TTC with issues. How do you keep the hope alive?

[wonderingwonderingwondering]

38f, partner is 39, TTC around 7 months now.

We started fertility testing around 3 months ago, have undergone some tests to reveal that I have AMH of 7, AFC has declined quite a bit since last time tested 3 years ago (currently at 11) and after a recent SIS I learned that I have a polyp that will need to be removed in case it is preventing conception.

Today we learned that my partner may have low motility (30%), though has been prescribed vitamins and told to re-test in 8 weeks to know for sure.

To say I am devastated is an understatement. I am obviously older ttc for the first time - life circumstances I couldn't really prevent - and to now be losing more time as I wait for this polyp removal procedure and not knowing if we have any chance at all with my partner's fertility issues is so concerning.

Has anyone else around here dealt with the same issues and I guess my bigger question is, how do you keep the hope alive when things are looking so grim?

Hi @wonderingwonderingwondering I'm so sorry you're going through this, its tough and it does take its toll on you. do you know when they can do the operation? the silver lining is that you now know of these issues and there's options. Just take one step at a time and be kind to yourself.

I'm 36, soon to be 37 and also ttc first one. we've been trying for 6-7 months and during that, I had one miscarriage. its really difficult each time af comes but I've just been trying to look at it short term. so each time focusing on the next fertile window and then the next tww, basically each time af comes, its another chance to conceive. i don't know if i have any issues, I've been scared to go see the doctor especially as none of my sisters have had problems conceiving (most conceived on first month ttc). But I've finally booked an appointment.

DH has been supportive and trying his best to be the optimistic reassuring one, that has helped. Speaking on this forum has also helped as its a reminder you're not alone. its alot of emotions, I have just tried to not think of the long term issues and focus on the short term goals. trying not to obsess over it can be difficult but i try to get my mind occupied and myself busy. Not sure if any of that helps but please remember youre not alone and to be kind to yourself.

Thank you so much @bunnynbear, that was such a kind message to read. I'm so sorry about your miscarriage, I can't even imagine how difficult that has been to deal with. It must've been devastating. I know exactly what that worry of "is something seriously wrong" feels like - but like you say, information is power here and my experience with doing all of this fertility testing is that, while it's so emotionally gruelling - I'm really happy we started when we did, when we had been trying for just a few months and instead of waiting it out and losing even more time.

At 38 now, time is of the essence and at least we have options for giving ourselves the best chance possible. It's been a really painful 24 hours though, and I really feel as if I'm just completely heartbroken for learning this news.

I've been referred to the gynaecologist for the polyps procedure and I don't know how long that's going to take, hopefully not too long as we're going private. At least that will be one obstacle unblocked, OH's prescription for vitamins arrived this morning too so I'll be ramming those down his throat every day too!

The very best of luck with your ttc efforts, wishing you a BFP really really soon and a safe and healthy pregnancy xx