TTC #1 over 35

[Clara202]

As the title suggests, if you’re over 35 and TTC your first, I’d love to hear from you! Would be nice to hear from a few of us in the same boat 🙂

@Clara202 That's as strong a result as I'd expect from my own ovulation sticks. I haven't used the digital cb (too ££) so I don't know when I'd get my smiley. I had my 'peak' sun pm/mon am. I'd be trying if I were you. Are you able to try lots or is it a target practice? (If that's ok to ask)

@Nosejug I think we can ask anything at this stage 😂 We can try lots but I was worried about trying too much too early if I’m still days away. First cycle using cheapies alongside CB. I’m surprised it’s as strong as it is against a flashing CB. We’ll dtd after work and I’ll test again, I think the opk is meant to be as dark and as thick as the control line which it isn’t but it doesn’t look far off. Do you do temping? This is my first month trying that also

@Clara202 I tried doing temping with a bbt thermometer (a cheap one mind) but I'm awfully inconsistent in my testing. Like I'd drink water so my mouth would be cold or drink tea and be hot (or I'd totally forget). (Do you take temp in your mouth too?) I dunno, I couldn't stand all the inconsistency in control. It varied day by day and I gave up (that was right at the start though (3 years ago) and long before I was using pee tests. Maybe I should try again...

Someone right at the start of my journey also told me it was better to try fewer times with the best sample, which suits us as we can't be sure to dtd on command. But others have said the more frequent the better. The only month we got pregnant was a one try as I was away for work and zoomed home for a conjugal visit! So I guess there's way more in it for me than just frequency.

I use an oral bbt thermometer and I keep it next to my phone/alarm on the bedside locker. When the alarm goes off it’s the first thing I see so I remember to do it then. Other than I see it or feel it as I reach for the alarm I would definitely forget to do it. I just said I’d start this month as another possible insight into ovulation.

I've but my thermometer back on the bedside table! Will follow your alarm clock method @Clara202 :)

Would it be ok to post my test strips to get some other opinions? I was sure my peak was SunPM and MonAM, but I'd have expected my lh to drop back down to pre ovulation level.
They're the only two days that the line is (pretty much) as strong as the control. Maybe my body is still trying to regulate after ivf comedown. Maybe I'm overthinking things. Sorry if I'm posting too much. Probably just a bit wired emotionally from ivf etc.

Period started. Just feel absolutely helpless and really angry at the world. I've got an NHS ultrasound booked in though, so small steps of progress.

When is your ultrasound @HollyGolightly4?
CD1 is always a tough one x

21st Feb, then consultation a few weeks after. I just had a bit of a stupid hope that it would reveal I was pregnant if that makes sense?! It is a tough one. Thanks!

How long have you been trying @HollyGolightly4 ? I tried to scroll back but couldn't see. I'm always so surprised I have the ability to hope again with each new cycle. Are you getting scans and bloods done pre-fertility treatment?

Yes, I'm hoping so (funding 🤞). We've been trying for nearly three years. Miscarriage at 13 weeks in Feb 23 and nothing since then.

Oh goodness I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I had one at ten weeks but knew from 6 so I had time. That must have been extremely difficult, I'm sorry.

Do you guys have any known issues? (I suppose that's what you're hoping treatment will discover?) we have low morphology and my age as factors (applied at 36). I managed to receive two nhs rounds of treatment (ivf with icsi) which took a long time to happen, but once you're in, you're in. I have v low amh so only got 4 eggs in total over the two treatments, and don't think I'll be funded again (waiting to hear, have a plan). My only pregnancy was after a failed round which is probably why I'm extra anxious about trying this cycle. If you've any questions about ivf or whatever I'm happy to share. Some of the tests (eg. hycosy) actually aid fertility so push for everything. Good luck with the first scan.

@Nosejug has your AMH changed much in the 3 years, or have you had it tested again? I believe today is ovulation day for me. I’m pretty relaxed about it, seems to have come on very quickly after AF this month so I didn’t have time to be too down in the dumps, it was time to try again so quickly! I actually find this worse than the tww, I drive myself nuts with opks😖

Thank you so much! Previous tests have been all good, so just waiting to see really. I will try to push for everything - it's such a minefield. Sorry about your failed round. I hope you do get another funded!

I usually get sore boobs coming up to AF, never any other time. Yesterday and today I’ve had really tender boobs, really quite painful and full. According to OPKs I ovulated yesterday. Does anyone else have this symptom around ovulation? Tracking symptoms 6 months now and this is the first time this has happened.

Hm not me @Clara202 I'm the same as you, sometimes (not always) sore on route to AF but I do think it might be a common thing? I'd say tender breast symptom has become more frequent with age for me, don't start till 30, so maybe that's a reason for it coming on?

My amh was tested twice, the last time in June. And before that about 1.5 years previous. It actually rose slightly which was a pleasant surprise (inconsistent measuring). I think finding out my amh was the lowest moment of this whole journey. But it certainly helped manage expectations with ivf, and every egg they've collected made it to a day three embryo at least, which isn't very usual. So don't worry too much about low amh if that's your lot, it doesn't necessarily reflect quality.

@Nosejug I was unsure if my AMH was low or not, as I had it tested twice within two months and it was 13 and then 9 so I know it’s inconsistent. My friend was 17 and she’s two years older than me so I thought I was low by comparison but my doctor didn’t seem worried. I have also seen people on here conceiving naturally with scores under 1 so I don’t put too much weight on it.

@Clara202 I ended up not having my AMH checked as it doesn't really
Tell you anything useful.
Check out Alex_explaininginfertilty on insta, she lectures on AMH and the uselessness of it.

@carolinep3 def agree that it doesn't indicate egg quality, though it is what they base ivf protocol on, so does tell you how strongly your body will respond to ivf meds. I suppose not useful unless you're planning on going (forced to go) down that route.

I've had mild cramping and a little spotting this morning. It could be AF coming v early as my hormones readjust post ivf or...
trying not to get hopeful as last month was a hard fall.

AF due yesterday, heavy and sore boobs, mild and strange cramps…and bright white BFNs. 😔I’m sure I must be out for this month as I’d surely be testing positive by now?

How cruel that our bodies play tricks on us in this way when we’re TTC!

@Screenburn how many days post ovulation? I know people say you’re not out until AF shows but I was 5 or 6 days late last cycle and stark white on tests also so I had a fair idea it was just my body/hormones doing their own thing. I’d imagine if you’re at 12 or so days post ovulation something should be showing on a test.

@Clara202 I’m 12DPO I think, so pretty sure it’s my mind and body playing tricks on me. Makes me feel insane though as PMS has looked the same for me for decades, until now, when I’m having all these new symptoms and sensations but apparently they don’t mean anything. Can’t trust my own feelings!

@Screenburn I'm the same. Every month brings a new mixed bag of symptoms but so far it’s always ended the same way with the same stark white test. I have sore boobs now since ovulation day. They don’t usually kick in until my period is close but looks like I’m going to suffer on with them for longer this cycle.

It’s rotten isn’t it @Clara202. So sorry you’re feeling it too.🙁

AF arrived yesterday, 11dpo on CD23. Starting fertility tests next week. Hope everyone else is doing well and that there are a few quiet positives lurking around!

Just checking in to see how folks are doing. We've started investigations at a new clinic for low amh, hopefully getting treatment in two cycles time. Currently about 4-5 dpo with a much stronger lh surge this month (what a relief). I had a weird 4 days of spotting that had me very hopeful and then a very strong period last cycle. Hopefully just ivf hangover. The consultant recommended taking myoinositol (i don't have pcos but he said it supports ovulation and egg quality regardless) so I've ordered some. Hope you're all very well :)