9dpo opinions please!

[MissEmily5]

Hello!
I’m currently 9dpo and having a bit a wobble- I keep flitting between hopeful to sad very quickly today. I think I just need some opinions from people who don’t know me and who aren’t just going to say ‘Hopefully’ or ‘fingers crossed’ (which is very sweet but I just need something more than that.

I’m 28, and me and my husband are on cycle 5 of TTC. This month I’ve been using OPKs and BBT. Currently on CD24 which is 9dpo for me- got my static smiley with my ovulation test on CD15 in the morning. We DTD every other day from CD6 up to CD19 so should be plenty of sperm up there to meet the egg!
I was concerned that I wasn’t actually ovulating despite getting a positive OPK so that’s why I started BBT (at first this was a bit of a struggle but I think I’ve got the hang of it now). My ovulation was confirmed on CD6 (one day I had to disregard my temp as I woke up slightly but didn’t temp straight away and temped an hour later when my alarm went off). My BBT has only had one dip on CD2 under the base line but have been quite zig zag like and not showing that upward curve that I would like to indicate pregnancy- I’ll attach a photo below incase we have the BBT experts out there!

My CM has been a mixture of watery and creamy, but I’ve really noticed the watery CM when I actively check and only the creamy CM once it has dried in my pants (often a cream/yellow colour). However, today on CD9 I have started to spot- it mainly is watery CM with a pink tinge- happened this morning with my first morning wee, then had a small amount mid day but my pants had creamy discharge with a slight browny colouring and then tonight I had the same watery discharge with a pink tinge. I have attached some pictures- sorry in advance for TMI or if it’s too graphic.
Picture info-

• up close image on toilet paper was taken AM on CD9
  
• picture of pants was taken mid day
  
• toilet paper further away was taken PM on CD9
  
  I would have been excited for this as it could possibly be implantation bleeding but last month I had a very similar experience (spotting started with a mixture of watery and creamy CM from CD23 and continued until CD27 to which it ended in my period).
  
  
  I did also test this morning and received a BFN. I guess I’m just looking for any happily ever after who had similar situations to me or anyone with experience similar to mine. I think with the mixture of BBT and CM checking I already feel out at just 9dpo which I know is still early.
  
  Might be worth mentioning that When I started to bleed today I thought it was game over so tried to put it out of my mind but me and my OH had sex and no trace of spotting on him or me afterwards. Plus cramps, if that’s what you can even call them has been minimal.
  
  This TTC m’larky is so exhausting, you think it’ll be easy (I always said to people it could take a long while but I hoped deep down it would be super easy) and it’s like one thing after the next in terms of worry. First it’s the worry that you’ll get that positive OPK, then it’s the worry that if you’ll actually ovulate and get the temps to confirm it, not to mention having enough sex (whilst trying not to put too much pressure on you or your OH) and then it’s checking if your CM is right and so on and so on.
  My Nan, who knows we’re TTC, said it’s any wonder anyone got pregnant back when she had her babies 😂
  Just hope everyone is taking care of themselves whilst on this should be magical journey and wishing baby dust to you all!
  
  Also, thank you for reading my long ramble and taking the time to reply! X

[jenkh91]

Hey @MissEmily5 sorry I can’t give you the answer you are hoping for as I am clueless, but just reading your post I felt like I could have written it (only difference is I am 32 and on cycle 4). The fact it has gone away again does sound promising though, when is AF due?

Since we started ttc I really think my periods are playing tricks on me, I know we are more likely to notice symptoms when we are looking out for them, but last couple of months I have had spotting up to 5/6 days before my period and I’ve never had that before.

im currently 9 or 10 DPO too but this afternoon have started getting usual period cramps so I think I’m out! 😩

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 sorry to hear you’re going through a similar experience- although both of us aren’t on particularly long TTC journeys it really takes it a toll doesn’t it!

I really know what you mean by your cycles/periods are tricking you- I’ve never really noticed/recorded the spotting before TTC, but like you said it’s probably because we just haven’t noticed it 🙈😂

I’m not sure if I’d say you’re out as I think a lot of women get period like cramps before getting their BFP which I really is the case for you!
Although, I’m now at the stage when I’m just going to think as though it’s another negative cycle just so I don’t get my hopes up! Would have been nice to get a BFP in time for Christmas- I’m due on Christmas Eve!

[jenkh91]

@MissEmily5 i know, when we first started this I was under no illusion that it would happen right away, but you still have a little hope that you’ll be lucky don’t you! It’s mentally draining, I don’t know how people do it!

Yh, it also is showing me that I really do have sore boobs and cramps on and off basically from ovulation until AF, I guess when we aren’t thinking about it we just get on with it and ignore 😂

Yh I was thinking the same, would be a nice little Christmas pressie but never mind. I think I’m same as you, I’m being pessimistic so I don’t get my hopes up

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 It’s that little bit of hope that is the kicker every time- even now for me I can’t help that small glimmer of what if, which I know is going to definitely kick my arse with AF comes… what’s worst is I’m hosting on Christmas Eve (the date of my expected period) and then Boxing day I’m seeing my cousins, one of which got pregnant first time trying and it’ll be all anyone can talk about- not sure how to keep a happy face when the idea of month 6 of TTC will be looming large!

God it’s annoying isn’t it! I’m sick of googling every little thing, like you said it’s probably very normal/average to have these ‘symptoms’, wish I kept a detailed record of how I felt before starting TTC.

Well here’s hoping it’s our month truly and we go to into 2024 with a little extra something 👶

[4LeafCloverBaby]

@MissEmily5 hey 👋🏼 have you been & had a fertility MOT to make sure their aren’t any issues. Definitely helped me 😊 x

[MissEmily5]

@4LeafCloverBaby hi again!
hope you’re well :)
we haven’t yet no, I said to my OH that if we’re not lucky this month I’ll be contacting doctors. Just don’t want them to completely disregard us because we’ve only been trying what will be 6 months and we’re both under the age of 35.
Did you go private for this? :)

[4LeafCloverBaby]

@MissEmily5 yes I went private as I hadn’t started trying yet. I paid £395 to have the fertility MOT, didn’t get my partner done as he already has children. But if you get it done as a couple it’s not too much more. They did an internal ultrasound to see what the condition of the uterus walls are like & also to count your follicles & they can tell you if there are any cysts or abnormalities. Then the do your bloods & will tell you your levels which gives an indication of how good your egg reserve is for your age. It really put my mind at ease that there was nothing wrong & if I didn’t fall it was just the fact that I wasn’t lucky that cycle. Would definitely recommend 👌🏼

[MissEmily5]

@4LeafCloverBaby thank you for the information. Definitely something to consider for the new year.
I started spotting again this morning- more bright red in colour, once I saw it in the toilet and then only when I wiped. But no more since and hopefully no more anymore! Trying to stay positive but it’s very highly doubtful and I’m 99.9% sure we’ll be entering into month 6.
I think me and my OH will need to probably set ourselves a time in which we’ll consider going for a fertility MOT. I don’t really want to wait another 6months to hit the year mark before checking- don’t think it’ll help either of our sanity's😂 x

[4LeafCloverBaby]

Oh hunny, I have everything crossed for you! 🍀🤞🏼 I would defo do it as soon as possible? That way if they find something that can be improved you can crack on with it 😊 x

[jenkh91]

@MissEmily5 its defo the hope that’s a killer! Because once AF starts I feel disappointed but then ok and ready to start the next month!

AF started a bit for me last night, it’s gone again but cramps still here so I’m certain it’s coming. Fingers crossed for you this month though!

@4LeafCloverBaby I think that’s a good idea, more for peace of mind than anything, and then like you say, if they find something wrong then it can be sorted asap! I think I will give it another 2 months, so I’m at the 6 month mark and then do the same, not sure I could wait a whole year and then have to deal with the process of going through the GP.

Even though I know 4 or 5 months is not a long time at all, it feels like a lifetime doesn’t it!

Have either of you tried the conception proof lube? My SIL recommended it, said they were trying for a year and then the month they used it they got pregnant, so thinking of giving it a go…although not sure if it’s just a scam to sell expensive lube 😂

[MissEmily5]

@4LeafCloverBaby thank you my dear! What point are you at now and how you feeling about it all? 😌

@jenkh91 sounds like we’re having pretty identical journeys at this point 😂 how much blood did you have last night?

Ive just checked and nothing in my pants but when I get a tissue and wipe around a bit I’ve now got more browny coloured watery discharge (sorry probably TMI), only thing that has confused me if that I don’t have any cramps just very bloated and feel full/gassy and every now and again a twinge🤔 trying to think back/look back at my apps for the symptoms if this is my average at this point because of course I can’t remember now I’m having them 😂

I’m the same as you in terms of not being able to face going to the GP at the year mark, seems far too daunting and almost like too little too late in my mind. I’ll have to have a chat with OH tonight about a time frame for us to take the plunge.

I actually started using conceive plus lube this cycle and we love it! You hardly need anything and I think it can’t be doing any harm, in fact it could be helping. It’s not too expensive either- we did get pressed last month off Amazon, much more fiddly and also, after a couple of uses I realised it was out of date!! Not happy at all and worried a lot if it affected our chances that month.

[jenkh91]

@MissEmily5 not much at all and it’s still only a tiny amount, not even enough for a pad, but think it’s slowly getting a little bit more.

I Feel like this is sounding really promising on your side right now, really crossing everything you succeed this month!

yep I think it’s a sensible idea, even just knowing there’s a plan in place might make you feel more relaxed.

oh this is good to hear, we’ll defo have to try it next month!

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 I really hope it’s just the finishing up of implantation bleeding for you. I think I’m in a similar situation- had a bit of brown spotting again but mixed with creamy CM this morning but nothing since. Some twinges again, feel quite odd really- very tired, got a headache and very sore boobs! But I really do think AF is on her way 😔

Yes I agree, plus gives us a bit of chance to save up for it!

Aye, I would- you never know it could give you that extra something to get that BFP😌

[jenkh91]

Hey @MissEmily5 how are you getting on? AF came for me and has now finished so getting ready to go again!

[riverlodge90]

@MissEmily5 @jenkh91
Hey both, mind if I join?

Just ending cycle 8 TTC. Due on my period New Year's Day.

I feel the same about the Drs, waiting until May for me seems like a lifetime. I'm planning on contacting them in January to get bloods done hopefully, as my TSH is slightly off.
My DH has agreed to have a sperm test although may have to pay privately for this.

Where abouts are you both in your cycles?

[jenkh91]

Hi @riverlodge90 of course! How are you feeling about this month? Keeping my fingers crossed for you that you can start the new year with a nice BFP!

Yep I defo agree, and I think it feels better to even just have a plan in place, I don’t think I can handle waiting for the year mark before getting tests done.

so I’m on cycle day 8, usually I ovulate around day 15 - 17 but I started testing today and the line looks stronger than normal and I’m also spotting a bit today which is strange, so wondering if I’m ovulating earlier, it’s so confusing! I’m going back to my parents tomorrow for a few days so hoping I don’t ovulate until I’m back!

[riverlodge90]

@jenkh91
Thank you!

I'm 9/10dpo, Tested this morning and BFN. Had hoped that being more occupied this month and relaxed abit over Xmas it would have worked out but obviously not! Feeling abit more in control as have booked Drs appointment through their app for end of Jan.


Oh exciting! I ovulated early this month (usually 18/19) it was 16! So you may be ovulating early, which feels a good thing as one less thing to wait for! I fend the middle of the month is the most hopeful :)

What are you using to track your cycles?

[jenkh91]

Hey @riverlodge90 happy new year! How you getting on? That’s good you have a drs appointment booked, hopefully feeling more relaxed will help!

my clear blue this morning said high fertility so ready to go again! I always feel so hopeful at this time in the cycle, and it’s nice not being in the TWW yet, those two weeks are so stressful 😂

ive been using natural cycles, I started with it last summer but I’ve found the temperature stresses me out because I end up starting each day thinking about it all, so now I’ve chnaged and only take temperature in the week leading up to ovulation and until I get the temperature rise so I know I’ve ovulated and then I put the thermometer in a drawer to try and forget about it a bit. What do you use?

[riverlodge90]

@jenkh91

Awh yey! That's the happy part of the cycle, as you say it's full of optimism. I think the hormones around that time also making it easier too!

I'm waiting for period to start, due tonight, had a temp drop this morning and some spotting tonight. I've noticed the day before my period is due I'm usually a crying angry bitter mess but those emotions clear within 48 hours. 🤷🏼‍♀️ combination of hormones and disappointment at another failed cycle I guess.
Ohh that is interesting. I also use the clear blue advanced and really like using them, prefer the once a day pee method and find them really accurate!
I've used natural cycles for 3.5 years so it's becomes a massive habit to temp everyday, I've got the oura ring and love the sleep data so it comes hand in hand with checking my temp.
Do You find only doing it two weeks a month has helped you mentally? I might give that a go!

[jenkh91]

@riverlodge90 ahh I'm sorry :( But I guess as everyone says, it's not over until AF arrives!

Yep I have found it helps to take my temp only until ovulation is confirmed, definitely. The closer i get to AF i still get obsessed with symptom spotting etc. but it definitely made it a little less stressful mentally.

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 hi! Sorry I was AWOL. I took a step back to regroup mentally. @riverlodge90 welcome!:) also, happy new year to you both. Let’s hope this is the year we have little babes 👶

I got my period on the 23/12 with a 28 day cycle. I’m now on CD15 and still with the flashing smileys using clear blue advanced. I have been testing since CD6 as my average was 27 days before but I think it’s now creeping to 28 days. I got a static last month at CD15 in the morning, just hoping I get one this month too!
Me and my husband have looked into get a fertility ‘MOT’ in the next couple of months when we/if we hit trying for 8 months (right after our holiday- have a relax and then get back to reality) it will be private as I can’t bear the idea of being on lots of waiting lists and waiting a year like you ladies said too. It’s about £700 where we live so we’ve started saving.
Although, I’m worried about every stage about something going wrong, I feel a bit more positive/it will be what it will be this month- perhaps with the new year and the whole idea of a fresh start. I don’t know, and to be honest that could easily change very quickly!
I hope you are both okay and looking after yourselves! X

[jenkh91]

Hey @MissEmily5 sorry AF came for you 😔 totally get taking a step back, I find that once AF arrives I stay away from here until I’m ovulating again.

have you got your static smiley yet?

I ovulated on Friday I think so now in the dreaded tww 😩

that sounds like a good plan, and hopefully with holiday and an appointment scheduled you will both feel more relaxed and fingers crossed that will do the trick on its own!

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 Hey! I’m exactly the same, I’m constantly on here during ovulation and TWW, but when it’s AF and just after I just go in on myself.

How are you doing? Feeling positive or worried? The TWW is the craziest time ever, all rational thinking goes out of the window doesn’t it!

I literally tested again (2nd time today) like 5 minutes ago and got my static. Happy days! 😌 CD16 so one later than last month. I also got myself Proov PdG tests to help me confirm ovulation, rather than just going off BBT to confirm as my timings are all over the place. I just want to know if I do actually ovulate and if I’m ovulating to a ‘high’ standard.

Aye, I guess it’s just having a plan/next step in place which makes us feel a little bit more in control- which isn’t something you can be with this journey can you? 😂 I remember thinking that I’m definitely not planning on having a winter baby, but at this point I’ll take any month, any gender- whatever! Just a healthy baby please 😂 Guess with time it really does make you appreciate everything. 😌🙈

[jenkh91]

Hey @MissEmily5 I'm not feeling positive about this cycle, I don't know why because i think we dtd enough and at the right time, but I think I'm starting to think 'well what has changed from last cycle that it would work this time' - but i know that's really stupid and pessimistic, I just can't help myself!

I hate the tww, my work is also pretty quiet at the moment which isn't helping, too much time to think!

Great news that you got your static smiley! I think that's a really good idea about Proov PdG tests...funnily enough I had just been reading the past few days about progesterone levels because (since starting ttc) I now spot for a few days before my period, which apparently can be a sign of low progesterone levels so was wondering if that has anything to do with it. Let me know how it goes with the Proov tests, i definitely think anything that can help put your mind at ease is a good thing.

[MissEmily5]

@jenkh91 I get that too, it’s always disheartening when you have done everything ‘right’ and nothing! Hopefully, this will be the month that everything does in fact go right! 🤞
Have you by any chance read It starts with an Egg? I bought it and read it last month and it’s helped me feel a bit better about it all and know what else I can do to improve our chances. Some bits are a bit hard to grasp/apply to life but overall it’s helped me feel more positive.

This has started happening to me! The past couple of months I have noticed spotting up to a week before and it’s definitely a cause of concern for me too. I’ll let you know what the results say, have to wait a week after my peak test to actually test for ovulation.