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DISCLAIMER! I am not a doctor (just could not pass organic chemistry! LOL) I have a background in research and biology, and a natural curiosity about 'how things work' so I dig until I find answers. I use the internet, my books, and some common sense to come up with information that is (to the best of my knowledge) sound. I use reputable sources, and gather lots of information before I post the 'concensus' answer. It is still just my own research, so please don't use it to self diagnose! Use it to give you a guideline, to help you form the questions you may wish to discuss with your doctor!
If you have no interest in charting this stuff to help TTC, the best advice I can offer in a nutshell: Do the baby dance (SEX! BD!) every other day after your period ends until a week before your next cycle. Rest after for 20 minutes with your hips slightly elevated!
Lots of lovin' will get a bun in the oven!
* Information to Assist With TTC
* Solving the Mystery of the Menstrual Cycle
* Tracking BBT
* Mid Cycle Spotting
* Tracking cervical mucous
* Tracking Cervical Poistion
* Blushing 'Down There?'
* OPK's (link)
* The Swimmer's Long Swim!
* Fertility Blood Work
* Baby Aspirin
* Soy Isoflavones
* Cough Syrup! Robitussin to the Rescue?
* Irregular Periods and TTC
* Sexual Positions and The Hip Tip!
* VITEX: The Fertility Herb?
* Evening Primrole Oil (EPO)
* Chemical Pregnancy
***Solving the Mystery of the Menstrual Cycle***
this site is great! http://ezinearticles.com/?Menstrual-Cycles-That-Sync:-A-Mystery-Unraveled&id=468508
***BBT CHARTING***
During your monthly menstrual cycle, two hormones share star billing. During the first half of your cycle (called the follicular phase) estrogen is the star. Estrogen helps your ovaries produce an egg that is released during ovulation. During the second half of your cycle (the luteal phase), progesterone takes over. The progesterone will dominate until it falls in anticipation of your menstrual period.
With that background, it's easy to explain the theory behind charting. Estrogen is a "cool" hormone. Progesterone is "warm". Prior to ovulation, when estrogen is dominant, your body temperature is marginally cooler than after ovulation, when progesterone is in charge. Given these facts, an increase in basal body temperature indicates that you have ovulated.
How do I get started?
One nice thing about BBT charting is that it requires little monetary investment. The only equipment you will absolutely need is a reliable thermometer. I prefer to use a digital basal thermometer, but any thermometer will do. Make sure that the thermometer you are using will measure to the .10 degree, as the temperature changes at issue in charting can be quite small. I bought a basal thermometer at WalMart for under $10.00.
You will also need a graph that displays a range of temperatures along the days of your cycle. Some people prefer to do their charting on-line. There are two Web sites that provide this service. At www.fertilityfriend.com you can download free software that allows you to post your daily temperatures. The software also gives hints about your cycle.
I have my thermometer, what do I do now?
Great, you're ready to get started! BBT charting measures basal temperature. Basal temperature is your temperature when you very first awaken in the morning. That means that you take your temperature before you stand up, go to the bathroom, take a sip of water, brush your teeth, talk on the phone, or kiss your spouse. In my routine, the alarm goes off and I stick the thermometer in my mouth. It's that simple.
To be accurate, the temperature must be taken at the same time every day. During the week, I get up at 5:30. I take my temperature at that time. That means that I must also take my temperature at 5:30 on the weekends. Fortunately, I don't have to fully awaken; I just let the thermometer do its thing and then I go back to sleep.
The easiest way to begin charting is to start at CD1, the first day of your cycle. Cycle Day One is the first day that you see true red menstrual flow. You simply take your temperature and record it on your chart. Typically, pre-ovulatory temperatures range from 97.0 to 97.6, although there is a wide range of "normal" temperatures. One day, you will notice that your temperature is higher than it has been on previous days. The general rule is that you have ovulated when your temperature rises .2 degrees higher than any temperature from the previous 6 days, and it stays elevated for at least 3 consecutive days. In general, post-ovulatory temperatures range from 97.7 upward.
So, will charting tell me when I'm going to ovulate?
Unfortunately, using a BBT chart will only tell you when you have ovulated. It doesn't predict ovulation. Occasionally, you may experience a temperature dip on the day of ovulation. This is caused by an estrogen surge right at ovulation. Unfortunately, this does not always occur. In order to predict ovulation, it is necessary to track your cervical mucous.
When your period is over, you may notice that your cervical mucous is sticky or chalky. As you get closer to ovulation the fluid will get thinner. Eventually, the mucous turns to the consistency of egg whites. This is egg white cervical mucous, and it is highly fertile. As a general rule, you and your partner should be intimate every day that you see egg white cervical fluid. Once your temperature increases after ovulation you will notice that your cervical fluid gets thicker or dries up all together.
Some women are able to check for cervical mucous externally. Some women don't have enough fluid to feel externally and need to do an internal check. This is most easily accomplished while sitting on the toilet. Just make sure you have clean hands, and use your index or middle finger to reach up towards your cervix. I realize that this seems odd, but it's the best way to gauge your fertility at any given time of the month. The analysis of cervical mucous, in combination with using a BBT chart, is a great way to pinpoint your fertile times. The rule to remember is this: You should have intercourse every day that you see fertile cervical mucous, and continue until you see a temperature rise. Following this rule will guarantee that you are intimate on the days that promise the best chance of conceiving.
What are other benefits of charting?
If you and your partner have normal fertility, you should achieve success within 4 to 6 cycles of charting your BBT. This occurs because charting and tracking your cervical mucous allow you to have sex during your fertile times. The egg only lives for approximately 24 hours, so timing is everything.
The chart also lets you pinpoint your normal cycle. It is a myth to assume that every woman ovulates on day 14 of her cycle. In fact, a woman's normal pattern can mean ovulation on day 10 or day 21. Using the chart makes it easy to find your normal ovulatory schedule.
***MID CYCLE SPOTTING***
Mid cycle spotting is considered to occur during ovulation period and is a normal phenomenon, it is in fact considered as a potential fertility indication. As mid cycle spotting occurs right during the ovulation period it helps in calculating the peak period of fertility. Ovulatory spotting as mid cycle spotting is called helps in determining the exact ovulation period in a woman and in turn helps planning pregnancy.
***TRACKING CERVICAL MUCOUS***
Before Ovulation (low chance of pregnancy):
The first few days following menstruation, there will be little or no discharge present. You will feel dryness around your vulva. During this time, chances of getting pregnant are low.
Approaching Ovulation (chance of pregnancy):
The first discharge that does appear should be moist or sticky and should be white or cream in color. In the finger test, the mucus should break easily. You will only be able to pull your fingers about 1 cm apart before it breaks. During this transition time, first the mucus will become cloudy and slightly stretchy during the finger test (this means that it will still break before the fingers are stretched all the way). As time progresses, the mucus will become greater in volume.
Right around ovulation (high chance of pregnancy):
At this stage, mucus resembles egg whites. It is the thinnest, clearest and most abundant at this point in the cycle. Finger testing will allow the mucus to stretch quite a ways (several centimeters) before it breaks (if it breaks at all). ) The amount of this thin mucus will steadily increase until you experience your ‘mucus peak’. This is the last day of this period where the chance of conception is high. It is closely tied to ovulation. During this phase, the sperm’s survival rate is higher. It can survive in cervical mucus for up to 72 hours, a significantly longer time than during the rest of the cycle. When your cervical mucus is in the wet or egg white consistency stage, ovulation is approaching. This is the best time to have sex, if you want to get pregnant. NOTE: Before and during ovulation, CM will have very little odor, or a slight, sweet smelling odor.
After Ovulation (low chance of pregnancy):
After ovulation, there is a marked change in mucus appearance. It returns to the sticky stage (does not stretch during finger test) and there is again a feeling of dryness around the vulva. NOTE: After ovulation, CM will have a stronger odor. Not foul smelling (that can indicate an infection) but rather more like vinegar.
One caution for this test is that sperm can be confused with the mucus secretions and you could make wrong assumptions. Also, vaginal infections, medication, and birth control can alter conditions and should be taken into consideration when examining any vaginal secretions.
You can also check your cervical mucus by looking at the toilet paper or your underwear, but sometimes you can get a better sample by reaching inside, as described above.
If you have trouble finding anything, checking your cervical mucus after a bowel movement may be easier. (Don't forget to wash your hands well.) Some women, especially those with PCOS, have several patches of fertile-looking cervical mucus throughout their cycle. If this is your situation, predicting ovulation by tracking cervical mucus might not work well for you.
Taking your BBT will help you pinpoint which patch of fertile mucus was related to ovulation. Some drugs, including antihistamines and, ironically, Clomid, can dry up your cervical mucus. In this case, you might not find as much fertile cervical mucus before ovulation.
If you never or rarely notice wet or egg-white consistency cervical mucus, let your doctor know. Infertility can sometimes be caused by something referred to as hostile cervical mucus.
Some women notice that their cervical mucus becomes wet or almost egg-white like again right before menstruation. Obviously, this isn't a sign of impending ovulation.
A day or two after sexual intercourse, you may confuse semen with wet cervical mucus. With experience, you can learn how to differentiate the two. But for the purposes of getting pregnant, assume that you may be approaching ovulation and mark your calendar or chart accordingly.
***TRACKING CERVICAL POSITION***
Basically when you are on your AF, your cervix will be low, firm and open. As AF ends, your cervix will remain low, firm and closed until you enter your fertile period (about the same time your mucous will get watery) Your cervix will begin to rise and soften. It will also begin to open. When your cm is like egg white, your cervix will be as high as it can go, it will be soft, and open. All conditions are now ideal for sperm to get to egg! To check the position, it's best to do it while standing - the shower will work best because you have super clean hands and the bathtub to prop one foot up on - CAREFUL!! You can't BD if you're in a body cast! Ok - now for the tmi part: what finger or fingers you use is up to you, reach in and gently probe to the top part of your vagina - find the cervix. If you find it easily, it's low. If you have to reach in and just your finger tip can reach it, it's high. You'll get used to high, low and in between as the month progresses. If it feels like the tip of your nose, it's firm. If it feels like your bottom lip, it's soft. Learning the difference between open and closed takes practice too, but you'll get the hang of it. When you have EWCM, you should be able to tell what your open cervix feels like, then you can use that to compare the rest of your month to. ............ After AF, your cervix will close and firm up again.... it can be high, low or all over the place after ovulation!! It's also not a great indicator of pregnancy as it does not pull up, close and soften when pregnant until you are about 7 weeks along.............. Cervix position is considered to be a secondary fertility indicator. BBT and cervical mucous are primary indicators. Using two or all of these methods together are a great way to check for your fertility - but no matter how much you track, your body can throw you a curve ball and you can ovulate earlier or later than your body seems to be 'telling you.' I had indications that I could have been ovulating early (cervix was pretty high and open, and I did have a day or so of EWCM, but it was between CD 6 and 8 so I thought there was no way I was ovulating that early - but here I am - knocked up!)
***Blushing "Down There"***
When you are close to ovulation, you may notice your 'lady bits' swell and feel engorged - even tingling from time to time. They may even blush and take on a new shade of pink/purple. This may come and go during your fertile days. This is natures way of helping you feel more interested in BD when you are fertile! It, combined with surging Oestrogen to help your sex drive is an interesting feature of your cycle designed to get you preggo! It does not happen to all women, and if you have a hormone imbalance, it might be especially difficult to notice - but this month, if you are close to O time, and you feel a tingle 'down there' - grab your partner and get your BD on!
*** SWIM SPERMIES SWIM!!!***
So, how long do sperm live in the woman's body? From what I've gathered, there's a few factors to consider... some sperm live only a few hours, some live up to seven days!
Under perfect conditions, when a woman is fertile, the cervical mucous is the most hospitable for sperm. The woman's body temperature during ovulation is also more favorable for sperm's survival. The pH is the vagina will also help or hinder sperms longevity (that's why douching is a no-no, that screws up the natural and necessary 'fertile pH). Sperm has a long journey to get to a waiting egg. (well, only about 10 cm,but to a sperm, that's a looooong way!).
Most sperm won't make it from the vagina to the cervix - those sperm that don't make it in only live a few hours (the pH and temp means they are doomed). Once through the cervix and into the uterus, the sperm now on average will live two or three days. Some 'super sperm' may even last as long as seven days! Those that are still clinging to life by day 7 are usually pretty weak, and would have a hard time penetrating the egg. Some studies have shown that the sperm that live the longest are female sperm ('x') whereas the sperm that swim fast but only live a day are male sperm ('y').
So the short answer is, a good supply of sperm will be viable for around 2 - 3 days (with most only lasting 2). An egg is good for 24 hours. If you BD the day before ovulation, the supply of 'good sperm' should be enough to meet an egg. It's still a numbers game - under the best of circumstances (temp, pH, cervical mucous, etc) a healthy woman in her 20's has about a 25% chance each ovulation for pregnancy to occur.
Of the 300 - 400 million sperm released in one ejaculation, only about 1000 make it to the fallopian tube that holds the egg. Around 200 sperm need to surround the egg to wear down the outer protective layer, and only one sperm actually makes it to the inner level of the egg - then the egg shuts out all other sperm, and fertilization takes place. Pretty wild, huh?
One last point, to get the most sperm from the vagina to the uterus, the pros recommend tilting your hips up by propping pillows under them for 20 minutes after sex - gravity then allows them to drain into the uterus more easily!
***BLOOD WORK***
Ask for the fertility hormone 'full-meal-deal' - make the most of checking your levels. Most doctors won't offer this unless asked for - your family doctor can write up the lab request for blood work: Here is what you want to get checked:
Blood tests are used to assess your reproductive health and more specifically, the levels of hormones in your body.
* The first step of blood fertility testing typically begins on the third day of your menstrual cycle. On this day, a blood test is conducted in order to assess the levels of the hormones listed below. The results will indicate whether any imbalances in these hormones may be negatively affecting your chances of getting pregnant:
* Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): a blood test will measure whether sufficient quantities of FSH are being produced by your body. FSH triggers the follicles within your ovaries to begin preparing for the release an egg. High levels of FSH are generally an indicator that egg reserves are running low, although they also signal an overall imbalance of hormones Luteinizing hormone (LH):
* lutenizing hormone controls egg development. During ovulation, levels of LH surge in order to trigger the release of the egg. Consistently high levels of this hormone in your body can prevent this increase, and might also be an indicator of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Prolactin: a blood test will also measure levels of prolactin.
* Prolactin is a stress hormone that is released by the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin can prevent the release of FSH and LH. Prolactin is the hormone that also eventually stimulates the production of breast milk On the twenty-first day of your cycle, your progesterone levels may also be tested. The body increases its production of progesterone after releasing an egg, so a test will confirm whether ovulation has taken place.
* A blood test will also verify whether a sufficient level of progesterone exists in order to maintain a sufficient luteal phase. The luteal phase begins the day after ovulation and lasts 12 to 16 days, during which time progesterone levels rise in order to provide a fertile environment for the egg.
* In addition, a blood test may also be conducted in order to determine whether you have any thyroid problems that might be affecting your chances of getting pregnant.
***BABY ASPIRIN***
Baby Aspirin is something to discuss with your doctor, absolutely something you don't want to try unless it fits your situation. What it does is thin your blood slightly so that the lining of your uterus, as it's building up, builds up in an even layer with healthy, oxygen rich blood. Most women have a healthy enough uterine lining that baby aspirin won't help with staying pregnant - it can cause problems. This would happen if your blood is already considered 'thin' - adding a blood thinner would actually lead to spotting or a thin uterine lining. Baby Aspirin is usually prescribed if you have a short luteal phase (thick, bulky uterine lining wants to shed ASAP, so luteal phase is shorter). If your periods are heavy, painful and very 'clotty' baby Aspirin may also be considered. Some clotting is normal, but if you're passing large clots over the course of your period, or you seem to have finished your period, then suddenly pass a clot later in the day, then another later - your lining may not be even. If this sounds like you at all, then discuss it with your doctor! It won't help with conception so much as help get the egg to settle in and stay in (if you are a good candidate) :) Hope this helps!!
***SOY ISOFLAVONES***
This information courtes of CPalmer from i-am-pregnant.com with thanks!
So i have been seeing alot of interest in Soy on the TTC forum and i thought it would be a good idea to do some research and see what all the fuss was about and also to inform those who have no idea what it is or what it does! :)
Soy Isoflavones are a plant based version of estrogen (phyto-estrogen; phyto means plant) and what is does is act as a less powerful estrogen (1/1000th of natural estrogen found in our bodies) and can do two things when added to ur diet.
1. if u have low levels of estrogen (menipausal women) it can boost estrogen levels to lessen the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
2. if u have high levels of estrogen, it can help level out the amount and help decrease ur chances of estrogen related cancers.
There have been studies on the effects of soy intake in pre-menopausal women not TTC. (this is just a summary of what research i found)
*consumtion of 45-200mg/day, major effects include decreased midcycle lutenizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations....of an otherwise healthy women with no persisting or known fertility problems; increased mentrual cycle length; decrease in the amount of estrogen found in urine, which may suggest reduced exposure to estrogen (the soy acting as an anti-estrogen), and is also associated with lowered risk of breast cancer.
*this study was taken on a daily basis (all cycle). 1994-1999 (5 years of study and research!)
Soy Isoflavones and TTC??
Soy isoflavones act like a 'clomid' substitute. This is partially true. Clomid is used to help women who are annovulatory (do not ovulate on a regular basis) and women with PCOS by blocking estrogen. Clomid works by tricking ur body into thinking it doesn't have enough estrogen which jumpstarts ur FSH production, which then stimulates ur follicles to grow. When those follicles get big enough, u will get an LH surge that will ripen ur egg(s). Soy isoflavones are like estrogen but they can play both roles (if taken in excess), either blocking estrogen or increasing it (whichever needed). So basically, if u do not ovulate or rarely do, soy isoflavones are a good choice before trying clomid, and if u do ovulate on a regular basis, this method can help also by possibly boosting ovulation if directions are followed. All women are encouraged to speak with their doctor when it comes to introducing something to aid fertility especially since everyones situation is different.
Here are some tips to adding soy into ur diet to aid ovulation:
*Make sure u take it at the same time everyday and with food. It is recommended u take it for 5 days (no more or u could risk negatively impacting ovulation) starting on day 1-5 of ur mentrual cycle, so at most day 5-9.
*Take roughly 80mg of soy a day. you can gradually increase if u find it isnt working (after 1 or more cycles). it is best to increase slowly especially if u are not used to soy in ur diet. u can also take it increasing daily for the 5 days after at least one cycle. ex) day 1- 80mg, day 2- 100mg, day 3-120mg, day 4-140mg, day 5-140mg (obviously the amount can vary 40-200mg, not exceeding 200mg/day)
*Take it at night to aviod side effects such as headaches and hot flashes.
*Soy may interact with certain medications including antibiotics, clomid, thyroid medication. This is important, over consumming soy isoflavones can have an impact on ur thyroid so if u have issues, AVOID soy isoflavones and speak with ur doctor.
*Some people are allergic to soy so be aware!! if you notice any symptoms of allergy such as, rash or shortness of breath -see a doctor.
OTHER INFO
Soy does not have a 'negative effect' on fertility over-all (in all women. ovulating or not) when used in this method (5 days at the beginning of cyle) altho it is 'natural' and NOT FDA approved and this is why some doctors will not recommend.
75% of women who used soy isoflavones got their BFP within one cycle (so says fertilityfriend survey), that being said, in some women it did not help at all, just like clomid does not help everyone.
Soy Isoflavones can be bought at local health food stores or even grocers. I believe it's sold at walmart for around $7/bottle.
*** nikkipearl asked about soy and breastfeeding and this is what i found :
estrogen in big quantities is not safe for ur baby however, since soy isoflavones are weaker then the actually estrogen hormone itself, if it said safe to take (in moderation) while breastfeeding. Breast milk is not a good source of isoflavones, there is about 0.015-0.03 mg per litre2 of it present in the breast milk of a women who consumes it regularly (from natural products suck as soy milk and tofu). Even vegetarians and asian women (who are said to eat more soy) dont produce 'isoflavone-rich' breastmilk. the only major concern is pesticides from the soy plant itself that may find its way into ur milk. This being said, i think (personal choice) it would be 'safer' for breastfeeding moms to find their soy isoflavones from a more natural and less quantitative version such as soy milk and tofu.
i found this quote on a website....
Another example of a beneficial supplement to take while breastfeeding is soy. "Eating soy foods or taking soy isoflavone supplements will mirror Asian dietary practices," says Bucci. "New research shows it is the childhood exposure to soy isoflavones that protects best against cancer later in life. This means soy for the mother is good for the long-term health of the baby. After all, soy-based formula is the choice for babies with milk allergies, and they do just fine on soy formulas."
so, it may even be a good thing :) but like i said above, its best to consult ur doctor before going ahead with it! Good luck!
Hope this info helps ladies :) any questions i would be more then happy to answer.
***COUGH SYRUP***
You're looking for one particular ingredient in the cough syrup. The ingredient is guaifenesin, which is also found as the active ingredient in several other over-the-counter (OTC) cough remedies, not just the Robitussin brand.
Guaifenesin is a systemic expectorant, which means it has properties that will loosen and thin mucus. The thought behind its use in fertility treatment is that it may assist in thinning cervical mucus, which assists sperm in reaching their destination. There are no other positive effects expected from guaifenesin's use for fertility issues, therefore, it is certainly not recommended for all situations.
As with all medicines, even OTC ones, there are possible side effects from using guaifenesin, including
While the above side effects are not common, anyone using guaifenesin should be aware of the possibilities.
Since there are no conclusive studies about the positive effects of taking guaifenesin for fertility treatment, most people use the dosage recommended on the cough syrup bottle. It should be noted that this dosage is intended to loosen phlegm and mucus in the respiratory tract, and has nothing to do with cervical mucus. The syrup is ingested orally.
Last, if you choose to use guaifenesin in cough syrup form, be sure to use a cough syrup that has no other active ingredients. For example, do not use a type that also contains a decongestant or other cold remedy.
I strongly recommend asking your own specialist about the use of guaifenesin and any other medication or herbal preparations during conception attempts. Even substances as seemingly harmless as cough syrup can be harmful in some cases, either to your health, an unborn baby's health, or your conception attempts.
***IRREGULAR PERIODS AND TTC***
Menstrual cycles that vary more than a few days in length from month to month are considered irregular cycles or periods. Most menstrual cycle intervals occur about every four weeks, with the normal range between 24 and 35 days. To measure your menstrual cycle, start counting from the first day of your last period and stop counting on the first day of your next period. Don’t worry if you have one or two irregular cycles because occasionally all women have variations in their periods. True irregularity persists over several months. So if you do notice wide fluctuations in your cycle, speak to your doctor about it.
Irregular Periods And Getting Pregnant
Irregular periods can be troublesome when trying to get pregnant. Irregular or abnormal ovulation and menstruation accounts for 30% to 40% of all cases of infertility. Irregularity, per se, is not necessarily a problem if you learn how to chart your fertility signs, especially cervical fluid, to determine when you are approaching your short window of fertility. But, if cycles are very long, it means by definition, that ovulation is not occurring as often as it would with a typical monthly cycle, a condition known clinically as anovulation.
There are numerous factors that determine how fertile a woman is, such as her age, whether and how often she ovulates, whether her cervical fluid is wet enough to sustain sperm, whether her fallopian tubes are open, etc. But the most important of all is the release of the egg itself. If you don’t release an egg, meaning you don’t ovulate, you don’t have as many opportunities to get pregnant.
Treatment For Irregular Periods
Women with irregular periods are often prescribed fertility drugs like Clomid to increase the number of ovulation periods. But if you would rather try a more natural approach, you might want to see a naturopathic doctor first to see if they can prescribe a less harsh treatment.
Although anovulation can usually be treated with fertility drugs, it is important to rule out other conditions that could interfere with ovulation, such as liver disease, diabetes, problems with the ovaries, and abnormalities of the adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid glands, which produce important hormones.
***SEXUAL POSITIONS AND THE HIP TIP!***
A change in sexual positions can help increase your fertility. The best position for conception is the missionary position with a pillow under the hips of the woman. This will create a pelvic tilt and will position the cervix in a optimum position to receive the sperm. Remaining in this pelvic tilt for 15 to 30 minutes after intercourse will guarantee that the sperm reach the uterus. This is especially helpful for someone that has a tilted uterus or cervix.
The following information courtesy of CPalmer:
i blogged this cuz im changing my page :)
SEXUALITY AND TTC
Many of us know that when it comes to TTC the only thing that really matters is : SEX. I found some really good info on the net about how to incorporate great sex and TTC and how it is a bonus for getting us 'knocked up', And i know i have been seeing lots of posts on the TTC forum about how TTC can start to bcome a chore for most and thats exactly what we don't want. The lack of 'wanting to' and alot of other things (how we are feeling, our schedules etc.) can disrupt the process but the things that matters are keeping it light, fun and pleasureful ;) so I'm going to list a few tips to help you ladies achieve the goal of fun in the love making and also tips that are optimal for conception. Most of already know the 'basics' if you will, but it doesn't hurt to try something new! So here goes...(please excuse my spelling, i have mostly broken it down and put it into my words so its easier to read and doesn't take up my whole page lol)
Foreplay: This is good, especially if you and hubby have got alot of time on your hands and are ready to enjoy urselves. Pleasure and TTC seem to go hand in hand when it comes to making a baby. For men, the act of forplay is like a start up and what this does is increases his pleasure which in turn increases the amount of soldiers that are ready for action. So the longer you can 'hold out' and tease him then the better the chances of more healthy sperm reaching their destination. For women, this is good for us especially if u are a woman who doesn't make a lot of fertile CM bcuz by getting u turned on it is increasing ur vaginal fluids which helps alot when making love (in tems of lubrication).
Female Orgasm: Recent studies show that when a woman orgasms, the cervix acts like a vacuum and sucks the sperm up into her vagina (if you have ever seen 'the great sperm race' you know what i mean). So it is a good thing (can't hurt! lol) and you should get your partner to help you orgasm either before or during the act of making love to increase ur chances.
Masterbation/Having Sex: Lots of people say that its a big no-no for men to masterbate during a womans cycle when they are TTC bcuz it can lower the sperm count (by doing if every so often) but from what i have read, it's good for a man to do this bcuz it can 'flush out' the less healthy sperm and bring in some healthier ones. Men should be masterbating during ur visit from AF bcuz it will keep the healthier ones coming in instead of leaving them in there for up to a week which is bad bcuz the longer they are in there, the more chance they have of dying and getting deformed (very bad considering the odds!). I have also heard some people say that too much sex is bad in general when TTC bcuz it can lower the amount of sperm each time but this usually only applies to those with known sperm count problems. The average amount you should be having sex during a womans cycle is every second day from when AF leaves until ur fertile period (3 days before ovulation to the day of) in which u should BD everday or close to it. For Women, killing kittens (lol had to put that) is also a good thing bcuz the more u can achieve orgasm by urself, the more u will be able to during sex hence better chance of conception!
Positions: Alot of people wonder about making love and the positions they are doing it in and if they are ok for TTC. The optimal position for trying to make a baby is man-on-top or missionary if you will. Reason being, that you are on your back and ready to recieve those spermies!! It helps to use a small pillow under ur hips so there is a slight tip to help the spermies to where they need to be. Also the pillow is good for helping u afterwards, keep the sauce in the bowl (lol a.k.a the 'hip tip') The hip tip is where you lay back after the deed and let your body got to work, helping all the spermies (as many as can make it) up to the fallopian tubes. Other positions are not really recommended BUT (yes, theres a but) doing it in the same position can get boring and make u not as interested in baby dancing, so my suggestion is (to keep the fun in) start out in a different position and if hubby feels like 'its time' then slow down and switch positions.
KEEPING THE FUN IN!!! :)
Spontaneity: u are probably looking at this like 'how is that possible??' lol but it can be!! Trust me, nothing is better then not having to plan the BDing!! It helps a lot and heres a few things that can help u get spontanious BD while TTC. First, tracking ur cycles is a big help bcuz after doing it a few months u have started to see a pattern in ur cycles and kinda 'know' when u will be ovulating. Thanks to the marvolous ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) you can know when you are having ur LH surge and in turn know u will be Oing about 24-48 hours after ur peak. Sponanaeity is alot easier for us to 'jump on' our hubbys bcuz we know when we will be Oing and all that good stuff but thats why its also good to talk to ur hubby and keep him informed on where u are in ur cycle bcuz he can help too ;) So stop looking at the clock and telling ur hubby 'its that time again' lol it can get boring and dull and thats not what we want, we are trying to make babies after all!
Spicing it up: are u bored of doing it just to see that BFP? is hubby tired of being ur on call babymaker? (most likely not bcuz he is after all, a man!!) Well here are a few things u can do to keep it fun-for both parties! Intimacy plays a big part in TTC, try being romantic with hubby as much as possible, hold his hand while sitting on the couch watching TV, snuggle up, give kisses alot, that kind of thing and who knows u might end up in great situation heheh. Massages are always a good thing so whip out the baby oil and have some fun! New poitions are always a bonus bcuz its exciting and something u either havent done in a while or something completely new. Heres a link to a GREAT website with animations that are awesome!! This is not for the weak of heart, but I mean its TTC and sex is the only way we are going to get there!! http://sexinfo101.com/sexualpositions.shtml
A good thing to do is sit down with ur hubby, go thru the list (theres about 100 different positions) and pick out the ones u want to try together, good fun lol I had a great laugh at some of the things hubby had to say to me about it, 90% of them look really hard to do but u can always try, haha happy BDing ladies!!
Another thing I like to do is get the months issue of cosmo, read the love and lust section WITH ur hubby and u can find some great ideas, especially if its an issue with one of those lists of 100 sexy new things to try! Also there usually is a story closer to the end of the mag that is like a written soft porn (kinda like harlequin romance) READ IT TOGETHER!
***VITEX: The Fertility Herb?***
Other names: Vitex agnus castus, Agnus castus, chaste tree, monk's pepper
Vitex is a plant found in Asia and in Mediterranean countries. The part used medicinally is the dried fruit.
Why People Use Vitex
Vitex was used as a traditional folk remedy for a range of female conditions, such as post-partum hemorrhage and to help with the "passing of afterbirth". One of its alternate names, "chaste tree", comes from the historical belief that it can suppress libido.
Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility.
* Female infertility
* PMS, especially breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches
* Acne, especially if it is related to the menstrual cycle
* Fibrocystic breast disease
* Heavy menstruation
* Menopausal symptoms
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
More common side effects include mild digestive upset or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.
Vitex is not recommended during pregnancy. It shouldn't be used by nursing women unless under the guidance of a qualified health professional.
People with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate shouldn't take vitex.
Small amounts of vitex could increase the production of breast milk in post-partum women. High doses may have the opposite effect and decrease the production of breast milk.
Vitex may affect levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Possible Interactions
Vitex may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives or female hormone replacement. It could also theoretically increase the risk of side effects.
Vitex could interfere with the effectiveness of drugs that increase dopamine, such as bromocriptine, cabergoline, carbidopa-levodopa, Mirapex or Requip, or decrease dopamine, such as chlorpromazine, clozapine (Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), metoclopramide (Reglan), Risperdal, Seroquel, thioridazine, trifluoperazine or Zyprexa.
***How does Evening Primrose Oil help you in getting pregnant?***
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms and aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO does a world of good in treating aliments of all sorts. Evening Primrose Oil or EPO is an essential fatty acid that contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is converted to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 which has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. These anti-inflammatory properties of evening primrose oil help people suffering from pains, aches and cramps.
Evening Primrose Oil or EPO should only be taken from menstruation to ovulation. This is because Evening Primrose Oil or EPO can cause uterine contractions in pregnancy. The dosage taken should be 1500mg to 3000mg per day. Since essential fatty acids are necessary, you can take flax seed oil in place of Evening Primrose Oil or EPO after ovulation. This may be taken throughout pregnancy as well.
Try not to stress, as that is bad for you and baby. Just get yourself in to see the doctor - lots of odd things can happen during pregnancy, yet 40 weeks later a perfectly healthy bundle of joy arrives! (I refer you to my 8 1/2 month old who is almost walking - that was a wild pregnancy!)
Before I post the information, one last though from me: I tested on the day AF was due, and got a faint positive. The next morning I tested first thing, and got another faint positive. I was sooo happy! I was curious as to why the positive the next day was not 'brighter'.... so I stumbled upon the term 'chemical pregnancy' ... somehow I just knew. Two days later, my HPT came up negative... not even a hint of a line. The next morning AF came, the worst period ever, might I add. Had I waited until AF was 3 days late, the HPT would have been negative. I never would have known that I was pregnant, and I would not be dealing with the stress of a loss.
WITH THAT SAID, there may be something positive gained by knowing conception had occurred. Had you been TTC for a long time (this was only our first month) it might be worth knowing that you did ovulate, and that the sperm was able to connect with the egg. For some women and their partners, that in itself would be an accomplishment - to know that their bodies are doing the right thing, just that this time around, the odds were not with them that the egg would implant securely. The odds will be with you for the next time around ladies - trust in that! Anyway, enough from me!
This is from babyhopes.com: A chemical pregnancy is the clinical term used for a very early miscarriage. In many cases, the positive pregnancy test was achieved before the woman’s period was due but a miscarriage occurred before a heartbeat was able to be seen on an ultrasound. With the ultra sensitive pregnancy tests on the market today, it is easier than ever to get a positive result 3 or 4 days before your period is due. It is wonderful for those who NEED to know, but does have its down side. Early testing shows chemical pregnancies which would not have been detected had the woman waited for her period to arrive. Chemical pregnancies are unfortunately very common. 50 to 60% of first pregnancies end in miscarriage very early in pregnancy. Most occur without the woman even knowing that she was pregnant. What Causes a Chemical Pregnancy Most chemical pregnancies are due to chromosomal problems in the developing fetus. Other possible causes are inadequate uterine lining, uterine abnormalities both congenital or acquired like fibroids, low hormone levels, luteal phase defect or certain infections.
How can I Prevent Chemical Pregnancies? Most chemical pregnancies can not be prevented. If you have recurring chemical pregnancies, your doctor should be able to investigate and help you formulate a treatment which is best for you. Potential treatments include vitamin B6 (at least 50mg a day), progesterone cream, and baby Asprin. Be sure to discuss potential treatments with your doctor. If infection is the cause, antibiotics prescribed by your Doctor can help.
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