Seeking help from a UK doctor

[mk8]

Hello my fellow TTC-ers,

Hope you are all in good spirits!

I was wondering whether any fellow TTC'ers (who have been to their doctors to discuss TTC) had any information to share on what happened when they sought help from their doctors when TTC?

Here's my story:
* I am on cycle 6 now. 5 months of TTC and no baby sadly
* We have been having regular sex (average 3-4x a week)
* I am 30yrs old (31 next month) and DH is 31
* Used OPKs for 3 cycles (two very definite positives and 1 almost positive)
* We have taken pregnacare vits and B-50 vits as well as folic acid
* Tried Conceive Plus (TTC friendly lube) during my last cycle
* Temped for 3 cycles (somewhat erratic temps but FF confirmed O)
* Cycle length around 27 days and luteal phase 10-12 days
* Weird brown discharge spotting 2 days before AF arrives, then nothing the next day then AF arrives properly- this has happened since Jan
* AF lasts around 3-4 days
* Took microgynon-30 for 2 months back to back last Aug (wanted to avoid period when I got married). I still spotted so the docs also prescribed me a low dose of norethisterone. Periods returned after I came off the pills last Sept.
* I have sporadic pains around where my ovaries are. Not around ovulation or at the onset of AF necessarily. There seems to be no pattern. Initially they were sharp sudden pains, now they are more frequent but dull pains.
* I also had a bizarre one off abdominal pain when I was peeing last month. But it happened once only.
* Had one episode of very slight mid cycle spotting last cycle (v light pink discharge around cd8 (I usually O CD15)
* DH said there was a teeny bit of pink discharge spotting when we DTD on CD20

I am off to see my doctor next Tues to talk about these pelvic pains. I went to see the doc 2 months ago about the weird spotting and the doc said it was prob a hormonal imbalance and suggested I have a Pap Smear done (came back clear). Intend to mention the fact the spotting still hasnt gone. Here's hoping that the doc does something. I am curious to know whether my progesterone levels are low.

I am based in the UK and not 100% confident that the docs will do anything as its "too early". Any help/advice anybody can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Babydust to all!

 

[MarcsMrs]

Didnt want to read & run....just hope your Doctor is helpful & does some tests for you xxx

 

[truly_blessed]

Hi hun

I think they need to follow NICE guidelines which advise woman under 35 must be TTC for 12 months and have no children already to be referred for fertility tests and treatment.

If you are over 35 the timescale is 6 months.

There is always the option to go private though if funds permit.

The guidelines will be online somewhere.

Good luck x

 

[Sparkles237]

hey there, i went to my doctor at 6 months and i told him i was TTC etc gave him all my period dates and when i got positive ovulation and he then sent me for ultra scan and blood tests, unfortunately it is now 13months TTC and still no baby my doctors want my OH to have a SA but they no longer do it on the NHS in my area so been waiting to save up for that which is happenins in june so fingers crossed i get a BFP before then.

Even though the guildlines state 12months, it is at time down to the doctors and if you show your doing all you can you have more hope, so what you put in your first post, write it all down on a bit of paper tht way your armed with all the imformation they will want. I was told by people they wouldn't test me but when i showed the doctor my piece of paper with all the info he didn;t have a problem sending me for tests, so i say go for it give it your all and you never know your doctor maybe as great as mine.

fingers crossed, let us know how you get on

 

[mk8]

Didnt want to read & run....just hope your Doctor is helpful & does some tests for you xxx

Thanks Marcsmrs!

 

[mk8]

Hi hun

I think they need to follow NICE guidelines which advise woman under 35 must be TTC for 12 months and have no children already to be referred for fertility tests and treatment.

If you are over 35 the timescale is 6 months.

There is always the option to go private though if funds permit.

The guidelines will be online somewhere.

Good luck x

Thanks truly. Yeah, I think if the docs say nay, I will be willing to get things checked out. We shall see...

 

[mk8]

hey there, i went to my doctor at 6 months and i told him i was TTC etc gave him all my period dates and when i got positive ovulation and he then sent me for ultra scan and blood tests, unfortunately it is now 13months TTC and still no baby my doctors want my OH to have a SA but they no longer do it on the NHS in my area so been waiting to save up for that which is happenins in june so fingers crossed i get a BFP before then.

Even though the guildlines state 12months, it is at time down to the doctors and if you show your doing all you can you have more hope, so what you put in your first post, write it all down on a bit of paper tht way your armed with all the imformation they will want. I was told by people they wouldn't test me but when i showed the doctor my piece of paper with all the info he didn;t have a problem sending me for tests, so i say go for it give it your all and you never know your doctor maybe as great as mine.

fingers crossed, let us know how you get on

Thanks Sparkle! I hope my doctor does listen to me... we shall see!

 

[aimze]

Hello!

I started this thread and I found it quite helpful...

https://www.babyandbump.com/trying-conceive-1/597186-can-you-did-you-go-drs-ttc-1-a.html

I went to the Dr's after 7months trying (last week) and he told me to come back in 6 months and then again in a year, i think its worth going if nothing else so they write it in their records that you have been so you have proof in a year you actually went? x

 

[mk8]

Hi Aimze, thanks so much. Will check out the thread out.

 

[Lily7]

Hi mk8, I hope you have a good doctor who is willing to help, I personally don't unfortunately, but like someone said above go even just so thay have note of you being there...good luck!

 

[mk8]

Thanks Lily!

Well I had my docs appointment today and he was helpful. Hallelujah! I went mainly because I had a pain in my lower abdomen- on the sides where I imagine my ovaries to be. The pain is infrequent and there is no pattern. I also wanted to discuss TTC issues.

Well the doc has suggested I go for blood work and an internal ultrasound - they stick a probe up my wotsit to have a look at my ovaries. I think in the worst case scenario (God forbid!) cancer. He didn't say that but I know he thought it. He said it is unlikely to be anything but thought it would be an idea to check things out. My bloodwork is to test for an array of things and the usual hormones they test for TTC purposes are in there. LH, FSH and Progresterone. Will keep you all posted on the next steps. Baby dust to you all!

 

[mk8]

of for info, my doc said that on average, 95% of couples will conceive in 2 years.

 

[Lily7]

Thanks Lily!

Well I had my docs appointment today and he was helpful. Hallelujah! I went mainly because I had a pain in my lower abdomen- on the sides where I imagine my ovaries to be. The pain is infrequent and there is no pattern. I also wanted to discuss TTC issues.

Well the doc has suggested I go for blood work and an internal ultrasound - they stick a probe up my wotsit to have a look at my ovaries. I think in the worst case scenario (God forbid!) cancer. He didn't say that but I know he thought it. He said it is unlikely to be anything but thought it would be an idea to check things out. My bloodwork is to test for an array of things and the usual hormones they test for TTC purposes are in there. LH, FSH and Progresterone. Will keep you all posted on the next steps. Baby dust to you all!

Well I bet your glad you went now! I am happy you have got all that from an initial visit all be it a little jealous!!

I was so upset today that we have booked a private consultation because the NHS are point blank refusing to see why I am on CD68 without AF and refusing to investigate further why we have been ttc for 8 months with BDing every other day and not so much as a hint of a line on a preg test! Its costing us an arm and a leg but I am sure it will be worth it in the end! Now I am just left asking myself what exactly do I pay my taxes for??

Keep me posted and good luck to you, I am glad you were listened to and wish you luck

 

[mk8]

Hi Lily, thanks for your message. Sorry to hear that your gp wasnt willing to help. I totally understand how frustrating it can be. To be honest, I think my doc is more concerned about the pain being symptomatic of cancer. I think he "threw in" the hormone tests because im going for bloods anyway. Also, think he felt guilty because last year i had another cancer scare (found a lump). They refused to refer me for a scan because my age and family history didn't "fit the profile"! I forked out over 200 quid for a scan. Luckily results were ok. The doc also knew my gp. And said he would have a word with my gp when he learned i was paying, he was quite shocked! Nhs and blimmin cost cuts. Here's hoping scan reveals nothing sinister.

But back to you. What tests are you going for lily? Did your doc reject blood tests too? Do you yhink you can go back and demand that? Have you always had long cycles? Any other symptoms? Good luck lily!

 

[Want2bMum]

Thanks Lily!

Well I had my docs appointment today and he was helpful. Hallelujah! I went mainly because I had a pain in my lower abdomen- on the sides where I imagine my ovaries to be. The pain is infrequent and there is no pattern. I also wanted to discuss TTC issues.

Well the doc has suggested I go for blood work and an internal ultrasound - they stick a probe up my wotsit to have a look at my ovaries. I think in the worst case scenario (God forbid!) cancer. He didn't say that but I know he thought it. He said it is unlikely to be anything but thought it would be an idea to check things out. My bloodwork is to test for an array of things and the usual hormones they test for TTC purposes are in there. LH, FSH and Progresterone. Will keep you all posted on the next steps. Baby dust to you all!

Well I bet your glad you went now! I am happy you have got all that from an initial visit all be it a little jealous!!

I was so upset today that we have booked a private consultation because the NHS are point blank refusing to see why I am on CD68 without AF and refusing to investigate further why we have been ttc for 8 months with BDing every other day and not so much as a hint of a line on a preg test! Its costing us an arm and a leg but I am sure it will be worth it in the end! Now I am just left asking myself what exactly do I pay my taxes for??

Keep me posted and good luck to you, I am glad you were listened to and wish you luck

Hi,

....the NHS is getting worst and worst by the day... we invest so much into TTC that we feel let down when the gp doesn't listen...i hate guidelines!!!

so here is the solution: change gp even if this means travelling a bit longer.

Tell the new gp that you are TTC for over a year. Actually, just in case your new gp gets your info from old gp (which he wont as the NHS is rubbish), tell him that you are TTC for 1 year and 8 months. If he asks why in your record there is written 8 months, just say that it was a genuine misunderstanding, he must believe you.

After this, you will be referred to a nhs infertility unit straight away and get all tests for free.

Be careful on going private, my gp told me that I'd get excluded from further nhs treatment and in case I needed IVF, it would then be very expensive.

I ended up going private to an other Country which is something you can also consider...

I say, when the system doesn't work in favour of people, then people shouldn't work in favour of the system...

good luck

 

[Lily7]

Hi Lily, thanks for your message. Sorry to hear that your gp wasnt willing to help. I totally understand how frustrating it can be. To be honest, I think my doc is more concerned about the pain being symptomatic of cancer. I think he "threw in" the hormone tests because im going for bloods anyway. Also, think he felt guilty because last year i had another cancer scare (found a lump). They refused to refer me for a scan because my age and family history didn't "fit the profile"! I forked out over 200 quid for a scan. Luckily results were ok. The doc also knew my gp. And said he would have a word with my gp when he learned i was paying, he was quite shocked! Nhs and blimmin cost cuts. Here's hoping scan reveals nothing sinister.

But back to you. What tests are you going for lily? Did your doc reject blood tests too? Do you yhink you can go back and demand that? Have you always had long cycles? Any other symptoms? Good luck lily!

Hi MK8
That is awful!!! I can't believe he wouldn't refer you when you first went before, age or family history shouldn't have came into it...you had a lump fgs!! doctors eh! Don't worry about this one, just relax and await the tests and results, you will get yourself all annoyed thinking what if it could be something sinister and we know that none of us ttc'ers need stress!!

He done general bloods on me and after badgering him he is gona do CD3 and CD21 bloods but who knows when that will be, still waiting for AF, he also found through my general bloods that I have an underactive thyroid, he won't treat it though, wants to wait another 8 weeks and retest (just trying to fill out more time to take us up to a year!)

Keep me posted on your results! fx for you

 

[Lily7]

Thanks Lily!

Well I had my docs appointment today and he was helpful. Hallelujah! I went mainly because I had a pain in my lower abdomen- on the sides where I imagine my ovaries to be. The pain is infrequent and there is no pattern. I also wanted to discuss TTC issues.

Well the doc has suggested I go for blood work and an internal ultrasound - they stick a probe up my wotsit to have a look at my ovaries. I think in the worst case scenario (God forbid!) cancer. He didn't say that but I know he thought it. He said it is unlikely to be anything but thought it would be an idea to check things out. My bloodwork is to test for an array of things and the usual hormones they test for TTC purposes are in there. LH, FSH and Progresterone. Will keep you all posted on the next steps. Baby dust to you all!

Well I bet your glad you went now! I am happy you have got all that from an initial visit all be it a little jealous!!

I was so upset today that we have booked a private consultation because the NHS are point blank refusing to see why I am on CD68 without AF and refusing to investigate further why we have been ttc for 8 months with BDing every other day and not so much as a hint of a line on a preg test! Its costing us an arm and a leg but I am sure it will be worth it in the end! Now I am just left asking myself what exactly do I pay my taxes for??

Keep me posted and good luck to you, I am glad you were listened to and wish you luck

Hi,

....the NHS is getting worst and worst by the day... we invest so much into TTC that we feel let down when the gp doesn't listen...i hate guidelines!!!

so here is the solution: change gp even if this means travelling a bit longer.

Tell the new gp that you are TTC for over a year. Actually, just in case your new gp gets your info from old gp (which he wont as the NHS is rubbish), tell him that you are TTC for 1 year and 8 months. If he asks why in your record there is written 8 months, just say that it was a genuine misunderstanding, he must believe you.

After this, you will be referred to a nhs infertility unit straight away and get all tests for free.

Be careful on going private, my gp told me that I'd get excluded from further nhs treatment and in case I needed IVF, it would then be very expensive.

I ended up going private to an other Country which is something you can also consider...

I say, when the system doesn't work in favour of people, then people shouldn't work in favour of the system...

good luck

Thanks for your advise
I will bear it in mind deffo....and you are completly right in what you say!!

 

[mk8]

Lily- how are you? Sorry havent been on here. If you are checking this thread, have you had your private consultation yet? If so, I hope it went well.

 

[Lily7]

Lily- how are you? Sorry havent been on here. If you are checking this thread, have you had your private consultation yet? If so, I hope it went well.

Hi MK8 I am fine thank you, how are you? Yes I had it, turns out I have PCOS, he thinks I should have AF very soon by the thickness of my uterus so he didn't prescribe anything to bring it on, he is going to do CD2 bloods and checking DH SA on tues, then he will take it from there. Question for you.....My GP wanted to do CD3 and CD21 bloods when AF comes, should I still go for those aswell?? (He doesn't know I've seen someone privately yet) Hope all is well with you xx

 

[mk8]

Hey Lily

Good to hear that your appt went well in that they were able to figure out whats wrong. Are they planning on prescribing Clomid? I personally think you should snap up the opportunity to go for tests on the NHS. It would be good to have a history there just in case you have other treatments. Cheaper! Also, would be good to get a second opinion. Best of luck with it and do keep us posted. x