I can't let myself take a break either. I always wonder, "what if this is the month and I pass it up?" I was supposed to take a break this cycle because I had something in my uterus last month that my RE saw during an ultrasound. I went in for a repeat u/s on CD 3 and it was gone. I, of course, called my RE right when I got home to see if I could get on the schedule for this cycle and if they could call me in a new Clomid prescription. I just couldn't do nothing. I think if I was younger I might be able to take a break, but I don't know if I even would then. I'm too impatient.

I haven't taken a break for 2 + years. Even if it's a month without meds or the doctor's help, I was doing the at home sticks and timing it b/c I always hoped maybe that would be the month. So, i think it's normal to always keep trying even if it's not a procedure that month.

Good luck!

Girl, I feel our obsession. But since we are dealing with male factor, (very low numbers, very poor motility and morphology), there is no monthly monitoring for me. IVF with ICSI is our only chance. Our RE told us there is zero chance we could conceive naturally. So my obsession is with coming up with money to try for a third time, thinking of other options, watching my diet, crap like that. I'm at that point where all this IF crap is so second hand and I think about it even with I tell myself I'm not. I think it's natural to obsess over the things we truly want....

Last month we had to take a cycle off due to cysts. It was very very difficult not to perseverate on trying anyways. But the month really did me good. It helped me to get a new book to read...Nicholas Sparks The Choice (it was great and has no reference to IF/Babies etc). I also really tried to focus on what makes me happy-running, movies with DH, hiking at the local park on weekends, organizing all my work materials, etc. I think we as a whole in the IF community are underestimating the contribution of stress and IF. Try your best to be good to yourself and enjoy all the blessings you do have in your life now. Trust me I KNOW its hard but I also stayed off of DS a lot so as not to be thinking about things as much. Good luck and stay positive :) ~April

For 18 months, I was you! I said we were taking a break or taking the month off but yet, I still obsessed about everything. Now, i have to take forced breaks, between IVF's and FET's and even those months, I still think about it. I know there is no way that i would get pregnant but in the back of my mind I kind of forget that.

I only done two IUI, and already feel it has been a long time. I'm on a break myself, mainly because I would be out of town during the time for 3rd IUI. Also I have been thinking about changing the doc.
The difficulty for my case is I live 300 mile apart with my DH because of jobs we got, which means no matter what decision we make, I have to pretty much go through everything on my own. Also finance is a key factor that might stop us to try. Yesterday just got to know a coworker got pregnant, which makes me feel bad. They also ask about me...
Well, I guess after all what I'd like to tell you is that this is a very special experience for women like us, we have to be strong while feeling lonely, helpless and desperate. Maybe you can try to go out for a walk every morning instead of POAS. Also try to do sth that you cannot do during waiting cycle, let's say, a glass of wine etc.
Of course when you need comfort, you can always come here :)

Man am i so there with you.... I haven't even started my first ivf cycle but i have been obsessed for a long time already... I have a through family history and knew it was coming... i was obsessed before i ever went to see a doc... my dh and i never even got a chance to try to get pg without a dr opinion... i had a cyst as soon as i got off depo to start ttc... had surgery and found two blocked tubes....

I have been on a "break" since February and yet I stll obsess about infertility every day, every minute....it does run your life.

IF consumed my life since we found out we couldn't conceive naturally, and I guess even before that when I was using OPK and we kept trying and trying. And to tell you the truth, now that I am pregnant, I am obsessed with my little embryos and hoping they both make it full term. Good luck and please don't ever give up!

Dont worry you are not alone. I have told myself many times that I will take a break. But your right because it does run your life. I have stopped all the treatment for awhile but Im still researching things, tracking ovulation, etc. I think its natural to keep thinking about how to achieve something.

I'm finding myself obsessed with it all too. My DH and I are just officially starting the process with an RE but have been ttc for 2+ years on our own. I'm not getting any younger so I finally got the guts to go to the RE but even though we're still in the diagnostic phase (SA good, still wtg for AF to arrive so I can start the clomid challenge), I'm already nuts, constantly worrying, wondering, on DS constantly(which is GREAT but can sometimes be TOO much), reading everything I can get my hands on (online and in bookstores/libraries). Sheesh, I've read so much I've pretty much diagnosed myself with at least 3 or 4 things and have made myself completely crazy filled with grief, anger, confusion - you name it. I hope you are kind to yourself and find balance. I'm still working on that part :-) Best wishes.

Although I myself have not started IVF, yet...I have been supporting my friend, who is now 15 wks. Ya-hoo for her. Anyway, after 11 miscarriages and on the 12th prego, it was successful.
What did it was that I relaxed and thought about nothing, absolutely nothing. Mother had recently died, terrible stuff with family and I was so darn tired.
My DH did something extraordinary...he found this cute little book (maybe 10 pages) that described a passionate and romantic way to be. He took the initiative, got feathers, candles, the whole bit and took control. This was so beautiful, etc.
With that (maybe too much info), might I suggest that you allow yourself a few moments of freedom, a few moments to love yourself, your DH and enjoy what's going on in the moment?
We are trying very hard for a 2nd child and it has been depressing and unsuccessful. I am 39 and wonder if it is in the cards for me. Insurance does not cover infertility and I am not sure what to do.
I am here to be of support to you and anyone else. I am confident God has a plan for you, however, it is in His time. May you blessed when it is right...With love and support...

IF has consumed my life for the past 2 years.I would love to take a break to regroup and recoup but my age dictates that i keep trying as i am running out of time.in the past year i have done 3 IUI with injectables,2 fresh donor egg IVF and one frozen embryo cycle.I am feeling very tired and hope this is my last cycle as January and my 50th birthday are fast approaching