TTC - what test comes first

[jaype]

Hi all - looking for advice from those who have bitten the bullet and gone to the doctor about TTC. I haven't been trying for that long (this is Cycle 5) but managed it very quickly with dc's 1 and 2. Back then my cycle was about 35 to 37 days as it has been since I was a teenager, now it is down to 28 days (last month it was only 26!). So I know something isn't right... I haven't put on any weight compared to then, work from home (so less stress as I don't face a daily nursery run and London commute every day) - can't think what it might be. Am having a smear as starters next week, but what blood tests can you ask for? Am convinced my hormones are up the creek as my cycles are so abnormal for me... Any advice much appreciated.

[wineplease]

I think you need to be ttc for at least one year before they would consider testing. I have recently gone to my GP for the same reason and she is starting with blood tests to ensure that I am ov.

HTH

[Egg]

I did not get that far down the investigation path as fortunately I did conceive after 18 months but the first test I had done was to see if I was indeed ovulating. I also had a scan done of ovaries but not sure this is standard. You will soon have a flood of replies .

[belgo]

by all means see your GP if it will help reassure you.

My cycle used to be 30-35 days, but after having children it's more like 26-30 days.

I concieved my first two children no problem. With the third, it's taken longer: two early miscarriages taken 5-6 months to concieve.

I am now pregnant for a fifth time and have passed the 12 week stage and all is fine.

What I'm trying to say is that sometimes it can just take longer to concieve, it doesn't necessarily mean that there is a problem. Your cycle can change as your get older, and 26-28 days isn't usually a problem.

Good luck.

[jaype]

Thanks - I've just hit the big 35 this month, and have read that it's best to start making enquiries after ttc for six months. But then I remembered the nurse telling me I was due for a smear when I went in to announce I was pg with dd (now 2). Oops. Not good...

[beaniesteve]

I was offered all the blood tests this year despite only trying for 6 cycles (it was only 4 then)

I ws offered them because she was taking blood anyway for something else. I think I was lucky.