Let's talk about conception, periods and PMT!....

[WeeAl]

Hi, this is first post but have a lot to get off my chest!

Been trying to get pregnant on and off for about a year now. When I say "on and off" - has been due to a few months off over the summer a) to retain my sanity from TTC (was getting a bit obsessed about it) and b) due to a trip to India (didn't think risk of food poisoning was ideal if HAD conceived).

Anyway, I guess I'm posting cos I'm beginning to get a bit frustrated/upset with the lack of conception and don't really feel I can talk to anyone else about it. Not many of my close friends are really thinking about having babies yet and those that have had babies have done so first time/accidently! I don't realy want to talk about it to family incase I raise hopes/ expectations etc....plus, I kinda feel it's quite a private stage for anyone close to know about it. But I guess I really do need to talk to someone!

I've done loads of reading about TTC and know that under a year of trying is normal for most people but a few years ago (due to really painful periods) I was sent for an endometriosis investigation (which they suspect is a likely diagnosis - however didn't do a laparotomy to diagnose due to the unnecessary risks). They did however diagnose a retroverted uterus! Lucky me!

Each month I get really excited just before my period at the prospect of not getting one but alas nothing yet. A few months my periods have also been a bit late (despite being regularly a 28 day cycle) but have done numerous negative pregnancy tests only to find my period just lurking round the corner! Typical!

PMT doesn't help matters (PMT+ nil conception = tears!). To make matters worse, people keep asking when we're going to have a baby and it's driving me mad!

I hope things will happen eventually for us but in the meantime does anyone have anything to say to stop me obsessing about this?!...or at least way-lay my anxieties!

WeeAl

What endo investigation did they do originally?.

If endometriosis is suspected then you should be referred to a gynae cons at a subfertility unit sooner rather than later. BTW this is usually diagnosed via a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy. Laparotomy op leaves a larger incision.

Many women only discover they have a retroverted uterus on becoming pg; this is likely not to be causing any ttc problems at all.

Any changes to the menstrual cycle should also be noted to the gynae cons - I note your cycles have lengthened. That also warrants further investigation.

Would not rely on chance now, get a referral via your GP to a gynae cons.

Hi WeeAl,

Your post did sound like you had a lot to get off your chest! It can be such a stressful time, TTC, and especially when you feel you can't talk to people in real life about it.

I agree with Attila that you need to talk to your GP to get some more help.

In the meantime, I suggest you join a thread on the conception boards. There are various ones that suit different people. Have a look and see which one you like the look of. I have found so much support from the girls on my thread - we're all obsessing (or rather, trying not to!) and in the same boat. So you can be honest with how you're feeling and go through the journey with friends.

Good luck with it all