Ttc at 40 something!

So after many rounds of ivf to get our first 2 dc we decided to try naturally for a third given the current climate and the fact that we have very limited funds to attempt any more ivf. I'm soon to be 41. DH is 40 but his latest sperm analysis showed amazing results. He had 70% fast progressive sperm and his count was hugely above what they look for. It was only his morphology that was slightly below so I thought it was worth a shot. Previously his results had not been too great and that was the only problem we ever identified.

This cycle I had some left over letrozole from previous treatment. It's similar to clomid so thought let's throw that at it as well. Used ClearBlue digi opks and I know we timed everything right. I've had every symptom under the sun. Quite strong cramping all through 7 and 8dpo. Nose like a bloodhound. Nausea. Tingling boobs. Really hungry. Hot and tired. Took a test at 9 dpo and saw what I though may be a really really faint squinter. The type you have to move around in the right light to see. Tested again at 10 dpo and thought probably less so. I normally have a short luteal phase of 10 days max. Today is 12dpo. I'm questioning whether something started to implant and I had a chemical or it's all in my head. I haven't tested again yesterday or today as I'm pretty sure it's probably all in my head and I'm fed up of thinking about it now. Also feel like af is imminent. The other possibility is that letrozole causes symptoms and delays af. Good luck everyone.

I’m about to start AF , went through two and a half boxes of frers this week. 😳

Hey all , I wanted to join this thread as been on a ttc thread for a year and had 3 mc in that time while I watch everyone else get pg and have healthy pg and it’s so hard ! My bf is pg now too. I have 1 dd but longing for no2. Finding ttc stressful and worried about more mc with age x

I am at the start of the TWW. Should be 3 DPO now. I slightly worry that I missed part of my fertile window because we started DTD after a positive OPK. All a bit early this month, took us by surprise. But fingers crossed for everyone!

@Anxiousbuthopeful you're welcome! Bare in mind that DHEA isn't helpful for all fertility issues, but the evidence shows that it helps ladies with low AMH, (decreased ovarian reserve) and egg quality problems so that's particularly relevant to us over 40s.

@CritterTamer thank you! Will ask for it when I next speak to my doctor. How is everyone doing?

@Anxiousbuthopeful I had a very successful round of ivf a year and a half ago using testosterone gel which is a very concentrated form of DHEA. I asked my clinic about using it to ttc naturally since CV19 has put a stop to our planned FET this month, and while the testosterone gel is only licensed for use in IVF cycles due to its strength, they recommended trying DHEA. There are three issues with it - firstly it takes about 12 weeks to build up in your system before it has any effect, secondly some people have unpleasant side effects from it, and thirdly its not licensed in this country so has to be ordered in from America. I think the lockdown there is causing issues because I've now been waiting over 5 weeks for mine to be delivered.

Thanks all - we’re going for it!

Hello ladies. Am reading the whole of the internet as my period has arrived and I am anxious to find new things to try. Has anyone tried or been recommended DHEA?

I also tried immediately following my early March miscarriage. No luck as yet but I just wanted to press on.

Hi, I had a miscarriage last month and fell straight away after. I’m 4+2 but I am convinced this pregnancy is going to end. I’m an anxious state tbh. I am also 40! I have had 2 prev mc.
I normally have symptoms with successful pregnancies have 2 sons but none when I lose them. Sadly I feel not a single symptom. Good luck to you. X

I got a negative HPT this morning, a week after the end of my miscarriage. The last thing I was waiting for for it to be truly over.

We are planning to start TTC again straight away but am in two minds as to whether we should wait until I’ve had a normal period first. I know that this is the done thing but 2 midwives in the EPU told me that this is only so that they can date the pregnancy. On one hand, as I’m 40 I’m keen to just get on with it and feel emotionally ready. On the other, I don’t know whether I should give my body more of a chance to bounce back.

Re. the dating thing - in normal circumstances I’m always pretty sure when I’m ovulating. Could do an OPK I suppose...

I’ve read research which says that you are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy if you conceive within 3 months of MC than after this. I think I’ll feel anxious throughout however long I wait.

Has anyone got any thoughts or experience on this?

Sending baby dust xxx

Unfortunately AF arrived this morning. I wasn’t really expecting it to happen this month so I’m not too disappointed.

Thank you @TheFoz xxx

Oooh @TheFoz! Keep us posted! @StraightOuttaCamden, I am so sorry you are feeling down. It is really horrible isn’t it? The uncertainty of it all, and the feeling that nothing one does makes any difference to the outcome. I agree with the idea of investigations if not done before - they may help you and DH understand what is happening and how to take things forward.

Thank you @StraightOuttaCamden 😊
I lost 2 so I’m very anxious.
Sorry it’s been so difficult for you. It’s not fair. Xxx

Congratulations @Jaylou7, wonderful news!

@StraightOuttaCamden it’s an absolute rollercoaster isn’t it? Have you had an investigations done?

I’m two days late but so afraid to test after two mc’s last year. Maybe over the weekend, I don’t want to be disappointed with a negative test.

Congrats jaylou

So this month I'm 100% sure I'm not pregnant, ovulation was Tuesday, today I've got really tender boobs - which is exactly what happens when af is on the way.

Dh is also waivering and wants to give up ttc, obviously I have to accept this, in hindsight I think that although initially he felt the same way as me, it's been almost two years now and he wants to move on, I haven't had a pregnancy during that time so I'm not sure what's going on, but in all honesty I'm just devastated, I cried today and feel so sad, Dh keeps asking what's wrong and I don't have the Ability to tell him, plus I don't want an argument.

I hope everyone else is in a better place than me right now, thinking of you all xx

Thank you 😊

Congrats @Jaylou7! I hope it works out for you this time xxx

Tested (earlyish). No luck this time.

That’s exciting @Jaylou7. Keeping everything crossed for you.