TTC? Come and share your best tips

[nocluenoclueatall]

DH and I have just started TTC... DS1 arrived with virtually no effort at all on our parts when I was 37 years old (wonderful boy that he is)... it all seemed so easy - but two MMCs, a world of exhaustion and a 40th birthday later and we've decided we'd better get down to business in a bit more, well, disciplined fashion.

GCSE biology has left me with the vaguest idea that with a 28 day cycle one should do the dirty around 14 days after AF puts in an appearance, but what else do we need to know?

"GCSE biology has left me with the vaguest idea that with a 28 day cycle one should do the dirty around 14 days after AF puts in an appearance"

No. Ovulation is not an exact science and a woman can ovulate earlier, later or not at all in any given cycle. Sex two or three times a week throughout the cycle is fine, do not go into this whole timing of intercourse thing as it will do you no favours at all.

Generally speaking as well fertility does decline with age. I would actually look into having blood tests done now to see what your hormone levels are like. Both of you need to be tested further.

Attila is wise, listen to her!

Basic TTC advice includes: I would ensure you're as healthy as you can be. Eat well, exercise, take a good multivitamin with folic acid and vitamin D. Make sure you're using sperm friendly lube - the durex lube/ky jelly slows things down.

However, with two MMCs - how long have you been TTC? If its over 6 months I agree you need to be investigated.

Thanks both - I have been. Not DH though, just me. Not really sure what I was tested for, all the basic stuff minus the genetic component (our NHS trust don't do this any more) and it all came back clear.

Taking the vitamins and trying not to stress about it too much (we had a break from even thinking about it after the last MC) and that's about it really. Attila I'm interested to hear about the ovulation thing, I had no idea... I think you're right though about the not timing things. I hate the idea of doing that.

Was wondering if there are any good old wives tales about not getting out of bed for 5 minutes afterwards whilst eating a bar of dairy milk maybe, for strength that I could be going along with. Quite honestly, I feel the whole process of making new people is nothing short of a miracle so would welcome any suggestions!

The not getting up thing is questionable. I tried lying down/legs in the air many times. The month I conceived I don't recall doing it! You're far better off getting up to pee to prevent UTIs. My ethos is any decent swimmer is well on its way already, any that fall out are duffers! :)