List of things to do to increase chances

[Anonymous]

I imagine many here have learned over the years a number of things (not drugs or ART, but things you can do on your own) to increase chances of conceiving, not losing a pregnancy, etc. I am about to start working with an RE and would like to do everything I can to increase chances of success. I know, for instance, that some say to take baby aspirin but I don't know when to start, how often or how much. I'm sure there are other things. Would others be willing to share things you've learned?

[Anonymous]

relax as much as you can. we had so many sets of friends that got pregnant when they started toward adoption or after a child conceived thru fertility treatments (like with in a few months).
just have sex sometimes, timing can be weird. stress can really play a role so try to really keep it down if you can. just saying, just because you are going toward treatments doesn't mean you should give up on getting pregnant on your own. I did the laying in bed with pelvis up both times for my two. I think it helped but who knows.

[Anonymous]

No disrespect to the PP, but telling someone who is infertile to relax is one of the MOST aggravating pieces of advice we typically hear. That or take a vacation. I 'relaxed' and travelled the World- and I did NOT get pregnant. Yes, stress may have something to do with it, but quite honestly, there are other causes as well. You may not realize this because it was 'your friends' who got pregnant and you never had to go through fertility treatments, but let me assure you, the first piece of advice I always got from 'fertile' people was to relax and take a vacation. Sorry, now that I have removed that stick from my backside, onto the OP.

For me, we went through a couple rounds of IVF (after 6 unsuccessful years of trying). My first attempt was unsuccessful (out of 15 eggs, 13 were mature and only 3 fertilized). I researched what issues may or may not help with my specific situation. For example, I have a thyroid issues and an endometrioma on my left ovary - and other people I have talked to went gluten free and had some success with that- so I ended up doing gluten free for the 3-4 months leading up to my second attempt. I also took an entire regimen of supplements (CoQ10, DHEA, DHA, pre-natal,Royal Jelly etc) to help with egg quality. Some people swear by accupuncture (I ended up not pursuing it).

It was incredibly helpful to be on the same team with my husband. He was truly by my side the whole time and incredibly supportive. It is a LONG, hard road and can be very lonely (although you would be surprised how MANY people you know have had issues and just don't talk about it). I also cycled with some gals online (twoweekwait) and we could compare notes, stories and just vent. Make sure you have an outlet - it is helpful, expecially if things don't go as planned.

I wish you all the best- GOOD LUCK!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:relax as much as you can. we had so many sets of friends that got pregnant when they started toward adoption or after a child conceived thru fertility treatments (like with in a few months).
just have sex sometimes, timing can be weird. stress can really play a role so try to really keep it down if you can. just saying, just because you are going toward treatments doesn't mean you should give up on getting pregnant on your own. I did the laying in bed with pelvis up both times for my two. I think it helped but who knows.

You obviously did not experience infertility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:relax as much as you can. we had so many sets of friends that got pregnant when they started toward adoption or after a child conceived thru fertility treatments (like with in a few months).
just have sex sometimes, timing can be weird. stress can really play a role so try to really keep it down if you can. just saying, just because you are going toward treatments doesn't mean you should give up on getting pregnant on your own. I did the laying in bed with pelvis up both times for my two. I think it helped but who knows.

You obviously did not experience infertility.

Not any of the PPs, but THANK YOU. That post was the biggest amount of bullsh!t out there. Also, excuse me, but, "we have so many sets of friends that [sic] got pregnant when they started adoption" -- even bigger bullsh!t.

We have adopted one and are waiting for a second and this does NOT happen to "so many people." It is in fact such an anomaly that THAT is why you hear about it and remember it if this happens to people. Think: how many other people do you know who have adopted and DIDN'T have this happen to them? But, it just doesn't sound like a good story, does it? "I know so many people who adopted and guess what? They were still infertile! So crazy!"

OP, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ignore this 2nd post.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, but I also think the raising of the pelvis is a crapshoot too. I practically stood headstands and. . .nada. Also, at the RE's office, they lower your head and raise your legs at the end of the transfer but they tell you, "We don't know if this will help or not. It basically just makes you feel like you are doing something."

Long story short: OP, it will either work one way or another for you. Really. In the end, you WILL have a family, though, be it through biology or adoption. If that is what you want -- a family --you will achieve it. Good luck to you.

[Anonymous]

OP, one of the hardest things I had to learn was that mostly, the things I was doing weren't the issue. It was just letting my RE figure out what I needed and how I responded best.

I am still doing acupuncture (just 7weeks now) and really think it was helpful. No, I don't think it equals success but I do think it regulated my cycles a good bit and was helpful emotionally.

Otherwise, try to live life in balance (I was over exercising and think cutting that down a bit helped too but still feel being active is important in many ways too). And get the testing you need to find things you really may need to treat. E.g., after two losses my RE found a MTHFR mutation (meaning I need extra folic acid) ... maybe treating that has helped?

[Anonymous]

I'm the first poster you quoted. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I did actually experience infertility, but thanks...I also had to go through my sister getting pregnant when I couldn't and the heart break. Infertility sucks.

We do have several close friends that had as I stated - surprise pregnancies despite documented infertility. They were trying so hard and putting so much pressure on themselves I do think it had a negative impact, not just their fertility, but also on their relationship which impacts trying to get pregnant. When they least expected it they ended up pregnant. One very close friend was told she would NEVER be able to conceive. She ended up pregnant after starting adoption and then had a second "miracle" baby. The doctors were wrong. I am not discounting those that suffer from other forms of infertility, but if you have started on this journey, don't give up. Infertility is often unexplained along with a lot of other pieces of the medical puzzle. Another friend had her first using treatments and then had 2 surprise babies. I believe in her case lifestyle (diet etc.) and stress were definitely hurting their chances, they agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:telling someone who is infertile to relax is one of the MOST aggravating pieces of advice we typically hear.

That and "stay positive", "you have to believe" and "it's in God's hands". It is really hard to be positive after 6 failed fresh IVFs, 2 laps, tons of medication, 4 clinics, going gluten, dairy, suger free, taking supplements meticulously. No one has told me I could not get pregnant, but my chance of natural conception is 1-3%. IVFs doubles that. Still think that I am negative because I am realistic about my chances of ever having a child genetically related to me?

OP, it depends on what your diagnosis is. If you are unexplained, have you checked for endo or immune issues? These are often masked as unexplained.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:telling someone who is infertile to relax is one of the MOST aggravating pieces of advice we typically hear.

That and "stay positive", "you have to believe" and "it's in God's hands". It is really hard to be positive after 6 failed fresh IVFs, 2 laps, tons of medication, 4 clinics, going gluten, dairy, suger free, taking supplements meticulously. No one has told me I could not get pregnant, but my chance of natural conception is 1-3%. IVFs doubles that. Still think that I am negative because I am realistic about my chances of ever having a child genetically related to me?

OP, it depends on what your diagnosis is. If you are unexplained, have you checked for endo or immune issues? These are often masked as unexplained.

This!!!

It's only unexplained because it hasn't been diagnosed yet.

[Anonymous]

On both my cycles that worked, I changed the dosage prescribed by my RE.

[Anonymous]

Hi. I just finished my 6th (and finally successful!) cycle after working with several REs...

Not sure what your BMI is, but in the SG literature they mention that often a 5-10% drop in weight can significantly improve your chances of conceiving. Obviously that most likely works well if you are on the upper end, but eating a healthy diet sure won't hurt you.

While I hear people are saying about the "relax" advice, I do think that stress can factor into your cycle. If doesn't actually impact the results, it sure as heck makes the cycle more difficult. So whatever you can do to mitigate a stressful situation (yoga? walks? religious services? acupuncture? etc.) will be helpful.

The fact of the matter is that a lot of times it's just a crap shoot as you try to find the right protocol to fit your circumstances. So make sure you take ownership of your treatment and fight for the tests/analysis you think is necessary -- while trying to make yourself as healthy as possible.

Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

Be 17 and drunk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On both my cycles that worked, I changed the dosage prescribed by my RE.

? Clomid? I'm guessing you didn't do this with injectables for an IVF cycle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On both my cycles that worked, I changed the dosage prescribed by my RE.

? Clomid? I'm guessing you didn't do this with injectables for an IVF cycle.

I did it with injectables but it was an IUI (which I demanded after 3 failed IVFs). The other was clomped dosage.