38 - first cycle "really trying"

[patooti]

Hi all,

So I'm officially on CD 1 of my first cycle of "really trying" TC. Last cycle we BD'd around when I was about to O but I wasn't yet charting and it was a bit of the spur of the moment decision. We knew we were going to start to TTC but just planned to start in earnest this cycle.

I must say that I'm first of all super worried that I've left it too long but I'm trying to remain positive about it. We haven't used hormonal BC since... omg I can't remember, 1998? LOL relying instead on withdrawal and my knowledge of my own cm to estimate when I was most fertile (we never would have minded if I ended up preg, just didn't ever seem the "right time"). So that alone leaves me worried that there is something wrong since it seems unlikely we would have been that successful with our bc of choice for so long but... you never know.

So for those of you that have been where I am (i.e. starting in on this journey, relatively late to the game), what are your suggestions for how we should "conduct ourselves" this cycle. I'm temping but havent' yet bought any OPKs. I was thinking about trying out preseed but just not sure one whether to go there yet or wait out a few cycles in a more relaxed fashion.

One thing I do know is that I am fairly regular. Always cycle between 26 and 28 days and usually clockwork 28. I was worried they were starting to drop to 26 but I think that might have been a fluke or two.

I'm taking prenatal vit (with folic) and omega 3 and while I'm having a bit of vino today (CD 1) probably won't after this until my next AF (as a kind of a consolation prize).

Thanks all.

 

[Wallie]

I personally wouldn't bother temping, using OPKs, etc at all. Give yourself some time before you start all that malarky, it's stressful enough at any time without putting even more pressure on yourselves. Enjoy this start of ttc and hopefully you will get very lucky and conceive just like that. No point stressing yet, that's what I say.

Good luck!

 

[Natsby]

HI and welcome. I would say from my experience I just wish I had got my OH to take conception vits for men earlier. Because if it doesn´t work straight off and he needs a little help it takes three months to change semen quality, and that seems like forever when your ttc! I would agree relax if possible, (hahahahah ttc relax? who me) not to contradict, but I haven´t found using opks stressful, just take out a lot of the guess work. But everyone has there own way of dealing with it if you don´t like it, don´t do it again.

Also I have a friend who was a bit haphazard with her birth control, pretty much same method as you and she never got BFP. So she was sure it wasn´t going to be. But in fact when she decided to have kids the came along pretty quickly. SO i shouldn´t worry and I hope you stay here is a short one.
Good luck

 

[Indigo77]

I like your relaxed approach.

I started at 38, as well, and the only thing I would do differently is the testing.
My DH had his SA done, but I am on my 8th cycle and my appt. is in Nov..

I think I might have been a bit too relaxed for too long.

So, I would go relaxed for the first 3 cycles,
strategic for the next 2 cycles and get the SA out of the way,
and start testing on cycle #6 if no BFP.

Good luck!

 

[Wallie]

I like your relaxed approach.

I started at 38, as well, and the only thing I would do differently is the testing.
My DH had his SA done, but I am on my 8th cycle and my appt. is in Nov..

I think I might have been a bit too relaxed for too long.

So, I would go relaxed for the first 3 cycles,
strategic for the next 2 cycles and get the SA out of the way,
and start testing on cycle #6 if no BFP.

Good luck!

Actually I agree with this too. After age 35 go to the docs after 6 months of serious trying as if there is anything to be tested it takes blinkin ages, so get the ball rolling asap and hopefully you'll get that bfp long before any actual testing takes place.

 

[choccielover]

I know it seems sneaky but I'd go to the doctors now to get referred (tell them you've been trying for a good while). If you haven't been preventing and nothing has happened then just go for piece of mind.

I'm not trying to scare you (honestly) but speed is of the essence.

HOWEVER, I hope you get your BFP really quickly and naturally....BD awayyyyyyy!!!

 

[HPMINI]

I know it's daft and I can't anticipate my doctors reply but I'm slightly scared to book an appointment, walk into his room and admit that I want to conceive at the age of 38. I'm worried that he'll just say that there's no chance at my age and to give up.
Maybe this is the whole denial thing.
However on a positive note, that he's booked an appointment yet but my husband is looking at this as more of a project so I'll be able to be honest next time I O and I've bought preseed too!

 

[choccielover]

Don't feel worried or apprehensive. Do you have a doctor at your practice who specialises in gynae at all? It doesn't matter if you don't as the GP appointment will normally only be a chat and they will refer you quickly.

My OH came with me to the appointment and the doctor was really impressed that we were both taking it seriously enough to come in and see him.

Make that appointment...your doctor will have heard your request 100 times before. Do it today!!!

Start taking a good Pre-natal Vitamin now. Also for us "geriatric" mums to be I recommend taking a high strength CoEnzyme Q10 supplement (for helping to improve egg quality) and Vitamin B6 (Vitamin B6 has been known to increase your fertility by balancing your hormones. It’s great for lengthening your luteal phase (if you have a luteal phase defect), it can regulate your blood sugar and even has a hand in reducing your PMS).

I also take a supplement called fertileCM (which I buy on the net) for excellent EWCM.

Good luck xx

 

[froliky2011]

Yeah, I was just going to start trying too, but I have a different situation and had to see an IVF doctor and I am glad I did because they tested my hormones and basically got my body in good shape and ready to conceive (I had the HSG done and polyp removed and a breast biopsy). Now I feel like a milliion dollars! I had 14 follicles (12 or higher is high fertility) so we know everything is in working order and ready. Good luck and baby dust to everyone!!

 

[A43]

HI
I had my first baby at 37, i am 38 now. i was always between 30 and 35 days cycles..first two months see what happens, third cycle used the CBFM fertility monitor and worked straight away. I was also taking super B6 and Oil of evening primrose which did help the fluids. Give it a go you have nothing to lose?! babydust xxx

 

[midlifemama]

Hi ladies an mommies to be! I am a little confused. One chart says I am 14 dpo and another says I am 11dpo. Either way, last night and today I have been very gassy! Not like me at all. AF is due anytime between today and Monday. I just had a spot of blood the size of this "o" in my panties. Too scared of the BFN to test and promised myself I would not until Tues or Wed if AF had not showed.

Could this my implantation? I have been praying for a sign.

This is my 3rd cycle of really TTC. For 5 months prior we would just BD around O time. This cycle we used pre seed and the soft cup.

Somebody, please talk to me!!!

 

[hockey24]

Patooti - I'm like you - started TTC at 38 and took it pretty relaxed the first few months.

While I thought I was pro-active, going to the doctor before I even started trying to see if there were any tests that might indicate where I stood - I wasn't educated in the process enough to demand what I wanted.

What I wish I would have done differently is - obtained an FSH or AMH test early on so i could determine what my ovarian reserve is. That would help me determine how aggressive I should be.

Also I wish I would have found out the details of my insurance plan early so I knew what was covered and what was not. Since my plan requires 6 months of TTC before you can bring in the FS, I would have fudged a little on that and got into to see the FS earlier than later.

Information is key and the earlier you can obtain information, the more pro-active you can become in your TTC journey.

Good luck on your journey and I hope you get your BFP very quickly!!

 

[flylyeey]

Now I feel like a milliion dollars! I had 14 follicles (12 or higher is high fertility) so we know everything is in working order and ready. Good luck and baby dust to everyone!!