All the Things We Go Through Facing Infertiltiy...

This video describes so much how Shannon and I feel and the things we go through on a daily basis. Everybody we know who is experiencing the same issue of infertility seems to have the same feelings and emotional ups and downs like we do. I pray one day no one will ever have to go through what we have had to endure ever. I know there are a lot of people going through some hard times right now and we pray for them as well, but for us at the moment this is our hard time.

Inspirational Quote of Hope November 30, 2008

"Hope for the best but prepare for the worst."- English Proverb

Caffeine- is it effecting your fertility?

Now, I am a devot caffeine drinker- I am addicted to diet soda and I love coffee- but I have done some research on the effects of caffeine and our fertility and this what I have found:

One study showed that women who ingested 300 mg. of caffeine per day or more had a 27% lower chance of conceiving than those who had no caffeine. But other studies have suggested little or no correlation between caffeine and fertility. So there is really no concrete evidence that shows that caffeine equals infertility. However
to be on safe side, if you're trying to get pregnant, it's probably wise to cut back on the caffeine. Most experts agree that moderate amounts of caffeine — less than 300 mg. a day — don't appear to affect a woman's fertility. Becaue remember when you are pregnant you have to limit your caffeine, so why not start early.

A great alternative is to switch to caffeine free soda- or start drinking Perrier water- it still has the fizz like soda. Also those new fruit drink, Izze's are great, they are 70% fruit juice and again have some fizz to them, but no caffeine. So think ahead and be healthy, why take any risks!?

IUI success rates

Since we have been going through the IUI process I thought I would share the numbers side of it and answer the much asked question, just how effective is IUI?

For a couple with unexplained infertility, and the female is less then 35 years of age, and they have been trying to conceive for 2 years, with normal sperm- here are the numbers:

8% chance per month of conceiving and delivering with IUI- this is using Clomid as a drug to stimulate the ovaries.
10%- 30% chance per month of conceiving and delivering with injectable FSH medication (Follistim, Gonal F)

This is directly related to the number of mature follicles. Now using injectables will increase the number of follicles, for the best chance of success at least 3 mature follicles is the goal. The more follicles, the more eggs, therefore more targets for the sperm, therefore a better chance of conception.

I have done Clomid, and I had 2 mature follicles, with Follistim I have had 4 one cycle and 5 on another, so the injectable medication is definitely more powerful, my suggestion go for the injectables, its your best shot!

Inspirational Quote of Hope November 29, 2008

"Faith is much better than belief. Belief is when someone else does thinking."- Richard Buckminster Fuller

Inspirational Quote of Hope November 28, 2008

"Faith is different for proof; the later is human, the former is a gift from God."- Blaise Pascal

Happy Thanksgiving!

May everyone have a blessed holiday. Let's all remember what we are thankful for.

Inspirational Quote of Hope November 26, 2008

"Faith is putting all year eggs in God's basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch."- Ramona C. Carroll