Advice

[Jhenderson]

I was wondering if anyone can explain to me why my periods are more like a week of brown spotting rather than bright red blood. Does anyone know how that could be affecting my chances of getting pregnant?

Thanks xx

[Tugsgirl]

Hi. I can't explain it but in general, for many years, I've had a similar flow; dark spotting followed by maybe two tablespoons of bright red and then back to dark again. The whole thing would only last 3/4 days. Everyone and I mean everyone (gp, gynaecologist, fertility clinic) doesn't seem to think it's an issue. I was convinced I must have a very thin lining and that's why I wasn't implanting but I've just done a fet and even before I started any type of meds (natural modified fet) my lining was really good! I was shocked. No one tells me why I bleed so little and why it's mostly brown not red... it's so frustrating. Having said that my last two periods have been "normal" for the first time in years and years. That's only happened since I had a mmc and d and c in April. I'm pregnant again now though so hopefully no more bleeding of any kind for at least the next 8 months! xx

[Jhenderson in reply to Tugsgirl]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing. I did think I may have a thin lining that's why my periods are so light. I also have a short luteal phase of 9 days and the fertility Dr says that normal too. Xx

[Hidden]

I know everyone had a cycle unique to them.

I always have pre period spotting - which is a mixture of pink, red, brown discharge and that lasts 3/4 days before my full flow begins.

In my case mine is caused by endometriosis which wasn't diagnosed till June ( after 5 years and 10 months of TTC). Endo can only be diagnosed via laparoscopy.

Have you had all the hormonal blood tests run on you? Have you been scanned to check for polycystic ovaries or fibroids? ( Which can cause abnormalities in the menstrual cycle and fibroids can cause weird bleeding).

Have you spoken to a GP or Fertility specialist over this? I think you should just in case they decide to run further investigations. xoxo .

[Jhenderson]

Thanks jess. Yes have had all scans done. Been ttc for 1 year 5 months. The fertility dr wants us to wait two years before she would recommend IVF.

My partner has a son so we will be self funding, I'm 35 in January and we have made the decision to start the ball rolling and are going to book the first consultation for October. I really feel our current Dr has really listened to our concerns and I don't want to wait another 6 months before starting with IVF. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Jhenderson]

I don't blame you.

I just want to say that our consultant does not view 35 as old- fertility drops a lot later than the media report! He referred to us as young still and I had time on our side!!! I'm also 35 😋

We had unexplained infertility for 5 years and 10 months of TTC. Ours wasn't - I have endometriosis. I conceived the first month after my laparoscopy but sadly miscarried but are taking the positive that we can conceive will try again 😎

We were always told we'd need IVF - no funding as I have a son ( as they didn't know why we couldn't conceive our first clinic were dreadful but our consultant now is great ). I would definitely recommend the importance of getting a proper diagnosis and I would hate to see others go through that. Having said I have also seen couples having great success with IVF who have unexplained infertility.

Definitely keep trying you never know 😏

I'm glad your GP is supportive going through this process that's so important.

Most private clinics offer free open evenings so you both can vet them out 😋 I think the ones that are NHS and private are slightly cheaper prices for IVF.

Good luck with it all xoxo