I can't believe it; tested and got my first BFP ever on my 15th cycle of TTC! I was temping, and noticed my temps staying elevated...so I tested at 10 dpo. It came out negative. So come 13 dpo, I was expecting my temp to drop and for my PMS symptoms to begin (especially my pre-AF cramping). However that never really happened! I did get some mild cramping and some gas and stomach rumbles. However my temps were still up. So I resolved to wait until 15 dpo, and BFP!
I have pretty short cyles, 24-25 days. My LP is 13 days. Overall my cycles are pretty predictable. 24 hours prior to bleeding, I get cramping, bloating, and bad gas. Last year I sought out an OB/GYN after 6 months of not conceiving because I'm 33, have heavy painful periods, and never had a live birth (I've been pregnant twice before...more than 10 years ago). Also I'm African-American and my Grandmother had a hysterectomy in her 30s due to fibroids. The doctor suspected this for me. However an ultrasound revealed no fibroids. Instead, a cyst was found on my cervix. It was large, but the doctor didn't feel it was interfering with conception. But I was sent for an MRI to make sure it wasn't cancerous. The MRI revealed that the cyst was ok (just a very large Nabothian cyst), but it was noted that I had adenomyosis in my uterus.
In August 2012, my doctor sent me for an HSG. It went well (not painful, tubes open) and I was hoping to conceive that cycle or shortly after. Maybe it had cleared out some cobwebs. But no, nothing. I was even using OPKs and temping! My doctor suggested Clomid, but at this point I wasn't really comfortable with him. He hadn't really performed a lot of testing (just prolactin, anemia and thyroid); and it didn't seem right to take Clomid if I was ovulating. Also if I did have endometriosis, I was worried about Clomid making it worse.
In October, I started taking B-Complex and natural Progesterone cream in the second part of my cycle. I was amazed at how my PMS improved (it was still there...but much, much better). I also started taking a multivitamin. In December I started taking serrapeptase; which is used to help inflammation and dissolve scar tissue. My doctor never said anything, but in my ultrasound, my right ovary is pulled down very close to the wall of my uterus. If I did have adhesions, then hopefully the serrapeptase would help. But the dosage is big (three pills, three times a day), so I only took one bottle (ran out in January).
In January, I started taking Vitex. In all honesty, I didn't notice any change....my cycles didn't lengthen or anything. I also replaced my multivitamin with a prenatal specifically. The only things I did different this cycle was add in Royal Jelly/Bee Propolis/Bee Pollen capsules, and tried a new brand of progesterone cream. Didn't alter anything with BD time or method. Although I was all set to try Pre-Seed next cycle.
Also last year I tested high for cholesterol. I didn't go an any type of special diet, but I've lost 25 pounds in the last year. Mainly by cutting out soda and other sweets and reducing meal portions. Another thing that may have helped is that I used to take Naproxen for my period pain. However I read that NSAIDs can have a negative effect on ovulation. So last cycle, I took Ibuprofen (which is still an NSAID, but not as strong) only once for pain...and just suffered through the rest of it. I had resolved to stop the Naproxen...with the hope it wouldn't be in my system to impair my fertility. Hard to say if it did or not (but it's a nice coincidence).
In March I saw a new OB/GYN. My insurance doesn't cover infertility treatments at all (I was billed for the HSG in its entirety!). So I wanted a doctor who would be willing to dig a little deeper. My grandmother suggested her OB/GYN. She ordered hormonal bloodwork on certain days of my cycle and I was scheduled to see her again next week after this period (which never came) was done!
My main advice to other TTCers is not 'just relax, it will happen when it happens', because to me, that is just unrealistic. When you can't conceive you feel like your body is broken...that is just how it is. But I would give the advice to not get so hung up on the statistics. Perhaps I do have endometriosis (never had a laproscopy, so who knows), but endo ladies have such a low chance of conception (like 3-5%), it's enough to make you just want to give up. Don't! Approach each cycle as a new chance. Also don't be afraid to try stuff on your own, and don't be totally dependent on doctors. It's your body, and you know it better than anyone.
Best of luck to everyone and my prayers for your BFPs if you need them, and I'll accept prayers for a sticky bean!