May I Join? - Kinda long

abattyref

Hi all, My husband and I have a 3 year old son whom we conceived in one cycle back in 2009. I had an uneventful pregnancy and a textbook birth.

 We've been TTC for #2 now for 16 months with absolutely no idea what the issue could be. I read Taking Charge of Your Fertility years ago when I used NFP as our birth control method. I have a super regular cycle with temps showing that I ovulate regularly and have a leutal phase that is 13 to 15 days long.

We visited with an RE back in September and had a bunch of tests done on both my husband and me. Thyroid, glucose, and another one that I can't remember all came back normal. Since we started TTC, my periods have become super heavy & clotty, so we were concerned about my progesterone. We tested it a couple of times and it was always normal, around 13 at 7DPO.

An ultrasound showed that I don't have any fibroids or other abnormalities. A sonohysterogram showed that I don't have any blockages of my fallopian tubes. A semen analysis showed that my husband's numbers were all normal as well.

Neither my husband or I are ready to start down the path of Clomid, injectables, IUI or IVF. It's not a path that "feels" right for us since our bodies have done this conception/pregnancy thing once already.

We are looking at visiting with an acupuncturist soon and I'm reading about chiropractic and herbal treatments as well.

One thing I was reading about recently was how vaginal pH can affect fertility. I'd like to test my own pH but am not 100% sure what kind of strips to get. I have seen many that say they are meant for urine & saliva. The other ones I have seen are the ones that help diagnose a vaginal infection. Any recommendations?

I know that many of you here are on the Clomid/IUI/IVF train, so I hope I'm not too crunchy with my methods. But I would love to hear of any other natural fertility treatments that you'd recommended? Thanks for reading my story.

74dragonfly

Welcome! Have they checked your vitamin d level? More and more research suggests that low vitamin d can cause fertility issues. It was one of my issues.
You didn't mention your age but that is a huge factor in fertility. In three years your eggs have aged.
While I understand the reluctance to use meds time is not your friend. I am not trying to be preachy, just honest.
I wish you all the best.

MAtoMEbride

"Clomid/IUI/IVF train"??

eastsidekitty

age can make a difference.

 

I have a similar story - conceived our 2.5 year old on the first try and then tried for 9 months unsuccessfully for #2. All of our tests also came back normal - my ovarian reserve is fine etc etc. We started treatment this cycle with clomid and an IUI. I was also reluctant to try ART but I just wasn't willing to let anymore time pass without doing everything i could. I am 37 and dh is 38.  

good luck. 

ttcmbbaby

The doctor should be able to check you pH level. A friend of mine was told per her doctor that her pH level is off making it hostile for sperm and that she would never get pregnant because of it. She tried all the treatments and she was instructed to douche with the vinegar douche to help make it less acidic. None of it worked for her. Because you have a child it does sound like perhaps it's more age related or something like that. I had an oops baby at 20 and now I've been trying for damn near 4 years with very little luck and I'm currently 27. So even if you aren't "old" just the aging can have an affect. 

abattyref

Thanks ladies. I'm 34 and I know time isn't on my side. My vitamin D levels were checked and they were okay. I'm also taking extra Vit D since we live in a different climate than we did when we conceive our son and we are outside a lot less than before.

I know age can always be a factor. I was just looking to hear if anyone had tried any herbs, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments and had some success... even if it was done with Clomid or and IUI or something.

Thanks. 

erinms

OMG, super annoyed that I just lost a super long reply.  

Basically, I said welcome, and that you need to do what feels right for you but to set a timeline to reassess.  You just don't want to get 6 months down the road and regret not using meds sooner.  Maybe you won't, so just know yourself and your DH.

Also, I used accupuncture with DS 4 years ago and I think it helped me feel calmer.  Most accupuncturists should be able to set you up with a regimen of herbs, just look for someone who specializes in IF.

Honestly, I haven't done any of the natural things this time.  They all make me feel bad about myself- like my modern lifestyle is somehow to blame for my IF.  I don't feel like paying someone hundreds of dollars to feel bad.  I mean, all of my friends got pregnant so easily- is it because they are more zen than I am?  I don't know, I just get grumpy about it and feel more comfortable in the midst of a more scientific approach.  

I think if you are into it, you should give it a shot.  Lots of people swear by it, and I think the most important thing is how you feel about it.

This time we are doing: counseling/therapy to help decrease stress and increase coping skills, massage/pedicures: they make me feel good, increased whole milk, leafy greens, cut out artificial sweeteners and preservatives, decreased caffeine and getting plenty of exercise.  I think a lot of women on this board are doing similar things.

Ultimately, I still need medications and I'm still not pregnant.  I think you should do whatever makes you feel best and then reassess in a couple of months.

Good luck!