New to Forum, but Not to TTC

[aadiaislinn]

Hello. I'm kind of new... Kind of meaning I've been lurking as a guest for two or three years now, just reading and learning. That doesn't mean any usernames mean anything to me, I'd never intended to join or post. Relatively shy.

Been TTC for 3yr 6mo. Been to doctors. Had ultrasounds, blood tests, etc. Progesterone is a little low, weight is a little high, no sign of ovulation despite semi regular AF. Around 2yrs, I got too depressed to enjoy baby dancing for a few months there, but I'm back in the swing of that.

Cycle is currently 31-32 days with 5-7 day AF. No sign of ovulation, as I said. Used to be worse. Like 60-75 days some months and 10 others.

No cysts, polyps, etc. Everything looks like it works. Doctors actually aren't sure why I'm not ovulating....

One doctor tried me on Metformin. No luck. Horrible side effects, too.

Had one doctor who didn't understand why I consider Clomid a last resort. Those side effects are nastier than nasty, and with infertility issues with no known cause, I'd rather not push my luck and make it worse.

Just started Vitex and progesterone cream. We'll see how that goes. Which is why I'm here, why I've made an account, why I'm posting.... Has anybody here has luck with such a treatment in just helping them ovulate? I really, really don't want to go to Clomid next.

 

[Lues]

I'm afraid I don't have much help for you.

But I definitely wanted to say welcome. I was TTC for over two years before getting a BFP (first back in June, had a miscarriage and just got pregnant again last month). I read posts and viewed threads for about a year before I posted for the first time, and it's oddly nerve-wracking.

Sounds like a frustrating story. I'm currently taking progesterone (and was from DPO 3 for many months) so i can relate to that. But I am blessed to ovulate on my own, so I can't be much help there.

But again, I wanted to say welcome. Long-term TTC can be INCREDIBLY lonely. It's a situation that seems to be very overlooked by society, perhaps because it seems to be impossible to understand or explain to those who haven't been there.

I'm sorry for your struggle and I hope you find some comfort and possibly even knowledge and direction here.

 

[promise07]

I guess we'll be come out of lurking. I relate to a lot of your story. Tried for 8 years without any help because of a million reasons, but ended up exasperated and agreed to try Clomid unmonitored. Did 1 cycle, ovulated, HATED the side effects, did another, didn't ovulate and had another 3 month cycle. Had another final round, ovulated, just knew I was pregnant and was so devastated I gave up completely. Went onto birth control pills just to give myself a break from the cysts and irregular cycles and bleeding. Ended up being almost 2 years on pills. I've enjoyed every second of not trying. In the past few months though I've had the return of my desire to get pregnant and suddenly hope bloomed in me again. I did what I said I would hold out until the last minute to do--I went to see an RE. Best decision I ever made.

I will be starting Femara in about a week and a monitored cycle.

I said all of that to say we all have so many things that we face during TTC, especially when its been a long time that you've been trying. The longer it takes the greater the damage it can do to your heart, your hope, your soul. If I could go back I wouldn't have put myself through the stress and pain of trying for so long without help. But then again I think to myself that you never really know if intervention at any stage would have worked and I could have spent the same amount of time trying with help as I did without before just puckering out.

You have unexplained infertility and I'm so sorry to hear that. I think unexplained can sometimes hurt worse than having a diagnosis and something to latch on to. At least with a diagnosis of PCOS there's a "problem" and we can "fix" it.

Has your DH had a sperm analysis done? How's your cervical mucus? When you do ovulate how's your luteal phase? Do you chart? There are lots of things you can do on your own to help bring your bodies to the best point possible for conception, and if you ever feel like you need a little help, don't be afraid to step out there and take it. Clomid is horrible with side effects for some, not for others. Femara is supposed to be easier on the side effects and I'm banking on that. Several people also have had great success taking Soy Isoflavones as they would Clomid. I did a cycle or two with that and did ovulate, though my luteal phase was pretty weak and I didn't know at the time that I need progesterone supplementation. I swore I had a chemical pregnancy in there somewhere.

Who know if a little, gentle help is all you'll need?

Anyway, I'm long winded, sorry! I really just wanted to say you're not alone. Whatever you decide to do, there are people here who are in the same boat, or will at least support you with a sisterly support that lots of people just can't understand.

Sending you a hug!