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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

11 days of spotting

28 replies

emmiegirl · 14/09/2010 12:48

Hi,

We have been trying to conceive for 2 months, and this month, I have had spotting (brown, pink and red) for 11 days. It started 7 days before I was due my period - I have never experienced this before. I have also taken a pregnancy test on the day I was due my period and it was negative.

I went to see my dr who has ordered some hormone tests. I just wanted to know if others have experienced the same thing and what happened.

x

OP posts:
Headbanger · 14/09/2010 17:08

Hi there - yes indeed, I have had this on and off since TTC, and had various tests to check hormones etc. All of them were fine.

Anecdotally, you do seem to find that once you start TTC, previously predictable cycles go a bit haywire. It can feel really worrying (the GP thought it possible I'd had an implantation bleed and early mcs). But I sometimes wonder whether it's just the body somehow knowing that you're TTC and getting confused/gearing up. Obviously that is bollocks, medically speaking, but I'm not the only person who had clockwork cycles that went funny the minute TTCing, so something seems to happen somewhere!

Good luck with everything. My spotting has calmed down and we're still trying. Fingers crossed for this cycle!

Original poster
emmiegirl · 14/09/2010 17:16

Exactly! Everything is like clockwork, then when we start ttc, the cycle goes out the window! Its so annoying as it really holds up proceedings for the next cycle as we were going to try the OPKs and now I don't know when my last period was as technically it hasn't arrived yet.

OP posts:
Headbanger · 14/09/2010 17:34

It's a nightmare, I know!

Well: it might settle down after a while (mine did).

As to when your period starts - I think for the purposes of timing the shag (gets tedious after a bit, I can tell you Confused) your need to count the first day of full blood flow as Day 1 of your cycle, not the spotting.

I've been trying on and off since Jan so have finally invested in a CBFM, and it has been amazing - no more guesswork :) I never got a + on an OPK (just to warn you...)

Original poster
emmiegirl · 14/09/2010 18:02

So if I am waiting for a full day of blood flow, I am 4 days late.

How does the CBFM work? They are very expensive but I've seen some good reports.

OP posts:
Headbanger · 14/09/2010 18:05

Hm. When did you last test?

The CBFM reads 2 sets of hormones. It stores all the information for all your cycles, and gives you days of 'high' fertility as you lead up to ovulation and then 'peak' fertility as you ovulate. It's far more accurate than an OPK or using a calender (I realised I was ovulating 2 days later than the calendars would have suggested).

People do sell them second hand on ebay, if you're not squeamish. Mine was second hand!

Headbanger · 14/09/2010 18:09

(I just realised I thoughtlessly typed 'invested in a CBFM', which is an outrageous lie Confused - someone very kindly gave me hers after it worked first time for her!)

Original poster
emmiegirl · 14/09/2010 18:18

mmm (just checking out the website), I might have to get one.

I tested on sat which was my due date with an Asda cheapie, but I am thinking that I might do a first response tomorrow morning. I have read how people bleed during their pregnancy - I've spent most of today googling symptoms! I have booked in on Thurs to have the hormone blood tests done but I also read that they are supposed to be done on a certain day of the cycle but my dr didn't mention that.

OP posts:
chocciechip · 14/09/2010 19:07

I had spotting for quite a few days in a recent cycle, and usually have spotting two days (min, somtimes more) before AF due. I was worried, and asked a consultant about this at my fertility appointment. He said more often than not spotting comes from the juncture between the cervic and the womb, where two different thickness of lining meet - in his words "not the business end". He said he can count almost on one hand the number of times he's seen spotting due to something wrong in the womb.

The way to check is to get a scan when the spotting starts (dildocam, I'm afraid), and you may need to nag your GP to help you getthis. I've been offered this because I have a fibroid and mine could be due to that. If I didn't have the fibroid, I think I would have been told to just not worry.

But just thought I'd share, from what he said its highly unlikely to be anything serious. I have wondered if my spotting might be due to increased sexual activity with TTC, maybe knocking my cervix.....? Just a thought. HTH.

Headbanger · 15/09/2010 08:25

Done another test yet, OP?!

Headbanger · 15/09/2010 08:27

Ps Choccie that does make perfect sense, about increased activity during TTC causing spotting. That would explain the mysterious link between the two. . .

Original poster
emmiegirl · 15/09/2010 09:22

Hi, It was a negative and I am seeing the dr again today. I'm shedding tissue now so I'm going to insist on an examination.

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Headbanger · 15/09/2010 09:53

I'm sorry to hear that Sad. Good luck at the GP: I found mine very helpful and he referred me on for all the tests despite being relatively early on in TTC...

Original poster
emmiegirl · 15/09/2010 15:38

The dr said to come back after the results of my blood tests (7-10 days) if I was still bleeding. Unfortunately, it is a grin and bear it situation.

I've brought the monitor, but even though I would like the spotting to stop, I am now eager for a proper period so I can start it!!

OP posts:
absentbump · 15/09/2010 17:05

Hi just thought i'd add to this thead if that's ok...i've been TTC for 14 months and I always have spotting from 6 after ovulation till about day 10 or 11 when I get my AF I know this is not as long as you have experienced but my bloods were checked and seems fine but I still think it has something to do with not being able to concieve. Ive been checked for infections, clomidia and in general and all fine. My DP has had a sperm test and all ok. Just seen on a thread that apparantly bee pollen or bee Propolis is good for spotting and fertility. Maybe worth a go, I googled and found that a woman swore by it as she had two weeks of spotting and it completely dissapeared...not saying it will work but im going to give it a go or might be worth you investigating. Hope this helps.

Original poster
emmiegirl · 15/09/2010 18:10

Let me know by posting back on this thread on how you get on with the pollen. I've brought a book on nutrition and I am going to try and loose 2 stone to get my BMI to 25. The book said that the excess weight can effect the oestrogen levels and by being a healthier weight, periods will be more regular.

OP posts:
userpin11 · 15/09/2010 19:18

Hi ladies,

I have just come across this post after hunting for anyone else with the same symptoms as me, so apologies for weighing in!

We've been ttc for 12 months now and just been referred on to a fertility gynae (who is awful, but another story...). Anyway, I have had spotting between periods for the last ten years, seen several gynaes in that time, none of whom could ever find a reason. I still have it now, and like others I'm concerned it's the reason I'm not getting PG.

Gynaes have usually said it should be no issue for pregnancy though, so I do wonder if part of my problem is the sheer anxiety the bleeding causes. It's now just not 'icky' but also now seems like a slap in the face for the baby making too!

I have tried most things now: Agnus Castus, Vitamin B, giving up caffeine, cutting right down on alcohol, eating a super diet... I'm afraid to say nothing has made an iota of difference!

The best advice I can give is don't worry - people do get pregnant even if they bleed loads, apparently - I just need to learn to take that advice myself Blush

userpin11 · 15/09/2010 19:20

Oh - and I'd love to know about anyone's experience with the bee pollen. I'd give anything a go at this stage!

gettingonmyownnerves · 15/09/2010 20:55

I'm really interested to read this thread as I have been getting spotting for about 5-6 days before af for the last few months.
It's so frustrating as 8DPO seems way to early for my body to have decided I'm not pregnant, it makes me feel like I was never in with a chance.
I must investigate the bee pollen - anything is worth a try!
emmiegirl, I hope things get sorted out for you soon, it's hard when you can't figure out what's going on with your body, esp when ttc!

lilysma · 15/09/2010 21:26

I really sympathise - I've had 4-5 days spotting before AF for at least 6 months now and the consultants say its not an issue but it's hard to believe, isn't it? Anyone find a magic potion let us know!

Emmiegirl hope it gets sorted soon - it sounds really difficult Sad

absentbump · 16/09/2010 11:51

Hi girls I think it is down to just trying not to worry ..I started on the bee Pollen on Monday so i'll let you know after a month or so if it helps...you never know

Has anybody tried using the progesterone cream at all?

Sorry to hear StreathamRanger that your fertility gynae was useless so are they doing any further tests for you?

lilysma · 16/09/2010 13:54

Yeah, I've tried progesterone cream - I am still using it and think it helps with pms symptoms, which I was getting badly, but sadly not with the spotting.

Good luck with the bee pollen! Keep us posted...

absentbump · 16/09/2010 16:16

will do, how long have you been trying lilysma? I ordered some progesterone cream yesterday and thought id give it a try

glad it helped you with the pms symptoms though

lilysma · 16/09/2010 21:18

Hi absentbump, I've been trying 14 months Sad. Have other issues though - one blocked tube and the other one possibly duff too (though DD presumably came down it). Was bf until 3 months ago too, though not much (DD is nearly 4). Good luck with the progesterone cream. Not 100% sure it is what helped with the PMS as I've had accupuncture too, but I definitely feel a lot better as AF approaches now...

userpin11 · 17/09/2010 15:39

Hi absentbump. Yep, they have ordered day 2 hormone tests and an HSG, so at least something is moving on.

My gripe was he didn't listen to me or DH at all (asked us questions but got every fact wrong in discussion), was patently uninterested in any history like the bleeding (which I am most concerned about) and then didn't explain my options for investigation at all - just said 'so, do you want an HSG or a Laperoscopy?'. I had no idea of the pros and cons (one is an xray and the other a camera through into the womb and tubes) and he just wanted to fill the paperwork and get us out the door. I cried all the way home.

Sorry for the whinge! I am going to ask to be referred to someone else though - I'm know I'll be branded as a 'difficult patient' but having a baby is too important to go all British and put up with it, I think...

Emmigirl - I should have said yours could totally be a blip and a one off this month. No reason you'll ever have it again, I think I am unusal in this, most people seem to have it now and again if they're a bit stressed etc. or if their hormones have just gone a bit funny.

Good luck to all - it will happen!!!!! Smile

Original poster
emmiegirl · 17/09/2010 20:36

Well, I thought I had stopped spotting yesterday, then it started again late last night!! Seriously, can there be any more blood? Mind you, I'm now hoping to get a period so I can use my CBFM. It is so frustrating! I've told DH we are not going to try until we can use the monitor as I want my monies worth! It would be typical to fall pregnant when its still in the box!! :o

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