Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[melly2]

I'm sorta new here. 37 and trying to conceive #1. My husband has extremely low sperm count (2.5 million), due to testicular cancer. He is fine now, but fertility has been compromised. Doctors want to immediately throw IVF our way, but I'm not too keen on that. Trying to figure out if husband's fertility is recoverable, and what to do next. I debate constantly on whether to throw in the towel. Not sure how long I can do this and remain a decent level of sanity. ;-)

Welcome Melly

I am Chantal 41 and dh is 40. We have had a rough 3 years dealing with infertility. Dh diagnosed with poor morphology after I had a miscarriage in Jan 2010. RE recommended IVF with ICSI because of dh's poor morphology. 2 cycles of Ivf and both produced poor quality embryos and BFN's. The RE recommended donor egg because I was getting close to 42 and egg quality was declining. (not covered by insurance.)

I have done alot of research on poor sperm quality and I am happy to share my tips with you:
High doses of vitamin C are very important, but a few months ago I found out that taking it with vit E actually destroys !! I was so shocked because dh always took ALL his vitamins together after dinner. Multi(containing vit E) and the vit c! So I started giving him the Vit C seperately in the morning. He could not digest on empty stomach. So I found a superfood by Navitas called camu camu powder(vegan, organic and USDA) that has 1180% Vit C!!

After 2 months on this I got a spontaneous BFP! After the RE said it was impossible to conceive on our own without IVF. So I definately recommend vitamins for your dh first of all! Then get his sperm checked again. In the meantime it would be a good idea for you to make an appointment with a fertility specialist to also get yourself checked for fertility issues.

The ladies here are very supportive and gave me excellent tips for improving my egg quality! I love them so much

First off, Chantal...Congratulations!!! That is Awesome!!! So happy to read this. You do give me hope! My grandma had my (very healthy and smart) uncle at 46, so I'm always hopeful! Thank you so much. We have increased my DH vitamins and I appreciate the knowledge about vitamin C and E not together...never knew that; plus the camu camu. I will check into that as well. According to my hormones, I look fairly normal (though I've had ovulation issues due to excessive exercise). Thanks again!!

 

[never_give_up]

Melly for you and thank-you! It is my pleasure!

Also the ladies here recommended gelatinized maca powder which dh and I were both taking for 2 months.

Here is helpful a site that deals with all sperm issues:

https://sites.google.com/site/misca...oost-fertility/how-to-increase-male-fertility

 

[alicatt]

Ali the nurse yesterday phoned and asked all my medical history to prepare for first appointment with high risk OBGYN on Monday. When she asked what meds I was taking I told her baby aspirin and progesterone. She was concerned about the baby aspirin but what if I have clotting issues? She asked if the pregesterone was OTC. I lied and said yes although I am taking the prescription one because the OB refused to prescribe it. I already feel like her and I are off on the wrong foot

HMM.. Well here is what I think about the aspirin. I don't think it is going to stop a miscarriage, I think it does help with implantation, but beyond that it doesn't really stop clotting issues from happening. If you do indeed have a clotting issue, then aspirin alone isn't going to stop it. Women who are diagnosed with a clotting issue use lovenox (enoxaprin) injections to avoid the clotting issues. So I'm not sure that you should still be taking that?
Progesterone is one of those things that if you start taking, you must continue as going off the progesterone will potentially cause a MC (I think). So you'll probably have to keep taking it until the placenta takes over. I would fess up to your OB when you see her and tell her you are using crinone. She will be mad (maybe), but then she'll be forced to give you an Rx to continue it.

 

[never_give_up]

I just read. Smoked salmon is a no no! very sad right now.

I think the caffeine and sweetener is a double no in diet soda!

too bad about the salmon- I was off fish while preggers- just couldn't take the smell!

yeah, diet soda really isn't good for anyone- you're better off without it!

I ate fresh fish almost daily in Barbados but since I have returned here I cannot stand the smell or taste of frozen/thawed fish! I only want chicken or lamb or beef I haven't eaten red meat for years because I read it was bad for fertility . Only white meat and fish is good when ttcing. Although once a month I would make leg of lamb(which I love)

 

[never_give_up]

Ali the nurse yesterday phoned and asked all my medical history to prepare for first appointment with high risk OBGYN on Monday. When she asked what meds I was taking I told her baby aspirin and progesterone. She was concerned about the baby aspirin but what if I have clotting issues? She asked if the pregesterone was OTC. I lied and said yes although I am taking the prescription one because the OB refused to prescribe it. I already feel like her and I are off on the wrong foot

HMM.. Well here is what I think about the aspirin. I don't think it is going to stop a miscarriage, I think it does help with implantation, but beyond that it doesn't really stop clotting issues from happening. If you do indeed have a clotting issue, then aspirin alone isn't going to stop it. Women who are diagnosed with a clotting issue use lovenox (enoxaprin) injections to avoid the clotting issues. So I'm not sure that you should still be taking that?
Progesterone is one of those things that if you start taking, you must continue as going off the progesterone will potentially cause a MC (I think). So you'll probably have to keep taking it until the placenta takes over. I would fess up to your OB when you see her and tell her you are using crinone. She will be mad (maybe), but then she'll be forced to give you an Rx to continue it.

Ali that is a good idea! I do need to continue taking the Prometrium progesterone till I am 10 weeks so she should prescribe it. Yes she will be mad because she doesn't give it to her patients till they have had 3 miscarriages. If she doesn't, I think I have enough refills from ivf to take me to 10 weeks.

The Low-dose aspirin isn't to prevent miscarriage it's to prevent blood clots...

 

[alicatt]

Ali the nurse yesterday phoned and asked all my medical history to prepare for first appointment with high risk OBGYN on Monday. When she asked what meds I was taking I told her baby aspirin and progesterone. She was concerned about the baby aspirin but what if I have clotting issues? She asked if the pregesterone was OTC. I lied and said yes although I am taking the prescription one because the OB refused to prescribe it. I already feel like her and I are off on the wrong foot

HMM.. Well here is what I think about the aspirin. I don't think it is going to stop a miscarriage, I think it does help with implantation, but beyond that it doesn't really stop clotting issues from happening. If you do indeed have a clotting issue, then aspirin alone isn't going to stop it. Women who are diagnosed with a clotting issue use lovenox (enoxaprin) injections to avoid the clotting issues. So I'm not sure that you should still be taking that?
Progesterone is one of those things that if you start taking, you must continue as going off the progesterone will potentially cause a MC (I think). So you'll probably have to keep taking it until the placenta takes over. I would fess up to your OB when you see her and tell her you are using crinone. She will be mad (maybe), but then she'll be forced to give you an Rx to continue it.

Ali that is a good idea! I do need to continue taking the Prometrium progesterone till I am 10 weeks so she should prescribe it. Yes she will be mad because she doesn't give it to her patients till they have had 3 miscarriages. If she doesn't, I think I have enough refills from ivf to take me to 10 weeks.

The Low-dose aspirin isn't to prevent miscarriage it's to prevent blood clots...

Right.. but only if you have thrombophilia disorders, otherwise it is not necessary. I guess I'd keep taking it until you see your OB, and see what she says. I've read a few articles that state it is harmful even the low-dose dose, while others state that it won't hurt, and might help? So who knows?

I bet your interest in meat is due to the need for iron during pregnancy. I had a friend that craved hamburgers for that reason. Usually your cravings in pregnancy are related to a particular nutrient that you are missing.

 

[never_give_up]

I am so paranoid about the throbbing in my right foot, though when I check my reflexology book it indictates the points for bladder and kidneys. Which makes sense because I have had kidney stones in my left kidney (right foot is connected to leftside). I really need to see the acupuncturist I think! Dh wanted me to wait and ask the OBGYN about acupuncture though I don't really trust her opinion!

 

[alicatt]

Ali the nurse yesterday phoned and asked all my medical history to prepare for first appointment with high risk OBGYN on Monday. When she asked what meds I was taking I told her baby aspirin and progesterone. She was concerned about the baby aspirin but what if I have clotting issues? She asked if the pregesterone was OTC. I lied and said yes although I am taking the prescription one because the OB refused to prescribe it. I already feel like her and I are off on the wrong foot

HMM.. Well here is what I think about the aspirin. I don't think it is going to stop a miscarriage, I think it does help with implantation, but beyond that it doesn't really stop clotting issues from happening. If you do indeed have a clotting issue, then aspirin alone isn't going to stop it. Women who are diagnosed with a clotting issue use lovenox (enoxaprin) injections to avoid the clotting issues. So I'm not sure that you should still be taking that?
Progesterone is one of those things that if you start taking, you must continue as going off the progesterone will potentially cause a MC (I think). So you'll probably have to keep taking it until the placenta takes over. I would fess up to your OB when you see her and tell her you are using crinone. She will be mad (maybe), but then she'll be forced to give you an Rx to continue it.

Ali that is a good idea! I do need to continue taking the Prometrium progesterone till I am 10 weeks so she should prescribe it. Yes she will be mad because she doesn't give it to her patients till they have had 3 miscarriages. If she doesn't, I think I have enough refills from ivf to take me to 10 weeks.

The Low-dose aspirin isn't to prevent miscarriage it's to prevent blood clots...I am so paranoid about the throbbing in my right foot, though when I check my reflexology book it indictates the points for bladder and kidneys. Which makes sense because I have had kidney stones in my left kidney (right foot is connected to leftside). I really need to see the acupuncturist I think! Dh wanted me to wait and ask the OBGYN about acupuncture though I don't really trust her opinion!

HMM.. sounds like you need to go find a doctor that is more open to you and your unique situation. This doctor doesn't sound like she has any idea about high-risk pregnancies at all! GEESH. Why don't you go find a different OBGYN? Especially if you don't trust her opinion?

 

[never_give_up]

Because I would have to wait weeks for an appointment with another high risk OB. I made this appointment before I left for Barbados. Regular OBGYN's don't see you for first ultrasound till you are 10 weeks pregnant here! 3 years ago I went at 5 weeks and all they did was bloodwork and said come back at 12 weeks for ultrasound. Did I not mention that MD is a bit backward?

 

[alicatt]

Because I would have to wait weeks for an appointment with another high risk OB. I made this appointment before I left for Barbados. Regular OBGYN's don't see you for first ultrasound till you are 10 weeks pregnant here!

HUH? How is that possible? You need to go in and confirm you are pregnant, and get the list of what to do and not to do! I can understand not going in-between that initial visit until 10 weeks, but you need to see the Dr to confirm that you are pregnant. That is !!! I could call up my OBGYN (normal one) and make an appointment to see him just to say hi I wouldn't do it because I don't want to pay the co-pay, but my point is that I can make an appointment to see my OBGYN just like my GP whenever I want! Now you are right, seeing a NEW OBGYN might be difficult, but once you get your foot in the door it shouldn't be too hard. Is it your insurance that is putting these limits on your care? If so, maybe paying out of pocket for a few appointments until you feel more sure of this pregnancy would be a good idea.

 

[never_give_up]

I did edit and add this part because I knew you might say that lol

3 years ago I went at 5 weeks and all they did was bloodwork and said come back at 12 weeks for ultrasound. Did I not mention that MD is a bit backward? I did already go to the doctor to get beta to confirm I am pregnant remember? On Valentine's day. The high risk OBGYN would not see me till I am 8 1/2 weeks pregnant.(lmp) It is not my insurance putting limitations, I have United healthcare. That is just how the OBGYN do things around here.

 

[alicatt]

I did edit and add this part because I knew you might say that lol

3 years ago I went at 5 weeks and all they did was bloodwork and said come back at 12 weeks for ultrasound. Did I not mention that MD is a bit backward? I did already go to the docotr to get beta to confirm I am pregnant. Now even the high risk OBGYN won't see me till I am 8 weeks pregnant.

HAHA! Too funny. Well that just seems I'm more pushy, I wouldn't stand for that. I would be out there calling and insisting I see a Dr. I would even call my IVF Dr and see if they would see you. I mean you were in his care initially, and at this point your pregnancy is much like that of an IVF, unique and high risk. My FS monitors the pregnancy until they feel you are safe to 'graduate' to regular OB. Have you tried that?

 

[never_give_up]

The high-risk OBGYN did send me for another beta almost a week ago to see if numbers were doubling. That is more than what the reg OB would do. Also that vaginal u/sound I had done on the 5th March was a viability u/sound which she agreed to have done because I had a miscarriage at 9 weeks. I still have not seen her face to face though.

 

[never_give_up]

Ali you must have missed my post before I left Barbados! I did call the RE. I left messages on his and my ivf nurses's phone. They never called me back!! Someone from their office did call me and she was very confused why I was leaving messages. She said that in the system I had been approved for donor egg. SHe asked when my last ivf was. I explained what had happened and the nurse responded "so this was a spontaneous pregnancy then?" To which I responded that is correct. Well she said she didn't see any harm continuing the otc progest and I should see and OBGYN. She said she would tell my RE the good news. I asked that he phone me back but he never did!

 

[melly2]

Ali you must have missed my post before I left Barbados! I did call the RE. I left messages on his and my ivf nurses's phone. They never called me back!! Someone from their office did call me and she was very confused why I was leaving messages. She said that in the system I had been approved for donor egg. SHe asked when my last ivf was. I explained what had happened and the nurse responded "so this was a spontaneous pregnancy then?" To which I responded that is correct. Well she said she didn't see any harm continuing the otc progest and I should see and OBGYN. She said she would tell my RE the good news. I asked that he phone me back but he never did!

Ugh...doctors! Don't even get me started, okay, you did. See my rant here: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/trying-conceive-over-35/1774563-did-our-doctors-fail-us.html

 

[never_give_up]

Melly I so agree with your rant and what you said about acupuncture. I did acupuncture weekly, though not the month I got my bfp, but I am sure it played a role in helping us conceive. My acupuncturist is so encouraging. He said don't listen to the fertility doctor. He said that I would get pregnant he just didn't know when. It could be 1 year, 2 years, but it would happen. And he was right!

 

[melly2]

Melly I so agree with your rant and what you said about acupuncture. I did acupuncture weekly, though not the month I got my bfp, but I am sure it played a role in helping us conceive. My acupuncturist is so encouraging. He said don't listen to the fertility doctor. He said that I would get pregnant he just didn't know when. It could be 1 year, 2 years, but it would happen. And he was right!

I meant to ask you, how did you increase your egg quality? Not sure how mine are, I'm 37, and didn't ovulate for 3.5 years, so I hope I have some on reserve. Hah!

 

[alicatt]

Ali you must have missed my post before I left Barbados! I did call the RE. I left messages on his and my ivf nurses's phone. They never called me back!! Someone from their office did call me and she was very confused why I was leaving messages. She said that in the system I had been approved for donor egg. SHe asked when my last ivf was. I explained what had happened and the nurse responded "so this was a spontaneous pregnancy then?" To which I responded that is correct. Well she said she didn't see any harm continuing the otc progest and I should see and OBGYN. She said she would tell my RE the good news. I asked that he phone me back but he never did!

AMAZING.. you must have terrible DR's!

Maybe its me though, if I don't hear from someone, I will call back and keep calling until I get what I need.

So when is your appt with your high risk annoying Dr? If it is fairly soon the I guess just wait, and then get to a regular OB ASAP! One that you like. In fact, see if you can't make an appt with them for the 10 week mark now. If you end up staying with the high risk Dr then you can always cancel it.

 

[alicatt]

Ali you must have missed my post before I left Barbados! I did call the RE. I left messages on his and my ivf nurses's phone. They never called me back!! Someone from their office did call me and she was very confused why I was leaving messages. She said that in the system I had been approved for donor egg. SHe asked when my last ivf was. I explained what had happened and the nurse responded "so this was a spontaneous pregnancy then?" To which I responded that is correct. Well she said she didn't see any harm continuing the otc progest and I should see and OBGYN. She said she would tell my RE the good news. I asked that he phone me back but he never did!

Ugh...doctors! Don't even get me started, okay, you did. See my rant here: https://babyandbump.momtastic.com/trying-conceive-over-35/1774563-did-our-doctors-fail-us.html

Melly - I agree, their first response is to jump on the medicine bandwagon. It is pretty scary stuff, especially the IVF process. I think I'm still recovering from it.

Before you do any of that I'd try to get you and your DH into baby making mode.

1) BMI - too high or too low can cause infertility
2) Eat healthily
3) Get enough sleep
4) take supplements that are known to improve fertility for her: (CoQ10, Maca Root, Royal Jelly), I think Never/Chantal sent you a list of supplements for your DH.
5) I'd go in and get a baseline workup done, this is done on day 2-4 of your period. They can see what your FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone and AMH levels are, and this will help you to see what your chances are of getting pregnant are. Here is a page that lists each test and the acceptable values: https://www.fertilityplus.com/faq/hormonelevels.html
6) Use OPKs to see if you are ovulating, and then on following months every other day from about 5 days before that cycle day until about 5 days after that. So lets say you see the positive OPK on CD 12, then the following month start on CD 7 and every other day until CD 17, or if you use OPKs again, then until 1 day after the OPK is negative again. I like the CBE digital ones with the smiley face, they are a little expensive, but give a great when you are ovulating. Such a great thing to see!

I wish I'd been able to try naturally, but since I'm single and doing this on my own I had no option but to work with a FS, and I think we've figured out that the issue is my immune system, and possibly my uterine lining. We're still doing tests to see if my lining is suspect. Unfortunately we've only figured that out through trial and error, $50K 3 IUIs and 2 IVFs Thing is that I think we could now go back to IUIs (providing my uterine lining is OK), and just spend the $$ on the IVIg to fix the immune system issue. I have 4 embryos on ice so I'll use those first and then if necessary consider going back to IUIs with IVIg treatment. Each one of us is different and once you get above 35 there are definitely more issues that arise.

Good luck!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Sam- just my opinion, but I would steer clear of fish period. The mercury levels aren't worth the risk iykwim. I don't eat fish anyway but seriously avoided it...my pharmacist even told me to avoid coral calcium because of the potential risk to babes.,......re:working out..Oh Sams I tink you are such a character! You want what you know (or think) you can't have Chill for a few days
In a nutshell, things I avoided throughout my pregnancies:
Fish
Caffeine: chocolate, coffee, tea through first trimester .
Gatorade (ester of wood resin)
Orange soda of any kind (ester of wood resin)
Protein shakes containing creatin
uncooked deli meat
soft cheeses
rare meats
soft serve ice cream (sorry!...)

Stuff I ate lots of:
Nesquick (hot w/milk)
Ice cream
chicken anything
salads
yogurt
fruit

Ali- why are you cramping? lol, Zoe snoring while staring at you what an image! I bet residual of anesthetic.

Chantal- I agree w/Ali on the aspirn...I'd be concerned with Rhys (sp) syndrome is there an alternative? And yeah...find a doc/mw you love!

Melly- good to have you on board! I am 37 (ok, ok, I'll be 38 in a few weeks lol) and just gave birth in October can't wait to see your bfp!