TTC #1 over 35

Not been able to get any FRERs yet - tempted to get a clear blue from my local shop but after hearing all the issues with them it might do more harm than good!

I have either got two bad batches of easy@homes and going mad, or there’s something in it though as I can see a vvvfl running through all four of these…

Thanks @carolinep3 - I think it is complete but that is probably wishful thinking! No FRERs left as I stupidly used them all last month and forgot to get more! Will try to get one today and not explode as I’m having lunch with my mum!

The line doesn't look complete so I'm
Not sure. Do you have a first response?

This is an evap isn’t it :( there is a little pink in it but I’m not sure it came up within 3 mins. 9DPO.

@carolinep3 oh woweee! That's brilliant, you must be so happy! 💫 congratulations:)

I'm about 7 dpo today and starting testing way too early. I've ordered one step on the internet to stop it being such an expensive habit.

@Clara202 och I feel you. I think since 2dpo this cycle my feelings just plateaued and I haven't felt much since, just plain and empty. Really good that you've started investigations. It's funny, it's almost better if something is found because then it can be fixed. I think it is true that a woman who's had children before seems more likely to conceive at this stage, so maybe a previous pregnancy in itself helps further pregnancy. However, it could be just that these women don't have issues conceiving and we are only discovering ours. And I've def come across women wishing for another and not expecting to have had issues as their first came immediately. I started trying at the same time as a friend who already had a young son. Their daughter is now 2. It's so weird to think I could have had a 2 year old by now. Or if my pregnancy had stuck I'd be as pregnant as my friend who's due in June. I try not to invest in these thoughts.

I guess all we can do is keep trying and use what medical stuff we can!

38 yesterday!

That's great @HollyGolightly4 , that's what we were told too, no huge reason for not conceiving, just age and subnormal morphology but not bad enough to make it impossible. Hope your 6 months passes quickly.

I know what you mean @emanresu24 about life being on hold. We're 3+ years trying inc fertility treatment. I've had to turn down some great job opportunities (self employed) and cancel training courses in aid of fertility treatment. I'm fed up of being so trapped by it. But trying to pay attention to every day pleasures so the time doesn't feel lost. I did so many cool things between 25 and 35 and now I'm just sitting around waiting for years.

We've been referred for IVF, 6 month waiting list. In the mean time, just keep trying because everything is fine (apart from the fact we're not conceiving!) hope everyone else is having good luck 💓

Is there room for one more? I've been really hoping for a healthy pregnancy since 2022 when I was just 35. I'm taking a break from fertility treatment to work on my health. Time goes in so quickly and it feels like my life is on hold as it's always on the back of my mind.

Hope your tests are going well @Clara202 !

Just checking in to see how folks are doing. We've started investigations at a new clinic for low amh, hopefully getting treatment in two cycles time. Currently about 4-5 dpo with a much stronger lh surge this month (what a relief). I had a weird 4 days of spotting that had me very hopeful and then a very strong period last cycle. Hopefully just ivf hangover. The consultant recommended taking myoinositol (i don't have pcos but he said it supports ovulation and egg quality regardless) so I've ordered some. Hope you're all very well :)

It’s rotten isn’t it @Clara202. So sorry you’re feeling it too.🙁

@Clara202 I’m 12DPO I think, so pretty sure it’s my mind and body playing tricks on me. Makes me feel insane though as PMS has looked the same for me for decades, until now, when I’m having all these new symptoms and sensations but apparently they don’t mean anything. Can’t trust my own feelings!

AF due yesterday, heavy and sore boobs, mild and strange cramps…and bright white BFNs. 😔I’m sure I must be out for this month as I’d surely be testing positive by now?

How cruel that our bodies play tricks on us in this way when we’re TTC!

@carolinep3 def agree that it doesn't indicate egg quality, though it is what they base ivf protocol on, so does tell you how strongly your body will respond to ivf meds. I suppose not useful unless you're planning on going (forced to go) down that route.

I've had mild cramping and a little spotting this morning. It could be AF coming v early as my hormones readjust post ivf or...
trying not to get hopeful as last month was a hard fall.

@Clara202 I ended up not having my AMH checked as it doesn't really
Tell you anything useful.
Check out Alex_explaininginfertilty on insta, she lectures on AMH and the uselessness of it.

Hm not me @Clara202 I'm the same as you, sometimes (not always) sore on route to AF but I do think it might be a common thing? I'd say tender breast symptom has become more frequent with age for me, don't start till 30, so maybe that's a reason for it coming on?

My amh was tested twice, the last time in June. And before that about 1.5 years previous. It actually rose slightly which was a pleasant surprise (inconsistent measuring). I think finding out my amh was the lowest moment of this whole journey. But it certainly helped manage expectations with ivf, and every egg they've collected made it to a day three embryo at least, which isn't very usual. So don't worry too much about low amh if that's your lot, it doesn't necessarily reflect quality.

Thank you so much! Previous tests have been all good, so just waiting to see really. I will try to push for everything - it's such a minefield. Sorry about your failed round. I hope you do get another funded!