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Suggest Treatment For Difficulty In Conceiving
Question: I really hope you can help me. Let me start from the beginning I am 39 years of age, never used any kind of contraception and have never been pregnant. I was never sexually active until I was 26 years of age and then it would only be maybe 3 times a year. We have been more sexually active the past 6 months about twice a week. I have only ever had one partner and that is my current husband.
I got married in July 2012 and we decided we wanted to try for a baby. We have never been consistent with intercourse.
I really want to conceive naturally, do you really see this can happen for us? I am overweight. My husband has 20 cigarettes a day and drinks within the alcoholic guidelines (lager or bitter).
I have seen a Gynaecologist who sees no problems in me conceiving and says I have a good egg reserve for my age. My Day 3 FSH was 4.2. I am going to bed every night crying thinking I will never conceive naturally.
I usually have a regular bleeding pattern 24-28 day cycles. Never have pain or any kind of problem
I can’t afford anything privately it will have to be on NHS my own GP won’t refer me as he thinks I am panicking over nothing.
I have a Clearblue Fertility Monitor, do you see this will help?
1. Is my FSH on day 3 of 4.2 normal?
2. Do you agree the fertility monitor is a good diagnosis for ovulating?
3. Do you see I can conceive naturally?
4. Can I have an infertility check for myself and if so how do I go about this?
5. Any suggestions please to help me achieve what I really want.
6. Am I stressing out too much?
If Clearblue fertility monitor shows 3 bars do I:
1. Ovulate
2. Release an egg
3. Should I conceive naturally
Another thing that confuses me is Fertility Monitor shows Ovulation, but Ovulation strips do not. I think I am getting myself into a Frenzy and should just use the Fertility Monitor and forget ovulation test strips. What are your thoughts please?
I got married in July 2012 and we decided we wanted to try for a baby. We have never been consistent with intercourse.
I really want to conceive naturally, do you really see this can happen for us? I am overweight. My husband has 20 cigarettes a day and drinks within the alcoholic guidelines (lager or bitter).
I have seen a Gynaecologist who sees no problems in me conceiving and says I have a good egg reserve for my age. My Day 3 FSH was 4.2. I am going to bed every night crying thinking I will never conceive naturally.
I usually have a regular bleeding pattern 24-28 day cycles. Never have pain or any kind of problem
I can’t afford anything privately it will have to be on NHS my own GP won’t refer me as he thinks I am panicking over nothing.
I have a Clearblue Fertility Monitor, do you see this will help?
1. Is my FSH on day 3 of 4.2 normal?
2. Do you agree the fertility monitor is a good diagnosis for ovulating?
3. Do you see I can conceive naturally?
4. Can I have an infertility check for myself and if so how do I go about this?
5. Any suggestions please to help me achieve what I really want.
6. Am I stressing out too much?
If Clearblue fertility monitor shows 3 bars do I:
1. Ovulate
2. Release an egg
3. Should I conceive naturally
Another thing that confuses me is Fertility Monitor shows Ovulation, but Ovulation strips do not. I think I am getting myself into a Frenzy and should just use the Fertility Monitor and forget ovulation test strips. What are your thoughts please?
Brief Answer:
Explained stepwise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Wish you all the cheer of the festive season and a Happy new year.
Let me address your queries one by one -
1. Yes, your FSH levels on day 2 are normal. That said, it is not the best indicator of a good ovarian reserve. THe best test is measurement of AMH ,please get that done.
2. Fertility monitor is a good tool for tracking ovulation - I would not say it is the best in your case. This is because you are 39, and time is not exactly on your side, also you have been trying since 2012. Also the discrepancy between the monitor and the strips are causing you undue anxiety. You have regular cycles, so ovulation should in all probability not be an issue, but yes, folllicular monitoring is a better idea for you.
3. The chances of natural conception definitely exist for you, but you are running short of time. Had you been 29, I would have said go ahead and take your time.
But at 39, please seek help.
4. Yes, you should have a Fertiliity assessment. You tell your GP you need one, or book an appointment with a Specialist yourself.
THe workup should include -
- Follicular monitoring with timed intercourse for 3 cycles at least, with ovulation inducing agents included if the ovulation is faulty.
- Husband semen analysis
- AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin
- Internal exam, pelvic ultrasound scan, blood group, sugar testing.
- HSG to check fallopian tube patency if 3 cycles show ovulation yet you do not conceive.
Alternatively, you can straightaway proceed with IUI / IVF.
5. Lose weight. Make your husband give up smoking / drinking. Avoid stress, Practise yoga / meditation. Remain positive an do not have inhibitions about seeking aid in conception. Take prenatal vitamins.
6.Yes you are stressing out, but so would anybody who is 39.
Regarding the last part about Monitors and Strips, avoid them.
Best is follicular monitoring for you.
Take care.
Explained stepwise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Wish you all the cheer of the festive season and a Happy new year.
Let me address your queries one by one -
1. Yes, your FSH levels on day 2 are normal. That said, it is not the best indicator of a good ovarian reserve. THe best test is measurement of AMH ,please get that done.
2. Fertility monitor is a good tool for tracking ovulation - I would not say it is the best in your case. This is because you are 39, and time is not exactly on your side, also you have been trying since 2012. Also the discrepancy between the monitor and the strips are causing you undue anxiety. You have regular cycles, so ovulation should in all probability not be an issue, but yes, folllicular monitoring is a better idea for you.
3. The chances of natural conception definitely exist for you, but you are running short of time. Had you been 29, I would have said go ahead and take your time.
But at 39, please seek help.
4. Yes, you should have a Fertiliity assessment. You tell your GP you need one, or book an appointment with a Specialist yourself.
THe workup should include -
- Follicular monitoring with timed intercourse for 3 cycles at least, with ovulation inducing agents included if the ovulation is faulty.
- Husband semen analysis
- AMH, FSH, LH, TSH, Prolactin
- Internal exam, pelvic ultrasound scan, blood group, sugar testing.
- HSG to check fallopian tube patency if 3 cycles show ovulation yet you do not conceive.
Alternatively, you can straightaway proceed with IUI / IVF.
5. Lose weight. Make your husband give up smoking / drinking. Avoid stress, Practise yoga / meditation. Remain positive an do not have inhibitions about seeking aid in conception. Take prenatal vitamins.
6.Yes you are stressing out, but so would anybody who is 39.
Regarding the last part about Monitors and Strips, avoid them.
Best is follicular monitoring for you.
Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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