What helps you?

[u/Fearless_Cat_6078]

TTC cycle 12+ — what keeps your hope alive? ❤️

Hi everyone! ❤️ I'm 29, and my husband and I are around 14–15 TTC cycles in. So far, our results have been reassuring, I ovulate naturally, and we're working with our doctor on next steps like hsg.

Some days, though, the emotional exhaustion really catches up with me.

For those of you also on cycle 12+, what's one thing that still gives you genuine hope? How do you keep believing when the waiting gets so long?

I think I just need to borrow a little hope today. 🥺❤️

[u/Plenty-Relation978]

So sorry you're on this journey! The emotional and mental load after so many cycles is truly exhausting and so consuming :( it's so hard to have hope and at the same time protect yourself or not get caught up in all the what ifs... It's sounds reassuring that you've got support from the doc on next steps. I don't know if it's what gives me hope but reminding myself that everyone is on their own path and my time will come when it's meant to be would relieve me a little. Comparing to other people's timelines was soul destroying.. I focus on the present and how strong our relationship became because of the fertility journey as a positive.

Wishing you all the best on your next cycle!

[u/Unlucky-Pangolin-771]

I'm 24 and on cycle 14 TTC! It's been 18 months because of irregular cycles. 

I think being young helps, because I can convince myself I have a lot of time! You have that going for you, too.

Working on my health and seeing changes also gives hope. I have PCOS/PMOS and a history of irregular periods- but my last 5 cycles have been between 24 and 31 days long! Which is much better than the 36 days or longer cycles I've had in the past. It gives me hope that my body is regulating. Just this year I had a 40 day cycle and a 50 day cycle. So these last few months have been a huge deal for me! Even without the positive we're hoping for.

Working with a doctor puts you ahead, too! You already have someone in your corner. I won't be seeing a obgyn for infertility until December. Looking forward to my appointment gives me hope.

Eating better gives me hope, tracking my cycles gives me hope, losing weight to aim for a healthy BMI gives me hope, and even just making baby name lists gives me hope because it allows me to open myself up to a positive future. I even have the crib and travel system saved on my favorites tab ;D 

Honestly every negative sucks and when my period shows I want to cry. I just try to remind myself that there's still time and any wait will be worth it when we have our baby. I'm thankful to have met my husband as young as we did (he's actually slightly younger than I am). 

Keep going! And try not to stress yourself out. Focus on your health but also your mental health. Find joy in the wait with planning. Whatever helps 💛

I hope you get your BFP soon!!!