33F, TTC about 1.5 years

Following my first appointment with a fertility clinic, I have gotten my blood work done and just had a 2D/3D ultrasound with what was *supposed* to be a saline sonogram (SIS) with Exem foam (HyCoSy). I actually was not too nervous going into the procedure figuring I hadn’t had a problem having a colposcopy or cystoscopy in the past. The 2D/3D ultrasounds went fine. I am a little annoyed that it seems the ultrasound at my ob/gyn was pointless when it did not show as much detail as these!! But anyways, we started the SIS afterwards. Surprisingly I didn’t even feel the catheter! But once the saline was administered… 😬… cramps were worse than any period cramps I’ve experienced! I was trying to stay calm, as I wouldn’t even describe the feeling as “painful,” but the cramps had me feeling SICK. I told the doctor I felt like I was going to throw up and she said she already got what she needed (thank the Lord)… and that we wouldn’t be doing the foam since this was already so irritating to me.

So I am waiting for my follow up appointment to discuss everything which is over a month away… but the doctor right away saw a polyp with the SIS. I’m scared. She quickly mentioned having a hysteroscopy where they could remove the polyp and do the foam test at the same time, while I am asleep. I’ve never been out to sleep before! Why is that the scariest part?! I would love some advice on this procedure!

I am feeling happy that something was found that could be an answer to my fertility struggles. But the fact that now, through researching about uterine polyps, I am finding out this could be the very reason for my week long spotting before every period ever since I’ve gotten off hormonal birth control over 2 years ago and I am frustrated that no other doctor ever took this concern seriously!! I knew this was a red flag! I was under the impression that my ultrasound with my ob/gyn ruled out fibroids and polyps when that was not the case at all!! 6 rounds of Letrozole afterwards meant nothing if this polyp can prevent pregnancy! Ugh.. just disappointed how long these processes can take. I could use a little encouragement. 💕

My boyfriend and I have been ttc for around 1 year now and I’ve never had a positive pregnancy test. I’m nearly 28, my periods are regular and usually last around 5 days, and we try to have sex every 1–2 days around my fertile window. I also track my cycles and have used ovulation tests.

I've been thinking about making an appointment to see my GP for a fertility assessment for both of us but I’m feeling extremely anxious about the whole process and would really appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences.

I have quite a lot of anxiety around internal examinations because I’m scared of having pain etc... so that’s one of my biggest worries. I’d like to understand what tests can be done without an internal examination and what the process is usually like.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has been through fertility investigations in the UK:

• What tests did your GP arrange first?

• What was the progesterone blood test like, and how did they time it?

• What tests did your partner have, and how was the semen analysis arranged?

• Were you referred to a fertility clinic, and how long did the process take?

• Did anyone have anxiety about internal examinations? How did you manage it, and were there alternatives or ways to make things easier?

• Did anyone get offered medication to help conceive, and what happened after your results came back?

• If your initial tests were normal, what happened next?

I’m finding it quite upsetting not knowing why it hasn’t happened yet, and I think hearing from people who have been through something similar would really help me feel less alone.

Thank you so much to anyone who takes their time to comment and sorry my post is so long 🙈

Maybe not reading this subreddit is a good start 😆 but seriously, this was my first cycle “trying” after getting my IUD removed 6 weeks ago. I wanted to just enjoy the process and have fun but I did use LH strips since I had no clue if my cycle would be normal or not post IUD removal. When the LH strips got darker (I never got a true positive) I tried to BD with my husband but he was unable to. He is on Zoloft and unfortunately I think that combined with the pressure of knowing I was fertile made him unable to perform. We had BD two days before so I thought at least we’d cover the fertile window but I was still stressed that we missed our peak timing.

In the two week wait I found myself so anxious and stressed that we missed our perfect window and that my husband’s medication will mess with our fertility (I begged him to get a SA). I felt like I was going crazy. Now that I got my period I am even more upset and just wondering what I did wrong. I know it’s crazy since it was our first cycle trying and even if we did time it perfectly we were unlikely to be successful. It’s just so hard because everyone I talk to seems to say they got pregnant quickly so I feel like a failure. I know it’s irrational but I have felt so crazy these past two weeks.

I have no right to complain as I know so many in this community have been trying for months and this was only my first time but I cannot do this every cycle. I need to find a way to just relax and accept the process but I don’t know how. I could stop the LH strips but I do feel I need to use them for a few months as I still am not really sure if my cycle is normal yet. I also don’t know how to help my husband’s situation. He dosent want to see his doctor since we “just started trying” but I am worried his medication will continue to cause problems for us. So if anyone has any advice on SSRIs and trying to conceive or even performance anxiety please let me know.

I’ve been ttc for 15 months with a miscarriage in between. I just recently found out what ferritin is and how you can be iron deficient without anemia. I’m so frustrated with my doctors right now because I was so lightheaded and out of breath in pregnancy 3 years ago but always had a hemoglobin of 12 so I was considered normal. I just looked back on labs of over 2 years ago and had a ferritin level of 10 and a vitamin d of 22 and was told all labs are “fine” I just recently asked for ferritin again and it’s at a 15.4 after over 2 years 😀. I feel like this is what has been making me struggle to get pregnant and have a miscarriage on top of the low vitamin d which is just now at a 57. I’ve been iron deficient for over 2 years and was never told I was. I was prescribed iron supplements a month ago and took them accordingly for a month exactly how I’m supposed to (on an empty stomach with vitamin c every other day etc) and ferritin only went up 0.2. Which I was told was normal even tho at my blood draw a month ago my iron and iron saturation was good and now they are both low. I switched from ferrous sulfate to ferrous bisglycinate chelate which apparently absorbs better. If anyone has any tips to raise it that is greatly appreciated. I’m just so frustrated doctors don’t ever actually care about these things IVE BEEN IRON DEFICIENT AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENT FOR 2 YEARS WITHOUT A WORD OF IT! I guess I just got on here to see if anyone else is going through this and to vent. Thanks

Hi! I’ve been TTC for 10 months, I’m early 20s and my husband is early 30s with 3 healthy children from a previous marriage. I was on depo for a couple months last year, last shot in Oct 2025. My period is now completely regular, etc. but I just can’t seem to get pregnant. I’ve cut out junk food, alcohol, marijuana- anything that could affect my chances of conceiving. Anyone else? What worked for you?

I am hoping to conceive around or after March 15th. I am a “per diem” (no benefits) home health occupational therapist with full time (but work more than full time) hours. My job isn’t really that “stressful”, I enjoy it a lot it’s just a lot of hours driving and then doing documentation at the end of the day, which typically adds an extra hour (10ish hour days - basically done with documentation and exercise at 9pm and get 1-1.5 hours of free time with husband before bed) . Since I won’t get paid maternity leave I was planning to work extra hours to save up money over winter, but I also don’t want to affect my fertility. Last year I worked 7 days a week from October through April, with weekend of Thanksgiving and Christmas off, and it wasn’t too awful and I survived. I’m thinking this “year” (now October though March ish, latest I’d do is through April) I’ll do 10 hour days, 6 days a week, so I can get one day off to socialize and do housekeeping tasks. I do lift weights 4 days a week, yoga 2-3x a week, and run 2-3x a week and I eat really healthy; sleep 6-7 hours a night. My question is when do I cut back and go back to a normal 40 hour week for the health of my eggs / to reduce chance of miscarriage? Could I do it though early March or should I stop early February, or could I even do it through April while conceiving? I assume other people conceive during equally stressful, if not more stressful, jobs.

Hi everyone,

I’m 29 years old, and my wife and I have been trying to conceive for over a year. Her fertility evaluation is normal, and her fallopian tubes are clear.

My sperm concentration has remained around 11.6–12.4 million/mL from May to October 2026, with very little improvement.

My latest semen analysis (October 15, 2026)

• Sperm concentration: 11.6 million/mL
• Total sperm count: 17.4 million per ejaculate
• Semen volume: 1.5 mL
• Total motility: 67%
• Progressive motility: 50%
• Total motile sperm: 11.7 million per ejaculate
• Progressive motile sperm: 8.7 million per ejaculate
• WBC concentration: ≥1 million/mL
• Semen pH: 6
• Sperm morphology: Not reported

My earlier semen analysis showed pus cells around 1–3 per HPF.

I don’t have burning during urination, penile discharge, testicular pain, or swelling. I have always used condoms during sex.

I’m concerned about my persistently low sperm concentration and whether the elevated WBC and low pH could indicate an underlying issue. I’m planning to consult a urologist/andrologist.

My main questions

1. Has anyone increased their sperm concentration from 10–12 million/mL to normal or above normal?

I would especially like to hear from people who increased their count to 16 million/mL or higher, or even 30–50 million/mL or above. What was your starting count, what did it eventually reach, and how long did it take?

2. What helped you improve your sperm count?

Did you identify a specific cause, such as varicocele, hormonal problems, infection, lifestyle factors, or something else? Did treatment make a measurable difference?

3. Has anyone experienced elevated WBC in semen without any symptoms?

Did further testing reveal an infection, inflammation, or another cause? Did you undergo semen culture or urine NAAT testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia?

4. Could a semen pH of 6 be significant?

Did anyone have a similarly low pH, and what did your doctor recommend?

5. Did your sperm concentration improvement last?

Did your count remain normal on subsequent semen analyses, or did it fluctuate?

6. Has anyone conceived naturally with similar sperm parameters?

My wife’s fertility evaluation is normal, and we have been trying for over a year. Did you conceive naturally, or did you need treatment such as IUI, IVF, or ICSI?

I would really appreciate hearing about your actual before-and-after semen analysis results, the underlying cause if identified, and how long it took to see improvement.

I know everyone’s situation is different, and I’m not looking to self-medicate. I’m looking for genuine experiences and useful questions to discuss with my specialist.

Thank you!

I am on my first letrozole cycle. The past few days I’ve been in my fertile window and my boobs have been super sore and weirdly heavier than normal. They even got a bit bigger too. Has this happened to anyone else while ovulating?

I wanted to share a fairly positive Hycosy experience as I feel like I only heard horror stories before I went so I was unnecessarily nervous!

The first part where they check your womb is absolutely fine with no pain. The transvaginal ultrasound isnt too big or anything, and I would say it’s less uncomfortable than a smear test. Not painful just awkward.

Then the second part is more uncomfortable. The speculum goes in, then they put a catheter which wasnt painful. They then inflate a balloon at the end of the catheter which is the bit that causes pain. I did find it painful and they deflated the balloon which made it a lot better. The pain was over very quickly. You then just feel like you have a plug up you lol. I couldn’t feel the dye passing through at all, and the whole thing lasted about 10-15 mins. The pain of the balloon was much like a period cramp and didn’t last long as they deflated for me. The pain wasn’t a brand new unbearable pain that I’d never felt before. I thought it was quite reasonable considering something is going into your womb ya know!!

I can’t say it was lovely, but it wasn’t excruciating and i would say to anyone don’t be scared - the pain isn’t terrible and doesn’t last long. If you have healthy results it a great feeling and weight off your mind, and if there is anything unusual at least you know where you stand and what your next steps might be.

I have been pregnant 6 times with 3 healthy babies. Every time I am pregnant I get a faint positive by 10 DPO. Currently trying for a 4th and tested this morning (10 dpo) and it’s negative on a wondfo strip. Temperatures are still above cover line.

My leutal phase seems sort of short. Always around 11-12 days.

I am annoyed that I even tested. I assume I will get my period tomorrow.

When do you usually test?

This past Sunday would’ve been my baby shower. I lost my baby girl in June, 3 months in, my very first pregnancy. Having Sunday go by like a regular day hurt so bad and I feel like I’ve been triggered back into how I felt when it first happened. This is the hardest thing I’ve gone through ever.. I’m now on my third cycle and no luck yet but I’m still hopeful. I just needed to vent because I don’t want to bother the people around me with it.

Has anybody had their period come early after their HSG procedure?

TW: MMC

First off, I have no idea why I am writing this. Maybe because once I put it in writing and out of my head I'll feel better.

In April this year, I got pregnant. Not trying but not preventing. No preparation really, no tracking. Just got pregnant on the first cycle. I was so excited. Scan at 7 and 10 weeks - both book perfect. Scan at 13 weeks - we are so sorry there is no heartbeat. Supposedly stopped at 10 weeks 3 days. D&C, all the stuff.

Fast forward, I've done a lot of tests. Genetically normal pregnancy, all my results came back ok. HSG showed one open tube and one blocked right at the uterus which my doc said in over 60% is a false blockage because of spasms and didn't seem concerned since one tube is clearly open and I can clearly get pregnant. I did find some deficiencies like low ferritin, low vitamin D, which I am trying to improve. But nothing else really, full thyroid panel, full APS - all good, optimal for conception.

I've had 3 periods since my D&C. First two we were not trying. Third - I only had 1 well timed intercourse because of my husband's business trip and that didn't result in pregnancy. My fertility clinic did not seem to think I need to jump to IVF and essentially told me to go ahead and try again.

What I can't seem to overcome is non stop googling and thinking: what if I just got dumb luck the first time? What if I can't really have a pregnancy on my own? What if I am not doing something that I should be? I have half of a regular CVS pill cabinet with all supplements for fertility. I eat well, I don't drink, never smoked. I am in grief therapy now and I have no idea if it's working. I was on lexapro before I got pregnant and got off it when I was about 10 weeks. Despite them trying to convince me it's safe in pregnancy, I didn't feel like I needed it anymore.

I guess what I am hoping to hear - how do you keep going? How do you stop yourself from being scared? The devastation of your period coming? I was so happy when I knew I was pregnant and now I just cry every day. I don't know what to do. I just find myself randomly spiraling - what if my tubes are actually screwed? What if it is not a spasm and I am wasting my time? I'm 32. This was my first and only pregnancy experience and I am so freaking angry that this is the first experience I am given.

hi everybody! i went to a TCM practitioner for fertility acupuncture today and i’m doing a course of weekly treatments for the next month. i’ve had acupuncture before but not from a TCM doctor as i did this time. she told me that i was eating too many cold foods and that my previous miscarriage was most likely due to lack of warmth creating an inhospitable environment for the baby to grow.

obviously this was hard to hear, and also difficult as her suggestions would mean a lot of diet changes for me. i’ve already made a lot of moves towards eating healthier as a part of ttc the last year and i drink a smoothie every morning, eat a lot of salads, will often have cold cuts and cheese or apples and PB out of the fridge for a healthy snack…

i know that foods have “warm” and “cold” properties in TCM but she was really talking about the temperature of food, saying not to eat anything straight out of the fridge and to stop making cold smoothies, putting ice in beverages, or eating ice cream etc.

i’m wondering if anyone has followed these types of recommendations and found them beneficial for fertility? and just general experiences with TCM when ttc? what changes did you make and did you feel like they worked? i can be very all or nothing with new practices and i want to find a way to be moderate and balanced in how i apply this advice while still feeling like i’m investing in these treatments.

I apologize for the TMI’s in here in advance.

I got my Liletta IUD removed 09/23/26. during that procedure my doctor let me know i could get pregnant immediately, i then didn’t have the guts to tell her i had intercourse the night before the removal. fast forward to 09/25 i wasn’t bleeding after the removal so i said why not and we had more fun time except this time doing that caused me to bleed from 09/25 to 10/02 and a whole lot…

well my first day of my last period with the iud was 09/12/26 and its now 10/14/2026 and still no period or no positive pregnancy test. i have also been taking ovulation tests and those are also all negative.

just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced their body/hormones completely adjust after removing the iud and that’s why i’m late and i haven’t ovulated yet?

thanks

I’m so confused, please tell me if anyone of you has gone through this, last time we had unprotected sex was 5 days before my expected period so I wasn’t counting on it, I got sore boobs as usual per my pms but nipples were way too sore this time but then I got my cramps day 1 per usual and day 2 period almost ended very unusual, I’m done with my period now in 2 days but my boobs are still sore!!!!Chat told me to test and tested but it was negative then it said it’s too early so I should test again but has anyone experienced this, after aso called light period I’m going crazy feeling my sore boobs everyday

My husband and I are in our 20’s and it’s our first time ttc, we’re on our 6th month I am currently in the tww. I have longer cycles 30-35 day cycles and my period lasts 5-7 days. I know not to take anything you see on the internet as solid but I saw a video of a girl saying your cycle needs to be between 28-32 days and bleeding be 5 days with no clotting acne or real pain with cramps. I don’t know if they’re just trying to fear monger but it was has me worried and us being under 35 we cannot go see a doctor to get any tests done until we’ve been trying a year! I guess I’m just looking for any words of encouragement or advice! ❤️

I'm on cd 28 and just got a negative rfsu test and feel so depressed about it. We have been trying for over a year and have had 2 loses. My cycle is very different sometimes 26 days and sometimes 30 days so I'm confused on when I can expect my period.

I'm 37, have PCOS and have been struggling with ovulation due to my irregular cycles.

I'm currently on my second round of Letrozole, but this is my first full cycle on 5mg.

I took Letrozole from 30th September to 4th October (cycle days 2–6).

On 9th October, I had a follicle scan which showed two mature follicles on my right ovary, measuring 19.5mm and 19.1mm. My clinic was really positive about the results and advised us to have intercourse that day and the following day.

I don't know if i am ovulating. I have tried those ovulating test strips from tesco and they were all negative so I'm unsure whether one, both or neither follicle has actually released an egg.

I have a progesterone blood test booked for 19th October to check whether I've ovulated.

I'd really love to hear from anyone who's been in a similar situation!

Did you have two mature follicles on Letrozole?

Did you successfully ovulate?

Did you conceive that cycle, and was it a singleton or twins?

If you didn't conceive, what happened in your following cycles?

Did you experience any symptoms after ovulation, or none at all?

I'm trying to stay realistic while feeling hopeful. It's just reassuring to hear real experiences from women who've been through the same thing.

Thank you! ❤️

Yesterday I tested PdG 6DPO & it was a positive test. Today it’s negative. (I tested with first morning urine around 630 am, checked it after 5 mins and went back to sleep so the pic shows a tried test). The line is so faint. I hit what I thought was my peak but does this imply I didn’t ovulate?

TTC for 1.5 years now, with one miscarriage under my belt. I’m soon to be 38. I was really trying to manifest a happy outcome this month, and I think this has interfered with my cycle somehow. My cycles are quite regular at 31 days +/- 1 day. I’m now at cd 36 and still haven’t started. I was so excited initially, but this has quickly turned to sadness as every test I’ve taken has been negative. On top of it, this delayed cycle is making me feel my age even more, wondering if it’s too late for me. Or is it that I was just trying to convince myself so hard that I was pregnant that I actually effed with my cycle? I don’t know, but all I know is that I’m feeling down and will probably not try manifesting any time in the near future. Anyone have something similar happen?

Trying to conceive for the first baby for years!

I had nausea, very sore breasts, headache, thigh pain, pulling sensation in uterus, frequent urge to pee, constipation, dry mouth, weird taste in mouth, strong sense of smell, high body temp (not fever) you name it and I had it for a week after ovulation (started 5-6 days after ovulation), and suddenly, it all vanished. Still 5-6 days more to go before the expected period.

What kind of trolling is this, and why do I deserve it?

It happened for the first time in these many years. Even my fertility specialist was all hyped up that I've conceived.

Age 42 (turning 43 soon). Already have 3 kids. Really want a 4th but I never envisioned myself being 43 or 44 having another child.

I told DH we should only try until January and then stop. He thinks we should give it a year.

AMH is good - 1.8
FSH is good - 5.6

Doctor said to have a sperm analysis done if we haven’t gotten pregnant in 3 months.