Trying to Conceive

[LivingwithIC]

My husband and I are TTC, but it seems that having intercourse often ends up with me in pain afterwards or another bladder infection (we both shower before and after to prevent this). It'll be a year of trying in a few months. Any advice?

Thank you!

[serene]

I found using an ovulation kit from the drug store helpful. It at least narrowed down the time frame to the most fertile days. Also taking things slowly-lots of foreplay, making sure you are really ready to go- do not use lube, it can slow down those swimmers. Heat pads or ice pack on perineum afterwards may helpful, too. If you have bladder spasms try 2 Tums and a tall glass of water. In general, relaxing and having a sense of humor and adventure about things makes TTC easier and more enjoyable. Good luck and sending fertile vibes your way!

[KarenAnne]

I worked for an infertility specialist for 16 years. A couple will usually conceive within 6 months to a year. Your gynecologist can do some simple blood tests for you, such as estradiol, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), progesterone. And the gyn can advise you both. Sometimes it is just timing, so the ovulation kit is a good idea, taking your temp is unpredictable. Your IC dr. can also give you a prescription for prophylactic antibiotics to take after having relations.

[LivingwithIC]

Thank you so much for the responses! We started using Ovulation Kits and switched to the digital recently. We try on those days, but it often ends with an infection. I will try the heat/cold pack. I will also look into getting bloodwork. I have been taking my temperature and charting so I have been getting worried that something is not right. Cross your fingers!!

[jaime15]

You are doing right by taking a shower afterward. But, are you peeing after intercourse?
I make sure I empty (as much as possible) my bladder before and after sex.

I wish you lots of luck and hugs.......I look forward to the time when you can announce some exciting news!

[LivingwithIC]

Hi Jaime15! Yes, I urinate before and after, although after it takes me some time and is a little harder to urinate.

I hope I can share good news this year!

[an0bgobeloba]

you got some great advise here already! it will be hard to have sex without lube, but normal lube is a problem...try pre'seed. hang in there...got pregnant with out first on accident but it took 9m of trying with the second. i'll be keeping an eye out for the good news!!!

[Blue_sky]

I never really got the ovulation kits to work for me (and they get expensive!). But I checked out the book "Taking charge of your fertility" and it really explains how to tell when your most fertile time is (charting basal body temp and checking cervical fluids). Once I got this down I felt like I knew when it would be worth trying. Good luck to you. I know how frustrating it can be along the way.

[icbeauty]

the book mentioned above is a great book. the more you know about your body, the better you can time it. most couples will be pg by the end of the first year. after that, drs will recommend testing. if you do need testing, please start with the male partner. it is much easier than the tests they do for women (and less expensive).

best of luck, hon.

[zbella]

With using the ovulation predictor kits, they let you know you might ovulate within 12 to 36 hours. Sperm can live inside the woman for up to 36 hours. So, My Dr said for the best chance of conceiving, after using the kit for a few months you should see a pattern, and you should try to have sex in the day or two before you ovulate as well as the day of. Just to give more swimmers a chance to make it! Also, with the painful sex, my Dr had me take pain meds about an hour before even attempting it...Hope this helps!

[valkay18]

Hi Jaime15! Yes, I urinate before and after, although after it takes me some time and is a little harder to urinate.

I hope I can share good news this year!

In terms of TTC, I was always told not to urinate right after because you want to hold that sperm in for at least 15 or 20 min. Of course, if you are in pain, then you will probably just have to skip that step and pee right away! Good luck!

[LivingwithIC]

Thank you everyone for all your advice!

I have been charting and using OPKs. However, I often develop another bladder infection and have to go on antibiotics, which throws off my cycle. I have learned to listen to my body and confirm using an OPK. My main problems are pain and reoccuring bladder infections.

Too Much Info Warning: For some reason, I have been spotting a few days after I finish menstruating. It happened today (3rd time) with a tinge of bright red blood on the toilet paper. I don't understand why this is happening. The first time, I ran to the gyno and said it was "normal". I had a pelvic sonogram done, which was very painful due to PFD, and that showed nothing. I am going to call a different gyno tomorrow and see what I can do. Has anyone ever heard of this?

[sadmom]

hey,
I can only add what I know. Yes use the ovulation predidtors and follow them instructions on the box to a T.
I got 3 of my 4 kids using them boxes. I also had my Gyn help with clomid.
If you really want this baby keep on trying.
Let us know.
For my pain I take a bath right after and then spend the rest of the night with a heating pad between my legs. hope that helps a little.

[LivingwithIC]

I made an appt. with the new gyno for next week. I also went to the library today and checked out "Taking Charge of Your Fertility". I am also reading "Along the Healing Path" by Catherine ******. I am trying my best and hoping for no bladder infection!

[SharonA]

My doctor prescribed a low dose antibiotic to take either before or after intercourse to ward off infections. You might want to talk with your doctor about doing that unless it would cause problems with conceiving.

[jameson77]

I am in the same boat...intercourse is very painful to me but i am in physical therapy right now for my PFD so hopefully that will help. Hubby and i have been off birth control for 7 years but haven't really been in a rush. I am starting to get baby fever though! As soon as i get out of this flare i am in right now and my pelvic pain decreases, we are going to jump back in to trying. However, we will have to go through additional fertility testing.

Best of luck to you and PLEASE keep us updated!!! :bunny:

Sending prayers your way!

:pray::pray::pray:

Meredith

[LivingwithIC]

Well, I am still not pregnant. I was feeling better with IC symptoms and then another problem arose. This past week, I was diagnosed with Vestibulitis, which explains alot of the pain I have been going through with the female area. I am on day 4 of treatment and not feeling any better, but as with IC, time will tell.