TTC, no luck so far

[jenhum]

We "officially" started TTC in July (temping/charting and BDing when I am O'ing), but have had unprotected sex for about 9 months now. This month I am stepping it up by adding OPK's (although I have a very regular cycle and I don't have any reason to believe that my charting is off) and Mucinex (though I don't think my CM is unusually thick, I don't have anything to compare it to, so it can't hurt).

At what point do you start thinking something may not be working correctly? I know most people will see an infertility specialist after a year of trying, is that the same for CFers? I am trying to be very laid back about it all, b/c I don't want TTC to cause any stress for my husband or myself. But, I am on the very bottom of the acceptable FEV1 range for getting pregnant, so I feel like we have a bit of a time constraint.

I'm really not sure what we'll do if I can't get pregnant naturally. I don't know a lot about IVF, but I do know that I feel completely unprepared, healthwise, to take care of multiple babies. I know it's a possibility without IVF, but we have no family history of multiples, and the chances are much greater with IVF, right? Is adoption even an option for a CF parent? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for the possibility that I'm not going to get pregnant on my own.

 

[jenhum]

We "officially" started TTC in July (temping/charting and BDing when I am O'ing), but have had unprotected sex for about 9 months now. This month I am stepping it up by adding OPK's (although I have a very regular cycle and I don't have any reason to believe that my charting is off) and Mucinex (though I don't think my CM is unusually thick, I don't have anything to compare it to, so it can't hurt).

At what point do you start thinking something may not be working correctly? I know most people will see an infertility specialist after a year of trying, is that the same for CFers? I am trying to be very laid back about it all, b/c I don't want TTC to cause any stress for my husband or myself. But, I am on the very bottom of the acceptable FEV1 range for getting pregnant, so I feel like we have a bit of a time constraint.

I'm really not sure what we'll do if I can't get pregnant naturally. I don't know a lot about IVF, but I do know that I feel completely unprepared, healthwise, to take care of multiple babies. I know it's a possibility without IVF, but we have no family history of multiples, and the chances are much greater with IVF, right? Is adoption even an option for a CF parent? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for the possibility that I'm not going to get pregnant on my own.

 

[jenhum]

We "officially" started TTC in July (temping/charting and BDing when I am O'ing), but have had unprotected sex for about 9 months now. This month I am stepping it up by adding OPK's (although I have a very regular cycle and I don't have any reason to believe that my charting is off) and Mucinex (though I don't think my CM is unusually thick, I don't have anything to compare it to, so it can't hurt).

At what point do you start thinking something may not be working correctly? I know most people will see an infertility specialist after a year of trying, is that the same for CFers? I am trying to be very laid back about it all, b/c I don't want TTC to cause any stress for my husband or myself. But, I am on the very bottom of the acceptable FEV1 range for getting pregnant, so I feel like we have a bit of a time constraint.

I'm really not sure what we'll do if I can't get pregnant naturally. I don't know a lot about IVF, but I do know that I feel completely unprepared, healthwise, to take care of multiple babies. I know it's a possibility without IVF, but we have no family history of multiples, and the chances are much greater with IVF, right? Is adoption even an option for a CF parent? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for the possibility that I'm not going to get pregnant on my own.

 

[jenhum]

We "officially" started TTC in July (temping/charting and BDing when I am O'ing), but have had unprotected sex for about 9 months now. This month I am stepping it up by adding OPK's (although I have a very regular cycle and I don't have any reason to believe that my charting is off) and Mucinex (though I don't think my CM is unusually thick, I don't have anything to compare it to, so it can't hurt).

At what point do you start thinking something may not be working correctly? I know most people will see an infertility specialist after a year of trying, is that the same for CFers? I am trying to be very laid back about it all, b/c I don't want TTC to cause any stress for my husband or myself. But, I am on the very bottom of the acceptable FEV1 range for getting pregnant, so I feel like we have a bit of a time constraint.

I'm really not sure what we'll do if I can't get pregnant naturally. I don't know a lot about IVF, but I do know that I feel completely unprepared, healthwise, to take care of multiple babies. I know it's a possibility without IVF, but we have no family history of multiples, and the chances are much greater with IVF, right? Is adoption even an option for a CF parent? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for the possibility that I'm not going to get pregnant on my own.

 

[jenhum]

We "officially" started TTC in July (temping/charting and BDing when I am O'ing), but have had unprotected sex for about 9 months now. This month I am stepping it up by adding OPK's (although I have a very regular cycle and I don't have any reason to believe that my charting is off) and Mucinex (though I don't think my CM is unusually thick, I don't have anything to compare it to, so it can't hurt).

At what point do you start thinking something may not be working correctly? I know most people will see an infertility specialist after a year of trying, is that the same for CFers? I am trying to be very laid back about it all, b/c I don't want TTC to cause any stress for my husband or myself. But, I am on the very bottom of the acceptable FEV1 range for getting pregnant, so I feel like we have a bit of a time constraint.

I'm really not sure what we'll do if I can't get pregnant naturally. I don't know a lot about IVF, but I do know that I feel completely unprepared, healthwise, to take care of multiple babies. I know it's a possibility without IVF, but we have no family history of multiples, and the chances are much greater with IVF, right? Is adoption even an option for a CF parent? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I want to be prepared for the possibility that I'm not going to get pregnant on my own.

 

[wanderlost]

I went to OPKS at the suggestion of my OB after about 9 months, only to learn that I actually O around day 18 of a 28 day cycle - so while we'd been having sex on days 12, 13, 14 and 15, I was missing the O. I started charting after that. If you're charting and seeing a regular dip and spike, then I don't think OPKS are a necessary expense. You should check your CM and cervical position too (have you read <i>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</i>?)

I think most OB/REs suggest you wait a year regardless of CF, and then they will most likely want to start with an SA from your hubby. After that they may suggest a hysterosalpingogream (HSG) for you - and then they may look to things like clomid, IUI, etc.

Of course, trying to relax is important, and so much easier said than done. There is a higher risk of multiples with medicated IUI, but you can do unmedicated IUI as well. With IVF you do have the choice to only put in one egg.

TTC is so hard, I know. A lot of us have been through it, so we're here to help.

 

[wanderlost]

I went to OPKS at the suggestion of my OB after about 9 months, only to learn that I actually O around day 18 of a 28 day cycle - so while we'd been having sex on days 12, 13, 14 and 15, I was missing the O. I started charting after that. If you're charting and seeing a regular dip and spike, then I don't think OPKS are a necessary expense. You should check your CM and cervical position too (have you read <i>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</i>?)

I think most OB/REs suggest you wait a year regardless of CF, and then they will most likely want to start with an SA from your hubby. After that they may suggest a hysterosalpingogream (HSG) for you - and then they may look to things like clomid, IUI, etc.

Of course, trying to relax is important, and so much easier said than done. There is a higher risk of multiples with medicated IUI, but you can do unmedicated IUI as well. With IVF you do have the choice to only put in one egg.

TTC is so hard, I know. A lot of us have been through it, so we're here to help.

 

[wanderlost]

I went to OPKS at the suggestion of my OB after about 9 months, only to learn that I actually O around day 18 of a 28 day cycle - so while we'd been having sex on days 12, 13, 14 and 15, I was missing the O. I started charting after that. If you're charting and seeing a regular dip and spike, then I don't think OPKS are a necessary expense. You should check your CM and cervical position too (have you read <i>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</i>?)

I think most OB/REs suggest you wait a year regardless of CF, and then they will most likely want to start with an SA from your hubby. After that they may suggest a hysterosalpingogream (HSG) for you - and then they may look to things like clomid, IUI, etc.

Of course, trying to relax is important, and so much easier said than done. There is a higher risk of multiples with medicated IUI, but you can do unmedicated IUI as well. With IVF you do have the choice to only put in one egg.

TTC is so hard, I know. A lot of us have been through it, so we're here to help.

 

[wanderlost]

I went to OPKS at the suggestion of my OB after about 9 months, only to learn that I actually O around day 18 of a 28 day cycle - so while we'd been having sex on days 12, 13, 14 and 15, I was missing the O. I started charting after that. If you're charting and seeing a regular dip and spike, then I don't think OPKS are a necessary expense. You should check your CM and cervical position too (have you read <i>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</i>?)

I think most OB/REs suggest you wait a year regardless of CF, and then they will most likely want to start with an SA from your hubby. After that they may suggest a hysterosalpingogream (HSG) for you - and then they may look to things like clomid, IUI, etc.

Of course, trying to relax is important, and so much easier said than done. There is a higher risk of multiples with medicated IUI, but you can do unmedicated IUI as well. With IVF you do have the choice to only put in one egg.

TTC is so hard, I know. A lot of us have been through it, so we're here to help.

 

[wanderlost]

I went to OPKS at the suggestion of my OB after about 9 months, only to learn that I actually O around day 18 of a 28 day cycle - so while we'd been having sex on days 12, 13, 14 and 15, I was missing the O. I started charting after that. If you're charting and seeing a regular dip and spike, then I don't think OPKS are a necessary expense. You should check your CM and cervical position too (have you read <i>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</i>?)

I think most OB/REs suggest you wait a year regardless of CF, and then they will most likely want to start with an SA from your hubby. After that they may suggest a hysterosalpingogream (HSG) for you - and then they may look to things like clomid, IUI, etc.

Of course, trying to relax is important, and so much easier said than done. There is a higher risk of multiples with medicated IUI, but you can do unmedicated IUI as well. With IVF you do have the choice to only put in one egg.

TTC is so hard, I know. A lot of us have been through it, so we're here to help.

 

[Keepercjr]

Hi.

How do your charts look? Are you seeing a regular pattern with an obvious ovulation? Is your luteal phase long enough? I agree with Wanderlost that OPKs aren't really necessary if you have a regular pattern going on but I use them anyway (I'm very regular). Just buy them cheap online.

I honestly think that my fertile window is VERY small (like a couple hours or a day at the most). My cervix doesn't become favorable till the day I'm ovulating. I highly doubt me just having unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy.

Just so you know, it took 4 cycles to conceive my son but part of that was figuring out that I O later (like around day 21). Toni Weschler says that after 6 months of charting and having sex during your fertile preiod you should seek assistance.

Something else you can try is Pre-seed. Its a lubricant specifically made to mimic fertile quality cervical fluid. I don't make good cervical fluid so I started using it a few months ago. I was pregnant (ended in miscarriage a month ago) and I attribute that pregnancy to pre-seed. I used it again this current cycle and am now just waiting to find out if I'm pregnant or not. It's pretty expensive but you only need to use it around O time.

If I wasn't pregnant after 6 months or so my personal next step would be unmedicated IUI for a few cycles. After that I'd do medicated IUI. But I hope to never have to get to that point considering I've been pregnant twice now.

Good luck!

 

[Keepercjr]

Hi.

How do your charts look? Are you seeing a regular pattern with an obvious ovulation? Is your luteal phase long enough? I agree with Wanderlost that OPKs aren't really necessary if you have a regular pattern going on but I use them anyway (I'm very regular). Just buy them cheap online.

I honestly think that my fertile window is VERY small (like a couple hours or a day at the most). My cervix doesn't become favorable till the day I'm ovulating. I highly doubt me just having unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy.

Just so you know, it took 4 cycles to conceive my son but part of that was figuring out that I O later (like around day 21). Toni Weschler says that after 6 months of charting and having sex during your fertile preiod you should seek assistance.

Something else you can try is Pre-seed. Its a lubricant specifically made to mimic fertile quality cervical fluid. I don't make good cervical fluid so I started using it a few months ago. I was pregnant (ended in miscarriage a month ago) and I attribute that pregnancy to pre-seed. I used it again this current cycle and am now just waiting to find out if I'm pregnant or not. It's pretty expensive but you only need to use it around O time.

If I wasn't pregnant after 6 months or so my personal next step would be unmedicated IUI for a few cycles. After that I'd do medicated IUI. But I hope to never have to get to that point considering I've been pregnant twice now.

Good luck!

 

[Keepercjr]

Hi.

How do your charts look? Are you seeing a regular pattern with an obvious ovulation? Is your luteal phase long enough? I agree with Wanderlost that OPKs aren't really necessary if you have a regular pattern going on but I use them anyway (I'm very regular). Just buy them cheap online.

I honestly think that my fertile window is VERY small (like a couple hours or a day at the most). My cervix doesn't become favorable till the day I'm ovulating. I highly doubt me just having unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy.

Just so you know, it took 4 cycles to conceive my son but part of that was figuring out that I O later (like around day 21). Toni Weschler says that after 6 months of charting and having sex during your fertile preiod you should seek assistance.

Something else you can try is Pre-seed. Its a lubricant specifically made to mimic fertile quality cervical fluid. I don't make good cervical fluid so I started using it a few months ago. I was pregnant (ended in miscarriage a month ago) and I attribute that pregnancy to pre-seed. I used it again this current cycle and am now just waiting to find out if I'm pregnant or not. It's pretty expensive but you only need to use it around O time.

If I wasn't pregnant after 6 months or so my personal next step would be unmedicated IUI for a few cycles. After that I'd do medicated IUI. But I hope to never have to get to that point considering I've been pregnant twice now.

Good luck!

 

[Keepercjr]

Hi.

How do your charts look? Are you seeing a regular pattern with an obvious ovulation? Is your luteal phase long enough? I agree with Wanderlost that OPKs aren't really necessary if you have a regular pattern going on but I use them anyway (I'm very regular). Just buy them cheap online.

I honestly think that my fertile window is VERY small (like a couple hours or a day at the most). My cervix doesn't become favorable till the day I'm ovulating. I highly doubt me just having unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy.

Just so you know, it took 4 cycles to conceive my son but part of that was figuring out that I O later (like around day 21). Toni Weschler says that after 6 months of charting and having sex during your fertile preiod you should seek assistance.

Something else you can try is Pre-seed. Its a lubricant specifically made to mimic fertile quality cervical fluid. I don't make good cervical fluid so I started using it a few months ago. I was pregnant (ended in miscarriage a month ago) and I attribute that pregnancy to pre-seed. I used it again this current cycle and am now just waiting to find out if I'm pregnant or not. It's pretty expensive but you only need to use it around O time.

If I wasn't pregnant after 6 months or so my personal next step would be unmedicated IUI for a few cycles. After that I'd do medicated IUI. But I hope to never have to get to that point considering I've been pregnant twice now.

Good luck!

 

[Keepercjr]

Hi.

How do your charts look? Are you seeing a regular pattern with an obvious ovulation? Is your luteal phase long enough? I agree with Wanderlost that OPKs aren't really necessary if you have a regular pattern going on but I use them anyway (I'm very regular). Just buy them cheap online.

I honestly think that my fertile window is VERY small (like a couple hours or a day at the most). My cervix doesn't become favorable till the day I'm ovulating. I highly doubt me just having unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy.

Just so you know, it took 4 cycles to conceive my son but part of that was figuring out that I O later (like around day 21). Toni Weschler says that after 6 months of charting and having sex during your fertile preiod you should seek assistance.

Something else you can try is Pre-seed. Its a lubricant specifically made to mimic fertile quality cervical fluid. I don't make good cervical fluid so I started using it a few months ago. I was pregnant (ended in miscarriage a month ago) and I attribute that pregnancy to pre-seed. I used it again this current cycle and am now just waiting to find out if I'm pregnant or not. It's pretty expensive but you only need to use it around O time.

If I wasn't pregnant after 6 months or so my personal next step would be unmedicated IUI for a few cycles. After that I'd do medicated IUI. But I hope to never have to get to that point considering I've been pregnant twice now.

Good luck!