Conceiving

[Jacs26]

Hello, I am after some help and advice; I will be 37 in Dec and have finally met the man of my dreams. We are going on a dream holiday in May 13 and then plan to try for a child.
I am currently using the contraception implant and will not have it replace when it expires in June 13.
Should we start trying straight away or wait until my periods return? When should I start taking all the suplements and giving up caffeine and alcohol; does abstention made it more likely for for us to get PG?
I am in good health but am worried my age is against me and don't really have anyone to talk too about it?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[GiantUnderCrackers]

I was in your situation a few years ago having been on depo for many years. It took nearly 2 years for my body to go back to normal, I was diagnosed with PCOS during this time too, so that didn't help ttc. It had obviously been masked whilst I was on bc. Anyhow, It took 3 years to conceive dd, but we got there. Naturally. Just as we were about to start assisted conception too. I was 36 when she was born. So my advice would be get some advice from your GP, start taking folic acid, have a healthy diet, and just see what happens. OPK's a good too as you get to know your body & natural cycle again, but be warned they may not work properly with things like PCOS etc. But be prepared that it could take a while. Hopefully you will fall pregnant straight away though :) Good luck!

[littlestgirlguide]

Hopefully you will have a good experience coming off the implant - this has not happened for me (not yet certain if there are other factors involved) but I was promised an immediate return to fertility after the implant was removed and this has not happened.
If you are concerned, you could think about having the implant removed soon, then using alternative contraception (ie condoms! Nothing with hormones in!) in the meantime? That way, you are giving your body a few months to get back to normal before TTC?

[eurochick]

At nearly 37, I wouldn't be waiting almost another year to start if you have both decided that you want a family, tbh. We started when I was just coming up to 35. I'm still not pg and am coming up to 37.

[JethroTull]

I'd second what Euro said. You might well get pregnant straight away but age is a massive factor in decreasing fertility. But then again I'm a bitter old crone! Good luck whatever you decide

[WinklyFriedChicken]

I agree with euro and jethro - I bitterly regret not starting TTCing straight away when I got married. Fertility plummets in your 30s.

Beyond that, Getting Pregnant Faster by Marilyn Glenville is full of usefull information on preparing your body to conceive.

[crazyhead]

I'd get on with it as soon as possible. If you slightly inconveniently get pregnant straight away, you'll find a way to have your holiday one way or the other and you'll very soon feel grateful for your pregnancy. If it takes a while, you'll feel even more grateful you didn't delay.

[winkle2]

If I was you I wouldn't wait. I got married last April and decided to start TTC that August after a holiday we had already planned and booked. And I'm still not pregnant.

[rabbitonthemoon]

I'd say chuck out the contraception today! Started ttc 33 now approaching 36 and nothing to show for it. I dilly dallied wanting everything to be just right and now bitterly regret not getting onto it sooner. Sorry if that is a bit blunt but I thought it would be easy and had no idea that it might not happen as I thought. Holidays will be there for you forever and if you do get pregnant quickly, the excitement of it all will override things I think.

[Cityofgold]

If it is not practical to start trying now, I would at least get the implant removed now and start taking folic acid/making dietary changes to give yourself the best chance when you can start TTC. Good luck.

[Southsearocks]

Dont wait! Crack on!

[McBobby]

I agree. Just go for it asap. If the holiday is one that you absolutely must do and may not be able to if pregnant then start asap on your return but have the implant removed now and use other protection. Also start taking folic acid, etc from now.

I conceived at 35 after 18 years on the pill. Took me three months. Now TTC again at 39. Good luck!