The next step... seek help?

[aunt_kelly]

DH and I have been TTC for 4 months now, with no luck. (We've completed 3 TTC cycles and we had one month prior to deciding to TTC that we thought and *hoped* that we were pregnant). We've changed our diets (not drastically, but cut back on certain things like caffeine and added some better stuff for us), and used OPKs to help predict ovulation to time intercourse, tried elevating my legs etc... no luck.

In my readings (online and elsewhere) about fertility, I read that a possible cause of infertility is a varicocele, an enlargement of a vein in the ball. This is something that DH has. He has had it since puberty, he had it checked out as a teenager (he was freaked out thinking it was cancer or something) and the doctor told him it was perfectly normal and wouldn't affect his ability to have children.

So, I guess my question is... should we keep trying and see if it happens and wait until the recommended 6-12 months of not being successful to seek help, or go now? And, should we start with DH, and not me?

I'll add that my cycles seem normal. I practice FAM, so I chart etc.. I seem to ovulate monthly, I have the normal buildup of cervical fluid and a temperature rise and the OPK comes back positive. My luteal phase does tend to change from month to month more than I think it's supposed to (In the past 6 months I've had 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 day luteal phases).

I'm hoping that someone will have had a similar experience and can give me some insight as to how they went about seeking help (did they check out the woman first or the man etc..).

Thanks

 

[felinity]

If you have one or two factors that might affect your fertility (and your variable luteal phases might be a factor), it's probably not a bad idea to seek help sooner, rather than later. Obviously, you're young, so you have time to spare. I wouldn't panic, if I were you, but I might go talk to my doctor.

Generally, the way it works is that you talk to your ob/gyn first about your attempts to conceive. S/he will provide advice or perhaps suggest blood tests or treatments. Your doctor might refer you and your husband to a specialist, but that's probably a good place to start.

 

[aunt_kelly]

thank you for your response!

I think we've decided that after the first of the year, we're going to call my doctor and make an appointment and also make an appointment with a urologist for him.

 

[Neenie1]

I don't know how it normally works if there are problems.

I have heard it said that it's usually suggested you try for a year and then seek treatment. There are times it just takes a while. dd took 11 months to conceive

 

[aunt_kelly]

Normally we would wait to seek help, but with something that is likely to cause a problem anyway, we are probably going to see our doctors soon to see if there is anything we can do to help.

I hate that it can take so long though, even for perfectly healthy couples... the waiting stinks! But, it's all in God's hands.

 

[Nobility]

*hugs* indeed it does. But just do things you won't be able to do so easily with baby Camping? Running away for the day on spur of the moment, sleeping in etc, never mind anything else

 

[aunt_kelly]

Well, come to find out.. it isn't so easy to just call up a urologist and ask for a sperm analysis. They took us for a run around. They said that they couldn't see my husband because they don't have "anything to go off of." We told them about the varicoceles and they referred him to my ob/gyn. Crazy! So we called my gynecologist and they couldn't find any record of me! Yikes!

Eventually though, we were able to straighten things out. I'm going into see my doctor next Friday for an office visit, I'm bringing DH and they're going to order some tests for us.

I'd appreciate some prayer, this is very emotionally trying for us, and I'm trying not to worry about what they'll find.

 

[Nobility]

Hey hun... try to keep in mind that many couples try for a year before they concieve, and these are perfectly normal, healthy ones I'm talking about. I hope and pray all goes well, but try and hold back the stressing until you know what's going on.

In saying this, it's not easy, and I personally know that so *hugs*

 

[b.hopeful]

My friend had issues with her luteal phases and I believe she was told to use a little progesterone cream...and then she conceived within a few cycles. GL!

 

[aunt_kelly]

My friend had issues with her luteal phases and I believe she was told to use a little progesterone cream...and then she conceived within a few cycles. GL!

hmm. my luteal phase does tend to change more than it should. It has varied from 10 days to 17 days.

I'm sure it's all stuff that the doctor will review.

 

[aunt_kelly]

Hey hun... try to keep in mind that many couples try for a year before they concieve, and these are perfectly normal, healthy ones I'm talking about. I hope and pray all goes well, but try and hold back the stressing until you know what's going on.

In saying this, it's not easy, and I personally know that so *hugs*

We understand that it takes a while. In the start we had decided we wouldn't seek help until we hit the 6 month mark. But, after doing some reading, we believe that he has something that may impede our chances of getting pregnant. To that we decided it's best to get things checked out early in case there is something wrong, and we can get it taken care of and get on our way to trying again.

And you're right.. .it's not easy. But my God is a great and mighty God and nothing is impossible with Him.

 

[Nobility]

Hey again I might not have been clear in my last message, but I don't judge you for seeking help sooner at all.. I sought advice after my second cycle (issues too) and so understand that and think you are wise to seek help early too... I was just meaning that many do take a while even when there so just try not to get too worried yet...

 

[xDenax]

I asked elsewhere but I guess I should have asked here. How did it go with the doctor visit?

 

[aunt_kelly]

I asked elsewhere but I guess I should have asked here. How did it go with the doctor visit?

The doctor's visit went very well, actually. I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that my doctor is a believer, and very active in a church that I used to attend. So I feel much more comfortable seeing her now than ever before! It was a consultation meeting for us. We told her what we've been doing, how we've been trying (in terms of timing etc..) and what we think our concerns are. She was very understanding and helpful. She ordered a sperm analysis for DH, so that will be in about 2 weeks (still need to call and schedule). I feel much better about things, knowing that we've gotten the process started. We're still hoping that the sperm analysis comes back normal and that we just haven't "hit gold" yet and we've still got some waiting. But it feels good, and we're at peace knowing that we're on our way to some answers.
Thank you to all who were thinking of me and prayed for us. God is so good, and He gave us overwhelming peace yesterday. Thank you!

 

[1Sam24:12]

Hey Kelly,

I am so glad that your consultation went well with your Doctor. It does help knowing that your Dr. is a believer! I am believing to hear a great report on your hubby's analysis and hoping with you that it's just a matter of ya'll, as you say, "hitting gold!" *chuckles*
Keeping ya in my prayers!

 

[Nobility]

Hey Love to know how you are getting on again