Fertility treatment?

Question

Hello all,
Any real answers or suggestions would be appreciated... The minute I got married I ditched birth control. At first we weren’t actively trying but we weren’t doing anything to prevent it. I was a little shocked come Oct that I wasn’t pregnant... I started taking ovulation tests and figured out my window we finally fell pregnant in January but it ended in a miscarriage... now, it’s August and with actively trying... nothing but heartache. My period cycle is pretty consistent... but some days during the beginning of my period I have a lot of cramping... they last couple months I have been getting period like cramps randomly throughout my cycle. First it was a few day before Af then now it’s been during ovulation... I saw 2 OBs and the first one said that I’m fine and wait a year... the other OB was super helpful and suggested doing a baseline ultrasound... everything looks normal but stated I had a small cyst on my ovary... this TTC journey hasn’t been easy and I’m hoping... any thoughts on what I should do next? I’m 26 and was on birth control for 10+ years could birth control cause these problems?

Answer

I would suggest having your husband do a semen analysis before you go through all those tests. That’s what my OB had us do. The tests for you can be a lot and way more expensive. Just a good way to quickly rule out male factor infertility.

Answer

I’ve had two MMC back to back but both were super early on between 6 to 8 weeks. I would only find out via ultrasound that my baby stopped growing and there was no heartbeat.  It was so heartbreaking to the point that my obgyn was willing to refer me to reproductive endocrinology which is basically fertility treatments. I did get most standard testing done such as blood test for diabetes, lupus, clotting disorders, chromosome genetic disorders and etc. I had an ultrasound as well and hsg to check if my tubes were blocked or if anything was wrong with my ovaries. My hubby also got tested as well. He did the semen analysis and chromosome genetic testing. All came back negative. Then the same month, I finished my testing, I became pregnant. I was happy but also scared of miscarrying again. I was immediately sent back to my regular obgyn and she started me on progesterone pills vaginally twice a day.  She wasn’t sure if this would help but wanted to try anyways. I’m now currently 30 weeks with an active kicking baby girl. In the end, I don’t know why those miscarriages happened and I’ll never know. Only thing I could think of is chromosome abnormalities. Bad sperm and egg! Lifestyle changes can help by such as exercising and eating healthier so you can produce good sperms and eggs. I also would suggest taking your prenatal vitamins daily even though you’re not pregnant to prepare your body. I use be upset after my miscarriages and stop taking them. Then before I became pregnant with this little one, I kept taking it anyways. Sorry about what you’re going through...I was in your shoe and it’s hard. It even took me close to a year to get pregnant for my first miscarriage then took me 6 months for second miscarriage and 3rd successful pregnancy which I’m currently 30 weeks, took me roughly 3 months. It almost made me wonder if my body just wasn’t prepared to have babies before and then all of a sudden, it’s taking me much faster to become pregnant. Hope this helps!

Answer

Thank you for this response! I plan on getting the ball rolling. My cousin had a successful pregnancy with IUI so that gives me hope. It just sucks having to wait knowing something could be off. My hubby hasn’t been tested yet and due to cramping during weird times during cycles I mentioned it to my OB and they offered to do more testing but I’m wondering if they do those types of work ups with fertility treatments? It’s just so frustrating knowing something isn’t right.   My OB did a basic thyroid test and other hormone testing and only mentioned that my estrogen was high. During the ultrasound they said I looked fine but had that cyst... a million things are running they my head but of course I’m trying to stay positive.  it’s crazy that they aren’t that helpful for couple that struggle!

Answer

I think it’s common for OBs to make you wait a year before doing a lot of diagnostic tests. Mine had me do a few rounds of clomid. When I didn’t get pregnant, they referred me to a fertility specialist. All of the diagnostic tests they did were covered by insurance, so that was nice. We found out I had a thyroid issue and a vitamin D deficiency. She said the clomid likely would never help me get pregnant. 
She recommended IUI or timed intercourse at that point. Since my husband’s sperm was fine, we went with timed intercourse. I got pregnant on my first cycle. It ended in a miscarriage, unfortunately. We just finished our 6th round of timed intercourse and we had 50% success. Two miscarriages and I’m pregnant now. It’s $700 per cycle, but a lot cheaper than IVF. 
 
My doc’s fertility treatment recommendations were fast-tracked, because I am much older than you. But I do wish I had started earlier. I have found most OBs are not very helpful when dealing with fertility issues. If I were in your shoes, I would probably push more with a fertility specialist and find a good one.

Fertility treatment?

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