Any buddies trying SMEP for the first time this cycle?

[HopeWish]

Hello all!

I am 26, and trying for my first baby. I'm currently on CD4 of Cycle 3. After two cycles of only DTD a few times in fertile window and no result, DH and I are going to give the Sperm Meets Egg Plan a go this cycle.

For those who don't know, the plan goes like this:

-> From CD 8 DTD every other day until a positive OPK.

-> Start testing with OPKs daily from CD 10 (but I will be using earlier as O'd on CD11 last month!)

-> From positive OPK DTD on the day of the + OPK and two days after, then miss a day and DTD again the next day.

We will also be using pre-seed for the first time this month.

Is there anybody else who is doing SMEP this month? Or anybody who has tried it before successfully or unsuccessfully?

After the disappointment of AF arriving early, I'm excited to start a new cycle.

@Seafrontsky ahh it really is rubbish. I've found going for a walk and listening to podcasts really helpful when I've been feeling really down! Elizabeth day 'how to fail' is a really good one! I think though letting yourself have a few days of feeling a bit rubbish is okay...then you can turn your focus to a new month xxx

@Hopefulmummie that looks so promising!! I have a really goof feeling for you! Keep us updated xxx

Good**

@ttcgee thank you. I wish I had the same positive feeling!

@Hopefulmummie I agree that looks so promising ❤️

Morning ladies,

Been a busy few days with work and not had a chance to catch up... sorry to hear that AF has caught up with a few 😕 it’s such an emotional journey and nothing anyone can say to make it magically feel better.

I’ve had a rough time in recent years for different reasons and was taught to use positive affirmations - it seems crazy at first but honestly it’s helped me be more positive in life and I made up a few for TTC for different stages of each cycle. For the start I had ‘it’s only my head that knows it’s cycle x, to my body it’s the same as cycle 1’. Just found that helped put the previous cycles behind me and see it as a fresh start. Maybe that’ll help someone else too, or give you your own ideas to choose something that feels like it means something to you, but don’t give up hope xx

Ah @Hopefulmummie I'm rooting for you, that looks positive!
Thanks @GiraffeInScarf, that's helpful and makes sense. I'll get thinking some statements. Mostly I think I need to remind myself my body knows what it is doing and will do it again when it's time. Do you say it out loud or in your head? And do you do it lots of times a day or just a particular time?

@Seafrontsky they kind of work strongest when I say them out loud in front of the mirror, I have a morning positivity one that I always do that way, but others for different occasions are better done in my head so people don’t think I’m crazy 😂 If I’ve got something that bothers me I’ll find my mantra and just get used to thinking/saying it a few times a day, especially whenever it’s getting to me. Eventually it just sort of becomes automatic and I’m already thinking it without trying if that makes sense?

Thank you everyone.. hopefully it stays up tomorrow.

No AF cramps so far today

Hi ladies,

Sorry to hear AF has made an appearance for some of us, me included! Not feeling too awful, I think an incredibly busy couple of days didn't allow me to dwell on it.

@Hopefulmummie your chart looks positive, fingers crossed.

@VP91x & @Littlebee1990 you must be about half way through the TWW now?

How's everyone else doing?

Hope you're all getting the bank holiday off xx

Hey @cherrychatter how are you? Great to hear from you! Yup the TWW is as long as the last one! AF is due 1st June.. same day as my birthday 🤣 it’s a big one that starts with 3 and ends with 0 ha. I’m all good, no symptoms but I’ve never been pregnant before to know if I get any! X

@cherrychatter hey 😊😊

Yeah 5 or 6dpo depending on which app I look at! My FRERs all arrived today - so must. resist. early.testing. 😩😅

How are you feeling xxx

I'm good thanks @Littlebee1990 hope you are too! Ah no way, well that'd make your birthday extra special! No symptoms is fine, some people have none!...also stops you analysing every little thing. I'll keep my fingers crossed! Xx

Definitely try to resist a little while if you can @VP91x are you planning on testing early? I'm okay, not too distraught at seeing AF this time, it was more of a 'urgh, great', I think I'd already accepted it after the early spotting. Hope the next week goes quickly for you xx

@cherrychatter I'm glad you're not too upset, it's a crappy feeling but you'll soon be back to fertile week and you'll have another chance which is positive xx

Yeah AF is due on Saturday so, I was thinking of holding out until Wednesday or so. I'm far to impatient to wait until Saturday 😩x

Hey ladies,

I hope you are all well, those with BFPs are enjoying their first few weeks and those with AF are dusting themselves off and preparing for the next successful cycle. I've had a mad busy week at work but CD9 and back into SMEP now so thought I'd come back over and see how everyone is getting on. Who is still to test? Who is doing SMEP in June? Xx

@SmileyT morning.. good luck with this cycle. Fingers crossed smep works for you this time.

My AF due today and no sign... Temp didn't drop either. Not sure whether to test today or tomorrow

@SmileyT I'm doing SMEP CD12 for me and First time using the cup, I was worried it might block the little swimmers but I'm quite impressed tbh, I only got a menstrual cup though with everything else I've been buying couldn't really afford the fertilily that may be a future buy, just had to re explain to DP that once I get my peak which will be tomorrow or day after hopefully , it's three days on one day off and then one last time I got the eye roll he will forget though once it happens, he still has a bad back but he's managing bless him x

Ahh @Hopefulmummie I would test if AF was due today!! How are you feeling xx

I probably will later on, have already had my fmp.
Normally day before AF I would have spotting and haven't had anything at all although in last hour I've had slight cramping but not as bad as it normally is on day of AF coming

Also temp stayed more or less the same I took it a 2nd time and it had raisin a bit but I just went with lower one

@VP91x sorry forgot to tag you

@Hopefulmummie good sign though if it hasn't taken a drop! Really hoping it's good news! Xx

@GiraffeInScarf thanks so much that's really helpful. I'll get drafting some that will fit me and where I'm at. I did worry about the crazy! Think in the morning in the mirror is a good shout then in my head after that.

@cherrychatter sorry to hear AF arrived but glad you're riding the disappointment so well. Some months its easier than others for sure.

@SmileyT good to see you again! Hope the rest has given you stamina and confidence for this month. I'm on for another SMEP I think theres a few of us now. Think it gives the best chances and Husband is rather enjoying it I have to say!

Oooh @Hopefulmummie really hoping this is your month. It sounds positive. But know if AF arrives we are all here for the next round.

@Dipsy77 what's a fertility cup? Never heard of that! Currently on AF so making my action plan for this month. Bless your OH with his bad back, all for the greater good!

@Hopefulmummie ooh I saw your temp chart and this looks like a definite early pregnancy chart - let us know how you get on.

@Dipsy77 I'm using the menstrual cup and bloody loving it, the lack of mess is life changing x

Oh @Seafrontsky think I will be joining you with the affirmations, I currently listen to a meditation video for each week of cycle that goes through affirmations but would be nice to have some personal ones for me x