 1st AF after 1st m/c -- TTC advice/opinions wanted
Hi All,
I've seen some related posts on this topic, sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, but I'm looking for opinions.
Me? 38.5, first BFP Nov 05 (Clomid+IUI+trigger), betas never doubled but were rising slowly, surprisingly sac+fetal pole on u/s, first m/c Dec (either side of 7 weeks), natural m/c, bleeding for 12 days, BFN (HCG < 5) Dec 21. I had been on Met up until m/c; stopped taking it in case I needed D&C (surgery). Just started on met again last week (after being off almost a month).
AF arrived today (spotting over weekend), 32 days after the bleeding from my m/c stopped. When I had regular cycles they were 33 days. Haven't had regular cycles in more than a year. Used Progesterone or BCP since summer 2005 to start/maintain AF as needed.
(Side note: Thrilled to have AF, especially unassisted.)
RE said wait 2 full cycles before TTC again, which actually means waiting until my 3rd AF according to him. Best case that will be late March. I can understand holding off on IF meds again, but what about going the natural route? I've read fertility is higher after m/c. I've also read m/c rates are higher right after m/c. My two toplevel thoughts at the moment (I see pros and cons for both):
(1) I am very tempted to go w/o protection until he gives the green light for meds. My betas are zero (and got there quickly), and I would think that having AF come in just over 4 weeks means my cycle/body is getting back to normal. I also thought with a natural m/c the body recovered more quickly? (My RE's standard respsone regardless of your particulars is to wait 2 full cycles.)
(2) I am tempted to take BCP for two months. It would help regulate my cycle (although perhaps it has straightened out with Met, pg+m/c, and weight loss) and hopefully keep cysts away (I have been benched from TTC for cysts in the past).
RE had only said "use protection in the interim" -- when I asked about BCP he said "that might not be a bad idea" -- but he didn't really weigh in on either side. This was while I was still m/c'ing, so I wasn't thinking totally straight, or too worried about a month or two down the road. Normally I am more assertive (aggressive?) on questions and details.
RE won't see me again until 3rd AF (unless AF doesn't appear in timely fashion in which case he would jump start). For first AF (which arrived today) he had said call at 6 weeks if it hadn't come. I'm guessing down the road I would have to wait at least 5 weeks for a jump start if AF gets stubborn/shy and stays away. So if I go natural (no BCP), whether or not we use protection, if AF stays away I could be delaying the time to TTC again with medical help.
Then again, I'm very curious to see if my cycle has straightened out at all, and thinking that more time off meds (i.e. no BCP) might be better for my body.
I have at least two strikes against me (age + PCOS). I guess the main choice right now is BCP or not? If I don't go BCP I can still opt for protection this month. I'm very torn about what to do.
So short term question, BCP or no BCP this cycle? Bigger question, TTC naturally before I get the green light for meds?
Peanut gallery question: What role does PCOS play (if any)?
Your thoughts/suggestions/stories welcome and appreciated.
Cheers,
-Tia | 
