Question for a Lurker... How long were you TTC?

salsa_wifey · November 2013

I'm 38 and TTC #3. Although I'm considered high risk for reasons other than my age, I have no (known) fertility issues.

I had 2 m/c before DS #1. When we TTC #2 it took us about 9 cycles. I'm currently on cycle #4 and feeling very discouraged. I've done some chart stalking on FF and it seems that women my age take several cycles... years even... to conceive. I'm 38.

I'm curious. How many cycles of TTC before you got pregnant? Looking for hope (and honesty).

Thank you!

Beachgal72 · November 2013

I was 40 when I conceived and had been off birth control for about 8 months. Granted for the first few months we really were not "trying" per se -- meaning I was not charting anything or even watching the calendar. For the last few months I started tracking my cycle though and I don't know if that made a real difference or if it just took me 8 months to conceive.

Don't give up hope!

DTNZ4Ever · November 2013

With DS1 I was 30 and it took 3 cycles of TTC after charting for a number of cycles before TTC. With DS2 I was 34 when we started TTC I turned 35 while TTC. It took us 12 cycles the second time around. I did do IF testing and was 1 cycle away from starting treatment when we got pregant on our own. Edit: we also used OPK for DS2 for 3-4 cycles. Also our testing we found out that I was fine other then a bacterial infection but DH who is 32 had .5% morphology. He ended up doing a cleanse and taking a bunch of vitamins for a couple of months before our BFP.

tdmmx · November 2013

I'm 38 and it took me 6 cycles with the help of an ovulation kit (the kind that you buy in the drugstore). I actually was scheduled to go in for tests to see if anything was wrong because we weren't having any success. On a whim I tried a pregnancy test (I was hoping to have some wine with my girlfriends and wanted to make sure I was in the clear) and got a positive test result.

LucyRicardo3 · November 2013

I'm 37, DH is 46.
About 6 months off birth control.. We weren't charting or anything this time around, but definitely hoping we could. My cycles are totally unpredictable when I'm not on the pill.

I'd given myself 2 more months of no bcp's and then I was going to consider an ablation for miserable cycle issues and we were going the adoption/foster route. We still hope to pursue those options in a few years.

Took us over a year with the third pregnancy (twins)
I was told prior to the twins that I was in early stages of menopause (at 35 then) because my hormone levels were out of whack according to my CD's vs labwork .. We went to an RE after a year and did those tests since my cycles were all over the place. RE rx'ed clomid.. we tried two rounds and failed.--Very stressful on our relationship. Then took a break from everything to decide if we wanted to move forward with IUI or other options as the endless dr appointments, etc were wearing me down, and ended up conceiving on our own.

It's not hopeless! Talk to your dr about it and he or she can check some things out for you.. It could also be related to your spouse, or both..

Best wishes on your dreams for a bigger family!

jbelle · November 2013

My DH and I weren't quite as quick as the prior respondents. It took us three years to conceive our first (I'm currently 23 weeks pregnant). We started TTC when I was 34, I was 37 when we conceived.

We didn't go for medical assistance until we hit 2 years, and we did 2.5 medicated cycles before we got pregnant during a treatment break.

From a lay point of view, it seems very possible that in a few more cycles, you'll find success. You've got a good--and good looking! Your boys are cuties!--track record.

If you don't find success as quickly as you'd like, fertility drugs can help and I do feel they gave us a leg up, despite the "spontaneous" nature of our daughter's conception.

Best wishes!

cookieinva · November 2013

I am 38. I charted and have no know fertility issues; we were very much trying very carefully. Took six cycles this time, which felt long as it was happening but I know in reality it was not really. Good luck.

djtippietoes · November 2013

It took about 3-4 months with both my loss and this current pregnancy. I was 34 with my loss and am 35 now.

marleybarne · November 2013

We had a daughter when we were 24. Started trying for #2 when she was 4, so we were about 29. Had a M.C. when she was 6, kept trying and then went through 6 yrs. of infertility. Basically spent age 30-35/6 TTC. Had tests, did rounds of Clomid. Nothing proven wrong with either of us, just couldn't get PG. In 2010 got surprise positive test and found out our son was on the way. Thus, have an almost 12 yr age difference between#1 & #2. Last spring I went off the pill and had coconversation about where we were headed with husband. We decided to see if we could have one more and give it till we're 40. Six months later, after being pressured by a doctor to seek reproductive help bc it would be so hard, I found out I was PG with #3. My story is odd, but I guess my point is that all kinds of strangeness happens and just because we're older comparitively doesn't mean we can't conceive or that it is impossible. I think you just have to follow your heart and be ready to accept what God or the universe give you. Easier said than done I know...good luck!

obscurereference · November 2013

I was 34 the first time and we conceived after 2 cycles. This time I was 36 and it took us 8 cycles. Charting never helped me, we just had a lot of sex! Good luck!

NicoleWI · November 2013

Lurking over here. Since you want hope, I will give you this but I don't mean this to be hurtful for anyone having IF issues. I know we have been very lucky. It took us 2 cycles at age 33, 2 at age 35, and 1 at age 37. Best wishes.

Krisd6 · November 2013

I am 38 and it took us 7 months to conceive. We saw a reproductive endocrinologist and got pregnant while undergoing all the testing! Stay positive! Wishing you the best

kelley72 · November 2013

well, 13 months and one loss. Obviously just bc I had that experience does not mean you will. I wish you peace and happiness in your journey! Be encouraged by your past abilities to conceive!

kelley72 · November 2013

opps forgot to say I'm a bit older, was 40 (for a few weeks) when I conceived...

salsa_wifey · November 2013

Thank you ladies for your kind responses and thank you @jbelle for the compliment about my boys.

I do feel a little ridiculous posting this after only being on my 4th cycle and already having two rainbow babies but I'm also trying to be realistic and taking into consideration the fact that it took 9 months last time. I know it could happen sooner... or later... and we'll stick with that and stay positive.

Congrats to all of you and h&h 9 months!!

Edited for unintended font weirdness.

dragonfly711 · November 2013

We started TTC last dec and got pregnant first cycle first try. Had a MMC in feb. was 38 when first pregnant.

7 months later we are pregnant again. I am 39 now.

RNmommyof2 · November 2013

Our first (when I was 24) was a surprise. I had leukemia as a teenager and was told I probably would never be able to get pregnant. I was on the pill when she was conceived.

I was off the pill for nearly 2 years before #2 was conceived - I was 34 when she was born.

This baby was conceived really quickly. I quit taking my BCP in February, had a period in March and that was that. I'm 36.

stever · November 2013

1 cycle to conceive DS1 right around my 35th birthday.

2 cycles to conceive DS2 when I was 38.

eve529 · November 2013

It took us 5 cycles. I was 38 when I conceived. We'd used OPKs to no avail, but then I read this book called "The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant" and it recommended getting a Fertility Monitor which cost over $100 on Amazon. I figured it was cheaper than fertility treatments and worth a try. We got pregnant the very first month we used it. Probably coincidence, but I don't regret the purchase a bit. The OPK may have been showing the ovulation signal a bit too late for me, the FM gives you more notice.

Huahine · November 2013

It took us 10 cycles both times at 35 and 38. DH has low sperm count. Have you tried preseed? We use that and OPKs.

springbeduk2 · November 2013

1st BFP was on the 3rd or maybe 4th cycle off bcp but ... loss #1. Then it was just over a year until 2nd BFP, which was also a loss, and then I think this BFP was the 2nd cycle after that loss. At least 3 or 4 cycles in the year of TTC and also the first cycle after the 2nd loss it was just impossible anyway due to timing (either me or dh being away before and at ovulation time). I started charting about halfway through that year and doing OPKs maybe a month later. I liked the clearblue digital ones that check for both estrogen and LH surge the best, though they are pricey (Target seemed to have a good deal compared to most other places). Though also should mention through all this TTC dh did not know I was doing OPKs or at least I think he didn't. We basically just had a lot of sex in the window of time that seemed like it might be the fertile time and generally when we felt like it. Luckily I seem to feel like it more at the optimal time of the cycle. He knew I was temping but I didn't make a big deal about the results and when I thought I o'd - partly because then it's too late, but mostly did not want to add stress. I was really scared of the TTC process wrecking the bedroom side of our relationship and generally just getting ugly. Charting was largely to confirm for myself if I was o-ing and also if I my luteal phase was way too short or just kindof short, etc. My insurance specifically excludes coverage for anything fertility/infertility related and the nearest RE is 3-4 hours away so I was trying to do as much as possible before pursuing medical fertility help. Was going to try adding pre-seed the next cycle because I didn't seem to be getting EWCM at the right time but then got this BFP! The only other thing I did which may or may not have contributed to this BFP and to making it so far (16 1/2 weeks and so far so good) is I switched to the methylated forms of folic acid and B12 and started taking more B6 as well as a B-multi that is the co-enzyme forms rather than the regular ones of various B vitamins. Oh and I had DH start taking co-enzyme Q10 and I take it at least sporadically also. Took it more consistently the month before the cycle that turned into a BFP and 1st month or so after that.

As another poster said - I really hope this is not hurtful to anyone who has struggled with infertility and who has needed (with or without success) medical fertility assistance. We were very very fortunate to not need that. I just wanted to share another example that at least for some of us which may include you (you being OP) age might not be a barrier and it can just take a while which can be so difficult and frustrating. For me trying to keep my mind off it as much as possible and also not draw dh into it helped but for other people being active in a TTC group seems to be very helpful support. In case you're on mobile or block signatures I'm almost 39 now. Was 37 when started TTC. DH is now 43.

Good luck!

Oh also after the 2nd loss we had blood testing (but not an HSG or anything) to check if there was a simple explanation for repeat losses (clotting/autoimmune/thyroid stuff) and it showed nothing.

Krisd6 · November 2013

Forgot to mention what we did

I used pre-seed and used the digital OP tests. I used the clear blue and first response (yes both- I went a bit overboard but they were both in sync thus I knew when I was ovulating). I tried temping and using fertility friend but honestly it just did not work for me.
I stressed a lot and I don't think that helped!

I wish you the best of luck

stay positive!

hydrangeagirl · November 2013

We got pregnant two times on Clomid using a CBEFM and Preseed...sadly both pregnancies resulted in loss. Both pregnancies took us three cycles each.

Third time is a charm! We conceived naturally after our second m/c and I am now 17w!

Good luck to you...it will happen!

heatherneeny76 · November 2013

It took us 6 months after removal of Mirena IUD. I was charting too, and only ovulated three times. I'm 37, so I expected it to take a while longer. But I had also just started taking this herb called Vitex that I bought from Amazon.com. It is supposed to regulate your hormones, and I have a history of luteal phase defect, so I was taking that every day and using progesterone cream after ovulation. I think it helped, but I can't say for sure.

I had also cleaned up my diet and pretty much cut out processed foods to eat grass fed meats, organic vegetables, and hormone-free milk.

Good luck!

TUGOsQueen · November 2013

With this one at age 38, it took 8 cycles. The previous pregnancy at 36, 4 cycles, 2nd child, 3 cycles and 1st born 9 cycles of actively TTC.

Athena0303 · December 2013

I had PCOS with very irregular periods, had just turned 39, and had been told since my early 30s that I'd probably need a lot of help to conceive. I wasn't trying to conceive at all, and in fact, I was using the cervical cap for birth control (not the most fool-proof method, but I figured that at 39 with PCOS it would be FINE). I had that thing for one month, and I got pregnant the same month I used it!

I am due this month, and I'm honestly STILL in shock I got pregnant. The ONLY thing I can think is that I lost about 15 pounds in the 6 months prior to conceiving, and they always tell PCOS women that losing 5% of their body weight can be enough to spark ovulation. Either that or all the Zumba I was doing knocked one of the eggs loose...

jlb1023 · December 2013

I had one cycle before getting preggo after being on BC for 20 years. I'm 36, will be just shy of 37 when I deliver. We are very thankful for how quickly the first one happened and hope it will go as smoothly the 2nd time around as we want to have more children. I wish you all the best!

icogburn · December 2013

I took us almost 1 year. I am 38 and DH is 40. That was also after semen test, HSG (tube blockage) test, blood work ups to test egg quality and finally clomid/progesterone meds. Low and behold, I got cysts with the clomid and had to go a month without it. Wouldn't you know that was the month I got pregnant. I do believe the progesterone helped. We also both quit drinking for good 3 months before I got pregnant. Best wishes for you!

Edit: Oh yea, I used CBFM and Preseed, as well as Fertility Blend for DH.

rascus15 · December 2013

DH lived in London before we got married. He moved over here and I had not been on bc (we had always used condoms) We just waited a year to see what would happen. When nothing happened I started using the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor. Everything I read said give the monitor 3 months to learn your cycle well. I got a BFP on the 3rd month. I was diagnosed with a blighted ovum and had a d&c middle of June. I had a cycle in July (doc said to have at least one cycle) and started using the monitor again. I then got my BFP with this LO We had our first u/s on my 38th bday. I highly recommend the monitor. Yes it is a bit more expensive to purchase initially, but I fully credit it to helping us to conceive this baby.

Melissa72777 · December 2013

I am 36 and pregnant with my first. DH and I were trying for a year and a half. After the 1st 6 months of trying I was diagnosed with a benign tumor on my pituitary gland that was affecting my ovulation. Once I went on medication to regulate that it still took another year to conceive LO.

CosMayah · December 2013

This is baby #5 for me but my youngest is 10. I had a m/c back in April.I did some research (okay, a lot of research) and I decided to start taking pre-natals right after the m/c. waited a full cycle for my hormones to re-balance themselves. Also, I think what did the trick for us was using cold-pressed virgin coconut oil (or pre-seed ) for extra lubrication and then inserting a diva cup afterwards to hold all the swimmers in. May seem like a hassle, but it was actually a fun little game and had us laughing. Well it worked b/c I am 24 weeks today.I also tried tracking and temping but I think it threw me off b/c I already instinctively knew/know when I am fertile, I think that I got panicky after the m/c. Also, changing your diet to whole foods, high in iron, folic acid, vitamin C, B6 and 12 and calcium and lots of water helps immensely with balancing fertility issues.Which is why I stated taking pre-natals before TTC again. Studies have shown that preservatives and dyes are a major contributor to infertility and unfortunately, in some areas city water has a high amount of pharmaceuticals including birth control. Anyways food for thought.

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