TTC - I need advice!

court_k · August 2010

So, my husband and I are actively TTC. I stopped taking BC in April and we actively started TTC in July. Still nothing. I know it's completely normal for it to take several months or even up to a year, but I'm having an issue that I need advice on. My husband is a mountain biker and I've read that mountain biking can affect sperm count. He rides his bike 3-4 times a week for anywhere from an hour each time to three hours. I'm stressing that his sperm count may be low because of his riding habits. So, here's where I need advice on what to do.

1. Am I being over paranoid and just need to chill and let it happen happen when the time is right?

2. Should we have his sperm tested to see so I can have piece of mind?

3. Should I ask him to quit riding for a while? ( I hate to do this because it's something he loves and is good exercise for him) He's said that he will do whatever it takes, but I don't want him to quit something he loves if it's not even an issue.

Any helpful advice, suggestions, or comments are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

BonitaKaz · August 2010

Just because you didn't concieve your first cycle trying doesn't mean his sperm count is low...

MySweetBaboo · August 2010

I think you are being paranoid, but that is just me. You should do whatever you feel you need to do.

Mrs.Umm · August 2010

Get him a sperm friendly bike seat if he doesn't already have one. He can check with his doctor to see if there's one he recommends, but try that first. You may have nothing to worry about, so try not to stress too much this early on.

GL!

kiki4 · August 2010

At this point, yes you are overracting. It can take a healthy couple a year to get pregnant, so considering it's only been 4 months, asking him to get a sperm analysis and stop riding might be a little excessive. If you haven't all ready, get a copy of Taking Charge of your Fertility and start charting your cycles. Most of us use Fertily Friend - you can click on any of our siggy's for the link. If you aren't having sex at the right time, you're not going to get pg. Good luck!

Parzia74 · August 2010

Well, uhm, hello! Welcome to the board. Lovely introduction...

I'm sure most of the ladies here are going to tell you to take a step back, slow it down, and relax.

You've been tttc for... a whole month?! Seriously, breathe!

Biking can effect sperm count, yes. But the most common reason for a low sperm count is actually a hormone disorder. But let's not jump the gun on this one, k?

I suggest you sign up to fertilityfriend.com... (ticker below). Get to know the way your body works for a cycle or 2.... and take it easy. It's bad enough us women stress about ttc... no need to bring your husband into the chaos.

jaimelody · August 2010

I don't know anything about biking, but aren't the winter months coming? Won't be stop/not ride so much at that time? Maybe that would help ease your mind.

MrsPBNJ0220 · August 2010

I think you are being paranoid. Which is understandable. We just found out my DH has low testosterone which can cause SC to be low, however not always. Initially I was like you, and I was getting him in asap (granted for low T, he does have to go in soon). Long story short, we are going on our Honeymoon in a week and a half, I cancelled his Dr. appointment and scheduled it for when we get back, we don't need to stress during our Honeymoon. Being paranoid is no friend of mine.

I must say we are still just as hopefull this cycle as before we found out about his situation, and we will be until the Dr. tells us otherwise. Just give it some time, relax, and understand it can take time as a PP said!

GL

ETA: jaimelody- I love your siggy pic, so cute!

LauraElizabeth85 · August 2010

If he rides in spandex bike shorts he should probably rock boxer shorts for underpants the rest of the time.

court_k · August 2010

Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

Mrs.Umm · August 2010

court_k:
Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

He should definitely look into a gender specific seat. The traditional bike seats can not only cause low sperm count but also nerve damage. Even if it's not a problem for TTC, he may have a problem later on b/c of it.

GL to you!

atlb · August 2010

court_k:

Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

How are you "tracking" and "calculating"?

crxgirljax · August 2010

court_k:

Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

Kind of the same convo I had with my hubby recently, but ours was more about timing. He didn't understand my concern and that I didn't want to wait a year to go to the doctor only for him to be told we weren't using our time wisely LOL. I see no problem in getting these things checked before a year ... lord knows I don't want to wait a year to find out something is eff'd up

GL

atlb · August 2010

crxgirljax:
court_k:

Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

Kind of the same convo I had with my hubby recently, but ours was more about timing. He didn't understand my concern and that I didn't want to wait a year to go to the doctor only for him to be told we weren't using our time wisely LOL. I see no problem in getting these things checked before a year ... lord knows I don't want to wait a year to find out something is eff'd up

GL

As the wise RileyGrace would say, Impatience is not a fertility issue. The problem with getting "checked out" now is that there is no reason to. It is a waste of your time, and the doctors time--not to mention the people that have real issues. MOST people don't get pregnant their first month trying--get over it.

court_k · August 2010

Well, my periods are regular. So I keep a calendar to keep up with what day I start every month - then I use an ovulation calculator online. I enter the first day of my last period and how long the cycle lasted (it's always 25 days). Then the calcuator gives me what days i'm most fertile and on what day I should ovulate. We have sex every other day for a week during that time. I've always been able to tell when I ovulate by the feeling my body gets during this time, i also get the egg white looking discharge. So I feel like i'm pretty up to speed on when we should be having sex for our best chance to conceive.

atlb · August 2010

court_k:
Well, my periods are regular. So I keep a calendar to keep up with what day I start every month - then I use an ovulation calculator online. I enter the first day of my last period and how long the cycle lasted (it's always 25 days). Then the calcuator gives me what days i'm most fertile and on what day I should ovulate. We have sex every other day for a week during that time. I've always been able to tell when I ovulate by the feeling my body gets during this time, i also get the egg white looking discharge. So I feel like i'm pretty up to speed on when we should be having sex for our best chance to conceive.

None of this confirms ovulation. Lots of people that have "regular cycles" do not ovulate. And since you recently came off BC, you really don't know that your cycles are regular. You should really save yourself some frustration and check out FF (you can get there through anyones ticker). Counting the days on a calender isn't going to get you squat except diappointment when your period is 2 weeks "late" and you are getting negative tests.

court_k · August 2010

court_k:

Thanks for all of the advice and words of wisdom, I thought I may be paranoid -- but I'm just trying to be proactive (you know, trying to keep from waiting a year, still not pregnant, and then finding out the bike riding has hurt his sperm count.) Not sure if any of you all have experience with this, but biking is very well known to cause low sperm count. The seat he rides on is very small and hard (typical of an avid biker and he also wears the tight spandex padded shorts!) We both want a baby more than anything (i'm sure all of you know the feeling). So, i'm simply trying to be proactive, although it may come off as paranoid! haha.

I have also been tracking and calcuating for ovulation ever since I stopped taking BC. So I do know that we are trying on the right dates. This is the second cycle that we've "actively tried" and failed.

GL to everyone TTC!

Kind of the same convo I had with my hubby recently, but ours was more about timing. He didn't understand my concern and that I didn't want to wait a year to go to the doctor only for him to be told we weren't using our time wisely LOL. I see no problem in getting these things checked before a year ... lord knows I don't want to wait a year to find out something is eff'd up

GL

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exactly - thanks for feeling my pain and understanding!

Good luck to you and your hubby! How long have you been trying?

maybebride · August 2010

court_k:
Well, my periods are regular. So I keep a calendar to keep up with what day I start every month - then I use an ovulation calculator online. I enter the first day of my last period and how long the cycle lasted (it's always 25 days). Then the calcuator gives me what days i'm most fertile and on what day I should ovulate. We have sex every other day for a week during that time. I've always been able to tell when I ovulate by the feeling my body gets during this time, i also get the egg white looking discharge. So I feel like i'm pretty up to speed on when we should be having sex for our best chance to conceive.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you're not. Those online calculators are crap. The only way to know for sure that you are ovulating is to take your BBT.

Do yourself a favor and check out both the link to newbie info in my siggy and the Fertility Friend website,which you can access through any of our tickers.

You need to calm down or you are going to drive yourself--and your husband--crazy. I am actually coming up on a year of trying and now having to seriously think about testing. It's terrifying and I hope you don't have to actually get to that point.

iris427 · August 2010

Have you talked to your husband about the biking thing? Maybe he can cut back, get a better seat, etc.

Ovulation calendars don't really tell you when you ovulate. If I relied on that, I would have missed the most fertile days of my cycle this month. I recommend trying charting and OPKs. You can order cheap OPKs from Amazon.com.

GL.

alaback55 · August 2010

This is agreat blog with fantastic content, i just figured this was some valuable information to share with the members

Have You Seen Lisa Olson's new Pregnancy System yet? It's called "Pregnancy Miracle" I've read the whole thing (all 250 pages) and there's some great information in there about how to naturally get pregnant without drugs, surgery or any kind of gimmicks. I highly recommend it - it's very honest and straightforward without all the hype and b.s. you see all over the net these days. Here's the website where you can get more information:

Pregnancy Miracle ==> https://bit.ly/Get-Pregnant-Now

mdiblasi10 · August 2010

Welcome! I also recommend signing up for Fertility Friend. It has helped me so much

My husband and I both ride bikes (road, not mountain) about 4 days a week, 20 to 30 miles each day. Here a link and some tips to help prevent the trauma that can affect fertility. I sent this to my husband because he was concerned about it as well.

https://trainwithmattcharles.wordpress.com/2008/04/13/can-cycling-negatively-effect-your-sperm-count/

Additional ways to prevent reproductive bike trauma include:
?    Making the seat level, while pointing the nose of the seat downward a few degrees.
?    Using a seat with gel padding.
?    Checking to see that someone?s legs do not fully extend at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Knees need to be slightly bent to support more weight.
?    Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle, as opposed to leaning forward at a smaller angle.
?    Spending less time on aero bars, handlebars that increase a rider?s speed. The rider?s position is changed to become more aerodynamic, therefore encouraging riding on the nose of the seat.
?    Standing up every 10 minutes when riding to encourage blood flow through genitals.
?    Lifting off of the seat when riding over railroad tracks, trail debris, or washboard terrain, using legs as shock absorbers.
?    Watching for numbness while biking.

court_k · August 2010

mdiblasi10:

Welcome! I also recommend signing up for Fertility Friend. It has helped me so much

My husband and I both ride bikes (road, not mountain) about 4 days a week, 20 to 30 miles each day. Here a link and some tips to help prevent the trauma that can affect fertility. I sent this to my husband because he was concerned about it as well.

https://trainwithmattcharles.wordpress.com/2008/04/13/can-cycling-negatively-effect-your-sperm-count/

Additional ways to prevent reproductive bike trauma include:
?    Making the seat level, while pointing the nose of the seat downward a few degrees.
?    Using a seat with gel padding.
?    Checking to see that someone?s legs do not fully extend at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Knees need to be slightly bent to support more weight.
?    Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle, as opposed to leaning forward at a smaller angle.
?    Spending less time on aero bars, handlebars that increase a rider?s speed. The rider?s position is changed to become more aerodynamic, therefore encouraging riding on the nose of the seat.
?    Standing up every 10 minutes when riding to encourage blood flow through genitals.
?    Lifting off of the seat when riding over railroad tracks, trail debris, or washboard terrain, using legs as shock absorbers.
?    Watching for numbness while biking.

Thanks so much for the info! I'll definitely pass it along to him. Very helpful

I ride with him some, but he does a lot of single track mountain biking that i'm too chicken to do!

Good luck to you and your husband!

court_k · August 2010

atlb685:

court_k:
Well, my periods are regular. So I keep a calendar to keep up with what day I start every month - then I use an ovulation calculator online. I enter the first day of my last period and how long the cycle lasted (it's always 25 days). Then the calcuator gives me what days i'm most fertile and on what day I should ovulate. We have sex every other day for a week during that time. I've always been able to tell when I ovulate by the feeling my body gets during this time, i also get the egg white looking discharge. So I feel like i'm pretty up to speed on when we should be having sex for our best chance to conceive.

None of this confirms ovulation. Lots of people that have "regular cycles" do not ovulate. And since you recently came off BC, you really don't know that your cycles are regular. You should really save yourself some frustration and check out FF (you can get there through anyones ticker). Counting the days on a calender isn't going to get you squat except diappointment when your period is 2 weeks "late" and you are getting negative tests.

I will definitely check out FF and hopefully it will help. However, I do know that my cycles are regular. I have been off of BC for 5 cycles and my cycles have been like clock work ever since. Every 25 days. I can tell when I ovulate, I've always been able to tell. I have friends that don't have the signs or symptoms of ovulation and I have friends that do. I've always had the cramping feel around ovulation time as well as the "egg white looking" discharge. Thanks for the advice!

Want a personalized experience?

TTC - I need advice!

Re: TTC - I need advice!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards