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 🙂

Hope your tests are going well @Clara202 !

Is there room for one more? I've been really hoping for a healthy pregnancy since 2022 when I was just 35. I'm taking a break from fertility treatment to work on my health. Time goes in so quickly and it feels like my life is on hold as it's always on the back of my mind.

We've been referred for IVF, 6 month waiting list. In the mean time, just keep trying because everything is fine (apart from the fact we're not conceiving!) hope everyone else is having good luck 💓

That's great @HollyGolightly4 , that's what we were told too, no huge reason for not conceiving, just age and subnormal morphology but not bad enough to make it impossible. Hope your 6 months passes quickly.

I know what you mean @emanresu24 about life being on hold. We're 3+ years trying inc fertility treatment. I've had to turn down some great job opportunities (self employed) and cancel training courses in aid of fertility treatment. I'm fed up of being so trapped by it. But trying to pay attention to every day pleasures so the time doesn't feel lost. I did so many cool things between 25 and 35 and now I'm just sitting around waiting for years.

38 yesterday!

@Nosejug Thank you. I had a transvaginal ultrasound scan and bloods done while husband got semen analysis. We await the results of both and will discuss them at a consultant appointment in 3 weeks time. In the meantime we will soldier on.
I have noticed on similar threads here where women are older like us and getting positive tests, but they are on baby 2 or 3. This thread seems to be a bit quieter with positives in comparison, we are ‘older’ but we are all ttc #1. I am wondering if having had children before boosts your chances in any way compared to having had no children. I think I am on 4dpo at the moment but we didn’t really try as much this cycle. I am finding it a bit difficult at the moment, everyone around me seems to be pregnant with their 2nd or 3rd baby and all I can think of is how we’re running out of time and even if we do manage to have one baby (which we would be so thankful for) would we be able to give them a sibling.

@carolinep3 oh woweee! That's brilliant, you must be so happy! 💫 congratulations:)

I'm about 7 dpo today and starting testing way too early. I've ordered one step on the internet to stop it being such an expensive habit.

@Clara202 och I feel you. I think since 2dpo this cycle my feelings just plateaued and I haven't felt much since, just plain and empty. Really good that you've started investigations. It's funny, it's almost better if something is found because then it can be fixed. I think it is true that a woman who's had children before seems more likely to conceive at this stage, so maybe a previous pregnancy in itself helps further pregnancy. However, it could be just that these women don't have issues conceiving and we are only discovering ours. And I've def come across women wishing for another and not expecting to have had issues as their first came immediately. I started trying at the same time as a friend who already had a young son. Their daughter is now 2. It's so weird to think I could have had a 2 year old by now. Or if my pregnancy had stuck I'd be as pregnant as my friend who's due in June. I try not to invest in these thoughts.

I guess all we can do is keep trying and use what medical stuff we can!

This is an evap isn’t it :( there is a little pink in it but I’m not sure it came up within 3 mins. 9DPO.

The line doesn't look complete so I'm
Not sure. Do you have a first response?

Thanks @carolinep3 - I think it is complete but that is probably wishful thinking! No FRERs left as I stupidly used them all last month and forgot to get more! Will try to get one today and not explode as I’m having lunch with my mum!

Not been able to get any FRERs yet - tempted to get a clear blue from my local shop but after hearing all the issues with them it might do more harm than good!

I have either got two bad batches of easy@homes and going mad, or there’s something in it though as I can see a vvvfl running through all four of these…

I see it @Screenburn !
if you’re getting a Clearblue just get the early digital version.

Oh yes @Screenburni see it too! All the way through those tests. And at 9dpo you’d expect it to be faint. I’ve had horrible disappointments with clear blue (and no other brand has done that to me). I’m 9dpo today too but very white test heh. I’d be delighted with your results. Looking forward to updates :)

Thanks for your eager line eyes @Clara202 and @Nosejug! Crossing fingers for you to see something soon @Nosejug.

I did another cheapie this morning which was still v faint but the FRERs have arrived so going to give those a go…

FRER looks like this…

DH can see it too but he is not convinced it’s real as it’s so faint. Had to tell him that my tests before now have been stark white with no hint of any line and he was slightly less skeptical then, but I’ve a feeling he won’t believe it (and maybe I won’t either!) unless it’s dark…

@Screenburn I would be thrilled with that! Is this your first positive cycle?

Ah thanks @Nosejug! Yes my first ever. Trying not to get my hopes up though as I’ve seen people with indents that look a bit similar.

Have also just realised that MN does something with the photos to make it look blurrier?! I promise it’s more visible on the photo I actually took!😂

@Screenburn i think you can be cautiously optimistic and celebrate internally that you’ve gotten further than any other cycle. You’ve reached a higher step in the ladder! What cycle number is this for you?

I’ve had indents before @Screenburn but you wouldn’t get 5 indents in a row within the test frame. My dp also didn’t believe my faint test (during my only pregnancy, not this cycle) and it took getting a digital to convince him. I treat them like covid tests in my mind, a faint positive is still positive. Fingers crossed for a darker line each day!! Enjoy every moment of this, I still treasure all the days I was pregnancy x

Just realised I got your name wrong earlier @Clara202 sorry - my brain is all over the place!

This will be only be our third cycle so will have been incredibly lucky if it’s real - DH has had testicular issues in the recent past, and I was warned one of my ovaries might not work after having radiotherapy near to it a couple of years ago. So really expected it would take us a v long time if it was even possible at all.

I think that is affecting my ability to believe it and to let myself be cautiously excited. But you’re totally right - it is another step forward regardless so def something to celebrate. Thank you so much for the encouragement!

Thank you @Nosejug and you are totally right of course - thank you for the words of wisdom and crossed fingers! Will keep things crossed for another pregnancy for you to cherish too.

I had my first at 35. and only after ttc for 2 years. My advice would be go and see someone asap after a few months if no results. The sooner the experts get involved the better your options will be. Get your FSH levels tested. I went through menopause as soon as I had DS which my Dr said explained why it probably took so long to conceive.

Obvs not trying to panic anyone here and i wish you all luck. But if you get experts involved soon you have more choices,

Period has come early again. Is a 10 day luteal phase something to worry about? I honestly can’t remember if it was the case pre-ivf. Please god don’t let it mean I’m going into meno :(

@Nosejug other than one cycle where my luteal phase was 16 days, it’s been 11 days since I started tracking and it’s something that I’ve been a bit worried about also. Although with the way this phase affects me mentally I’m almost glad it doesn’t last too long. I cannot wait for my appointment with the consultant, I just want some answers/reassurances now.

@Clara202ive read anything from 11 can be normal. My only pregnancy was from a weird extended cycle post failed ivf, but im hoping that’s not anything to do with it. I know what you mean about your consultant appointment. I’m grateful I have the next ivf semi lined up so I’ll have someone/something helping my body out. I just want out of this hellish waiting!