TTC for those taking longer than average ✨

[YaWeeFurryBastard]

I just wanted to start a thread for those who’ve been trying for a little while (or a long while) and it doesn’t seem to be happening. It’s great seeing all the positives on the TTC threads but I’m starting to find it a little disheartening as it seems to be happening quickly for almost everyone but me! Statistics seem to vary but suggest between 60-70% of couples get pregnant within three months. We’ll be heading into cycle 5 shortly TTC our first, both in our early 30s.

Is anyone else in a similar situation?

@RRAEE it would be lovely , I'll have to make sure we can ddt as much as we can during fertile window

@Favofit thank you ❤️ Loss is so common I didn’t appreciate this before this past year, now I’ve had more losses than successful pregnancies! And definitely worth having a good go 😂 even though it is exhausting. It helps that my husband is ALWAYS obliging and thinks he’s won the lottery! I so hope it’s your month and maybe the scan has given things a kickstart!
@RRAEE we are quite similar. Prior to the miscarriage last year we had taken a “chilled approach” and not used any protection for quite a while but not really tried in terms of pinpointing ovulation etc. I’m not too sure what investigations I’m actually asking for so need to research this before next weeks appointment.

So this month I have started us both on CoQ10 and used preseed lube.
Had tons of symptoms around ovulation like aches and bloating. Ovulation on usual day after chemical.
Since ovulation I’ve had sharp pulling type pains on my right side which is new and which is where most of the aches at ovulation were.

@Shortcake06 i keep meaning to pick up some coq-10 but keep forgetting 😅 i need to added it to my reminders for when im up shopping next.

Exactly we were casual with it at first and then started the LH testing and stuff but we've gone to just DTD every other day across the fertile window now as it was getting too much.

You'll have to let me know how you get on 🙂

How is everyone feeling? I'm doing a natural cycle this month, no medications as we are going to be starting IVF, have an assessment at the end of the month so said we'd forget all the meds, try and "relax" 🥴 and hope we're one of the miracles 🤣

@Daniki hope all goes well 🤞🏻

Good luck! Bet it’s a relief that you have your assessment coming up soon 😊. Hopefully you’re one of the stories you hear about BFP’s before IVF though 🤞🏻. Stranger things have happened.

I’ve written this month off already (9dpo according to apps and BFN’s). Trying a new supplement from MyOva. Will see what happens next month. Fairly skeptical as last time I tried any kind of supplement it wrecked my cycle even more.

Hope everyone else is getting on well and hoping to see some more BFP’s x

Heya 👋🏼 your journey stood out to me as I've been TTC since April 22. Trying for our first. Had one early miscarriage at 6+5. We'll get there xxx

Hello everyone. I've just found this thread. My hubby and I have been TTC for our first since April 22. 29 cycles. Now in our third year of trying.

We conceived on cycle 16 but it was a loss at 6+5. I was devastated. Nothing since. Started trying age 38. I'll be 41 in August.

When do I give up?

I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't know your full story but I think you shouldn't give up. Have you had any investigations done yet ?

Thank you for your kind message. Yes, had all investigations done. GP did preliminary tests and everything was normal but referred us to fertility unit at hospital due to our ages. Waited 9 months to get seen in September (in meantime had miscarriage in August). Hospital did further tests including hycosy. All normal except I have slightly raised FSH (11.3). Discharged us without further treatment as you have to be trying for one year for help. And the miscarriage restarted the clock! Despite the fact it took 16 cycles to conceive in the first place. So we could go back this August but I fully expect them to tell me I'm now too old as will be 41 then.
I have slightly shorter cycles and my luteal phase is 9-11 days. But GP or doctor at hospital didn't seem bothered by that. I feel let down by NHS. I've asked them for progesterone support because my result is always on the lower side of normal range, but they won't give me it. So now seeing a private gynecologist on Wednesday. I don't accept unexplained infertility as a diagnosis. It's the lack of proper investigation. I want someone to help me! My husband has excellent, above average sperm so it's clearly me. Some days I feel like a failure and that he'd be better of leaving me for someone else. And I'll just get loads of cats and dogs.
I track ovulation and catch it every month. I monitor my daily BBT and have good charts. My current one is attached here. Had a BFN yesterday (10dpo). When I did conceive I got the BFP on 8dpo so I fully accept it's game over this cycle.
I am considering going private for IVF but I've read it probably won't help as it's clear my issue is implantation/sustaining.

Who knows when enough is enough. But I do know it's now affecting me in all facets of my life. I'm growing bitter and distancing myself from friends who are falling pregnant at the drop of a hat. I cried in a cafe the other day looking at a woman in a cafe feeding her baby. I need help on how to accept a childless life.

Thanks again for reaching out xxx

@aggiemay24 that sounds really tough, I'm really sorry to hear that. But AF isn't here yet and so you're not yet out this cycle. Have you read the book "it starts with the egg"? I found it really good and reassuring to read that there is hope even after a certain age. I believe it's worth trying every option available/accessible before even considering giving up xx

@aggiemay24 Im so very sorry you have been having such a tough time. It’s such a difficult and lonely journey, but you are not alone.
And I’m so very sorry for your loss, I also had a miscarriage at 6+5 and I know how painful it is.
Im very shocked that investigations were stopped after your miscarriage.
One thing I do know is that you are not a failure and deserving of some kindness to yourself. The people in your life love you for who you are, not your ability to have a child.
When I was TTC my first I realised I also have shorter luteal phase. After coming off the pill it was only 7 days but slowly extended to where it is now 10-12 ish days. The short luteal phase made no difference and I had a very healthy pregnancy with my first 💕 So it may not be an issue x

@aggiemay24 it's such a tough journey! I agree I'd be looking to get more tests done, your GP sounds so unhelpful! Plus once you're over 35 they recommend getting checked out if you've been trying for 6 months. If you can afford it you could try get the ball rolling privately, should be far quicker and you're likely to get answers ❤️

Just a random mag - I’m at work and having a day of mundane tasks so was looking for a podcast. I’ve stumbled across this one, I’m not even half way through but finding it very interesting and insightful. Really recommend

I need to put this on here as I feel this group will understand and I can't say it in real life. There's an activity my child goes to and the person who runs it is pregnant, did a big announcement on the business fb page, big announcement to the kids and is doing gender reveals at all her groups this week. This is their 3rd DC and whilst I'm really happy for them I'm finding it really triggering how much focus is on it at this class that my DC goes to. Literally comes out saying 'Sarah' will have 3 babies now, I wish I had a brother or sister. I've talked to my DC a lot about how families come in all different sizes but as there's only 1 other only in her class it's not what she sees day to day. I just needed to rant I guess as I know it's really my issue not theirs, I just wish it wasn't such a focus of the group.

I've been trying for my first baby for over two years. Families certainly come in all sizes. Mine is just me, my husband and our dog. I see triggering things all the time. You just have to learn to rise above it else it'll destroy you.

I keep seeing clips of this all over TikTok, plan on listening in my long drive to my app at the end of the month!

@Marie1990x she is absolutely brilliant! I’ve not listened to this but she has her own podcast called “as a woman” which has taught me so much x

I haven’t finished it yet, but it was good! Will try finish it tomorrow.

How are you feeling about your appt? Bet it’s a huge relief and excitement 😊.

AF arrived for me today so back to the grind!

@MaybeItsJustTimeToStop im really sorry that’s crap. This journey has taught me how NOT to act if I ever get pregnant again!!! I agree with you that is very annoying. Our worth isn’t measured in our ability to produce children!!!!!!

Oooo I’ll have to look at her podcast when I’ve finished this! She explains everything so well doesn’t she

I think ovulation will be happening today or tomorrow . Top one is a two-day digital clearblue test ? Am I correct in thinking that ? Tia

@Favofit that looks very close to positive on the strip OPK. I’m not sure how the smiley face ones work!? Probably time to get grabbing the husband 😜

In a spectacularly silly moment at 8dpo I took a strip test this evening. I think there’s a faint line but my head is completely scrambled after the chemical last month. I’m so used to negative tests I think my brain plays tricks on me 😔
I had a GP appointment earlier in the week and we got the ball rolling with fertility investigations.

I would say so, not sure on smiley but second one is defo positive and the last one just about so I would certainly be getting down to business over the next few days 🤣

@Marie1990x I'm actually relaxed, looking forward to getting the ball rolling again! On no meds this month which is nice so back to tracking with strips, I think I'm coming up to ovulation. Oh no! Hopefully it doesn't last long and back on the horse then! 🤣🙈