It's a long and complicated story, but here's the short version: my husband and I were trying to get pregnant for about a year with no success. We saw a fertility specialist who did a bunch of tests on both of us and couldn't find anything wrong. We did multiple rounds of IVF and finally got pregnant on the last try. We still don't really know why it took so long or why we couldn't get pregnant on our own.
How long did you try to conceive before seeking medical help?
How long did you try to conceive before seeking medical help?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it varies for each individual Couple. In general, however, most Couples will try to conceive for at least one year before seeking medical help. This is because, in many cases, it can take up to one year for a couple to conceive naturally.
There are a number of factors that can affect a couple's ability to conceive, such as age, health, weight, and stress levels. If a couple is over the age of 35, for example, they may want to seek medical help sooner, as the probability of conceiving decreases with age. Similarly, if either partner has a medical condition that could affect fertility, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome, they may want to seek help sooner rather than later.
If you're concerned about your ability to conceive, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. They will be able to run tests to determine if there is any underlying medical reason why you may be having difficulty conceiving, and they can also provide advice on how to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
At what point did you seek medical help?
It was difficult to tell when exactly I started feeling "off." I had been dealing with fatigue and some GI issues for a while, but I attributed them to stress and a busy lifestyle. I was also trying to conceive a baby, so I was taking a lot of vitamins and supplements that could have been the root of my issues. It wasn't until I started feeling pain in my lower abdomen that I knew something was really wrong. The pain was sharp and came and went, but it was always there, lurking in the background. I tried to tough it out for a while, thinking it would go away on its own, but it only got worse.
I finally went to my primary care doctor and she ran some tests. She was fairly certain that I had appendicitis and sent me to the ER for further testing. They confirmed that I did, in fact, have appendicitis and I was quickly admitted to the hospital for surgery. I was thankful that I had finally sought medical help when I did because if my appendix had ruptured, it could have been deadly.
For me, the takeaway is that it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you think something might be wrong, even if you can't pinpoint what it is, it's always best to see a doctor. They can run tests and rule things out until they get to the root of the problem. In the end, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
What fertility tests and/or treatments did you undergo?
Before beginning any fertility treatments, it is important to consult with a fertility specialist to undergo testing in order to determine the root cause of the problem. There are a variety of fertility tests that can be performed, and the specific tests will be determined based on the couple’s individual medical history and symptoms. The most common tests performed are discussed below.
Ovulation Testing:
Ovulation testing is typically the first test recommended for women with fertility issues. This test can be performed at home using an ovulation predictor kit, which measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. LH is responsible for triggering ovulation, and a rise in LH indicates that ovulation will occur within 24-36 hours.
Ovulation testing is most useful for women with irregular periods, as it can help to pinpoint when ovulation is occurring. For women with regular periods, ovulation typically occurs 14 days before the first day of the next period.
FSH Test:
The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) test is a blood test that measures the level of FSH in the blood. FSH is responsible for stimulating the growth of egg-containing follicles in the ovaries.
A high level of FSH indicates that the ovaries are not responding properly to the hormone, which can lead to difficulty conceiving.
AMH Test:
The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test is a blood test that measures the level of AMH in the blood. AMH is produced by the egg-containing follicles in the ovaries, and a high level of AMH indicates that the ovaries are producing fewer eggs than normal.
This test is most useful for women over the age of 35, as age is the most significant factor affecting egg production.
Ultrasound:
An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. An ultrasound of the pelvis can be used to assess the ovaries and uterus for the presence of ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or endometrial polyps.
In addition, an ultrasound can be used to measure the thickness of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. A thickened endometrium is necessary for implantation of a fertilized egg.
Hysterosalping
How did you feel when you were diagnosed with unexplained infertility?
When I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. On one hand, it was a relief to finally have a diagnosis after years of feeling like something was wrong but not knowing what it was. On the other hand, I was anxious about what the future would hold.
For years, my husband and I had been trying to conceive but with no success. We had seen several doctors and fertility specialists, but they could never find a cause for our infertility. It was frustrating and disheartening, especially since all we wanted was to start a family.
Then, finally, after more tests and procedures than I could count, we got our diagnosis: unexplained infertility.
While it was a relief to finally have a diagnosis, it was also scary. We had no idea what was causing our infertility and no sure way to treat it. We were told that our chances of conceiving were lower than average, but we decided to continue trying.
Unfortunately, our journey to parenthood was not an easy one. We went through multiple rounds of fertility treatments, each with its own share of ups and downs. There were moments of hope and moments of despair.
But through it all, we never lost hope. And finally, after years of heartache and disappointment, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl.
While our journey was not an easy one, it was worth it. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat for our little girl.
What did you do to cope with your diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Here is what I did to cope with my diagnosis.
First, I educated myself about my illness. I read everything I could get my hands on about cancer, its causes and its treatments. I talked to my doctor and other health care professionals about my options and what to expect. This gave me a sense of control and helped me to make informed decisions about my treatment.
Second, I surrounded myself with a support network of family and friends. I allowed myself to lean on them for help and emotional support when I needed it. I also joined a support group for people with cancer, which was invaluable.
Third, I took care of myself physically. I ate a healthy diet, exercised regularly and got plenty of rest. I tried to reduce stress in my life as much as possible. I also made sure to keep up with my cancer treatments and to follow my doctor’s orders.
Fourth, I focused on the positive. I tried to find things to be grateful for, even in the midst of my illness. I also tried to stay positive and hopeful, knowing that this would help me to heal.
Fifth, I found ways to cope with the negative aspects of my illness. I allowed myself to grieve and to express my feelings. I also found healthy ways to cope with stress, such as yoga and meditation.
Finally, I made a commitment to myself to live my life to the fullest, despite my cancer diagnosis. I set goals and made plans for the future. I tried to savor each moment, even the difficult ones.
These are just a few of the things that I did to cope with my cancer diagnosis. These coping strategies worked for me, but everyone is different. Find what works for you and do whatever you need to do to get through this tough time.
What was the most difficult part of your fertility journey?
The most difficult part of my fertility journey was the emotional roller coaster. I was up and down all the time, never knowing what was going to happen next. Sometimes I would feel hope, other times I would feel despair. The hardest part was not knowing if I would ever have a baby.
It was also difficult to keep going when things got tough. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I didn't. I am so glad that I didn't because now I have my beautiful baby. I would not have been able to do it without the support of my husband and my family.
What was the biggest surprise during your fertility journey?
When my husband and I started trying to conceive, we were both healthy and in our early 30s. We expected that it would take a few months, but after a year without success, we started to worry. We went to a fertility specialist and found out that I had a very low egg count and that my husband's sperm were not very motile. We were both shocked and disappointed.
We knew that our chances of conceiving naturally were very low, but we decided to try IVF. The process was emotionally and mentally draining, but we were hopeful. Unfortunately, our first IVF cycle was unsuccessful. We were devastated.
We decided to give it one more try. This time, we were successful. Our son was born nine months after our final IVF cycle.
While our fertility journey was filled with ups and downs, the biggest surprise was how much it took out of us emotionally. We had no idea how emotionally taxing the process would be. It was a rollercoaster ride, but in the end, it was worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unexplained infertility?
Unexplained infertility is when a woman’s doctor cannot identify any cause for her infertility. It might be caused by a problem with the woman’s own bodysome, such as a blocked Fallopian tube, or by something inside her partner, such as low sperm quality. Untreated unexplained infertility can lead to problems like depression and anxiety. Many women are successful in getting pregnant after undergoing treatment for unexplained infertility.
Is it worth trying IUI for unexplained infertility?
There is a very small amount of evidence that IUI alone or with fertility drugs may slightly increase your odds of pregnancy. However, due to the high cost and invasiveness of IVF, IUI with fertility drugs is worth trying if you have unexplained infertility.
What are the chances of getting pregnant with unexplained infertility?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the chances of getting pregnant with unexplained infertility will vary depending on a variety of factors, including your age, health status, and lifestyle habits. However, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the overall fertility rate for couples seeking treatment for infertility is around 2%-4%. This means that, on average, approximately two out of every hundred couples who undergo infertility treatments will eventually conceive.
What are the treatment options for unexplained infertility?
There are a number of treatments available for unexplained infertility. These include ovarian stimulation with ovulation-inducing medication (clomiphene citrate or letrozole) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
What are the possible causes of infertility?
There are many possible causes of infertility, but some of the most common ones include problems with an individual's reproductive organs (such as ovaries or tubes), difficulty getting pregnant (or carrying a pregnancy to term), and genetic issues. Other causes could include environmental exposures, diseases such as cancer, or problems with a woman's overall health. It's often difficult to pinpoint the precise cause of infertility, but by conducting various tests and examinations and speaking with other fertility specialists, clinicians can get a better idea of what might be causing problems and then develop targeted treatment plans accordingly.
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