TTC Journey

Trying To Conceive (TTC) is a different journey for every couple. For some, they seemingly conceive with no trouble at all. But, for others, it can be a long and painful journey. I am one of the women who potentially faces a long journey ahead.

Years ago, most people wouldn't have been so open with talking about this because it was something that wasn't done. But times have changed and more women are turning to forums and articles online to reassure themselves that they are not alone.

Disclaimer: I am not a trained medical professional. You need to speak to your own medical professional about your issues.

TTC- Why it can be difficult for some

According to https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ , 80-90 out of 100 couples will have success within the first year. This leave 10-20 couples without success. Looking at that over a larger scale it is a big number.

Such couples may have medical issues which have affected their ability to fall pregnant, 30% of which originate from the woman, 30% from the male and the rest from both partners. Some women have conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, issues with the reproductive organs and the inability to ovulate.

These can not be self diagnosed and you need to seek guidance from a medical professional who will perform various tests to determine the issue along with severity.

My story

My husband and I made a decision midway through 2019 to begin our TTC journey. Before doing this, I arranged an appointment with my doctor to discuss this.

I have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by four different medical professionals, the first at age 16. The diagnosis came through blood tests, ultrasounds and monitoring my cycles.

The government website betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ explains PCOS as being "a complex hormonal condition" and "literally translates as ‘many cysts’. This refers to the many partially formed follicles on the ovaries, which each contain an egg. These rarely grow to maturity or produce eggs that can be fertilised."

What this means for me is that without a hormonal contraceptive pill, I have extremely irregular periods. Obviously, this makes conception harder for me. In the four months since I stopped taking the pill, I haven't had a single period nor have I ovulated.

The thing that upsets me the most about this whole process is when people ask when my husband and I are going to be having a baby, or say that it will happen for us soon. Nobody, and I don't care who you are, nobody has the right to ask these questions or weigh in on the matter. Sure, you may have fallen pregnant easily but for others it isn't as simple.

I am only at the start of my TTC journey, but if what I've experienced so far is anything to go by, it will be a long road ahead.

I will continue to document my journey including relevant appointments with my health professionals.