The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Conceive when its just not happening (12m+)

Star1

BTW, a tip for the other newbies in case you haven't already heard. You shouldn't use normal lube like KY Jelly as the sperm don't survive for long in it. If necessary, get some concieve plus from boots instead

jujugaboo

QQuaver wrote: »

jujugaboo thanks. I don't know what my doc is going to prescribe, but it is for ED:o

My partner suffers from ED too due to being diabetic.

QQuaver

Star1 wrote: »

if OH is having difficulties, then just send him off to fill up a little pot and self-inseminate if you think he will go for it! Sometimes, just knowing that you have another option takes the pressure off enough. Fingers crossed for some nice big follies

Never thought about self insemination. Do you mean using a turkey baster?:shocked:
The doctor did offer IUI, so that's similar I think? We may go for that next.

I've never tried instead cups, is it similar to softcups? Not that I've tried that either.

jujugaboo

Star1 wrote: »

Hi all


Lilo & Stitch and Jujugaboo - sorry, I haven't had a chance to catch up on your stories. Have you been trying for long? Are you having any treatments?

I have been trying for 3 years but partner suffers from retrograde ejaculation (semen goes into the bladder) so its pretty impossible for us to get pregnant naturally.

I have had one failed attempt at ICSI last year and just coming up to my second try either next month or October.

It all an emotional rollercoaster!

Star1

QQuaver wrote: »

Never thought about self insemination. Do you mean using a turkey baster?:shocked:
The doctor did offer IUI, so that's similar I think? We may go for that next.

I've never tried instead cups, is it similar to softcups? Not that I've tried that either.

Yes, I think they are the same thing

Not literally a turkey baster! :shocked: I think you can either ask him to use an instead cup, then just putting it in, or use a needless syringe (like you can get from pet shops) in a 'turkey-baster' manner! If he's up for it, it's a good alternative if he has anxiety issues

IUI is where the clinic 'clean' the sperm, then inseminate you. I believe they put it right up into the cervix. It's definately worth going for, especially if there are any issues with your OH sperm

QQuaver

Star1 wrote: »

Not literally a turkey baster! :shocked: I think you can either ask him to use an instead cup, then just putting it in, or use a needless syringe (like you can get from pet shops) in a 'turkey-baster' manner! If he's up for it, it's a good alternative if he has anxiety issues

IUI is where the clinic 'clean' the sperm, then inseminate you. I believe they put it right up into the cervix. It's definately worth going for, especially if there are any issues with your OH sperm

Glad it is not literally a turkey baster:o
Needle less syringe sounds better.

DH's sperm has issues, 22% motility, 1% normal morphology and abnormal viscosity:o

Star1

QQuaver wrote: »

Glad it is not literally a turkey baster:o
Needle less syringe sounds better.

DH's sperm has issues, 22% motility, 1% normal morphology and abnormal viscosity:o

In that case, it's definately worthwhile trying IUI. IUI places the sperm directly in your cervix, so motility isn't such a big issue. The sperm is also washed (seperated from the semen), which eliminates the viscosity problem.

QQuaver

Star1 wrote: »

In that case, it's definately worthwhile trying IUI. IUI places the sperm directly in your cervix, so motility isn't such a big issue. The sperm is also washed (seperated from the semen), which eliminates the viscosity problem.

Thanks, you know a lot about everything:cool:

It will be great to do it, but I don't think I'm ov'ing this cycle, and even if I am, we are going on a holiday from Sat-Tue:( If I ov on Wednesday onwards, then we could do it if doc is free, but I know IUI is more important than a holiday... We'll be losing £2000 on the holiday though.

Dilemma, dilemma. I know we could always try next cycle but I want a baby asap:(

Star1

QQuaver wrote: »

Thanks, you know a lot about everything:cool:

It will be great to do it, but I don't think I'm ov'ing this cycle, and even if I am, we are going on a holiday from Sat-Tue:( If I ov on Wednesday onwards, then we could do it if doc is free, but I know IUI is more important than a holiday... We'll be losing £2000 on the holiday though.

Dilemma, dilemma. I know we could always try next cycle but I want a baby asap:(

Go on holiday, relax and have a good time and try and forget about ttc (that means no opks, no fertility monitor and definately no temping). One more month won't make a difference in the grand scheme of things, and you never know the holiday might work it's magic if you do O at the right time. Seriously, plenty of relaxing and sunlight will do you the world of good and be great for TTC

I know what you mean about having to wait another month. We had to sit out last month at the last minute because my sister annouced that she's getting married abroad next March. That happened to be the first month I O'd since TTC last August - it nearly killed me not to go for it but I managed

liloandstitch

Gosh youve all been chatty today!

Thanks for the enquiry star, yes Ive been here a while - I started the thread! A brief recap for you, I am 41 was diagnosed with endometriosis at 20, had 4 years of fertility tests with ex husband. We divorced at 28, and the same year I had laser treatment for the endo, plus 6 months artificial menopause to treat. My new partner had had a vasectomy, which he had reversed when I was 31 (I have 4 stepchildren, all now adult plus 2 grandchildren!) We were extremely fortunate that despite him having the vasectomy 10 years before, it was 100% successful and he has a normal sperm count in all aspects. After 2 years trying for a baby, we went down the route of IVF and was just waiting for AF to date starting it, and it never turned up - I had fallen pregnant naturally! I had my DS (now 7) 6 weeks early as I had an emergency caesarian to save both our lives as I had severe pre-eclampsia. We have been trying ever since to add another to our family. I have had 2 miscarriages and 4 IVF attempts in this time. On the last IVF attempt, my consultant found a little patch on my cervix and advised me to get it checked out - I got called for a colposcopy and on 31.12.08 was diagnosed with cervical cancer. After an extremely worrying 3 months, I was allowed to have a fertility sparing operation called a trachelectomy, rather than the normal hysterectomy. I had this in March last year. I was given the all-clear in May, and was allowed to recommence TTC in September. In November I had a trial Embryo transfer, which was unsuccessful as they couldnt guide the catheter into the womb. So IVF out of the window. We had resigned ourselves to just trying naturally, but have now been referred to a specialist in St Barts, London who specialises in post-trachelectomy fertility problems, so now we are waiting for an appointment. I have put myself on Soya Isoflavones which has returned my cycle to a more normal 28 days (it had been shortened to 26)

Sorry this turned into an essay, but I condensed it as far as I could!!!!

So unfortunately I am an old hand at this, and have seen a lot of people come and go on this thread! We have had some incredible successes, jibs of course being the latest (by the way have you had your scan yet?) I have experience of most of the different drugs, tests and IVF so I will help when I can, but generally only get on here in the evenings.

The best advice I can offer, is try and remain positive and optimistic - the treatment will work, you will get pregnant etc - it does help! So vent on here as much as you like! Tea and cakes always welcome, but if you have a party, alcohol free only!!!!!! and clear up the thread when youve finished! (Oh and dont forget to invite me too!) Im usually around in the evenings and if you need any help that you dont want to post on the thread, please feel free to send me a pm

Lilo