Trying to conceive first child with PCO/PCOS or irregular long cycles

[Catconfusion]

Hi there,

I'm currently on my 3rd cycle ttc my first child and I suffer with irregular cycles due to PCO. I conceived first cycle but it was a missed miscarriage at 10 weeks. My second cycle was a chemical pregnancy. I'm now on my 3rd and it's day 34 with no ovulation yet. I'm using Ovusense to temp which helps to show when I've ovulated. I can't help but worry it was a fluke to fall quickly like I did. Just wondering if there's anyone else in a similar situation struggling with long cycles as I'm finding it really frustrating. Looking forward to chatting to some of you! x

Don't give up trying, but remember it takes on average something like 6 months to get pregnant. I think the analysing every temp, date etc makes us neurotic.

Mentally accept it's ano this month and track again from next one. Pack of cheap ovulation sticks from amazon so if your pemp is rising you can pee on a stick and get a yes or no. Regular sex X days from period but 2-3 days not every other so his sperm stay fresh then every other anytime your temp is going up.

Stress won't help. If you've not seen doc yet, make an appt and add on a few months to how long you've been trying xx

Don't give up @EssJayyCee!

Honestly when I was your age my cycles were very similar. There are drugs that can be used to stimulate ovulation. It's just getting the doctor to refer you as he may say you haven't been trying for long enough.

I would argue though that you're not ovulating so what difference is a few more months of trying going to make. Also it's affecting your mental health.

My experience of pco is it does get better with age. My sister and mum both had it. They both needed fertility drugs to conceive number 1 but had a natural conception with number 2. If you do want a bigger family it's likely your cycles will get better after a pregnancy. Your age is also a really big plus. Just hang in there because I promise you it will get better! Xx

Also @EssJayyCee I know you're not overweight but I'm going to do the pcos diet challenge to see if it helps. It might help you as I know slimmer ladies do it.

https://www.smartfertilitychoices.com/how-i-beat-pcos-and-fell-pregnant/?utmsource=Facebook%20Group&utmm_content=Blog%20How%20I%20Beat%20My%20PCOS%20%26%20Fell%20Pregnant%20Using%20These%2010%20Simple%20Strategies%20Facebook%20Group

I have signed up to that pcos challenge but I have seen an example menu and i can't afford to get most of the ingredients each week so probably won't do it after all.

I was reading the other day about a woman who got a BFP without having the usual BBT temp shift. She has pcos so the temping never showed a pattern for her.

So. Its possible to have weird temps and still get pregnant.

I've heard that too @EssJayyCee but I do find the science behind it difficult to understand. The egg releases progesterone when you ovulate which causes a temperature rise. I'm not sure medically why that wouldn't happen. You could ask your doctor for a progesterone blood test to see if you have ovulated. I think if I was you I'd go to the GP a bit tearful and say your long cycle is affecting your mental health. Ask if you can have a test to confirm if ovulation has happened. This might spark some support.

Yes the challenge is expensive if followed carefully. I'm just taking the principles of it: cutting down sugar, gluten and dairy. My DH is lactose intolerant so dairy is easy. Gluten I find a bit harder. Also sugar is in everything. I'm really going to try to cut down rather than eliminate. I've not drank alcohol since before I got pregnant and had my miscarriages. I have one coffee a day but that's it for caffeine.

Honestly I feel that stress is the thing that messes the most with my cycles. I had a super long one before my wedding. I'm trying to be more mindful and hoping that might help.

I just want you to know you're not alone. I created this thread for ladies like us who have long unpredictable cycles because it's super stressful when ttc. As if it isn't stressful and confusing enough. Xx

How are you ladies doing?

Hey @SleepingStandingUp still getting symptoms. I haven't tested yet. Have ordered FRERs for tomorrow. I'll be 14 dpo so will get a more reliable result. My FRER was negative at 11 dpo so still a slight chance it could change.

How are you feeling today? Have you tested any more or will you just see how you get on. I really hope it sticks for you! Xx

Tested this morning in boots early ones and took ages to come up so I panicked and peed on the other brand too. Still positive.
Keep getting random pains around abdo but hoping it's just normal pains. Feeling quite sick (never got morning sickness with DS so this is novel!!) think the early weeks whilst a late period is still viable are just quite worrying.

My first was negative same day as yours so I'm still keeping everything crossed for you x

@SleepingStandingUp of course I think it's best to be cautious. Implantation is a complicated process. You're feeling sick which is good. Will you book an early scan?

Thanks, I'm hoping too but I'll be ok if not. Xx

Hi,
Feeling okay, I have sort of decided this cycle is a no go and to just wait it through until AF (whenever that will be) to start trying again.

But then I get these strange abdominal sensations and boob pains and think 'what if I'm pregnant?'. I keep looking in the mirror and think my boobs look bigger but I think I'm just kidding myself.

I found out a friend is pregnant with their second at the weekend. And although I was happy for her I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous and angry almost.
:(

I wish AF would hurry up so I can start trying again!

@sleepingstandingup it all sounds promising for you! Fingers crossed it's a sticky bean!

@catconfusion make sure you let us know when you've tested!

I'm sorry @EssJayyCee it's so hard to have long erratic cycles. Mine were like that too. You can do a test at any point to check. I do find my pre menstrual symptoms are worse with longer cycles. I'll test tomorrow so I'll let you know xx

Meant to say @EssJayyCee I'm sorry you've had a pregnancy announcement to deal with too. It doesn't make it easier! Xx

It's hard when everyone else is seemingly getting pregnant with no effort, I remember a mate casually telling me he'd got his mate pregnant from fwb weekend and just feeling so angry

@CatConfusion I did a test the other day and it was bfn. I don't want to keep taking tests and being let down all of the time so I think I'll leave the test until I have more solid symptoms.

I am kind of hoping it means AF will be here soon!

I'm on CD57 today! My longest recorded cycle was 64 days so technically AF should be here any day now!

@EssJayyCee of course not. I honestly think temping is the most reliable way to catch if you do ovulate. Do you have shorter cycles sometimes or is it always like this? Maybe give it one more cycle after this one and see the doctor. I hope AF is here soon. Honestly I feel your pain as I was just the same when I was younger. Luckily I didn't try and conceive but it sounds like you're going to need help much earlier than other people and your doctor needs to recognise that. xx

@CatConfusion No my cycles are around 37 days usually.
Since I stopped the pill in July 2018 I have had 6 cycles this is my 7th.
#1: 45days
#2: 33 days
#3: 64 days
#4: 18 days
#5: 37 days
#6: 39 days

I only started tracking BBT on #5 which showed clear ovulation.
#6 showed ovulation but the thermal shift wasn't as clear but definitely there.
And then this cycle.. which as you have seen for yourself doesn't show anything Haha.

So I am hoping my next cycle will be more in the 30's days and I ovulate so I have a better chance!

I'm going to keep going for 6 months before I go back to the doctors. I want to give myself the chance and the benefit of the doubt before I seek help.

@EssJayyCee that's fair enough. I used to find I'd get a much shorter one after a long one. I really hope the next one is the one for you. The long ones are so frustrating hence starting this thread. I felt us long cycling ladies needed some extra support. xx

Did you test @CatConfusion?

Hey @EssJayyCee it was negative on a normal strength hpt. I'm 14 dpo so would have thought it would show by now. I'm feeling very emotional which is probably the hormones. I think they're still settling from the miscarriages. AF should be here on Thursday or Friday. I can't wait as it feels like I've been in limbo for ages.

How are you feeling today? Xx

How are you @SleepingStandingUp Hope those symptoms are there but bearable! Xx

Oh Cat that's sucks, been thinking of you all day.

I'm OK, fully aware a little nausea is nothi g to complain about. Booking a scan in two weeks to check there is actually something there x

Thanks @SleepingStandingUp I'm feeling a lot better today. Just a bit baffled by how real the nausea etc felt. I haven't had a natural period that wasn't miscarriage related since November so my body probably needs it to put me in the best stead to catch next month.

I don't blame you for getting an early scan. It's really tough dealing with all that worry until 12 weeks. You're far less likely to have a problem once a heartbeat is seen so hopefully if you go in at 6/7 weeks you'll get good news so you can relax a bit more. Xx

I want AF to hurry up! 🙁

My premenstrual symptoms are usually nausea etc, i think its a sign that your body is having all the hormone surges you need it to have. Hopefully next month will bring happier news x

I have had 2 more pregnancy announcements this week. It is so crap. I cried last night.

I hope you're both doing well.

As you can probably tell I am not coping so well.