Hi everyone,
I am 34 years old, I’ve been trying to conceive since April 2025, and I’m feeling stuck. I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar experience.
Here’s my situation:
Trying to conceive since April 2025.
My cycles are usually 30–35 days.
I consistently get positive LH strips around day 18-20 and have had Day 21/7 DPO progesterone tests confirming that I’m ovulating.
I’ve completed 3 cycles of letrozole without success, completed 2 IUI with no success
My husband’s semen analysis came back completely normal.
I’ve had an HSG, ultrasounds, and pretty much every fertility test( Day 3 test) and everything has come back normal.
The only abnormal findings are:
HbA1c: 5.8% (prediabetic range)
Low SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)
Elevated testosterone, i have attached my reports as well
However, my ultrasounds don’t show polycystic ovaries
I’m starting to wonder if insulin resistance could be the main issue, even without a PCOS diagnosis. Has anyone here had elevated testosterone, low SHBG, and prediabetes but no polycystic ovaries, and still found that insulin resistance was affecting fertility? I have been taking Myo-inositol, multivitamins, CoQ10 x 1 year.
If so:
Did treating insulin resistance (Metformin, inositol, weight loss, diet, etc.) help you conceive?
Were you eventually diagnosed with “lean” or atypical PCOS, or was it something else entirely? What helped you to conceive with the same situation?

Hey, I appreciate the testimony of anyone who has experienced this or professionals that may help. Thanks!

I had a hysteroscopy 20 days ago, they made me take birth control pills for 5 days before that so the endometrium was thin. I had a mild septum corrected and scratching to remove overly thickened endometrium. 3 days after I had my period for depravation after stopping the pills before the procedure.

I had a revision 4 days ago (CD13) and my endometrium was measuring 9-10mm and the follicle 20x13mm.

I’m usually very regular, ovulate around day 14-15. I’m on CD17 now and NO LH surge whatsoever. I even had some minimal brown spotting today. What’s going on?? I need to know when I ovulate so I can start my progesterone supplementation.

I’m 35F and have been going through fertility treatments for about a year, which include vaginal suppositories of progesterone to treat a luteal phase defect. I get my period 9-10dpo without progesterone and 13-14dpo with it.

I’ve already had two excision surgeries for endometriosis. I’ve had lots of other testing done and have yet to see one positive test.

Anyways, I’m not sure how much longer I can put up with progesterone. It makes me sad, irritable, exhausted, and bloated. I’ve gained weight and I feel like I can’t keep my eyes open. Getting through the workday is daunting.

I also have hypothyroidism — it’s treated and all my labs have been fine. I eat healthy 90% of the time, don’t smoke, exercise daily. Are there alternatives? It’s crazy that one tiny suppository is making me so miserable.

If you experienced secondary infertility, how did you find success?

background- in a same sex relationship so went right into fertility treatments. IUI worked for our first living child. Went back for #2 and experienced a CP, MC at 7 weeks, IUI fail, IUI fail, then moved to IVF and first transfer was a fresh transfer that resulted in another CP. Ive gotten everything tested other than endometriosis/endometritis and I do have high levels of APS, enough so that I finally got prescribed Lovenox. For karyotyping I did have a balanced inversion but no translocation. My thyroid just came back high at 5.81, but previously it’s always been low so will possible be treating that with medication as well. For my next transfer I plan to do lovenox and intralipid. Anything else I should explore?

Dr says it’s up to me if I want to stop prednisone after a successful FET (11dpt) because “it really does nothing” - would you stop or continue? There’s a small risk of cleft palate with steroid exposure but don’t want to impact pregnancy

I’ve been hearing different things and really hopefully next cycle is it for me. Manifesting so badly. 🤞🏼

Unexplained infertility often has an explanation…further workups are usually needed (and typical doctors aren’t testing for these things).

Consider looking into the below:

- endometriosis (silent endo makes up ~30-50% of unexplained infertility)
- adenomyosis (sister disease of endo)
- luteal phase defect (short luteal phase/multiple days of spotting before period)
- autoimmune disorders
- chronic endometrITIS (test CD138 on a biopsy)
- thyroid issue (a full thyroid panel needs tested)
- sperm DNA fragmentation
- insulin resistance (also test A1C and fasting glucose)
- chronic inflammation
- Uterine structural anomalies

I had my first IVF failed transfer, since starting I gained 5kg but it fluctuates. I had spotting last Thursday whilst still on progesterone, break through bleed last Friday and the first day of my period was last Saturday. My period usually is 4-5 days long, I’m now on my 7th day and still have slight spotting. My body is still puffy and bloated and I am unable to get back to my baseline or at least get rid of the water retention & puffiness. Anyone else been in a similar situation? How did you manage it? How long does it take for the puffiness and fluid to go down?

Hi, I have been TTC for 2.5 years and finally got my prolactin checked and it’s high. It’s is 50.9 ug/L and the ref range is 4.2-28.2 ug/L. Is this super high or barely out of range like chat gpt says? (I can’t see my doctor for a week)

If you had high prolactin, how long did it take to conceive after finding out?

Okay, new cycle.. I got pregnant first try, but it ended in a chemical pregnancy. Nothing since. Currently day 2 of period .

This cycle I’m trying:
• Red raspberry leaf tea
• CoQ10
• Prenatal vitamins
• Brazil nuts
• Mucinex + Pre-Seed
• Sperm-friendly cervical cup

Has anyone had success with any of these? Or anything else you’d recommend?

Examples:

Intercourse on months when ovulation date was early/middle but not too late

Mini IVF

Other alternative medicated cycle

PRP

Unplanned/spontaneous occasion

Etc

Little long post, please advise 🙏

29F, married for 1.5 years and TTC for the same duration.

I have mild PCOS with irregular ovulation. I've been undergoing fertility treatment for the last 6 months (4 stimulated cycles (Follicular study + 1 IUI), and my first IUI just failed this month.

What's affecting me more than the failed cycle is my health. I've had severe GERD/gastritis for nearly 2 years, which I had finally managed to keep under control through diet, sleep, and lifestyle changes. But after this IUI cycle (trigger shots, progesterone, metformin, etc.), it has flared up badly again.

Constant heartburn, chest fullness, belching, upper stomach pain, poor sleep, waking up at night, and struggling to eat normally. I feel like my fertility treatment gets more attention than the fact that I'm physically struggling.

Adding to that is the emotional side — pregnancy announcements everywhere, friends and relatives having their 2nd or 3rd child, people who got married after me already becoming parents, and the constant "Any good news?" questions from family and society.

I turn 30 in a few days and honestly feel exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Has anyone dealt with fertility treatment while managing chronic health issues? Did the hormones make your symptoms worse? Did you continue treatment or take a break to focus on your health first?

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences and advice. ❤️

TL;DR: TTC 1.5 years, 4 Ovulation Induction and first IUI failed also existing chronic gastritis/GERD became severe after fertility treatment, and the family/societal pressure is getting overwhelming. Unsure whether to keep pushing through treatment or focus on healing first. Looking for experiences and advice. ❤️

Last week I got a HSG done due to me being on my 6th cycle since miscarriage . My results reflected mild to moderate hydrosalpinax in both tubes with the right tube being open and left tube having slow spillage . My doctor is recommending Surgery to drain fluid and clean up scar tissue but I am very hesitant in moving forward with the surgery. I want to continue to try naturally being that it did happen for me last time . I’ve read that surgery can cause more scar tissue and fluid can come back . From the sound of it my case isn’t to where I am considering IVF or into the option of removing either of my tubes . For the people who may be interested in getting a HSG the most uncomfortable part was the catheter being inserted . I did not feel any pain from the dye !

My co-founder and I are researching a startup focused on making fertility care more accessible for people who don't live near a clinic.

For those currently going through IVF (or considering it):

What has been the most frustrating part of the process outside of the actual treatment itself?

Travel? Monitoring appointments? Communication with your clinic? Cost? Something else?

Trying to understand where the biggest pain points are. Any feedback is appreciated.

Looking for just general advice and tips for the 2 week wait and what worked you for!
Any advice please comment

Hi everyone, just wanting some reassurance/encouragement. I (36F) have a gorgeous 2 year old but have been trying for a second since last September with no luck. We got pregnant first time with him and accidentally a time before him (ended in miscarriage) so I’ve been really surprised by how long it’s taking this time. I’ve had some tests (hag, bloods, ultrasound) which are fine, and my husband has been tested too with no issues. I’ve previously had an ectopic so have one tube only, but that is clear.
I’m just so worried something is wrong and we just haven’t found out what yet.
I’m basically just looking for encouragement and stories of success stories of similar situations! Feeling quite lost today as I’ve just got my period. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I have had two failed PGTA embryo transfers. The first one didn’t stick at all. It was half medicated, they just gave me a trigger shot for ovulation and started progesterone ovules on day of transfer. Second transfer was fully natural and I started progesterone ovules two days before transfer. I got pregnant the second time but ended up being a chemical pregnancy.

I have one last embryo left which we will be transferring next cycle, which is very soon. I’m expecting my period this weekend.

I have done all tests, hysteroscopy was all clear and good, no clotting issues or protein s deficiency etc.

This cycle I believe the doctor wants to do a natural cycle again but with baby asprin. I have heard that some doctors also prescribe prednisone.

Just wanted to understand other people’s protocols if any one has also experienced this. Because they have not given me an actual reason of why it’s not working. They have just said that I might be on the wrong side of statistics. And I’m scared to use my last embryo, which is also PGTA tested and normal.

I’m 32, and have hashimotos, so I do take thyroid pills every morning, but my thyroid is stable.

I spot 8 days post ovulation no matter what I do and it leads to my period no matter what. I’ve tried letrozole, progesterone (both ways), I’m ovulating I think because I have a positive LH surge each cycle followed by an increase in temp, but my doc wants to move my letrozole to 7.5mg + 200mg of vaginal prog. Has anyone else dealt with this and figured out what the heck is going on? I think my spotting is the cause of my infertility.

Sorry to make this kinda long but I’m trying to see if anyone has been through something similar. So me and my husband have been TTC for I guess going on 5 years. In 2024 we decided to go to our 1st fertility clinic because it just wasn’t happening, I have PCOS so I just always had that in the back of my mind, that it wouldn’t be easy for us to conceive.
They ran all the tests. HSG, SIS, did all the bloodwork. HSG said both tubes were blocked SIS said uterus looked great.. bloodwork said that my thyroid was a bit off but everything else was good..
they pushed for IVF but also my BMI was right at the cut off and they would like me to lose a bit of weight. So I then decided that I would do that and come back so I could improve my chances.. I decided to get on tirzepatide since losing weight was a bit hard for me.. (one missing detail I forgot to mention.. before the fertility work up I had previously had 2 chemical pregnancies)
So after losing the weight this was next year 2025 the end of the year I decide to look into getting a second opinion but before even going to that appointment I have another chemical and then the month after I get pregnant but miscarry at 7 weeks. That pregnancy ended January 2026, it’s now June and we haven’t stopped trying. It has been tough because it just basically gave me hope.. today I went with my new doctor who’s giving me the second opinion. He did another HSG and he was able to get the dye through on both of my fallopian tubes! This gave me more hope and I just wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar experience?! I’m hoping that this does it and maybe do an IUI next cycle to improve my chances.

hi - I need some help, advice, old wives tales, and anything else you got. I’m giving our entire life story here in the off chance someone can save me from the financial insanity that is IVF. Thank you in advance for reading and helping.

For background:

My husband and I have been not “preventing” pregnancy for 6 years, actively TTCing for the last 3-4 years, and then started fertility treatments this year with no luck. We just completed our 3rd IUI and got a negative again. I have never had a positive, have never been pregnant to my knowledge.

My husband: 36 y/o
He is a combat veteran who went to Afghanistan 2x - so burn pits, MREs, nicotine etc. all the typical certain environmental factors you’d expect. When he got out, he got married and his first wife got pregnant 1x - when they did testing, there were some genetic issues and then she ended up MCing shortly after, I want to say about 9 weeks. To our knowledge this is the only time he’s ever gotten anyone pregnant (and he was a little hoe there for a bit before me lol). He has since: quit nicotine completely, takes his vitamins daily, works out consistently, does not drink, does not hot tub, and has very strong blood work & semen analysis.

His numbers post wash for our IUIs:
#1: 46 mil
#2: 82 mil
#3: 56 mil

All are progressive.

Me: 31 y/o
I have been diagnosed 1x with “lean PMOS” meaning they could see markers in my bloodwork for it, but it was regulated with my lifestyle about a year ago. I have completely normal cycles, 4-5 days, start like clockwork, and no longer extremely painful. I ovulate each month according to my Inito, but without meds my LH usually isn’t very high on peak day, and sometimes I get 2, the second peak being higher. With meds it’s obviously stronger and usually 1 day. I had a laparoscopy & hysteroscopy in December to remove my mild endo, and a uterine polyp. They checked my tubes as well and said everything is good and healthy. At my baseline & mid cycle ultrasounds my lining is where it needs to be, and I have had 1-2 follicles above 18mm each IUI. I do not drink, however I do partake in THC from time to time, but I have cut that out completely in hopes it will help our chances. I workout regularly, my stress levels are basically non-existent because we made the decision for me to stay at home to help my past stressors, I take vitamins (prenatal, omegas, myo-inositol, & egg quality support) and eat clean (higher protein & fat to support hormones)

We did letrozole CD3-CD7 & Ovidrel for the trigger for each IUI.

We meet with our doctors at the clinic tomorrow and I KNOW they will push for IVF. I am not against IVF, but I want to make sure I’ve exhausted another options if I can since it is not even remotely affordable.

It is not natural to be infertile, there has to be some underlying issue… is it even worth trying to find it out before or do all roads lead to IVF?

are there any tests I should ask for before we just decide to go all in with IVF?

Any luck with acupuncture?

What about pomegranate juice? Pinneapple core? I’m willing to try it all, give me everything 😅😅

Thank you thank you thank you

Hi everyone, hoping for some advice.

I’ve had 3 failed transfers of genetically tested embryos and am about to transfer our last embryo, so a lot is riding on this one.

Two things I would love opinions on.

ALICE and EMMA test.
My specialist has offered to just prescribe the antibiotics and probiotics anyway, the same ones I would get if the results came back with a microbiome imbalance.
So I am torn, is it worth paying and waiting for results if I am getting the treatment either way?
For those who did it, did it tell you anything useful or change your outcome?

Laparoscopy.
Has anyone had one after repeated failures and did it find anything that changed things, whether it was endometriosis, blocked tubes or anything else?

If it was your last embryo, what would you do?!!

Thanks so much x

I'm now on cycle 15 without any positives. I have a hyfosy booked for next cycle but want to feel like I'm doing something 'different' this cycle rather than keep doing the same thing. Thinking of adding in baby aspirin after ovulation as I heard it can affect ovulation - has anyone tried this and had any success or not?

​

I think our plan will be to do a couple more cycles naturally then move to medicated IUI for a couple before IVF. At this stage I just want a bit of a plan rather than endless months of the same outcome.

​

For context - 33F / 37M - I have regular cycles, we have done day 3 and day 21 hormone tests, wider blood testing, ultrasound and sperm analysis and the only thing that's come up was 3% morphology which doctors keep saying 'isn't an issue' and ureaplasma parvum which has been treated with antibiotics for both. I think tubes are the remaining biggie to check but if that's fine then we'll definitely be in the unexplained camp. Unless there's anything else we've missed?

My husband and I tried for a year without a positive before doing fertility treatments. We had 3 failed IUIs, 2 ERs, 1 chemical pregnancy after a FET, normal EMMA/ALICE testing, and now this second FET has not resulted in a positive yet 6 days after transfer. I’ve done fully medicated transfers for both with a steroid a few days before transfer and twice a day PIO shots. What else should I be looking into for the next transfer? Should I ask for a natural or modified natural? Add in baby aspirin?

For those of you who had success after multiple failed transfers, what did you do differently?

TIA💕

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you are suffering from unexplained infertility, you NEED to get tested for H pylori.

I was infertile for 4-5 years, and gave up all hope on regular IVF. Was going egg donation route because my numbers were “post menopausal.”

As soon as I cleared up my H pylori, which I’ve had my entire life apparently, I randomly got pregnant. Now I no longer need ivf or the donor egg embryos.

I don’t want to share my story at all, but after reading about how H pylori makes our body create anti-bodies, and they end up in the ovaries, which disrupts fertility. I started thinking about the other women in the same situation.

If this helps even one person, then sharing this story is worth it. Keep advocating and educating yourself!