It all feels so overwhelming at times.

[Rosieposy89]

Bit of background. I'm 30, DH is 34. We have been trying to conceive our first since January. Not even a hint of a BFP. My periods are regular, every 26-29 days.

At this point I am so disappointed and never anticipated it taking this long. I find I get waves of overwhelming panic I guess that we're not pregnant yet and the absolute fear that we have infertility and it might never happen. It's so hard as I think we're only a few months away from being labelled infertile.

How do you find the strength to carry on and deal with the fear?

This month I'm gonna do ovulation tests but I'm not expecting much as we have very regular sex but I figured it may help.

Hi @Rosieposy89 I know it's easier said than done but don't panic, the stress of TTC can have a negative impact on your chances. It can take most healthy couples of childbearing age up to 12 months to conceive. Once /if you reach the 12 month point without having conceived, you can go to your GP for tests. They will check your hormone levels to rule out PCOS, etc. and whether or not you are ovulating. They will also ask your DH for a semen sample to check that there aren't any issues there.

Even if issues are found, 9 times out of 10 there is something that can be done.

OPKs are a good idea as even if you are having regular sex, you may still be missing the really important days. Try the SMEP method to ensure that you are covering all bases (DTD every second day from CD8 and then for 3 days in a row from the first day you get a positive OPK).

Hi I agree with pp above go for OPKs and look at the SMEP plan. You say you have sex regularly how regularly is that? Our ivf consultant said a lot of people assume they will get pregnant without having lots of sex and regularly for most people was twice a week - but every time you have sex it's approximately a 20% chance of conceiving. SMEP is good at covering the basics and encourages sex every other day and then every day in your peak period. Good luck!

@Each2TheirOwn thanks so much. I think I just need to stop catastrophising - I think it's the lack of control that's freaking me out, but like you said things can be done?

I think I will try OPK/SMEP at least I'm doing something and I may be missing ovulation.

@mommybear1 we have sex about 4 times a week throughout the cycle - sometimes less if we are shattered. I think I'm definitely going to try SMEP next month. Thank you X