to a good infertility SPL to get it all done. If there is really no problem even a infertility SPL won't advise iui
     
  3. nekkanti

    nekkanti Bronze IL'ite

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    If there is really a hidden problem, this is the right time to find out as you are into 30s already
     
  4. MalStrom

    MalStrom IL Hall of Fame

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    You can go to an RE and get the basic tests done, to rule out any problems. If there is an issue like low sperm count then they will advise you accordingly. If everything is normal then you can continue to try on your own.
     
  5. sarakar

    sarakar New IL'ite

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    In my case, all tests done at my ob/gyn came out fine. The only test they don't do is hormonal testing (blood test) and HSG. The HSG tests freaks me out, I was told I would require valium or other such drugs to go through the test. My Ob/gyn knows me well and she already cautioned me that HSG is a bit invasive!

    For my husband, it is motility issues and somewhat low sperm count ( I do not recollect the numbers).

    I would require a very patient and good doctor to go through with an infertility clinic. I panic even for a basic pap smear but since my doctor is very skilled I barely had any discomfort.
     
  6. vanicha

    vanicha Silver IL'ite

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    Hi... If u had just started up.. I feel try for six months without any tests... Which might make u in stress thinking why I have this value wrong... Wat I'll be the test result... All values r correct but why not happening.. Bla black will run in mind... So stay away if u had just started.. I feel that I'll give u high hopes....

    As u already said ur hubby has some motility issues... Focus on that by life style changes of having nuts.. Figs.. Dry fruits n good exercise..

    Good luck... If u don't mind post his results... Am happy to help on what level it is... N treatment is needed or not...
     
  7. MalStrom

    MalStrom IL Hall of Fame

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    I have had three HSGs and honestly they are nowhere as bad as people say. There is a little bit of discomfort but it is a very quick procedure. I did not take anything but you can ask for Valium or Xanax to stay calm. With these semen analysis results you may want to consult a reproductive endocrinologist for the best plan of action, not just an ob-gyn. It may also be helpful for your husband to see a urologist.
     
  8. teejay

    teejay Gold IL'ite

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    What other major tests did you do then? I can think of only a scan of uterus. IMO, blood test (for both you and DH) is very important and you should get them done. When I was ttc, the doc asked me and DH to get both our blood and urine tested for various factors.

    If you take pain killers, HSG is not at all painfull. Its a minimal invasive procedure and results can be crucial in your ttc journey

    IS your DH taking medicines for motility and sperm count issues?

    OP,
    Both you and your DH are not young. you don't need to panic just yet though. You say you have not tried properly so far. Since you are hesitant to proceed with ART, try 6 months of healthy life style (reduce carbs, increase protein, avoid sugar etc) combined with exercise. try pinpointing ovulation using ovulation kits and have IC at the appropriate time. If you do not conceive with in that time frame, consider getting help.
     
  9. Elsa

    Elsa Gold IL'ite

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    IMHO, there is no good time to see a fertility specialist (or infertility) than now. I am 33 , sailing in the same boat facing almost similar issues that you are currently facing.

    I had tried for more than a year naturally, to get pregnant. I am perfectly fine, as per my doctor. But my DH has erection issues, low spermcount and motility as well. From what I have heard from my OB/Gyn, i felt it is close to impossible to get pregnant without ART in my case anytime soon, given the age factor. I dont mean to scare you. My doctor told me that the chances there, but are very low.

    Thats when I started seeing a fertility specialist. I regret the time I had wasted hoping for a miracle to happen for the past 1.5 years. I am on my 3rd IUI now. I hope I see a positive result atleast this time. i have to add that it takes a lot of time, patience and money too if you decide to go for these ART. You may have to take time off from work to get tests done, almost once every week. The hormone pills and shots might make you feel tired and sleepy. But its well worth it, if you get to see a BFP right?

    Good luck!
     
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  10. jillcastle

    jillcastle Gold IL'ite

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    I agree with your DH. I was 32 when I started TTC. We tried naturally for 6 months, then went to see RE directly. We didnt go to Gyno because of my age. Honestly, all the tests are not that bad as projected. The HSG was a little uncomfortable, thats it. I was also like you, so scared of the tests, but I am happy we didnt waste any time and went to the RE soon. All my tests came back normal. DH had little morphology issues. We tried 3 IUIs, all failed and now just started with IVF process. After 35, the chances of pregnancy thru assisted methods starts deteriorating. It may seem all too overwhelming, but when we are racing against time and age is not on our side, it is better to be a little aggressive is what I feel. All the best to you. I wish and pray all of us get to hold our LOs soon. :)
     
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