Contraceptive Implant removal and starting to TTC

[steffw89]

Hi,

I am new to the site and looking for some help to try a and calm down about TTC for the first time. I am 26 and I am on my second nexplanon implant, so it's been 5 years of heaven without a single period or spot. Before I got the implant my periods were a nightmare, I started at aged 9 and they were always irregular, extreme and very very painful. I was put on the pill and the minipill to try and straighten them out with no luck.

So firstly I'm terrified that as soon as the implant comes out I'm going to go back to that hell. As well as the fact that I have no clue what my cycle is, never did as it was so messed up. So besides just being persistent I have no idea how to optimise TTC if I end up in the same position with AF.

I am also an organised worrier. Extremely organised and prone to worrying about things I can't help, which I know will only make the process worse. But besides the worrying is there anything I can be doing to prepare for TTC besides removing the implant and getting on with it lol.

I am following some of the TTC threads and they seem amazing but I couldn't find one linked with the implant so thought I would just dive in!

Weird that your doctor said that the nurse at the sexual health clinic told me to make sure I used other protection if I didn't want to get pregnant right away because your fertility returns pretty much as soon as it's removed. Most people ovulate within 3 weeks of it being removed

Whatsername17 Great tips, I plan to do exactly this, thank you!
Abbinob not sure if that was to me? Apologoes if I'm replying and it wasn't! They did advise me to start using contraception straight away but when I explained that pregnancy-avoidance was not my aim here they changed and let me know it could take up to a year to return (which I suspect is the party line based on the fact it's not considered a problem if your periods take up to a year to settle after such prolonged use) They know I'm going to be getting ICI with donor sperm, too, so I guess didn't want me planning those procedures off the bat in case I'm not one of those women who do fall straight back into a regular cycle?

TBH I have been on hormonal contraception since 15yrs. I am now 32. I have no actual clue what a "regular cycle" is for me! Weird !

whatsername17 definitely great tips. I've found myself an app on my phone to help me track my cycle. It's literally dummy proof I just answer questions on a daily or whenever I want basis and it tracks my cycle. Also bulk ordered some ovulation and early pregnancy tests off amazon as they were on offer so I'm all set.

I know what you mean trillkitten about not having a clue what your cycle is. I've never had a normal cycle and then had 5 years without so I'm getting all the gadgets to try and help me figure it out. That way at least I can focus on trying to understand my own body rather than focus on TTC - well that's the plan for now!

abbinob yeah my doctor was a bit of a kn*b anyway. He also told me if I TTC at my current weight I would be being selfish and guaranteed to miscarry as it's completely inappropriate. This is keeping in mind that my blood pressure etc and all my stats are literally perfect, yes I am "overweight" but I eat a healthy vegetarian diet, exercise regularly and am generally fit and well. Needless to say I won't be seeing him again!

Ok. I called round in circles today to try and book getting my implant out. No luck. So on the off chance I stopped by the drop in clinic on my way home. She's taken my details for the nurse and going to let me know when they can do it. Maybe now.

I know this isn't exactly TTC yet but am I insane to be a little bit nervous, freaked out, scared and excited at the same time?!

steffw89 Exciting! I hope you get an appointment soon! If you're not already doing so, you might want to start keeping a journal. I know I have just started one. I keep thinking that one day I'll be able to look back on all of this as "the beginning" you know?

trillkitten I never thought of that its a really good idea. I know one thing we are already doing is creating a cloud or one drive account and any pictures are getting put in there as well as fb etc. It's then like a directory of pictures and videos and I can put letter or stories in. Excited!

I'm booked in for 31st may. So bang on when we wanted to start trying.

I spent some time researching books for the hubby. He doesn't do touchy feely stuff but he is curious so hopefully that will help him connect a bit more =]

Ooh might treat myself to a fancy notebook/journal now!

Hi Steff. Great news! Really not long to wait, am so pleased for you don't suppose you could point me in the direction of the ovulation tests and pregnancy tests that were on offer? I need to pick up some myself and probably cheaper to do it your way than my usual way of wandering into Tesco!

scottishsnowflake yeah not a problem these are the ones I bought. Not on the deal anymore but I suspect still cheaper than tesco!

100 X Ovulation (LH) Highly Sensitive 20 mlU Ovulation/Fertility Tests & 20 X Ultra Early Home Pregnancy Test Strips www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010FVO766/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WJHoxb45DS8E5