Can someone tell me broadly what will happen next?

[MeadowHay]

I'm 22, went on BC when I was 17 because of horrendously heavy, irregular periods which had become as frequent as twice a month (one week bleeding, next week not, that kind of frequency). I was last on depo-provera for about a year, I had my last injection in September 2015. Not long after me and DH decided we wanted to ttc. However as soon as the depo was supposed to wear off my horrendous twice monthly periods returned. Currently not in UK, visited gynae and she said that would want to wait until September 2016 before doing full bloods and fertility investigations in case the depo hasn't completely worn off yet, but she did refer me for a transvaginal ultrasound. Had ultrasound, everything is fine apart from small ovarian cyst which could be blocking a tube but dr said wasn't sure. Has suggested I return in 2 months for another scan at the start of my cycle to have it checked again - I assume this is to see if it has gone itself or not, and also maybe to see if the cyst is bleeding itself and therefore actually an endometrioma? I know even if that tube IS blocked the other one is fine so I wouldn't be infertile just for that reason, and surely having a cyst doesn't explain why I bleed soo heavily and so often? Ugh I am just so anxious and upset about it all and I know this is all only the start!

[Oooblimey]

Hi, sorry that you've had to go through all the anxiety. The positive news is that it is absolutely normal for them not to do much in the way of further checks until September as this will be one year after starting ttc. NHS guidelines is that after ttc for one year get checked out. In terms of the cysts it's good news that they've been identified already. At 22 you have years ahead of you to get to the bottom of the issues. I totally get the frustration, the worst thing is people saying "it'll happen when it's meant to happen" or the worse "stop trying and it'll happen"! Me and DH have been ttc for 6 years, I've learnt don't let it take over your life and relationship, concentrate on each other and the tests and stuff will all come but unfortunately it's a slow process. Hopefully it will happen soon for you x

[Oooblimey]

In terms of what happens next, after the usual hormone tests, I had a procedure where they put dye through your tubes (can't remember what it was called but I was put to sleep) they found some endometriosis and just laser it off while I was asleep! I have a couple of other friends who had the dye thing while they were ttc so assume that's the next test x

[MeadowHay]

Thanks blimey. I know that normally you are supposed to ttc for an entire year before visiting your GP but given I am having awful problems with my periods it didn't seem to make sense to wait a year when I know there is something not working properly considering my cycles are around 14-18 days . All the bleeding alone is stressful and awful as it is, without worrying about fertility too! On the plus side I am very glad that we have made this decision to start trying early-ish because at least as I'm young I don't have the timing pressures that other women perhaps have, which I suppose is some comfort whilst I am waiting to get my fertility troubles diagnosed and things, at least I have lots of time.

Did you have pain or anything after having the endo lasered off? I'm such a wimp I'm worried about all the tests I might need.

So sorry to hear that you have been trying for so long, I hope you get your family addition soon

[Oooblimey]

It was about 4 years ago when I had that, I don't remember being in any pain just a bit crampy for a couple of days but nothing as bad as the period pains I get monthly! Just had a couple of days off work laying on the sofa. I'm now 8weeks pregnant after having fertility treatment so keeping my fingers crossed this is the one for me! I totally appreciate how hard it is to try and relax. One of the issues I was having was that I was having regular periods but I would randomly bleed for two days mid cycle. Not as heavy as a normal period but definitely more than spotting! Never did get to the bottom of why that was happening. It just seemed to gradually stop over time but then it will just happen again every several months. I also had a Fallopian tube removed after a ruptured ectopic. After years of thinking it was my fault we couldn't have a baby (I've had 4 miscarriages) last year after tests we discovered that the big problem is that my DH has got a chromosome translocation which means there is a high chance that when we conceive the embryo has chromosome problems, hence I miscarry. Like I said, just make sure that you don't let TTC define your relationship, it can be a tough long road but hopefully worth it in the end x