I am 38 years old and got married in Jun 08 to a 41-year old guy and we decided straight away to try for a baby so I came off the pill which I have been on for a long time.

When I first came off the pill, I had no periods for approx 3-4 months and saw the doctor who done tests on my hormones and they were fine. I had a scan to check if I had PCS but the tests were clear. My periods did start and initially were regular, on the 5th of each month, however in March I didn't come on until the 12th and it was more painful than normal. I still have not come on this month but had a negative pregnancy test.

He has got 2 teenagers from a previous marriage and I've got a 9 year old son from a previous marriage.

I know that fertility declines as you get older and try not to focus on getting pregnant too much. I know that it takes some people a long time to fall pregnant, it did take me 9 months to fall pregnant with my son and now we are past that stage I keep living in hope. It doesn't help that I am going away abroad with work for 4 months. Has anyone got advice or been in the same situation?

It could be an off cycle, but due to your age, and the length of time you have been trying so far, I would check back with your doctor about further testing. Your husband needs to have some tests done as well. Having previous children does not guarantee fertility at a later time.

The first thing your doctor will likely do is a blood test to check for possible pregnancy at this time. There are a number of tests beyond blood tests for fertility that can be performed if all of the blood work comes back fine. You may want to consider asking your doctor for a referral to a reproductive endocrinologist to receive more specialized care. Good luck!

Thank you for your reply. I am due another appointment with the doctor on the 21st April and he wants to see both me and my husband so hopefully things will start progressing.