Please help me to work out what is stopping us all from getting pregnant!

[Claire_Lou]

Over the years I have spent hours reading various articals and forums, trying to work out why it just wont happen for me, hell I even found this forum doing just that!

I often wonder if it is possible to read other peoples experiences and find that they match your own or if I am just reading too much into it all.

A little while ago I started looking into the root of why I am not able to conceive as being scientifically minded I am sure there is one thing (or a number of things) wrong with my body that is stopping the process. I then began to wonder how you can find out exactly what the cause is.

I would love it if you could help me to compile a list of checks, tests and treatments that either you did or you saw your doctor for, for example:

Problem: Wondering whether I ovulate
Test: I used OPKs and BBT to confirm if I was ovulating
Doc's test: I had Day 21 bloods done to check my progesterone levels which give an indication to whether I ovulate. I also had ultrasounds in which they confirmed they could see that ovulation had recently taken place.
Possible treatments: If not ovulating the doctor would prescribe clomid.

In my case I am ovulating so I have moved on to research fertilisation, sperm count and implantation.

I know that I won't be able to get fertility treatment until I am 23 so a "checklist" of things to investigate in the mean time would be a huge help and I am sure would help others too

Claire

 

[phoenixrose]

Great idea!

Problem: possible blocked tubes
Doc's Test: HSG (hysterosalpingogram)
Procedure: inject dye into uterus and tubes via a catheter through cervix and take xrays
Result: confirmed my tubes were open but one may have been kinked down so egg may or may not be reaching fallopian tube.

Problem: still not pregnant, after trying for 6 more months after HSG, time to check internal anatomy
Doc's test: Laparoscopy (LAP) and Dye, with hysteroscopy
Result: found small adhesions, which were released; also found mild endometriosis on bladder and rectum which was removed

Problem: still not pregnant 9 months after LAP and dye
Solution: start clomid with IUI
Result: round 1 = BFN; round 2: 1 more day to find out, if BFN, I am self prescribing an aspirin regimen based on personal research.

 

[BumpHopes]

Sounds like a good idea!

My experience:

At 2.5 yrs TTC

Problem: Possible PCOS due to irregular cycles.
Doc Test: Day 21 Progesterone blood. Ulra sound to check ovaries
Conclusion: Ovulating as normal and ultra sound showed my ovaries are fine.

Problem: Possible blocked tubes
Doc test: HSG Xray - having this done tomorrow to see if blocked/ clear and then go from there.
Conclusion: Waiting on having test then results to discuss with Dr.

I am also having another ultra sound to check on ovaries again as my Dr wanted to double check.

My OH has just has a SA done and again awaiting the reuslts. So not much i can help you with sorry as im waiting for the reuslts of everything myself but will keep you updated of results and next steps if you would like to know.

 

[cooch]

Over the years I have spent hours reading various articals and forums, trying to work out why it just wont happen for me, hell I even found this forum doing just that!

I often wonder if it is possible to read other peoples experiences and find that they match your own or if I am just reading too much into it all.

A little while ago I started looking into the root of why I am not able to conceive as being scientifically minded I am sure there is one thing (or a number of things) wrong with my body that is stopping the process. I then began to wonder how you can find out exactly what the cause is.

I would love it if you could help me to compile a list of checks, tests and treatments that either you did or you saw your doctor for, for example:

Problem: Wondering whether I ovulate
Test: I used OPKs and BBT to confirm if I was ovulating
Doc's test: I had Day 21 bloods done to check my progesterone levels which give an indication to whether I ovulate. I also had ultrasounds in which they confirmed they could see that ovulation had recently taken place.
Possible treatments: If not ovulating the doctor would prescribe clomid.

In my case I am ovulating so I have moved on to research fertilisation, sperm count and implantation.

I know that I won't be able to get fertility treatment until I am 23 so a "checklist" of things to investigate in the mean time would be a huge help and I am sure would help others too

Claire

Hi, The NHS actually have really low levels set for ovulation. I'm doing a programme called Napro Technology (see my Journal) and they ask for Progesterone levels to be between 60 and 100. My GP was happy with 30!! Napro consider this to be very low and unlikely to sustain a pregnancy. It would cost the NHS lots of money if they were to look into every woman getting low progesterone results, so its easier for them to say yeah its fine xx

 

[NellyVille]

Hi, The NHS actually have really low levels set for ovulation. I'm doing a programme called Napro Technology (see my Journal) and they ask for Progesterone levels to be between 60 and 100. My GP was happy with 30!! Napro consider this to be very low and unlikely to sustain a pregnancy. It would cost the NHS lots of money if they were to look into every woman getting low progesterone results, so its easier for them to say yeah its fine xx

Really?? That's very interesting as my last progesterone result was 34 and the nurse at fertility clinic (NHS RUN!!) said that was good

 

[cooch]

Hi, The NHS actually have really low levels set for ovulation. I'm doing a programme called Napro Technology (see my Journal) and they ask for Progesterone levels to be between 60 and 100. My GP was happy with 30!! Napro consider this to be very low and unlikely to sustain a pregnancy. It would cost the NHS lots of money if they were to look into every woman getting low progesterone results, so its easier for them to say yeah its fine xx

Really?? That's very interesting as my last progesterone result was 34 and the nurse at fertility clinic (NHS RUN!!) said that was good

Its one of the main things they require, they help you get there though. Those who have been successful on it have been successful after their bloods have been brought in line with the required range!x

 

[NellyVille]

So all of us that have been told the lower levels are "fine" may well end up being told we're unexplainedly infertile when it could be as simple as boosting our progesterone levels?

 

[Claire_Lou]

Wow interesting stuff!

My GP is ex-gyne and my results first came back in their 20's, next time he tested they came back in their 50's... he said ideally they would be in their 70's but 50's is good and certainly better than 20's!!

In the 50's would still be low in comparison to your ranges which would explain alot.

Low progesterone is also a cause for thin womb lining and whilst I still have heavy'ish periods, they are not as heavy or last as long as they used to so I wondered if this was my problem!

For consistency:

Problem: Thin Lining of womb
Home Test: Watch out for scant, light and short, possibly non-existent periods
Doc's Test: Ultrasound to measure thickness and Day 21 bloods to check progesterone levels
Treatment: Increase blood flow to womb through foods and try acupuncture. Increase progesterone possibly through pills or cream. Try soaking your feet in hot water each night to help blood flow to womb

If anyone can add to this it would certainly help me as I am sure this is my problem!

 

[NellyVille]

So why would they tell me 34 was good if it blatantly isn't?? I'm so confused!!! I may have to ring hospital tomorrow

 

[cooch]

So all of us that have been told the lower levels are "fine" may well end up being told we're unexplainedly infertile when it could be as simple as boosting our progesterone levels?

Can't say for sure, but its possible. When it comes to Napro, very very few people retain their 'unexplained' status. x

 

[trying hard]

Numbers depend on what measurement they use 34 is pretty good if measured in nmol/L down here in NZ they say over 15 nmol/L is fine mine was 32.4 and they said it was good so don't worry too much hun




Just thought I would add:

Problem LPD (time between O and period too short for proper implantation ie less than 11 days)

Test BBT chart or use OKPs to find out when O occurs then count days untill period stats

Treatment at home Taking high doses of b6 (50mg - 200mg depending on how much it needs lengthening)

Treatment from doctor progesterone and or clomid and or B6

 

[nevernormal]

The scientist in my loves this!

Problem: Irregular cycles/ovulation with LPD
Methods: First charting cycle lengths on a calendar, then began temping
Treatment: After research, decided to take Agnus Castus and a B complex
Result: No AF for almost 4 months!

Problem: AF is a no-show because of anovulation
Method: BBT temping
Treatment: Bloodwork to check for PCOS, progesterone to induce AF, and clomid to induce ovulation. Also started taking prenatals and DHA. Continued with B complex.
Result: 3 ovulatory cycles on clomid (with great LPs!) and decided to take a break, even quit the vitamins, B complex and DHA. First post clomid cycle had a definite LPD again.

Problem: LPD
Method: Relaxed BBT temping
Treatment: Started taking my B complex, prenatal, and DHA today. Waiting until after I move across the country in 2 weeks before doing anything else! Even quit temping until then.

 

[readyformore]

Problem: unexplained infertility
Tests: BBT, SA, lap, HSG, cd3 and 7dpo blood work, ultrasound
Treatments: femara/IUI for 3-4 cycles, then ?
Results: 1 cycle femara/IUI, bfn.

 

[NellyVille]

I meant to do this in the first place but got way laid with the progesterone thing!

Problem: No bfp after many many months. Irregular periods & late ovulation
Test: Day 21 bloods
Result: Inconclusive

Further tests: Day 25 bloods, ultrasound on Day 13, sperm analysis, lap & dye (due to past chlamydia infection) on 30th December
Results: Progesterone 34.5 (definite ovulation), both ovaries fine, sperm results "excellent" (doc's words). Lap & dye to follow.

 

[ayaycomly]

In the 50's would still be low in comparison to your ranges which would explain alot.

 

[Skoer1360]

Problem: LPD (naturally have less than a 9 day luteal phase, 18-22 day cycles)
Treatment: BBT, OPK, Clomid 50mg days 5-9
Results: Last 3 cycles had an extended luteal phase, sitting at about 11/12 days.


Problem: Excessive spotting, extended since starting Clomid, possible low progesterone
Treatment/Test: cd22 (ov'd a day late) bloodwork taken
Results: I got 20nmol/L which the Dr said was a good ovulation..

If not pregnant by January 31st I will be referred to an RE

 

[ShaneDaddy]

Problem: Annovulation. Periods every 3-4 months with no confirmed ovulation (despite peeing on that damn opk every day!)
Treatment: 2 & 1/2 years ttc. 6 cycles of clomid. HSG. 1 IUI with injectables (gonal-f) in November 2011. Acupuncture weekly since July '11.
Results: BFN
Next Steps: Have room on credit card for two more IUI cycles, reducing Acupuncture to twice a month, then... Researching Insulin Resistant diet to see if I can kick start ovulation naturally. Will try that for a year while we save for IVF. By then I'll be 32...

 

[babygames]

Over the years I have spent hours reading various articals and forums, trying to work out why it just wont happen for me, hell I even found this forum doing just that!

I often wonder if it is possible to read other peoples experiences and find that they match your own or if I am just reading too much into it all.

A little while ago I started looking into the root of why I am not able to conceive as being scientifically minded I am sure there is one thing (or a number of things) wrong with my body that is stopping the process. I then began to wonder how you can find out exactly what the cause is.

I would love it if you could help me to compile a list of checks, tests and treatments that either you did or you saw your doctor for, for example:

Problem: Wondering whether I ovulate
Test: I used OPKs and BBT to confirm if I was ovulating
Doc's test: I had Day 21 bloods done to check my progesterone levels which give an indication to whether I ovulate. I also had ultrasounds in which they confirmed they could see that ovulation had recently taken place.
Possible treatments: If not ovulating the doctor would prescribe clomid.

In my case I am ovulating so I have moved on to research fertilisation, sperm count and implantation.

I know that I won't be able to get fertility treatment until I am 23 so a "checklist" of things to investigate in the mean time would be a huge help and I am sure would help others too

Claire

I don't have anything to share, as my doctor will not begin testing me until next month(when we hit 12 mo. TTC), but I wanted to thank you for starting this thread. There have been so many occasions when I feel "alone" and say "why me" while everyone around me is conceiving. It's so refreshing to know that we are not alone in this! Good luck to all of you!!

 

[tonibzac]

Problem: very late ovulatiion following BCP
Doc: Day 14 bloods - normal

Referred for transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound scans, day 21 bloods (7dpo for me as cycles so long) and hubby to have SA

Really lucky that my GP is very proactive as my day 14 bloods were done after 6 months TTC, I chose to wait another 6 months until stepping it up a gear so we are now in month 13 of TTC and have my scan tomorrow, bloods next week and hubby SA in jan

 

[NellyVille]

I was so concerned over this progesterone level issue I called my Fertility Clinic today. I was told that my levels are not cause for concern. I guess I just have to accept that they know better than me.