I would like to know from those of you who have been LTTC and finally fallen PG and which treatment worked for you.
Was it science? Natural? TCM or Naturopath? I just need a bit of an idea......... thanks
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I would like to know from those of you who have been LTTC and finally fallen PG and which treatment worked for you.
Was it science? Natural? TCM or Naturopath? I just need a bit of an idea......... thanks
It was natural, which was amazing, and then even more amazing with DH's sperm probs and my issues that it stuck. I'm still not sure what did it, we were ttc for two years. The cycle before I conceived I had a HyCoSy, which can make you more fertile apparently. But really, I think it was sheer luck. I had totally given up for the last few cycles so it was very unexpected. ETA: we had also filled our script for clomid for next cycle and talked with our FS for IUI for April or May of this year
:hug: I hope you get your much longed for bfp soon.
I was very lucky 1st time fell naturally after 3yrs. This time after 2yrs I fell pregnant cycle 2 of clomid.. Before that I had tried natural, charting and spent a crap load of money at a naturopath specialising in fertility. Had clomid not have worked next step would have been IUI..
While we weren't actively trying, DH and I hadn't used any contraception for 5yrs before I fell pg naturally. The thing that changed for me was that I started going to the Chiro 2 months prior to falling. It could be a complete coincidence, but it was a lovely one!
combination of science and acupuncture
IUI number 7 - the only changes we made was an extra day of stim drugs before trigger - and AP added through the luteal phase and first couple of weeks after that to help support the pregnancy beyond that point where we'd lost so many others. we stuck with AP until about 7.5 weeks when the 40k trip to the clinic was just too much because i was so damn sick lol
Interested in this thread for obvious reasons!!
I have just started acupuncture with Peter at Fertile Ground in East Melbourne. Had my first appointment yesterday and was really impressed!
Hoping that will help!
Yeah I thought it would be a good idea :)
I'm torn between the 'natural' way or 'scientific' way. I've been thinking about it for days, endless hours on the net researching, it's doing my head in!! Hopefully this thread will give us some direction.......
keep 'em coming ladies!
Tasha,
Personally, I like to try to have all bases covered IYKWIM.
I take supplements coming out the wazoo, have started acupuncture, try to look at diet boosters, seeing a naturopath specialising in fertility and, just as a backup, inject high doses of hormones into my body under the guidance of a skilled FS (just for kicks) :lol:
Honestly, I think it's better to take a little from column A and a little from column B and do what's right for you.
ETA - Interestingly, the one theme that keeps coming up for me again and again from both "sides" is eat more protein - eggs, milk (wholefat), chicken, meat, nuts, etc and reduce carbs.
It seemed like this time we did things different.. even though all my drugs etc I had to take were the same (we had to have ICSI as DH had a vasectomy and the reversal didn't work, so no natural options for us). Our first 2 transfers I did everything by the book. I don't drink, (except i did on the days i got the BFN from the clinic), I went completely cold turkey on caffine and didn't touch a drop of it (I normally have easily between 500-1000mg of it a day) and our little embryos were day 5s. first tf was fresh, 2nd frozen. THEY DIDNT WORK.
This time, the one that did work were day 2. DH had started taking menivite about a month or so before pickup. I switched my multivitamin to elevit (was on swiss before that). and this time I still drank caffine. not as much, I am under 500mg a day. and trying my hardest to go lower to 300mg, but its really hard =( (my one vice) We had a different dr do the t/f too. and unfortuantly this time DH couldn't be there for the transfer. we also didn't tell anyone.
so even though things were different, i guess they might not be seen as different enough to make a difference... but obviously something did cause I have babies in my belly!!
ADDIT ~ also with this t/f they gave me a whole week off after egg pickup and the tf was during that week. so all I did was sit on the couch watching Dr. Who and crossstitiching... very relaxing!!! (my first stim i only got the day off of pickup and was back at work - a very stressful job too) and for the frozen t/f i didnt get any time off. so that would have made a difference!!
Babies??? As in, more than 1?:
but obviously something did cause I have babies in my belly!!
im hoping. we t/f 2 =) but dont find out for a few weeks.:
This is not my personal expereince but one of my cousins...
Her and her partner had been 'not not trying' in the early years of their relationship and then when things hadn't happened and they were really trying had 3 (i think) unsucessful attempts at IVF. Long hard road for them which i'm sure goes without saying.
They ended up having a few personal issues, the short of it being that he didn't want to get married, they almost seperated but then he had a change of heart and proposed to her. Not long after their engagement they fell pregnant naturally and have gone on to have 2 more also conceived naturally.
That is the basics of it from someone close to her looking from the outside in. She did have some issues with endometriosis but i do not know the full details.
I believe in their situtions their minds and their hearts were happy and things finally worked for them.
If only this could be said for all.
Good luck with all attempts made xo:hug:
yeah teirae - are you keeping secrets?
Science did it for us - but it took 9 attempts. We were both pretty healthy for all of them, but with the last DH also cut out soy and caffeine and I didn't let him drink at all for ~8 weeks leading up to collection - it was meant to be three months, but we decided to try another fresh rather than one of out frozen ones, so we didn't have a full 3 months prep.
I also took a sedative before my transfer and lay down for an hour before it happened. I did this for my last three transfers - the first of which was our first bfp (mc). This made transfer so much easier, and I think probably made a big difference to the final outcome. I've had some shocking transfers - on two or three occasions the emby went back into the lab because the fs couldn't get the catheter in place, and 4 or 5 times I ended up with injections to either dilate my cervix, or numb the pain as he forced the tube up. Hardly surprising when those transfers didn't take.
Teirae - Oh, I hope so too Hun.. Twins are so so special. I'll be stalking.
Sorry to hijack a bit Tasha..
I agree with N2L, take a little from Column A and column B.. I tried all sorts of herbs etc and nothing seemed to work for me.. DF had been on menevit, but wasn't at the time of conception I don't think.. I just read your sig and saw you have tried clomid :( Do you know why that didn't work for you? Do you ovulate or is it unexplained IF? Personally, if I hadn't been pregnant by 30, it was time to take it seriously and look at scientifically/medically.. IUI, IVF, whatever, because IMO at that age you just don't have time to wait another 2yrs, especially if you would like more than 1. I know how blessed I am clomid worked for me, I really hope you get your BFP soon. :hug:
N2L I went to the same clinic and fell pregnant on the cycle that I did acupuncture on. Mine was combination of science and acupuncture. Tried for 6 months on OI then fell pregnant on second try at ivf (first FET) and the first cycle that I introduced acupuncture.:
Good luck to all those trying.
Janie xxx
My FS used to LOVE stories like this because they made him laugh. Especially the ones who 'got a dog' or 'went on holiday'. He said if that kind of thing worked, he'd quit and run a pet shop!:
Unless you know the full details behind someone's fertility story and their road to becoming parents then it's not wise to comment. It puts unreasonable pressure on those who are trying and feel that perhaps if they were better people or had their minds in a better place it would work. It isn't the case in reality.
Science backs up acupunture. A lot of specialists recommend it for a number of positive benefits it has on fertility and IVF as well.:
BAL, I agree with you and N2L, bit of both. And don't mind the hijacking at all!
I tried clomid for 6 months and I ovulated on all cycles, but never got a BFP. I think I may have CM issues. When we started TTC I had really long cycles so for the first year I ovulated about 5 times. That's when I was put on clomid, then after I stopped clomid I had a m/c and now I am on my first cycle since the m/c, but I am on CD23 and no sign of ovulation :(
I am looking into a place and maybe considering IUI. I am also taking vitamins (for ages now) EPO and cutting the caffeine (so hard!)
I am assuming you saw a specialist to get the clomid? What did they say when there was O but no BFP? What dose were you on? Have you tried vitex? it did regulate my cycles but no BFP for me.. Others have said it works? Also again I know it's obvious but has your DH had a semen analysis?
ETA: Sorry about 20questions lol, I just don't really know your story so trying to get as much info before I give my wonderful advice ;) lol
Have you looked at acupunture? I hear they can work wonder with regulating cycles. It doesn't hurt, honest!
I saw a gyn, so not an actual FS. And after my last cycle on clomid I meant to book in again, but on my second cycle after clomid I conceived, but then M/C. So I thought 'well my body can do it' and just waited for my next cycle, but nothing, not even O :wall::
I was on 50mg of clomid and kept getting day21 progesterone levels of 150-200, gyn said he called an RE to check and she said it was all fine, but I felt it wasn't right. DH swimmers are all ok, but he smokes and drinks (trying to cut down)
Can a FS prescribe vitex or does it have to be a naturopath etc? Have heard of it too
Lenny, I guess I'm a bit sceptical of acupuncture! But maybe I just might give it a go.
I apolosgise if i offended anyone in anyway this was not my intention. However the story is very real for my cousin and at the time i did my best to support her through the process. I was trying to offere support but it obviously hasen't been taken that way.:
I wish everyone the best of luck in their path to becoming parents.
Tasha,
If I were you, I would go to a FS. It's important to get all of your Day 3 hormone levels checked. Things like FSH and AMH can be good indicators as to what's happening.
Hello~ we were trying for 2.5years before the BFP. I had a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy (a few months earlier) and went on Clomid. We were extremely fortunate to be blessed first round of Clomid.
Good luck hun and to all you ladies trying for their BFP!!
Just get vitex from a chemist or health food shop for about $15
Progesterone definitely high on clomid.. It's good. Mine was higher on my 1st cycle I think it was about 200. It was only 79 on the cycle I conceived on though.. I would maybe try clomid again now your body has had a break?? i think if you saw a proper FS you would get more answers.. My DF smokes and used to drink heaps. Also smoked pot in his younger days and his swimmers have never been affected. it is good to cut down though, for his own health..
I have also heard good reports about acupuncture but never tried it..
Thanks N2L, I have a place that has been recommended so I am going to call on Monday. I hope they have some answers for me:pray::
I will ask the FS about vitex, and i bug DH all the time to quit :lol::
Unless your FS is open to natural therapies, they'll tell you not to take it. I was always told to stop taking it lol:
I will ask the FS about vitex, and i bug DH all the time to quit
Thank you so much for all your help ladies! :D I will let you know how I get on when I see the FS.
I forgot this post was originally about something else! Anyone have more PG stories to tell?...........
Worked for me! Well, i attribute at least part of my success to it.:
:
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a technique used by woman trying to conceive as it is thought to:
Reduce stress therefore increasing the quality of life of the person undertaking treatment.
Stimulate blood flow to the uterus and influence the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
It has been shown in some limited studies that acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer may improve implantation rates.
Multi-Vitamins:
Some nutrients that can help to support a healthy conception include:
Antioxidants – these help protect cells from damage by free radicals derived from environmental and other toxins.
Coenzyme (Q10) – an important antioxidant and ‘energy nutrient’ within every cell.
Vitamin E – an antioxidant that may promote circulation to the reproductive system, including to the placenta.
Vitamin C – an antioxidant important within the ovary itself. As the developing egg needs vitamin C to mature and ovulate, more vitamin C is used up around the time of ovulation.
Mixed carotenoids – Vitamin A (retinoid) is involved in creating DNA. In small amounts it is essential for healthy fetal development, particularly for the immune system and eyes. Great care should be taken to avoid overdosage of Vitamin A.
Manganese – involved in enzyme functions that have antioxidant effects and transfer genetic information.
Zinc – one of the most important nutrients for a healthy reproductive system. Involved in sexual development, ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
Selenium – an antioxidant that supports normal conception.
Omega-3 fatty acids – improving omega-3 fatty acids ensures that a woman’s fat tissue stores retain a reserve of these fatty acids for the developing fetus, a healthy pregnancy and optimally fed newborn.
B-Vitamins – Vitamin B12, B6 and folate are three B vitamins significant for the reproductive system.
Naturopath to conceive DD and I have tried for # 2 the following: Clomid, IUI, Naturopath, Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, Lap & Dye Study, Holidays, Facials, Massage..... resulted in no take home bubba. Am back seeing a Naturopath atm before starting IVF.
Subbing
I am interested also.
I have started acupuncture and chinese herbal tea (gross) because my cycles are soo soo long and clomid failed on me also.
this week is my 2nd so ill update you once there are results =)
Im wishing you a BFP soon hun
Ugh, I'm so sick of being told to 'relax'. Even DH tells me!:
Oh M2OSB, wishing you a BFP too! xx:
As you can see from my sig we went through IVF (ICSI) and I started acupuncture a few weeks before the cycle, immediately before/after the transfer and then throughout my pregnancy. I also had a week off after the egg pick up which meant for a few days after the transfer (we had a day 2 embie transferred) I was a completely lazy sod and spent my days reading on the couch :) I didn't drink alcohol throughout the cycle but didn't change my diet or anything otherwise. Oh, and I was taking elevit too.
All the best xx
Natural, after 5 years unsuccessful IVF :)
We used clomid after over 2 years of unsuccesful ttc incl 2 m/c. Fell pg on second cycle with DS. At the time I was also on strict low gi diet and 2 x 45min walks daily. This time around we were not even trying (we thought we were lucky enough to get DS and I wasnt sure I could get my head around ttc again) but I was having acupuncture for some shoulder pain and general health and well being. I honestly believe this bub in my tum is due to acupuncture, my af is usually a little all over the place but with acupuncture it was quite regular, 28-30 days. The month this one was concieved I had also been taking an anti fungal herb called pao daco. I was due for a pap test and every 2 years when I have my pap they tell me the results picked up candida so I thought I would address that issue before I got the pap test. Good luck.
My story is similar to Rosey's - we fell first cycle after a lap, hysteroscopy, d&c and dye studies; was also first cycle on Clomid. Not sure if it helped but I'd also switched to full fat dairy.
In the first 12 months acupuncture and Vitex helped regulate things, but not even a hint of a BFP. Different for everyone though. I really loved acupuncture, and my FS always recommended it too.
Good luck Tasha, sending lots of babydust your way xxx
:bump:
Thanks Buffy1
Hi tascha,
-my natural bfp was a fluke, we had only been trying for 1 month and i had only a vague idea that I O'd around day 11/12, we DTD on CD11.
-my most successful bfp ( as in, we got to see an embryo with a heartbeat @ 7 Wks before m/c) was an FET, the things i did differently from other ivf transfers were; cut sugar out of my diet for a few months prior, DIDN'T do a pre and post transfer acupuncture ( time and location issues prevented it) and like Tei, my DH wasn't present at the transfer, so as you can see theres no rhyme or reason.
I'm still a fan of acupuncture though lol
Best of luck
p.s. My DH's colleague and his wife are having trouble conceiving, his advice to him "whatever you do, don't tell her to relax" :rofl: ....he learnt that a long time ago
6 years of TTC, we had to turn to IVF. But along with that, we did acupuncture and I got myself into the best shape and health I'd ever been in. Our first IVF cycle was a success and our DD is now almost 18 months.
But just before we started IVF we had a freak natural pregnancy immediately after a HSG but unfortunately miscarried that.
Good luck!
PCOS - 7 years trying altogether
First 4 years of trying were (along with trying naturally)
TCM (acupuncture and herbs)- fail
Clomid 2x -fail
FSH injections x2 - fail
so in the last three years embarked on
Naturopath and special diet which led to a bout of hyperthyroid with extreme weight loss
Ovarian drilling which gave me my first ever regular cycles (but they were 40 days!! :( )
IVF/ICSI x 1 combined with a special IVF routine of acupuncture = BFP!!
I think the combination of weight loss, ovarian drilling, acupuncture and ICSI did it!
:lol: My DH has finally got it as well! he was part of the 'take a holiday' and 'relax' and my favourite: 'it will happen when the time is right'. he now understands that's not helping anyone!:
Thanks ladies! So interesting to hear everybody's stories.
I think I have made my decision and will be making a call after I type this post :)