TTC - Just not happening!

[Justanothernumber]

Hi :) I'm new to this board, I normally lurk on chat, but thought I'd come and say hi!
Been TTC for over a year now. We've been quite laid back about it, with the attitude of "if it happens, it happens", and not getting too worried about it as we were planning our wedding too. We got married this month, so now the next 'big' step is to start a family, and it's only now we've stopped and worked out we've been trying for 13 months. :(
I have suspected endomentriosis, so I understand IF that's what I have, that will obviously make TTC more difficult!
So just wondered if anyone has any tips about ttc? :)

It depends what approach you want to take. Some people are happiest to just stop using bc and let nature take its course. If you've been doing that for the past 13 months, you might want to start being a bit more aware of your cycles and when you are potentially ovulating so that you can put some extra effort in at the right time. You could think about charting your cycle to help with that. I've recently discovered the Kindara app which is great for charting. You could visit your GP if you have any concerns as they will usually start some basic blood tests etc if you've been trying unsuccessfully for a year. It took us about 7 months when we were ttc#1 but we've been trying for about 15 months for #2 so I'm just having the blood tests done now.

If you have been trying for a year I would go to your doctor and start getting some tests.

It takes so long to get them all done its worth getting started as soon as you can (dont tell them you've been laid back trying because they may not bother with the tests).

Also track your cycle, use ovulation tests (you can get cheap ones on ebay or amazon) and find out exactly when your ovulating because it could be earlier or later than you think.

Use an app they are really helpful when you want to look back, I use Ovia and you can track most things on there.

Some ladies temp which is the best way to find out when you are ovulating but you must take your temp at the same time everyday before you get up (I cant do it because I wake up alot during the night, and different time depending on what im working).

Are you taking folic acid? If not you need to start.

The best thing to do is have sex every other day for most of the month, it will give you the best chance.

Good luck!!

PS ive been trying for 17 months it is not easy but you've got to try and stay positive!!

Thanks for your advice, both :)
We've bought the cheap ovulation tests, so have been using them for only about 2 months, because the last month before the wedding I just lost all track of my cycle. I will start being more rigid with dates and checking if I'm ovulating from now on then.
I have been taking folic acid for about 18 months now - started before I came off the pill as I have a very very very mild form of spina bifita occulta so wanted to be very careful with that!
I'm terrified on needles so really scared about going to the doctors. I also didn't know if they would take me seriously as they might say it's 'only' been 13 months. I know I need to get over my fear of needles though, so guess booking an appointment is the next step! :)
Thank you

As soon as you've been trying for over 12 months they will start tests.

They will test your day 21 bloods to see if your definately ovulating and they may test your day 2 or 3 as well.

They may then put you through to go to gynae who will do all the further tests eg scans and HSG etc.

Dont be to worried if there is a problem who could be so easy so sort out you would kick yourself if you didnt get it checked sooner.

I was on the depo for 10 years, came off it 2 years ago because I knew we wanted to ttc soon but after a year of nothin we went to the docs and found out I wasnt ovulating. However my body has started to sort itself how and I know last month I definately ovulated.

You sound very wise blueberry. I would agree that the dr sounds like the next step especially if you're already aware of your cycles. Good luck with ttc and congratulations on your marriage