Ladies over 35- how long did it take you to conceive?

[RiderofRohan]

We are trying for our first and going into the 6th month. Each cycle adds a little more anxiety. I'm 35 and have never been pregnant. DH also has no children. Using ovulation kits and BBT.

I was wondering how many cycles it took you to conceive when you were over 35. Especially a first pregnancy. I know everyone is different but it helps to hear other people's stories.

Started trying at 38 ( married a year) and never conceived - even with treatment including IVF.

Had been actively trying from age 28. Nothing. Gave up age 34. Just resigned myself to not having kids (DP already has 4 - so knew it wasn't him). I wasn't trying to get pregnant, but did nothing to prevent it. Then age 36, out the blue, found out I was pregnant!

Age 31 conceived first month
Age 33 conceived after 5 months
Age 37 got pregnant by accident but miscarried then got pregnant after 2 months of actively trying

Things that I believe helped - using ovulation sticks, smep method, eating Brazil nuts from day of ovulation, using conceive plus and pregnacare pre conception tablets. Also not peeing after sex!

Aged 40 first try. Ovulation kit and Preseed.

Three conceived in mid to late thirties, all first or second month of trying.

We were fortunate.

I have friends where it took quite a few months tho, good luck!

Age 38 22 cycles. Live birth.
Age 40 11 cycles. TFMR.
Age 41 7 cycles. Live birth.
No miscarriages.

Not sure if will help you OP- because its not always a happy ending and my experience is different to many others.

Started TTC age 34 and after years, had the run around from GP who refused testing. Finally when D21 blood test was done, its was normal- and GP then wouldn't refer me to the fertility clinic!
After 4yrs TTC, when I finally did get pregnant naturally, I paid for the NIPT. Unfortunately it showed trisomy 13 (patau syndrome) and we chose TFMR.

I used to work abroad part of each year, so paid for private testing there. All was normal, tubes clear, and in fact my egg reserves were high for my age.

A year later pregnant again, but MC at 7 weeks.

Then IVF- pregnant, saw heartbeat at 8 weeks, then MC a week later

Told I'd be referred to the multiple MC clinic- waited 6mths, then told that I wasn't eligible- because the 1st pregnancy was TFMR and not a natural MC!

Another round of IVF and didn't get pregnant. The last consultant asked if I'd considered donor eggs- well no, it was the first anyone had mentioned it so I hadn't considered it. I looked into it, but by this stage I was 43.

I have a happy life, and a lovely husband- its just a different life to the one I'd always assumed I'd have.

Four months for both. Had them at 41 and 43.

I didn’t, at 34 after 6 months we went to the GP, was referred and initially prescribed Clomid for a few months.

Clomid didn’t work, so we were referred for IVF.

First round of IVF got to implant stage but it didn’t work.

Second round of IVF it worked, got to 12 weeks then had a MMC.

So, coming to terms with it never happening now.

I would go and see your GP asap and get tests/referred, they never found any reason whatsoever why I couldn’t conceive, but the earlier you start getting checked out the more they can do.

Sending solidarity, I have a similar story and I think it’s important that people share their experiences as sadly it’s not always a happy ending.

37 now 38. After a missed miscarriage in January last year we welcomed a baby this April. Good luck x

Got pregnant first try at 42. Tried for baby number 2 at 44, never happened. So I'm 1 and done.

33.1/2 first cycle baby No1
36 5 months baby no2

First try with pregnancy 1 at 35. First try with subsequent 3 pregnancies, all at 39 (2 miscarriages).

It's completely different for everyone

I’m 37 and so far 5.5yrs and still no baby. Feels like everyone else can get pregnant when they chose 😖

Had a round of IVF at 35 having spent 2 years trying with no success. Unexplained infertility. The IVF was successful but ended in a second trimester miscarriage. A boy 😞.
Then conceived my son by surprise a couple of months later. Was 36 by then. Also conceived my daughter in the first month at age 37.

@Changingplace Thank you. I agree that there is a misconception that even with todays advances in technology- that everyone can conceive and give birth. Like you- we had absolutely no cause for sub-fertility despite multiple tests. I read 'it starts with an egg', we don't smoke and rarely drink, got fit, eat from scratch, aren't stressed yet it didn't work out.

The only reason 1 Dr could provide was 'well, its likely just old eggs!' 😔

Get your other half to have a sperm test. If he's average/below average them he will need to up his game so to speak. Can easily be done via diet.

I conceived first time at 37 and then 39. I am very fortunate.

This thread is making me feel a bit better that it CAN just take time… of course not guaranteed though :/

Im 34 and currently in TWW cycle 9, trying for first.

Sorry this is cycle 8. Doing myself out of a cycle!

I'm not sure it's going to be a helpful thread op. For example we got pregnant in the second month but I've no idea what reflection that actually is of my fertility. We could just have been incredibly lucky and really struggle next time. My advice is, hard as it feels, don't get too wrapped up in it and just try to enjoy spicing up your sex life. I used a period tracker for a few months previously and it worked out for me when I should be ovulating because the strips didn't work for me at all. Everyone is different and the info you get here will be anecdotal. If you're worried or things are irregular in terms of periods etc then speak directly to your gp because they can give you more specific tailored advice.

It’s made me feel the exact opposite! Everyone’s talking in months and I’m in years.

In a similar position. 35 6 months dedicated TTC after 1.5 yes without protection.

Conceived cycle 1 with both of my DC.
I was nearly 35 with DD1 and am 36 and pregnant with DC2.

I do feel fortunate but wanted to say to balance the field of experiences