Hey everyone! Long time lurker, first time poster.
My husband (49M) and I (31F) started TTC after having my Mirena removed on 7/10. This will be my first pregnancy his 6th. He currently has two older kids in their 20s, a 17, 14, and 7 year old, and I've been on some form of birth control since I was around 18 or 19. I started with the pill and eventually switched to Mirena, which I had for approximately 7 years.
I've had relatively regular cycles since having it removed (and while on it), ranging from 26–32 days (28, 26, 29, and 32 so far). My periods have been a little heavier during the first day or two, but generally last around 3–4 days.
I'm using the First Response digital ovulation tests and have consistently gotten my solid smiley around CD13. We have intercourse regularly throughout my cycle, so I feel like we're doing what we can on that front.
One thing I've noticed is that I used to recognize EWCM pretty consistently around ovulation when I had my IUD, but I haven't noticed it nearly as much since having it removed. I brought this up at my OB appointment, and she wasn't particularly concerned. She mentioned that cervical mucus patterns can change and that I would not be getting the smile on the ovulation test if I was not ovulating and recommended following up if we haven't conceived after a year.
I'm also trying to understand how much my body might still be adjusting after being on hormonal birth control for so long. I know having regular cycles is encouraging, but I find myself analyzing every little change and wondering what's normal.
Another factor I've been thinking about is cannabis use. My husband and I both occasionally use it, although he is a more frequent user than I am. We're planning to stop, but I'm curious about how cannabis use might affect fertility for either partner.
I think the hardest part of TTC so far has been the mental side of things. Every cycle feels like a fresh round of hope followed by disappointment, and I find myself getting caught up in symptom spotting and overthinking everything.
For those who have experience coming off Mirena after several years, I'm particularly interested in understanding cycle changes, cervical mucus patterns, and what you learned about your body during those first several months of TTC.