Worrying about TTC

[Zoomerang]

I may be over thinking this.

DH and want to start to TTC in a couple of months.

I have a feeling it's going to be tricky for us - not based on any actual evidence, but I'm a worryier and at 33 it feels like I'm getting on a bit!

Does anyone have any tests before they started to TTC to see if there were any issues? I've not heard of this, but I wonder if it might help to put my mind at rest or at least let us know if there is a problem that we can act on.

Is this a thing?

I've never heard of getting tests unless you have symptoms that require tests. I had tests done in my late teens as I'd always have very irregular periods (cycle length 60-90 days), they came back as suspected pcos and I therefore thought I would have difficulty conceiving and was advised as such- my parents took 10 years until they managed to have their first child, however I was lucky enough to conceive in 5 months of trying.
My point being is that the best test is to TTC for a few months first rather than getting bogged down by test results before even trying.

Agreed. It generally takes months and months of testing to find a problem (if one is to be found) after ttc for a year or more. The best test of fertility is ttc (80% will conceive in a year).

The best tests to see how ivf would work for you is to undergo ivf.

You’re definitely NOT getting on! Plenty of ppl get pregnant after 33 :-)

I’d suggest starting to track your cycles (I recommend Flo!) and taking pregnacare conception. Best of luck!!

Thank you. You're all very reassuring!

I've had too long to think about this (it's taken me a while to persuade DH!), so I think I've over complicated things.

I completely understand, I had the same feeling and unfortunately I was right to be worried as I haven't managed to fall pregnant in 18 cycles.

If I could rewind time, I'd have gone to my GP after 6 months of no luck and told them it had been 12 months, to get the ball rolling on tests. Something to consider?

The first tests are simple - sperm test for your other half, and two blood tests for you (days 1-5 of cycle and day 21).

Of course you'll probably be fine, but I had the same feeling x

I think it's really normal to have these worries. I was really worried I wouldn't be able to conceive but it happened quite quickly. Then I had a miscarriage and now I'm worried I can get pregnant but can't sustain a pregnancy. I don't think the worry ever stops!

Had those same worries before DD1. I didn't have any tests on the basis that if everything came back clear I still didn't think I'd feel much better!

I tried to focus on what I could do to prepare my body. I set an exercise routine to loose a couple of pounds, started taking pre-conception vits (you are recommended to begin folic acid 3 months before conception when possible) and started keeping an eye on my cycles. If it'll help you feel better, you can get ovulation kits to give yourself the reassurance that you do ovulate and find out when in your cycle you usually do. If you do end up going down the testing route, having your dates clear is helpful to interpreting the results, so you might as well do 3 months of charting.

I'm afraid TTC drags horribly even if it doesn't take too long. Having the distraction and feeling like you're doing something can help a bit.

Thanks @crazychemist - that's all very practical and reassuring feeling!

Just want to get cracking now!

Hi @Zoomerang

I thought the exact same thing. Started trying recently and so so worried it's all pointless and there could be a problem. But friends and this fab site have been great with wise advice.

Best way to know is to try. It's a complete nightmare in my opinion. Never experienced a process where you have to guess and anticipate for days/weeks on end all the time! But it'll be worth it .

Wishing you lots of luck!

Honestly, I think the best ‘test’ you can do is to get on and start ttc’ing.

I agree with pp.

To give you the best chance, be sensible about your lifestyle, start on pre conception vitamins, and you could start using ovulation kits.

I don’t think you should go for testing based on your worries of potential issues.

I really hope it happens soon for everyone. It's nice to see on chats people uploading positive tests . It's so easy to get bogged down with all the negative 'what's ifs' but you never know! Fingers are crossed for everyone xx