If everything spills out after intercourse, is conception possible?
How do I chart my basal body temperature?
What is a thermal shift and what does it mean?
What is a slow-riser?
What is better - a glass or digital thermometer?
What is a �fallback� temperature?
If I�m not pregnant, when will my temperatures drop?
Is it necessary to take BBT�s during AF?
How do I determine my coverline?
Why is my coverline important?
What is a triphasic BBT pattern?
What does 18 days of high BBT�s mean?
What is green tea used for?
What is Robi-tussin used for?
What is vitamin B6 used for?
What is Evening Primrose Oil used for?
What is the luteal phase?
Can I use artificial lubricants?
What positions are best for TTC?
What should I do after DTD?
Why are Kegel Exercises important?
How do I check my CM?
How to I check my CP?
How often should I BD?
How do I use OPK�s?
Should I take prenatal vitamins before becoming pregnant?
Can I ovulate more than once per cycle?
How can I conceive a girl?
How can I conceive a boy?
When is Day 1 of my cycle?
Which HPT is the best to use?
What should happen at a preconception doctor�s visit?
How can I tell if I�m having an anovulatory cycle?
What are signs that I�m ovulating?
When does the embryo implant in the uterus?
How early after conception can I test?
What are signs of pregnancy?
When is my peak fertility day?
Why take baby aspirin?
ANSWERS:
If everything spills out after intercourse, is conception possible?
This is the "most frequently asked question" so here's the scoop:
If you stay prone (lying down) for 20 minutes after intercourse, the only thing that "spills out" is seminal fluid and abnormal sperm.
Normal sperm is ejaculated into the vagina and immediately travels into the cervix (safe haven from the acidic environment of the vagina).
(vagina - cervix - uterus "VCU")
Seminal fluid is the medium that carries the sperm out of the body.
Abnormal/malformed sperm are not able to advance through the net-like mucus (ferning) which we know as Egg White Cervical Mucus EWCM).
How do I chart my basal body temperature?
Your BBT is taken first thing in the
morning before getting out of bed, after a minimum of three consecutive
hours of sleep. Your temperature should be taken at about the same time
every morning, preferably within an hour or so. It is usually taken
orally, but can be taken vaginally. By charting your BBT�s
you can determine if you�ve ovulated and how long your luteal
phase is. Temperature ranges very tremendously but are typically
between 96.5 - 97.5 before ovulation and 97.5 - 98.6 after ovulation. The
high levels of estrogen causes the temperatures to be low before ovulation.
Following ovulation, progesterone levels rise causing temperatures to rise
as well.
What is a thermal shift and what does it mean?
The thermal shift will occur the day after ovulation due to an increase
in progesterone levels. The temperature will rise 0.2-0.5 degrees. The
presence of the thermal shift is a good indicator that ovulation has already
occurred.
What is a slow-riser?
In some women, the thermal shift may be gradual over several days.
They a called slow-risers, which means that it took a little longer for
progesterone levels to rise high enough for temperatures to become elevated.
This is a normal finding and does not affect fertility.
What is better - a glass or digital thermometer?
Either thermometer is acceptable to use as long as it is a basal thermometer
and not a fever thermometer. Digital thermometers measure to the one-tenth
degree whereas most fever thermometers measure in two-tenth degree increments.
Glass thermometers must be kept in for 5 minutes, digital thermometers
will give a reading in one minute. If you are getting erratic temperatures
with digital you may want to compare them to a glass thermometer, since
the glass thermometer can be more reliable.
What is a �fallback� temperature?
Some women may see a drop in temperature the day or two after the thermal
shift. It is likely due to a surge of estrogen. This is normal and
does not affect fertility. It should rise again the next day.
If I�m not pregnant, when will my temperatures drop?
If conception and implantation did not occur in a cycle, the
BBT
will drop near or below coverline the day before or the day of the start
of AF. This is due to the degradation of the
corpus luteum and the subsequent drop in progesterone levels.
Is it necessary to take BBT�s
during AF?
No, it is not necessary to take BBT�s
during AF. Most women will do them to stay
in the habit of charting. Temperatures can be erratic during AF
due to residual progesterone levels.
How do I determine my coverline?
Following the thermal shift, look at the preceding six temperatures.
Take the highest of these six temperatures and add one-tenth to it. This
is your coverline.
Why is my coverline important?
Once the coverline is determined, you will be able to differentiate
between preovulatory and postovulatory temperatures. While it is not critical
to determine your coverline for pregnancy achievement, it will allow you
to see more easily when you ovulated.
What is a triphasic BBT
pattern?
A triphasic pattern is when a second thermal shift is seen around the
time of implantation of the embryo. The second thermal shift is due to
increased progesterone levels from the presence of the embryo.
What does 18 days of high BBT�s
mean?
If your temperature has remained above your coverline for 18 or more
days, you are most likely pregnant. Rarely, a corpus luteum cyst
will cause elevated temperatures in a cycle where conception did not occur.
It is important to make sure you knew exactly when ovulation and the thermal
shift occurred so the count will be accurate. Not all women ovulate on
Day 14!
What is green tea used for?
Green tea contains chemicals which are antioxidants. We hope by drinking
a cup or two every day to ensure a healthy egg and embryo. Green
tea contains very little caffeine.
What is Robitussin used for?
Robitussin is a brand name of a product that is based on guaifenesin,
an expectorant. There are other guaifenesin based cough syrups also (Equate
also has one). It is used in TTC to thin
the CM mucus to make it more sperm-friendly. 1-2
tsp. twice daily until ovulation. Make sure the product only contains
guaifenesin without added decongestants or antihistamines, which could
dry your CM.
BEWARE:Dextromethorphan, an ingredient in some cough medicines, may cause birth defects.
What is vitamin B6 used for?
B6 is used while TTC to normalize hormonal
levels and may increase your LP. The dose
is 100 mg once daily. You may want to check with your doctor before taking
megadoses of any vitamin.
What is Evening Primrose Oil used for?
EPO is used to increase the amount of EWCM.
The dose is 3000 mg once daily. Discontinue EPO when your thermal
shift occurs as it can cause uterine contraction which may hinder implantation
of the embryo in the uterus. It can be found at most health food stores,
grocery stores, and here in "The Store" on the Vitamins and Herbs page.
What is the luteal phase?
The LP is the number of days from ovulation
until the start of AF. Typically, it is 12-16
days in length and does not vary by more than a day in each person.
An LP shorter than 12 days is called LPD (luteal
phase deficiency) and is due to early breakdown or the corpus luteum.
LPD is a cause of infertility and your doctor should be consulted for treatment
options.
Can I use artificial lubricants?
The use of artificial lubricants should be avoided while TTC.
They maybe harmful to sperm. Some women suggest using raw egg-white
as a lubricant, although it may pose a risk for infection if it is contaminated.
Drinking plenty of water and taking Robitussin and/or EPO may help you
produce more CM.
What positions are best for TTC?
The missionary position with man on top is reported to be the best
at depositing the sperm close to the cervix. Other positions include �doggy
style� with the man entering from behind. Woman on top is the worst position
due to the effects of gravity.
What should I do after DTD?
Some women suggest staying in bed with a pillow under their hips
or legs raised in the �bicycle� position for at least 20 minutes after
sex. Others say it makes no difference if you get up right away.
The choice is yours!
Why are Kegel Exercises important?
Besides increasing vaginal muscle tone, Kegels can be performed several
hours after sex to expel any residual sperm in the vagina, which may make
CM
analysis confusing. Kegels are done by contracting and releasing
the vaginal muscles (as you would if you had to stop urinating).
How do I check my CM?
Cervical mucous can be checked either externally, at the vaginal opening,
or internally, at the cervix. Rub the CM
between two fingertips to evaluate its texture and consistency. CM
is absent or sticky after AF. Then, as ovulation
nears, it will change to creamy or lotiony, then to the consistency of
raw egg-white. EW CM
may be stretched one or more inches between your fingertips and is considered
the most fertile of all types of CM.
How to I check my CP?
Your cervical position should be checked daily (or more often at or
near ovulation). It is firm (like the tip of your nose), low, closed, and
dry during your infertile days. As ovulation nears, it will become soft
(like your lips), high, open, and wet (SHOW). When this happens, your are
considered very fertile, especially if you have EWCM
as well. It will quickly return to its infertile state after ovulation
and remain there for the rest of the cycle.
CP
can be checked while sitting on the toilet or squatting in the shower,
just be consistent how you check. Insert one or two fingers in the vagina
until the cervix can be felt and evaluated.
How often should I BD?
This is a tough question and it depends on you and your DH�s
combined fertility. Generally, if your DH
has a normal sperm count and quality, you can BD
every day you have fertile CM. If he is marginal
or low, or you fail to conceive after several cycles of this, then you
may want to try every other day. One theory suggests you abstain
for 3-5 days before your fertile days, then BD
every day beginning two days before O�ing (or
you get a positive OPK) for 3 days in a row.
There is no right answer to this question, except you should BD
on your peak day.
How do I use OPK�s?
OPK�s are used to help predict
when ovulation will occur. The day you start testing depends on the length
of your cycle. Women with a 28 day cycle are urged to begin testing
on Day 11. OPK�s detect and increase
in LH, which will �surge� 12-36 hours prior
to ovulation. It is important to test at the same time every day
after not urinating for 4 hours. It is best not to use first morning urine
but to test between 10 am and 8 pm. Because the amount of liquid
you drink can affect your urine�s concentration, it�s important to be consistent
about the amount you drink during the days you are using OPK�s.
An OPK is not considered positive until the
test line is the same or darker than the control. Once a positive is seen,
there is no need to test on subsequent days. It is important to remember
that ovulation may not occur after an LH surge.
Stress, illness, travel, and other causes may delay ovulation. You
can only be certain that ovulation has occurred once the thermal shift
is seen.
Should I take prenatal vitamins before becoming
pregnant?
Yes, although it doesn�t have to be prescription prenatal vitamins.
An over-the-counter multivitamin with 400 mcg folic acid and no megadoses
of other vitamins is recommended in women TTC.
Folic acid is crucial to prevent neural tube defects in the developing
embryo. The neural tube is formed at a time when most women do not even
realize they are pregnant, so it is a good idea to be taking supplements
as soon as possible, preferably beginning up to 3 months before TTC.
Can I ovulate more than once per cycle?
Yes, it is possible to ovulate twice but it will occur within 24 hours
of each other. Some experts suggest BD
the day of your thermal shift in case a second ovulation has occurred.
How can I conceive a girl?
To improve your chances for conceiving a girl, you should BD
a 4 to 2 days prior to ovulation, and abstain two days before and day of
ovulation. This will allow the slower, longer-lived, female sperm to be
ready for fertilization when ovulation does occur. Conceiving a girl
is more difficult since you are abstaining on your peak fertility day.
How can I conceive a boy?
Time BD to occur the day before and the
day of ovulation. This will allow the faster male sperm to get to the egg
first.
When is Day 1 of my cycle?
Day 1 of your cycle is the first day of red menstrual flow, not any
spotting that may precede AF.
Which HPT is the
best to use?
All urine HPT�s can be used on the first
day of your missed AF. However, the
sensitivity level varies from brand to brand. Below is a list of some of
the available HPT�s and what level of hCG
they detect.
HPT Brand HCG,
mIU/ml
| TTC Store HPT |
VERY SENSITIVE |
| Lifesign |
25 |
| One Step Be Sure |
25 |
| Self Care |
25 |
| Clear Blue Easy |
50 |
| EPT |
50 |
| First Response |
50 |
| Equate |
100 |
| Answer |
100 |
| Conceive |
100 |
| Precise |
100 |
| Q-Test |
100 |
What should happen at a preconception doctor�s
visit?
A preconception visit to your doctor should include a medical history,
complete physical examination, including Pap smear, blood tests to check
for immunity to Rubella, Toxoplasmosis, or other diseases that may affect
pregnancy, and advice on what type of vitamins to take. The doctor
can also discuss their philosophy on trying to conceive and what you can
do to improve your chances.
How can I tell if I�m having an anovulatory cycle?
An anovulatory cycle occurs when an egg is not released. The BBT�s
will be erratic and show no thermal shift. The length of the cycle can
be normal, long, or short. The menstrual flow can be light or heavy. Causes
for an anovulatory cycle are illness, travel, stress, coming off of birth
control pills or Depo Provera, strenuous exercise, and sudden weight loss
or gain.
What are signs that I�m ovulating?
Some women may have ovulatory pain or spotting. Other signs may include
a SHOW CP, temperature dip, and EWCM.
Also, breast tenderness, increased sexual feelings, abdominal bloating,
and irritability may be signs of ovulation.
When does the embryo implant in the uterus?
Typically, implantation occurs from 7 -14 days after conception.
Symptoms can range from none to cramping and spotting.
How early after conception can I test?
Most urine tests will detect a positive on the first day AF
is due, although the more sensitive tests will detect hCG
as early as 10 dpo (Equate brand). Blood tests can detect hCG
levels as early as 7 dpo.
What are signs of pregnancy?
Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure if conception has occurred
until a positive HPT is seen. Common
symptoms include sore breasts and nipples, nausea, fatigue, backache, food
and smell aversions, triphasic temperatures, creamy or yellowish CM,
implantation spotting, cramping, frequent urination, and irritability.
It is important to remember that early pregnancy can have no symptoms at
all!!
When is my peak fertility day?
Your peak day is the last day of your wettest CM.
No matter what BD regimen you are following,
it should include you peak day (unless you�re trying to conceive a girl).
Why take baby aspirin?
Well, I believe it does suppress natural killer cells in the uterus, so it is used for those with immune problems. It has other effects on the immune system that I don't fully understand - I will try to find out more. But, it also improves blood flow to the ovaries, improving follicle development, and improves blood flow to the uterus, improving the quality of the uterine lining. This increases the odds that implantation will be successful. Also, during pregnancy, it will help to prevent mc or fetal demise in those prone to blood clots. Having blood clots form in the placenta and/or umbilical cord in the cause of many of these pg losses.
There's a great article in People magazine (the one with Di on the cover) about a women who had failed many IVF, presumably due to a weak uterine lining. Her sister agreed to be a surrogate but they also decided to give both women a few embryos. They both got pregnant. They said they don't know why this worked when all other attempts had failed but they think it was due to her starting to take baby aspirin 2 weeks before the transfer.
A good friend of mine just got pregnant after 10+ years of infertility (PCOS). It was a complete surprise. They were even using condoms!! But, they only thing different she did was she started taking daily aspirin for an unrelated reason several weeks before conception!
My clinic has also given their blessing for me to take it.
So, in light of this recent evidence, I am now an advocate for its use!
NOTE:The information provided on this Site is intended to serve only
as a supplement to your resources and is in no way to be considered medical
advice, medical diagnosis or treatment. Always check with your obstetrician,
physician, midwife, or other health care provider before choosing to do
or not do any course of action.
TTC Tips by Momma Kath
