Support for women
Sadly, fertility problems in women is a major issue in the UK.
We hope to help women on their very personal journey which we hope will lead to a happy, healthy child. It can be frustrating and emotionally challenging but we are here to support you every step of the way.
Some practical advice for women trying to conceive
Even before you visit your doctor there are some things you can do that may help your chances of conceiving:
My journey
- Dietary changes
- Supplements – folic acid, Vitamin D
- Seek professional advice on which ones are best - Homeopathy or Herbalists
- Lifestyle changes – quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake
Visiting a fertility specialist
If you have raised your concerns with your GP and you have been referred to a fertility specialist expect to wait up to 6 weeks for your first appointment. Please start the conversation with your partner if you have not already, as when you consult the doctor, they may advise your partner to also undergo some tests. If you have not heard anything from the hospital by then, chase them.
Your first appointment will most likely be full of fact finding and probably some initial basic tests; what they will refer to as diagnostics – helping you find a diagnosis. This could take anything from weeks to months so expect you will need to exercise patience. Although you may have been on this journey for months and in some cases years, unless you have investigations privately, expect things to move slowly; anything else will be a bonus.
Make sure you get your questions answered
Once you have a diagnosis, the team will be able to advise you on next steps. If you don’t understand what you have been told, try not to look up everything yourself to gain further insight. Ask for more information and explanations until you understand the procedure completely.
Don’t feel silly for needing more clarification if you don’t understand anything, that’s what the team are there for and your journey is individual to you so sometimes internet searches cause more anxiety and confusion, which is the last thing you need.
Some advice for coping on bad days
- Speak to someone – whether you have access to a counsellor to talk through your feelings (some NHS trusts have fertility specific counsellors) or a friend
- Join Twitter, Facebook or forums and connect with other ladies going through similar situations; it helps to connect with like-minded people
- Meditation – it can help you relax and re-centre your feelings generally and specifically on this journey
- Acupuncture – check with your medical professional first if you are having treatment
- Exercise
- Sign up for daily positive affirmations to help you stay focused
- Listen to some inspirational music
- Watch some YouTube videos of how others have coped or make your own; it may help
Although fertility problems in women are common, every journey is unique. Even on your darkest day there are ways to cope. For help and support contact Journey Of
