Secondary infertility - Laid back lifestyle

[BlondeViking]

So me and DH have been suffering from unexplained secondary infertility and have been for 2 years now, we've had to pay privately for all the fertility tests as already have one DS and are in our twenties so doctors didn't really take us seriously but nothing has shown up on the tests.

When we conceived DS our lifestyle was vey different, we were backpacking around the World, exercising, eating healthily in the sun. Now we are both in very stressful jobs albeit still having intercourse every day or every other day but just wondering whether this may be a factor. So we have 2 options:

Option 1: Carry on ttc as we are and maybe look into IVF (IVF would be a last, last resort- I've done lots of research on the emotional impact of it all and I hold couples who have gone through this in high regard).

Option 2: Quit our jobs, go travelling, not worry about if for a while but bonk like hell along the way ;).

I do appreciate that we have options that many people out there don't have and also a DS that we are so very very grateful for but just looking for advice on next steps. Particularly from those who have experienced infertility or who have gone through IVF.

Were kind of in the same boat, ttc #2 for about 1.5 years and not even a hint of a positive. DS is almost 4 and he was conceived on first cycle so it's been a bit baffling for us. I work freelance so I get time in between but after I had my son I got anxiety which hasn't gone away.
We're both trying to be more mindful of our physical and mental health now, I'm trying to book massage around my ov time and taking herbal supplants like Ashwaganda to help with anxiety and strsss. If it doesn't happen, then we might look into IVf too in the next few months but you're right that isn't an easy undertaking at all.

I think lifestyle can make a huge difference, it did for us and our secondary infertility, after taking a step back we ended up with naturally conceived twins.

If you’re in a position where you can afford to go and travel and have fun then I’d take it, it’s an amazing opportunity whilst your little boy is still young and if you end up with another baby then that’s even better!

Hi Pinkstar glad I'm not going through this alone. It's been over 2 years now so it's hard to know when the emotional cut off point is to start with the IVF treatment, age gap is also a thing that's in the back of my mind so looking into drastic measures.

Hi Stinkytoe, thanks for the reply, that is so uplifting. Twins how wonderful! You hear about chemical pregnancies etc but since our DS we have never had a positive even and we conceived with him the first month, it's all so strange.

Talking to DH I think we're going to jet off, forget about it and just see what happens!

How old is DS? I guess if you can afford not to work the only consideration is school place for DS depending on when he starts

If yo u can afford to not work for a couple of years could you make longer term changes to your work life balance instead so when you do conceive you aren't back in stressful jobs but with several kids on top?

DS is 3, yes that is an option I suppose. Just looking for a quick fix, want that bfp asap.

Been ttc no2 for two years and I'm 37 so I understand.

But what if it doesn't happen just becaause that's how it did last time?

However if you can afford to go, just go. Make amazing memories, have lots of sex, and see where you are in a year. You're still young enough to not have to rush a decision.

Has anyone tried SMEP? I just wanted to throw my penny in here because my husband and I were in your very position (almost 2 years, TTC no 2) until this month when we tried SMEP with success.

SMEP is exhausting but I was starting to lose hope and we succeeded with it..

Hope this gives you some hope. I know stories like this helped me.

Just read the SMEP method so it's every other day then every day for 3 days as soon as smiley face on opk, a 1 day break then DTD one last time? We've been DTD every day around O so will defo try that instead.

Are you ovulating? Are his sperms good swimmers. Two good things to establish.
I'd then go down the British herbal medicine route (that worked for me!)
You might be ovulating a bit early, that could be adjusted. Takes about 12 weeks, then ttc!