unexplained infertility

My DH and I have unexplained infertility, we have both been tested and everything is normal. We have only been trying for 10 months which is not that long but it feels like forever. We are considering seeing a fertility specialist. Can any body give me any advise or let me know what the procedure is? How they helped and how much it costs? Is there any body int he same boat as us? I would just like to know what to expect before I make an appointment.

Hi mummymegs, we've gone through the fertility specialist too, the procedure for us was I went to the doctor and she did a referal for me (though you can just refer yourself I've since found out) and quite quickly I had an appointment (a few weeks I think). The first appointment was $225 and then any others after that are $125 (I've been 3x so far). I've got endo (though not a lot so still classified as unexplained) and already knew that so he organised a laparoscopy for me from that.   Another thing you might want to try is a naturopath or acupuncture. They're meant to be good for things like unexplained, endo, PCOS etc - I'm just starting out myself but have heard good things so far from people (friends of friends) who have had results within 1-3 months so I'm really hoping the combo of the laparoscopy, the naturopath herbs and the acupuncture will do the trick. If nothing else the naturopath is getting me to eat better which is a good thing!

We've only been trying a couple of months more than you and 10 months definitely feels like forever, it's kind of limbo land as it feels like everyone else got pregnant way quicker but no one else takes you seriously as unless you're going through it no one else can understand how long it feels and how you start to worry about how long it will really take (or if it will happen).

Megs I hope you can get some answers soon. Do you have health insurance and will this cover any investigations to help with the cost?

I got my lap on health insurance as through work it covered existing conditions and I already knew I had endo (had a lap about 11 years ago) so because it was also for pain (didn't mention fertility) it was free and done within the week!!! The public list is 4-6 months and then it's free. Therefore if you have to pay for your first appointment it's worth it to get a head start on the public waiting list otherwise you wait your 12 months then wait for an appointment and THEN wait for your lap appointment (I'm in auck, could be quicker down your way).

I had a friend that had been trying to get pregnant for 9 months, did a liver detox (ie no alcohol cold turkey + all the other healthy eating) and hey presto got pregnant. Could have totally been a coincidence but that's what she thinks so if you choose to go public then I'd say do the no alcohol thing, as it's only going to be good for you.

My naturopath has said cut down on the alcohol and energy drinks so far but I think she's working me up to stop them completely but getting me on a nice healthy eating plan to start with. I'm guessing it's so I maintain it rather than do it for a week and then stop. I've been relatively good this year with drinking (in comparison to my old habits anyway) and trying to stick to only 2-3 at once rather than binging every weekend, though I've had a few binges too so I should probably cut that completely.

We had unexplained infertility too. We ended up going through Fertility Associates and having clomiphene. First cycle no luck, second cycle I got polyps so couldn't try, third cycle we conceived our daughter :)

Fertility associates were wonderful and for us, the "assisted" technologies were simple, painless and effective. I would really recommend them.

Thanks guys, you are all so kind and supportive.

Sorry megs I cant help with the insurance in NZ as I havent had it there for over 3 years now when I was living in Chch. But when I did have it I was through Soverign (sp?) and they were great.

insurance does not cover fertility/pregnancy. Sovereign have a womens specific conditions policy which covers ectopic and a few others and pays a set amount out if you suffer one of those. but the premiums are VERY expensive for this. Gynaecological issues should be covered by all the big insurers, Sovereign, Tower, Asteron, Fidelity, AXA, Southern Cross. You will not be covered for any pre-existing conditions though.

Star wrote: PS - hun you don't need to say "only" been trying for 10 months - that may not be long for some people but it is for others,

I totally agree!! TTC is such a tough, emotional and trying journey wether you've been trying a month or a year. Good luck hun. I hope you can get some answers soon