New to group and TTC

[JennyAndra]

Hi!

My name is Jenny ( 25 years old) and I was diagnosed with IC in January 2007. My doctor initially thought that I might have endo, so I underwent a laparoscopy, as well as a cystoscopy and hydro distension at the same time. No endo (great news!)! I have had IC symptoms for over ten years. Doctors could never figure out what was wrong with me, so they would just blow me off. I started taking Elmiron (100mg, 3x/day) a week after surgery and have had great results! I also started taking Elavil in March 2007 for migraines. I recently stopped taking the Elavil as my doctor recommend not taking it while TTC. My husband and I have been TTC for three months now with no positive results. I'm starting to get pretty frustrated. My GYN suggested I come see her at the six-month time frame if we have become pregnant yet since I have always had such irregular cycles (anywhere from 30 days to 90 days). With that said, I don't know when I ovulate. I am concerned with taking Elmiron while TTC/pregnant, but I have tried lowering my dosage (per doctor's suggestion) to 2 pills per day, but the results weren't great. I was back to multiple falres and getting up several times during the night. I am back to 3 pills per day and am doing better. Does anybody have any suggestions or helpful pieces of advice for TTC with IC? Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[hdb1982]

Have you tried getting ovulation test strips? You just pee on them like a pregnancy test. They are really helpful to people with irreguar cycles. One brand at Wal Mart comes with 20 in a box for like 15.00. You could get those and test every morning. I am TTC also so I will pass on the tips from my IC dr who also specializes in sexual dysfunction.
1) no briefs only boxers so the sperm doesn't heat up
2) PreSeed lubricant is best b/c it doesn't harm sperm
3) After sex lay on your back with your hips slightly elivated for atleast 20 minutes. It takes sperm that long to liquify to be able to travel.
4) If you have painful intercourse, like I do, taeke a hot bath b4 to relax muscles. Also take Pyridium or Azo to numb the bladder, a pain pill if you have them, and a muscle relaxer if you have those. Take the meds atleast 30-45 minutes b4 to give them time to kick in.
4) make sure you wash well after laying on your back for atleast 20 minutes to keep out infection
5)DO NOT HAVE SEX EVERYDAY IT CAN LOWER THE SPERM COUNT. EVERY OTHER DAY IS IDEAL.
I really rely on the ovulation test strips b/c I have painful intercourse so I can't just have sex whenever I want. I have not had any luck but my dr believes I have some nasty endo problems going on so I am seeing an endo specialist on the 18th. Best of luck and have as much fun as you can. If your sucessful you won't have as much free time or energy to have "fun"!

[Julie123]

I would also like to know other womens experiences with pregnancy and having IC. Did your symptoms improve, stay the same or get worse throughout the pregnancy? How was it after the birth? I could only assume that labor and delivery would have to cause some sort of flare. I am at the point where I am trying to decide whether I should have another baby. I have one wonderful son and I just don't know if I should be happy having him only and manage my IC or risk having another baby and my condition getting worse.

We need a cure....

Julie

[jaime15]

I hope everyone TTC is having some luck or just plain having fun trying!

I had my son when I was 25. My IC was so-so. I had other pregnancy -related conditions so IC was on the backburner.

After the birth, it was great for a long time. Then my symptoms returned. They are manageable now.

As for the Elmiron......I conceived while taking it and took it for 2 months before my OB suggested I stop. Just get the opinion of your URO and OB. It seems a lot of doctors are o.k with their pregnant patients taking it.

I hope everything works out for both of you!

[JenAZ07]

For those of you ttc...and especially those with irregular cycles, I would suggest buying a clear blue easy fertility monitor off ebay. I got mine (with 30 test strips=3 months worth) for around $100. It is a little more as an initial investment, but could be cheaper in the long run if you have long cycles and have no idea when you actually ovulate. And it is really simple to use, just pee on a stick in the am. I tried to chart and temp, but having IC or frequency issues makes that next to impossible -- you are supposed to have at least 4 straight hours of sleeping and not getting up before you chart. If you get up several time a night, which most of us do, that rarely happens.

KY and some of the other lubricants kill sperm, so as hdb1982 said, Preseed is the best. Don't let him finish while you are on top (gravity)...the best position for getting pg is the missionary position. Don't use any douches. And to avoid UTIs, after waiting a few minutes to get up to let the sperm travel, make sure you get up and pee right away.

I would suggest for all to use the CBE and keep track of your cervical mucous. I am trying to learn how to check cervical position now as that can be an indicator of fertile times, but that is a hard one to master. Good luck everyone!!!! At least have fun trying!!!