Trying to conceive for the first time

Dear ladies

I really need your help as I am getting very frustrated.

I’ve been trying to conceive since last june 2010 but we’re not managing. I don’t know what the problem might be. I’ve been experience lower abdominal pain since last year and my gynae said that it might be IBS. I had BV last May but it’s all gone thanks God. I don’t know what this pain might be. Could it be endometriosis? Its not severe pain but rather dull.  It does not have a pattern.  Is it safe to do a laparoscopy as some say that it is dangerous!?

I can note the change in my cervical mucus. So when it is clear and stretchy, we have intercourse but we’re not conceiveing. What could be the problem? What can we go do increase our chances? I’ve taken clomid once and femara twice to help me ovulating but still we did not conceive.

Your comments are greatly appreciated.

[Dreamia]

timing is the key...CM can throw you for a loop...I know that personally as the cycle before the last I had a lot of EWCM, but didn't even O as my blood test revealed...this time I was on 100mg of clomid and didn't have any CM, but I did O according to blood test...I would start charting BBT as your temp will go up and stay up after O, but I would BD every other day coming up to O...we are praying that this is our month since we have finally gotten serious about this baby making business...best of luck to you...SSBD

[CarlaLP]

I was in your shoes awhile back. Many feel I'm too proactive but I would start getting some tests at the doctor, or if you are just not ready buy a fertility monitor and give it a try for a few more months. They are a bit pricey, but totally worth it. I know how frustrated you are. I went to an RE after 8 months and have since moved onto IVF.

Good luck to you..

[kris71]

Have you tried the ovulation kits? Clearblue easy has a fool proof one (it runs about $20 to $30) depending on where you buy it. (i found Target sells it the cheapest). Based on your cycle, you should start using the kit about day 10 (i think this is for a 28 day cycle), once you get a smiley face on the little monitor, you should be ovulating with in 24 to 36 hours. So basically it gives you the best 2 days to have sex for conception.  If after a couple of months, you are still not pregnant - then seek out your dr's advice for tests etc.Good luck!

[tones99]

I agree with all the other posters but you also have to understand that these things don't happen overnight.  You really haven't been trying for very long at all. The majority of women take at least 6 months to a year to conceive so you are well within that.

good luck!

[Angebelle]

I agree with Dreamia.  Observing your temperatures (BBT) along with your CM is a great way to help with fertility challenges.  Charting over just a few months (like 3-6 mos.) can tell you if you're in fact ovulating, if your luteal phase is too short to nurture a fertilized egg, if you experience chemical pregnancies, etc.  You can then share your charts with a knowlegeable doctor or reproduction specialist to see if there's some challenges that need some treatments.

"Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler is a commonly cited resource among the community to help you get started with charting and analyze your charts.  Don't be overwhelmed by its size, some chapters may not apply, like menopause and avoiding pregnancy.  Good luck!

[isabel209]

Thanks a lot ladies for all that information.  I really appreciate.  In fact, I recently did a blood test to test my progesterone level. I did it seven days after the peak day of my clear stretchy mucus.  The result was 32.8. the gynae said it was rather low…  now I tested it again and I am waiting for the result.  Do you know what can help me to increase the progesterone in my body?  

And gynae said that BV would not affect conception or fertility. Is this true? As recently I ‘ve been experiencing lower abdominal pain and pain in my right knee. I don’t know if I got the bv again as I did not do the test yet.  But I remember that I had this pain and smear and pap were both ok.  Could the pain be IBS or maybe I am allergic to something? I noticed that everytime I eat chocolates, I experience abdominal pain but I am not sure if the pain is caused just by eating sweets.  All I know is that I am very very stressed…

Another thing that is concerning me. I have a cat at home. He’s very close to me as he sleeps with us in bed. I kiss him on his face and change his litter but wash my hands very well. If the cat is very healthy, do I still have to be careful when changing his litter? Or only if the cat is infected by toxoplasma? Do all cats contain something in them that can harm the mother and baby? I really need an answer to this as I am worried. Two months ago I checked my blood for toxoplasma but came negative.

Thanks again and I really appreciate your replies xxxx

[Dreamia]

I can't believe your Dr said that 32.8 was too low...anything over 15 unmedicated and 20 medicated is an indicator of O...I would get a second opinion...My level was 21 and my Dr said that was great...

[Mariana101]

yesssss!!!!! cats can pass toxoplasma to the baby and he/she can be born with cleft palate, blindness, etc! It is a serious isses. Do the Toxoplasma test and give your cat the vaccine ASAP!
As far as conceiving, ask the doctor to do all the testing they need to do and a sonogram to see your uterus.
How old are you?
Try the ovulation kits and all that but do the testing first.
Maybe they could even do a clomid challenge to make you ovulate?

I wish you all the luck and it's ok! You just started trying:)

[isabel209]

Dreamia, i took a second opinion and the second doctor said that it was low too.... but i still believe i o               .  another doctor said that if its over 30, it is ok. i really can't stand that fact that doctors dont agree on such things. they got me confused.  

Mariana, i am 29 years old.  my cat is very healthy and i vaccinated him. but if the cat DOESNT have toxoplasma, can he stil pass it on to the baby?

[isabel209]

I have another question.  My gunae said that BV does not  cause pain at  all. When I had Bv, I had pain but discharge was normal.   I really don’t know what all this dull pain in my low abdominal  is… What do you suggest me to do?  Could it be endometriosis as I am scared to do a laparoscopy…

[mhv]

I wear rubber gloves when I am scooping or changing the litter box during my 2ww.  Usually my husband does it for me, but if I have to.  Also, cats usually get  toxoplasma from eating dead birds.  If your cat, like mine, are indoors and have never been outside, it is probably ok.  But, having said that I still where the gloves and wash my hands immediately afterwards.  

[isabel209]

thank you mhv. yes, i would still wear gloves. it is safer like that. my cat never goes out. all he does in the house is sleeping :) i feed him healthy food with all the vitamins. i really want to get pregnant but this abdominal pain is getting me worried. hope its not endometriosis as gynae said that if it is, i would be very painful where i am not. some say that endometriosis has no symptoms :(( i really want a baby but  i am stressed out :((( thanks for all your help XXX

[isabel209]

sorry Dreamia and Mariana. i made a mistake in the previous msg.

Dreamia, i took a second opinion and the second doctor said that it was low too.... but i still believe i ovulated as i ve seen the clear stretchy mucus.  another doctor said that if its over 30, it is ok. i really can't stand that fact that doctors dont agree on such things. they got me confused.  

Mariana, i am 29 years old.  my cat is very healthy and i vaccinated him. but if the cat DOESNT have toxoplasma, can he stil pass it on to the baby?

[Dreamia]

Yeah it is confusing sometimes...I wish you the best of luck with your ttc efforts and hope you figure out what is causing you pain...

[isabel209]

Thank you Dreamia. i appreciate your comments. i really wish to have a baby. i need your prayers ladies XXX