It’s not always easy to get pregnant. Often times, it can be very frustrating and stressful. When you are trying to get pregnant, there are many thoughts that cross through your mind when it doesn’t happen. Am I infertile? Am I able to conceive? What is wrong with me?
A couple is usually considered infertile if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of unprotected, well-timed intercourse. Women over 35 or those with a family history of infertility should consult a doctor after six months of unprotected intercourse if pregnancy has not been achieved.
In approximately 35% of infertile couples, the problem can be traced to the female, and 35% of the time the problem can be traced to the male. In the remaining 30% the problem is shared by the male and female or is simply “unexplained.” Approximately 10% of couples of reproductive age experience infertility issues.
Before you give up hope, I am here to give you a little backstory and some advice. My first pregnancy came as a surprise. We weren’t trying at the time to have children and we were very happy when we found out. The second time around, it hasn’t been easy. As a matter of fact, it’s been a little confusing and often emotional. You see, when you are actually trying to have children, there is so much information to remember. Fertile days, cycle, ovulation… it can be a headache.
I have not been on birth control since I had my child 4 years ago. Although we haven’t actively been trying for 4 years, we have had the thought process of “if it happens…” and I have tried to track my cycle, ovulation, etc.
Four years later… it hasn’t happened. I started to think maybe something was wrong with me. My cycles are irregular which makes it almost impossible to time ANYTHING. I had really felt like there was some sort of issue, but I wasn’t ready to give up. Of course, unable to afford fertility treatments, I had done a little researching online. (Note: not diagnosing, just researching)
I decided to try the First Response Fertility Test. I figured I would give it a try. So glad I did. Although, I am not pregnant yet, it was able to tell me that I am still fertile and able to conceive. It offered a little glimpse of hope and I am now actively trying to get my cycle on track to where it is easier to conceive in the future.
Have you had any challenges or issues that you’d like to share with me?
I was selected for the post by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
4 COMMENTS
Jess T.
13 years agoThank you for sharing this story, Jessica. Many of my friends and family have struggled with infertility and recurring pregnancy loss. I hope you can successfully get pregnant again in the near future!
But remember… practice makes perfect! ;)
Jessica
13 years ago AUTHORThank you for the encouraging words! I loved that little bit at the end. <3
Mindy Johnston
13 years agoI can definitely relate to this scenario. My husband I have been married for 8.5 years, but have suffered multiple miscarriages as well as several bouts of fertility problems. We would try for 12-18 months, finally get pregnant, only to miscarry. It is emotional and frustrating and it’s easy to forget that the practice part of the process is supposed to be about more than just dates and calendars. We did finally get our son, Aiden, who is now a little over 2, but we are back in the same boat again it seems. We also have not used any sort of birth control since Aiden was born because we knew how long it took the first time. I have to say, the question I dread most is, “Are you having any more kids?” I know people mean well, but I hate having to satisfy family and friend’s curiosity while trying not to let on to my own insecurity about the situation. The second thing I dread hearing most from well meaning liced ones is, “You’d get pregnant faster if you didn’t worry or stress over it. Just relax and have fun.” This comment always comes from someone who could produce babies on command and has absolutely no idea what I am going through emotionally to get pregnant. They mean no harm, but when you want a baby and it isn’t happening, the mist impossible thing in the world is to stop worrying about it! Anyway, just thought I’d share my personal experience and say from one yearning mommy to another, good luck!
Jessica
13 years ago AUTHORThank you for sharing and for the encouraging words.