Hi, im new

[Ivfmumma25]

Hi everyone im new here, 42 year old. Been TTC for 3 years. I tried 4 rounds on menopur but no success. I have a child, but would love another one. Starting IVF in 2026 in belfast northern ireland and im so scared. I don't know what to do, I see so many posts on social media advising what to eat, what not to do, people who advise that they conceived naturally at 43 and just do what they did, baby aspirin, cough syrup and on and on! Im in turmoil. Im terrified it's not going to work. I don't know anyone who is going through this process. I just feel so alone. My hubby helps but it's different when it's your body getting poked and prodded and experiencing a period that crushes you every single month. I just wanted to come on here and meet a community who know exactly what im going through and who could advise and support me. So please feel free to say hi or offer words of wisdom 🙏sorry for the rant!

Hi @Ivfmumma25 IVF is a daunting road to start down and you're right there's so much info out there! I found Emma the Embryologist (on instagram and she does a podcast) very helpful for explaining things, also IVF BFF podcast which one of my good friends also listened to so she understood the processes I was going through.

Eating healthily but without going completely crazy over it is a good idea, and id suggest decent prenatal vitamins including coq10. I took Ovum which have a lot more in them than something like pregnacare, I also took extra (jarrow formulas brand) coq10 - I followed much of the advice in it starts with the egg, to try and boost egg quality, and the book recommends a lot of the supplements included in Ovum and also the coq10.

I asked my IVF doctor about baby aspirin, he said its good for those with blood clotting issues (which I've been tested for and don't have) so it wasn't needed. Have you much fertility testing so far, as blood clotting issues could be a good one to check if you haven't already?

It is a very isolating process and speaking to people who get it really helps - through mumsnet, and there's lots of other online communities too which I found super helpful

Wishing you the best of luck!

@Ivfmumma25also in Northern Ireland and I had two cycles in 2025 - second one worked. The thoughts of it are really scary but actually it’s not as daunting as you think it will be. In our age range, it’s likely you may need more than one cycle but this doesn’t mean that you won’t have success. What clinic are you going to? There is a local group on Facebook that is v helpful. For me, I found taking vit d, omega 3 and optibac intimate women’s flora along with cutting caffeine and alcohol seemed to help x

Im going with TFP belfast, thank you for the support. Just so up and down at the minute. It's taking its toll mentally and physically. I go from being strong to thinking I can't do this.

Hi, ive had a hysterosalpingogram, was clear and AMH of which im still waiting on the results. Last year was 11 so fingers crossed, my doctor said that was good for my age. We are taking co enzyme q10, 200mg pregnacare max and wellman max. I must follow emma the embryologist thank you

@Ivfmumma25 it’s so normal to feel nervous before but just think of the end goal. I’m a needlephobe and honestly I breezed through the two rounds. We opted not to tell anyone so I 100% get the feeling of isolation x

I feel like that, only a select few people know about us. Im worried about getting time off work for appointments. The team i work in is small and our rota changes every week. The clinic is 2 hours away from where I live and I don't know how my boss will react. Shes very nosey and I don't want her knowing. Ill try to take days off as holidays but if I need to swap with people I know she will start questioning what's going on with me

@Ivfmumma25it might be worth getting your GP to sign you off? I’m very lucky that I get a lot of flex in work. We don’t have a fertility policy either so I just didn’t say anything and took my egg collection and transfer as annual leave.

Thank you, I might do that. I know I sound negative but my workplace is such a toxic environment. Really appreciate your help and support 💖

Hi! Ivf is so overwhelming so my advice is to ask your questions and then just concentrate on one step at a time not try to think about the entire thing all at once. I am also trying for another baby. I have loads of children, all grown up or in their teens now. We started over 5yrs ago and now have two toddlers 4 and 2. Im also older and so far done two cycles. Heading back to start over in feb/march.

@Ivfmumma25 sending you best wishes. I'm also in n.ireland. I'll be doing my 3rd round in the coming months.
What clinic are you with?