Hi everyone,
Feeling a bit down and disappointed. Just found out 13th cycle of trying to conceive naturally has not worked. Currently a patient of a fertility clinic. When we went to see the fertility doctor three months back for initial appointment (ten-month mark, early, but they accepted us as patients), we did some blood work, sonohysterogram, and SA. Most results came back normal, except for a few minor things (vitamin D levels slightly low, AMH (low-normal)), but overall we have unexplained infertility at this point. Fertility doctor said to take some supplements (vitamin D, omega3, melatonin to improve sleep, coq enzyme to improve egg quality). He said because of our age (early thirties), and that he did not find anything outstanding, we should try naturally for a few more months, at which time we may need fertility treatments (IUI/IVF) if we are not successful. So this is what we have been doing, trying naturally and taking supplements, improved diet, increased exercise, etc.
The thing is, my gut is telling me there is something wrong. My period can be anywhere from 25 to 31 days, ovulation sticks/BBT say I'm ovulating. But I spot 5-6 days before I get my period, and pass small clots/tissue in the toilet during this time. I have really bad period cramps just before and for first couple of days of period with heavy flow and clots for first two/three days. I have brought this up to my fertility doctor, and he said after November ,we can do cycle monitoring to see if it's a hormonal issue. I am not sure why he did not check for hormones like progesterone earlier on (like on the initial appointment) and when I asked them about this, they said it isn't their typical protocol and they didn't think it was necessary at that time. I am guessing because we had only tried for ten months at that point it was reasonable not to go into such extensive investigations, but based on my symptoms, didn't that warrant further tests? (i.e. jump right into cycled monitoring/draw full hormone panel bloodwork)? If it's a hormonal issue (i.e. low progesterone), that can be easily fixed with some supplements, we could have been spared from the last three months of heartache and disappointment. Every month that passes, we get more anxious that this isn't going to happen.
But I also worry it may be something more than hormone dysfunction. I think some of the signs are pointing towards endometriosis. If this is the case, I want to start cycle monitoring right away (rule out it isn't hormonal issue), and then consider investigations to rule in/out endometriosis as soon as possible. Even though, I am not too sure that knowing it's endometriosis will change my course of treatment/outcome. But just knowing what is wrong, can give people with unexplained infertility some answers at least and some peace of mind.
I know compared to many other couples, we really haven't tried very long in the bigger scheme of things, and that I am being impatient and overly anxious. I am also self-diagnosing which can be a dangerous. Family is telling me to relax, and that I still have time. Our dream was to have a large family, but based on how things on going, we would be blessed to have one miracle baby. All I know is, we have one more month to try naturally, before returning to the clinic for cycle monitoring/IUI. If I find out I have a hormone issue or endometriosis, some part of me will feel frustrated that these weren't investigated earlier on (at the ten-month mark) when signs and symptoms showed something was off. I will feel frustrated we could have started treatment earlier too. But maybe, this is truly the way things are supposed to play out.
This is a long post.Thanks for reading.