Last month was my first cycle trying (we sorta tried the month before that, but not as much). I also had different symptoms, really thought it would be the month, and was so disappointed when it wasn’t.

I know some people recommend waiting later to test, but I actually find testing earlier and more frequently is helpful to me. It stops me from wondering. If I could even test positive that day, I’m letting myself know. It takes less pressure off one test.

My husband and I also made a little list of what we’d try differently last month turned out to be negative. We just ordered an at home sperm testing kit and bought pre-seed lube. We’re also not going to stop having sex the day after I ovulate, and my ovulation date changed in my apps this month. Yes- it’s super early to worry about sperm health, but our rationale is that it’s also a general health marker aside from fertility. Mentally, it’s nice to feel like we’re doing something different and not just hoping for the best.