At what point do you call it TTTC?

[oneslybookworm]

So, at what point are you prepared to say "yes, I'm having trouble trying to conceive."? Is it after having tests done with a specialist?

I've considered making the jump over to the TTTC board, but I don't have any official DX or anything. We haven't gone in for testing because DH is a bit hesitant on it at the moment (though we did agree to go in after the new year if nothing happens). I'm 17 cycles in and nearly ready to start my 18th cycle. We've had good timing for most (not all because life happens) and I'm wondering if this is the point where I call it.

Thoughts?

[ginkgoleaf]

My opinion is anything past 12 cycles, or if there's a known issue. Sorry, maybe not what you wanted to hear.

[ouokie]

IMO, I think if you are over a year of actively trying (ie: charting, using OPKs, and good timing) then I would consider that TTTC.

[megkat]

For me personally, it was at the one year mark. That being said, I'd been charting since the beginning, so I knew it wasn't a timing problem. I was also super anxious to get started with testing- if there was a problem, I wanted to know right away. So I called my gyn at exactly the one year mark- which I'm glad I did, because without testing, we may never have discovered the problem.

That being said, I think it's such a personal thing that it's going to be a little different for everyone. If you're not ready to say yet that you're having TTTC, then you shouldn't feel any pressure to do so. Everyone has to take things at a pace they can handle, and if you're not ready to start down the path of testing and treatments and all of the emotions that go along with that, then don't. Hugs to you- it's such a difficult thing to have to deal with and I hope you and your DH are able to make a decision that you're both comfortable with

[achi]

It's a year of active trying for me. But I think it depends on your personal tolerance levels. The unknown causes anxiety for me so I know that I would not have been able to hold out as long as you have.

We're in cycle 5 and both of our doctors are fairly pro early non-invasive testing (also probably because it's the Canadian health care system and it doesn't cost us anything until we get to the actual treatment stage, and even then I *think* IUI is mostly covered and the current provincial government promised to cover 1 round of IVF for couples during the latest election) so H has now had a SA, we've both had blood work and because one of my liver levels came back on the high side she's sending me for an abdominal ultrasound, but also b/c we're TTC she's ordered a pelvic ultrasound while they're in the area.

[EllieT]

A year of trying or if there are known problems

We haven't tried for a year yet but I have PCOS and do not ovulate on my own. I consider us having TTTC.

That said while I have introduced myself on TTTC and occasionally post there I mostly lurk since I still don't feel like I quite belong there. That's all on me though, in my head, as the girls there are very nice and welcoming. I just feel like 'only Clomid' is not enough since most of them are doing IVF and I'm waiting on my RE appointment on Thursday to really fit in. Again that's all in my head.

[awick14]

For most people I would say I year of trying. (Unless over 35, then 6 months.)

I also think that after 2-3 losses it's more on the TTTC end of things. I jumped in over there after my second loss and was welcomed with open arms, even though I have no troubles getting pregnant, mines all staying pregnant.

[pantaloons55]

Aug 28, 2014 22:00:57 GMT -5 achi said:

It's a year of active trying for me. But I think it depends on your personal tolerance levels. The unknown causes anxiety for me so I know that I would not have been able to hold out as long as you have.

We're in cycle 5 and both of our doctors are fairly pro early non-invasive testing (also probably because it's the Canadian health care system and it doesn't cost us anything until we get to the actual treatment stage, and even then I *think* IUI is mostly covered and the current provincial government promised to cover 1 round of IVF for couples during the latest election) so H has now had a SA, we've both had blood work and because one of my liver levels came back on the high side she's sending me for an abdominal ultrasound, but also b/c we're TTC she's ordered a pelvic ultrasound while they're in the area.

IUI is partially covered by OHIP (testing), but the drugs are not. I only know this b/c I'm watching a friend go thru it. 

She's looking at IVF now and the coverage for 'one-round-one-egg' IVF begins Jan 2015 so they may wait for that. Sorry for the side note tot he actual conversation. Just an FYI to anyone who may want that info.

[King26]

I agree, after a year of actively trying I think it's TTTC.

[daisy]

I think I would wait until seeing a doctor but that might be more denial for me. I'm so sorry, hugs.

[HoneySpider]

I would call it TTTC whenever you are ready to do so.

That being said, in your position I would definitely start to at least do some basic testing and see what's going on. Sorry you're struggling

[achi]

Aug 29, 2014 5:01:16 GMT -5 pantaloons55 said:

Aug 28, 2014 22:00:57 GMT -5 achi said:

It's a year of active trying for me. But I think it depends on your personal tolerance levels. The unknown causes anxiety for me so I know that I would not have been able to hold out as long as you have.

We're in cycle 5 and both of our doctors are fairly pro early non-invasive testing (also probably because it's the Canadian health care system and it doesn't cost us anything until we get to the actual treatment stage, and even then I *think* IUI is mostly covered and the current provincial government promised to cover 1 round of IVF for couples during the latest election) so H has now had a SA, we've both had blood work and because one of my liver levels came back on the high side she's sending me for an abdominal ultrasound, but also b/c we're TTC she's ordered a pelvic ultrasound while they're in the area.

IUI is partially covered by OHIP (testing), but the drugs are not. I only know this b/c I'm watching a friend go thru it. 

She's looking at IVF now and the coverage for 'one-round-one-egg' IVF begins Jan 2015 so they may wait for that. Sorry for the side note tot he actual conversation. Just an FYI to anyone who may want that info.

Thats good to know. My doctor won't refer us to an RE until a year of TTC so, mid-March. So OHIP doesn't cover the drugs or the actual procedure for IUI? I will have to look into our health benefits at work and see if the drugs are covered. 

[pooh8402]

anything past 12 cycles if you're under 35, or 6 cycles if you're over 35 (WHO definition), OR earlier with an infertility-related diagnosis (PCOS, MFI, endo, etc). DH and I were declared IF/TTTC by my OB at 7 months, with his MFI and my irregular cycles, which were officially diagnosed PCOS at 12 months by my RE (who I saw at the 12 month mark exactly, made the appointment at the 10 month mark).

[pantaloons55]

Aug 29, 2014 10:18:58 GMT -5 achi said:

Aug 29, 2014 5:01:16 GMT -5 pantaloons55 said:

IUI is partially covered by OHIP (testing), but the drugs are not. I only know this b/c I'm watching a friend go thru it. 

She's looking at IVF now and the coverage for 'one-round-one-egg' IVF begins Jan 2015 so they may wait for that. Sorry for the side note tot he actual conversation. Just an FYI to anyone who may want that info.

Thats good to know. My doctor won't refer us to an RE until a year of TTC so, mid-March. So OHIP doesn't cover the drugs or the actual procedure for IUI? I will have to look into our health benefits at work and see if the drugs are covered. 

Sorry, I think OHIP does bloodwork, procedure itself and ultrasounds. I don't think it covers sperm washing or drugs. But its still considerably more affordable than IVF, particularly if you have a good drug plan.

I know that the clinic here has options -- I only know of the one my friend goes to, but I don't think you're near me. One cost for 1 round and one cost to pre-pay for 3 rounds (which works out to being a little less than if you did the 3 rounds individually) I think the uncovered costs associated with IUI vary, so if you can (and if its available), check out more than one clinic!

[grover]

I am in a similar boat- 17 cycles in, and H doesn't feel ready to admit to having issues TTC yet. We're going to schedule an appt for over my winter break if theres no positive between now and then.

My PCP wouldn't schedule any testing til after 12 complete cycles, but H wasn't ready and I didn't want to go through testing without him there.

[krystee]

I agree with 12 cycles if you're under 35, or a known diagnosis earlier. I think I started posting on TTTC a little earlier because of my PCOS diagnosis and Clomid prescription. I love that board. It is so supportive.

Also, I know testing makes it more real, but the feeling of making progress or closing in on the issue by narrowing the possibilities down was so beneficial for me. It wasn't fun, but it helped me feel a little more in control. Once I finally switched to a real RE at 20 months in, they closed in on the problems immediately. I am so glad I went and wish I'd started with him earlier.

Good luck to everyone going through this, and hugs.