TTC Cycle 12 - SMEP

[LSL0708]

Hi
I’m totally new to this but hoping to speak with people in a similar situation. I had the implant removed beginning of June 2019 and have had regular 28/29 day cycles since. But, 11 cycles in and no BFP Just read up on SMEP (Sperm Meets Egg Plan) and thought I’d give it a go this month. Is anyone else trying/tried this?

So glad to hear your test results came back fine @LSL0708 - you must be so relieved
I hope DP gets an appointment soon too - it really does help reduce the stress, I think!

Yesterday (CD11) I got a bit of a fright as there was blood along with EWCM (sorry if that's TMI). I'm assuming it's ovulation bleeding, although I have no idea why I would get it now for the first time ever?!
Have any of you ever experienced that?

Enjoy the home stuff @Excitablemuch - sounds like the perfect project to take your mind of TTC!

Thank you @beachbum85. I definitely think it's helping. I don't feel as impatient this cycle. But I'd still like Tuesday to hurry up and come around. Haha.

Oh, I've not had that before no. I know your AF arrived, but did you try testing? There are loads of reasons you can spot between periods so I'm sure it isn't anything to worry about, but I can understand why you panicked.

Hmmm, no I didn't try testing... I assumed that since I had EWCM at the usual time, then I def can't be pregnant. If it happens again I definitely will though!

Less than a week to go to Tuesday! You can do this 😉

Yeah, I suppose of it has arrived at the normal time you would assume not. Hopefully it isn't anything to worry about too much.

I can ☺️ It's not too much longer. I've got this.

@LSL0708 I'm in exactly the same position but one cycle more (I'm now just starting cycle 13). We tried SMEP this month and although my period just came through I still think it is great. I was a lot more relaxed and calm this month. I think this is because the plan takes control and so you can just relax and follow the plan. I did it along with temperature taking and OPKs as well for the first time. It wasn't totally clear when I ovulated but hoping next month it will be more clear.

Also on the SMEP website there are lots of happy stories which is uplifting!

Good luck!

Hi @Florarenniemackintosh

I'm now at the end of cycle 13, so I've done two cycles of SMEP now. I know what you mean about feeling calmer. I feel better knowing I'm doing all I can to increase our chances. I'm pleased you're finding it ok.

Did you test or wait for AF to arrive? Testing day would be tomorrow according to the plan, but my usual cycle would mean AF isn't due until Monday, so I'm trying to hold off until Tuesday (if it hasn't arrived before then).

Have you started or considered starting any fertility testing?

Lots of luck to you too!

Have a bit of spotting this morning so it looks as though AF is on its way Means I'm only on a 26 day cycle compared to my usual 29. But I did ovulate earlier this month and my app adjusted my cycle to 26 days. So I suppose at least that seems accurate.

Trying my best not to dwell and think positively about cycle 14 beginning. I think I'll treat myself to a few glasses of wine over the weekend.

Sorry to hear about AF @LSL0708 still, some wine in the garden on such a glorious weekend is something to be smiling about. Just glad I’m not in my fertile week in this heat tbh!

It's arrived in full force this morning. But nothing I didn't expect. Unfortunately the rain has started up here but I have my wine ready for later 🍷
God I know. Couldn't imagine the DTD marathon in the hot sticky weather 🙈

Ohhh I'm sorry about AF @LSL0708 it's always hard even when you expect it... but I hope you're enjoying your wine and treating yourself this weekend!

The end of my FW crossed into this hot week and, although we didn't do the SMEP marathon this month, DTD on Wed was really sticky and I was surprised we didn't give up half way haha

Hey girls x

How are you doing?

Bit of advice needed please? AF for me isn't very long. Usually only a couple of days full flow. But then I have a few days of spotting. So I currently have just a little spotting. But the last couple of days I've been getting sharp stabbing pains in my lower abdomen. I generally don't get any cramping, but it isn't like a cramping pain anyway. So I'm a little worried. Any experiences of this?

Also, I had my appointment with the GP on Monday. Progesterone levels were way above the minimum level to suggest ovulation, so that reassured me. I'm currently waiting for an ultrasound and DP for a referral for tests but she has decided to refer us to the fertility clinic anyway to reduce the waiting time. So although I think it will be a long wait, I feel good that we are going to be in the system.

Hey @LSL0708

Great to hear that you got positive test results on Monday! And also amazing that your GP is happy to get moving with referrals - I'm sure knowing your tests and appointments are coming up will help reduce the stress in the meantime

I'm afraid I haven't experienced that myself... I do get extremely bad cramps, and sometimes they are sharp and in the lower abdomen, but that's the first day of AF, not when spotting.
Could it be trapped wind? I'm sorry if that sounds silly, but I have had pains that sound similar when I was suffering from very bad indigestion (my stomach is a little sensitive at times).
Either way, I hope it's nothing and that it passes very soon xx

Hey @beachbum85

Thanks for the reply. For some reason I've just noticed it. Sorry!

The pains disappeared later that day so I'm writing them off as tummy troubles, like you suggested. Hopefully it was just that and nothing to worry about. If it happens again then I'll mention it to my GP.

I feel a lot better now that we have been referred. Although the thought of test results is quite scary it feels good knowing we are doing all that we can. I've also tried to relax a bit more this month and just do things 'normally' rather than thinking I shouldn't do this in case it affects my chances. I've treated myself to a few more drinks than I had been having (usually have a couple when AF arrives, then nothing until it arrives again). Going to stick with SMEP though.

How are things with you? Have you had your private appointment yet?

Also have read about the 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility' book. Have you heard anything about it, or read it?

Hi @LSL0708

Very glad to hear you got rid of those pains quickly, and fingers crossed they won't come back!

Same here with trying to take things easy and do things more normally this month although I'm pretty sure I haven't got anywhere as I feel AF on her way... not surprising though!

I did have my initial scans and private appointment last week! Some things were good: uterus and lining, they could see I'd ovulated, DP's SA results, but some not so good: my thyroid level is off, I might have endometriosis, and I have a slightly depleted egg reserve. So i just started taking thyroid meds and need to get myself booked for a laparoscopy to check for end and remove it if it exists, and check my tubes aren't blocked, at the same time. Not much to do about the egg reserve, except she suggested I take Impryl instead of regular pre-conception vitamins, but that would only be a potential issue if we eventually needed to go down the IVF route, so trying not to worry about that for now. Either way, there's quite a bit to get sorted before my body's in a good spot to fall pregnant! But I do feel a lot better knowing some treatable issues have been identified and we've working on them

I haven't read that book myself, but I did see it mentioned on another thread and the reviews were good! what did you think of it?

Any news of when your tests might be? xx

Hi @beachbum85

Sorry for the late reply. My notifications seem to be playing up.

Did AF arrive in the end?

Pleased you had your tests done and there were a lot of positives from them. Sorry to hear about the few issues though. At least with medication the thyroid problem can be sorted. To offer you some hope, my friend has thyroid trouble and she is 29 weeks pregnant.
Fingers crossed you don't have endo 🤞🏻 But if you have, it is also something that can be put right. Do you suffer from any of the symptoms?
Like you say, the issues are treatable and at least you now know and can work on putting things right. How are you feeling about it all?

I haven't read it. It's £25 and although it could be a good investment I'm really not sure if it's worth it 🤔

I have an appointment through from the fertility clinic now, which is in September. Still waiting on DPs appointment and my ultrasound appointment. I'm just pleased things seem to be in motion now.

Just at the end of my fertile window so the dreaded 2WW begins now. But I have been feeling a lot more relaxed this month, so hopefully that feeling continues.

Hi all, wondering if it's ok for me to join? It sounds like I'm at a similar stage to you girls, I'm on 11th cycle TTC #1 and we've started to have a few tests. Did SMEP for a while but the pressure on husband was too much having to stick to the calendar, so gone back to trying to do it regularly in the fertile window but a bit more 'casually' (much easier said than done!)

@beachbum85 sorry to hear about potential issues with endometriosis and thyroid, but as you say I think it's definitely a positive step to know where things are at and start being able to take steps to improve your chances :) I've had an underactive thyroid for 5 years, being monitored with it a bit more closely now I'm TTC, but honestly it's really easily treatable and in theory if it's well managed it hopefully shouldn't be an issue!

@LSL0708 glad to hear your tests so for have been normal, that's really positive and glad that SMEP is helping you feel more in control too :)

It's an exhausting business isn't it, and I've found it harder in lockdown with less to distract! But also feeling like we're at least getting somewhere now, I've had a couple of normal blood tests, seem to ovulate just fine. Husband's analysis was normal but sperm count a little towards lower end, so wondering if that could be our issue...

Anyway, best of luck to you all for this month and look forward to hearing how it all goes :)

Hi @Jh2019

Welcome! It's always nice to speak to others in similar situations.

Yeah, I do think SMEP can be quite difficult and mechanical. We didn't stick to it fully this month. I'm trying to 'relax' for a couple of months. Easier said than done sometimes mind.

Pleased the tests you've had have come back normal. Although your husband's count was a little on the low side, at least it still comes within the 'normal' range. Did they suggest anything to help wth that?

Where are you at with this month's cycle?

Sending lots of luck your way too. I have my fingers crossed for us all.

Welcome @Jh2019! How's the TWW going @LSL0708?
Yes, AF arrived last Saturday is now over, so onto a new cycle and another chance!

I've started thyroid meds in the meantime so I'm looking forward to another blood test in a month to see if things have improved. Thanks to both of you for your positive stories there

I'm doing pretty OK, thanks - better than before the tests that's for sure! I'm mostly worried about the potential endo... I have extremely bad period pain some months but that's really the only symptom. Either way, you're right, at least it's something treatable and just good to know that we're doing things to improve our chances.

@LSL0708I did hear that the book is more useful when you're right at the beginning of your fertility journey and getting your head around everything, but I did see some people read it several months in and they had good things to say.

@Jh2019 glad to hear that your tests are fine! The supplement I was recommended (Impryl) is good for men too and apparently can improve sperm count... it's pricey though...

Still haven't decided whether we should do SMEP this month or just DTD every couple of days. Although SMEP makes things more mechanical, I do sometimes feel like it reduces the stress in that it feels like we have control over something. Maybe I'll leave it to DP hehe

Fingers crossed for us all!!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm on 10 DPO actually, so getting very close to that anxious time...I usually test on 11 DPO, but going to try and just wait it out this month. Expecting AF maybe on Friday, but arrived a couple of days late last month annoyingly, so who knows! Will keep you posted...

No didn't receive any recommendations re husband's low-ish count @LSL0708 , we just paid for a 'no frills' test so it didn't come with any consultation - but going to go to GP and discuss next month if we are still not there as that will be sort of a year. He is now taking zinc, folic acid, vit d and omega 3 though, and trying to cut back the booze a bit, so hoping that will help. Thanks for the suggestion re Impryl @beachbum85, will look into that!

Good luck with the relaxation approach @LSL0708, we're going to try to move a bit more towards that too but definitely agree easier said than done. Hope the 2WW goes speedily for you - already a few days in now!

@beachbum85 glad you're feeling ok and on the thyroid meds, will be nice to see them take effect in the blood tests and hope you feel better for it too? All the best for your new cycle, whichever approach you go with :)

Hi both

TWW seemed to be going ok. But I had a wobble last night and still not feeling great this morning. Also woke up with a headache and feeling nauseous today. Hoping it passes. Just one more week to get through.

Not good about AF @beachbum85 but good to hear you've started your meds. Fingers crossed you see an improvement in your bloods this month. Good to know it should be helping with TTC too.

Glad you're doing pretty ok. When do you get your tests for endo?

I did think there may not be much more in the book that I need to know. To be honest I think I'm starting to think there's nothing more I can do than what I'm already doing.

Maybe do a mix @beachbum85. Stick to SMEP as much as possible. But if you can't be bothered one night, just skip it. Don't worry too much about going 'off plan'.

Oh I'm 7DPO @Jh2019 so we're at similar stages in our cycle. Due AF around 24th. It's a killer when it arrives late. I was late on my 10th cycle and had myself convinced that was it. Even though I'd had a BFN.

I don't test, unless I get to CD30 without AF arriving, as that's what I'd consider late. Sometimes I'm tempted. I haven't decided what makes me feel worst - a BFN or AF arriving. Yes, keep us updated with how you get on. Fingers crossed!

Hello ladies. Wondering if you wouldn’t mind me joining. I’m only 6 month into TTC and planning on trying SMEP this month. I’m on CD6 today so will be starting on Sunday.
My cycles are a bit all over the place and I’ve not really been tracking anything but I feel like I’m more prepared this month. Along with trying SMEP, I’ve also got some preseed to use around ovulation and I’ve ordered the ‘taking charge of your fertility’ book so that’s my weekend wading sorted .
I’m not sure exactly when I ovulate because of the last 3 cycles being so random but I’ve also ordered a new pack of opk’s so I’m ready to go!
Fingers crossed for us all!

*Weekend reading

Hi @MrsLauraM

Welcome ☺️

I really don't mind SMEP. Sometimes it can feel mechanical. But it does make me feel like I'm doing all I can. Let us know how you find it.

Can you let me know what you think of the book? I was thinking of ordering it, but wasn't sure it would tell me anything I don't know. I've done a lot of reading about TTC over the last 14 months 😂😫

I've tried preseed a couple of times and wasn't too keen on it. But I know other people really like it.

Hopefully the OPKs help you pinpoint ovulation this cycle.

Good luck and keep us updated with how you get on!

Thank you @LSL0708

I’ve started reading it and I am currently 5 chapters in. It’s fantastic! I’ll be perfectly honest and tell you that I’m pretty clueless about cycles and fertility (other than the few hints and tips I’ve picked up from this site in the last few weeks) as I was on contraception for 15 years after meeting my now husband when I was 16, so I am really finding this so helpful and really enlightening. My poor husband is fed up already as I keep shouting at him to ‘listen to this’ and ‘this makes so much sense!’
I’m not sure how helpful it would be to you if you’ve already done a lot of research anyway. Are there not any used copies for sale on eBay maybe? Then at least you’re not paying full price if you find it’s not as useful to you.