Yogurt pot yuppies, sexy basters and UFO discs - part 3

[eloiseislost]

Starting yet another thread on self insemination before our second one locks down!

Welcome to THE most supportive group you could wish for if you’re starting or you are already on a self insemination journey.
Remember, nothing is TMI and you are not alone. 💖

Calling the usual suspects, in no particular order (and sorry if I missed anyone 😊):
@ComebackQueen
@Makingnumber2
@Janefx40
@AdriannaP
@MrsKin90
@primrosechill
@bigsweetpotato
@Sydney1986x
@Bluey18
@Birchybirch
@Lori23TTC
@Cathie102
@Labrat3
@DinkBoo
@Oilyoilyoilgob

Let it rain BFPs!!! 🐣

@MrsKin90 yeh it only takes a couple of mins too for my partners... but I’m just going off SI videos on YouTube but they are sperm donors so probably different to us?! Yes absolutely re liquefying first, I did think that after I wrote that to you- doh 😂!

I’ve finally got a positive OPK this morning, so I’m currently legs in the air watching Marcella. Oh the glamour of it all 😂🤞🏻

@Sydney1986x Is season 3 out already?
Good luck!! ❤️ 🧚🏼‍♀️ 🤞🏼

@eloiseislost yes it is, so excited!! Her hair looks amazing this series 😍 she’s so pretty!

Thank you ✨!

@eloiseislost thanks yes I think you’re right I need to chuck them to avoid any more possible confusion!
@MrsKin90 yup I know 😆
You guys are so well informed and really know your stuff 🙏

Actually even though I have unusual cramps I think I’m out this month.
Have you guys ever done the home blood test to check? I did one yesterday and that came back negative. Apparently the hormone shows up much quicker in the blood than the pee and they say they can detect pregnancy only a few days after conception.

@Remembermee I had looked into home blood tests but they seem to be wildly unreliable, I wouldn't trust them. The only way to detect low levels of hcg is through a beta hcg blood draw at the doctor's office. But even then, you need to be 8-10 days after ovulation at least.
As hard as it may be, you just need to wait for a few days. It's arguably the hardest part of TTC, the dreaded 2WW! I hope you find lots of things to do to distract you! 🙂

[quote eloiseislost]@Remembermee I had looked into home blood tests but they seem to be wildly unreliable, I wouldn't trust them. The only way to detect low levels of hcg is through a beta hcg blood draw at the doctor's office. But even then, you need to be 8-10 days after ovulation at least.
As hard as it may be, you just need to wait for a few days. It's arguably the hardest part of TTC, the dreaded 2WW! I hope you find lots of things to do to distract you! 🙂[/quote]
Ah that’s interesting. I wondered why they hadn’t been mentioned here and I was dubious when it arrived and it says it check 25 mIU/mL as the urine ones I have detect at 10. But I told myself the level would be higher in the blood than the urine.
All interesting though 🤔 I’m so new to this!
The panic I felt when I thought it was a positive probably tells me that it’s better for me to not be too sure whether it’s a positive or not 😂

@Sydney1986x and @Oilyoilyoilgob thanks v much for the tips! (No such thing as TMI in this context IMO). Followed all instructions/ tips this morning 😄, so that’s 4 goes with the cup and 1 with the syringe this month. Think I ovulated either yesterday or sometime early this morning, so may do one more SI and then it’s 2ww time again 🙃.

@Makingnumber2 how are you doing this morning? 💕

Best of luck with your SI @Sydney1986x and enjoy Marcella!

@Remembermee I agree with @eloiseislost try and wait a bit longer to do another cheapie test. I know it’s agonising doing the waiting though. Will be keeping everything crossed for you for when you do your next test 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

@Bizawit you’re very welcome! We’ve waited max ten mins of short on time but have sometimes waited up to 20 mins depending on if I have stuff to do

@MrsKin90 yeah a bit snotty and gloopy, reminds me of the fat you’d get off chicken or something when you cook it-runny yet gloopy. The more I see it in the cup the more it makes me feel boaky 😅🤢

@Remembermee I’d honestly wait a few days then check. I’d personally not do a blood test at home, stick with the new tests you’ll buy but wait a few days so you’re not stuck in a ‘am I aren’t I’ predicament, hopefully you can have a nice few days off testing then be a bit more sure with some fresh testing sticks. Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏻🍀

I still haven’t tried the soft discs, I’ve had a busy diy/home sorting couple of days. Husband working tomorrow so I’ll give it a go then-he’s been working from home so I need some peace to give it a try!
Hope everyone having a lovely weekend xx

@MrsKin90 Previously I’ve only waited a few minutes (maybe 5) as sperm appears to have liquified by then, but today I waited much longer - maybe 15? - because of advice on this thread and I noticed I got a higher volume into the syringe and many fewer air bubbles. So it might be worth waiting a bit longer and seeing if it helps, even if it looks like it has liquified? I know what you mean about not enough time in the day though!!

Hello all,
I’ve lurked reading this thread for a few months and wondered if I could join you? Congratulations to those who’ve had BFPs. You all seem like such supportive and kind people, I’ve felt heartened and less lonely just reading the thread sporadically!
I’ve seen a lot of mention of soft cups, could anyone recommend a particular brand? I saw someone say they’re chucking their ferti-lily?! I’ve just been using my standard menstrual cup after insemination.. Also wondering whether people recommend using the syringe to collect up sperm from cup and put it in the cup- or if DP should ejaculate straight into the cup? (And if so- should it be warmed up first?). I’ve not been warming up the cup with sperm in it, but from all the posts now will start doing that- as a PP it feels counter intuitive not to be getting the sperm inside as quickly as possible- oops!
Thanks in advance and best wishes to you all.

@Cyberworrier Welcome and thank you for joining us! 😘
In terms of soft cups, there are two options that would work for our purpose:

1. Single use soft discs, called Instead Cups https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000X29GY6/ref=cmswwrcppapifabcc_6JQN2F922FYYS794Q7VB
2. Reusable soft discs, such as the ziggy cup https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079JYJBF2/ref=cmswwrcppapifabccEY4VCRFTG2VDSJMTYNGA?encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Both of these cups have a flat design, so they surround the cervix with their rim and sit flat against it. Menstrual cups sit at the top of the vaginal canal, still close but not as close to the cervix. Also, menstrual cups have a shape that allows them to collect liquids, so it might be more difficult for sperm to escape. The fertilily cup, I honestly don't see the point of because, sure, it will keep semen close to the cervix after intercourse but, given that we use SI, best to have two birds with one stone imho. 😉

I personally prefer that DH ejaculates straight into the soft disc and I insert it immediately, within the first 10 seconds. That way, I know that the semen is as fresh as possible and has not been handled at all by swirling it, leaving it to liquify, sucking it with a syringe. All these understandably damage the sperm. So, all in all, I agree with your DP!

@Cyberworrier Oh to add to the bit I was talking about the differences between menstrual cups and discs, here is a helpful diagram. You can see why discs would help with SI but cups would not, in theory, do much for helping the sperm get to the cervix.

Welcome @Cyberworrier! I used a soft disc this cycle on peak day for SI and feel like this could have been what made the difference for us! Wishing you all the best with your SI this cycle.

@Remembermee hope you're doing ok and time isn't passing too slowly before you can next test?

@Oilyoilyoilgob hope you get on ok with your soft disc trial. Let us know how it goes!

@MrsKin90 hope you're doing ok and AF is coming near an end for you now.

@Bizawit wow you've been going great guns with the SI this cycle. Excellent work! I'm good thank you- trying to keep on top of my anxiety as per. My close friend was pregnant last month but started spotting at 4w5d and then by 5w 4d she had a big bleed and hcg levels fell. I'm 4w5d today and I keep thinking of what she had last month and making 2+2 = 5. Just got to try and take things 1 day at a time! I got another good line this morning so just keep looking at photos of my tests to try and make me relax! Has TWW started for you now?

@eloiseislost hope you're feeling good and lines are continuing to get darker- pulled apart any more tests recently

@Sydney1986x hope you're doing ok too as you come to end of FW!

And sorry to anyone I've missed who is in TWW/FW/AF or sitting on an early BFP - hope all of you are doing ok! We have v light snows and high winds here at the moment- sadly not settling, but still pretty to watch it swirling out the window

Good morning @Makingnumber2 😘
Great that you got another good line, have you told DH?
I can understand the anxiety, I'm a ball of nerves myself. 😔 I actually booked an early scan next Saturday but I'll only be 6w+1 so I'm wondering if it was a mistake and I should reschedule for later. But I can't take the uncertainty any more either! Not to mention that 6w+1 was when my MC started in November so I'll be even worse on that day. 😣
Some help I'm giving you, eh? 🤣 I have stopped testing because I got my 3+ on CB before I was even 5w, meaning my hcg levels were over 2750. So it's pointless to test any more. Don't worry, I haven't suddenly become sensible, I occasionally pee on an OPK just to see the test line appearing first and the poor control line trying its best to get some dye! 😅

I just installed Sims 4 on my laptop, that should help time pass, I used to be OBSESSED with this game!

Hello @Makingnumber2 thanks for the good luck wishes for the softdiscs I might need it 😰😅

Try not to let that anxiety get you. I was 5w 6 days when I went to a&e believing ectopic When I miscarried. Not saying this to scare you at all but to let you know that if anything sadly happens, it can happen at any time and it would be sad for you to spend weeks worrying ☹️

I get the worry, upon finding out I was pregnant every wipe was a worry, friends said the same and it lasted their whole pregnancy! Try to do some mindfulness and meditation today, and cbt techniques if you have some, and be gentle on yourself in regards to the thoughts your having without letting them take over your day. I honestly get it with anxiety so please look after yourself 💚 xx

Morning everyone,

Happy Sunday!

Welcome @Cyberworrier and best of luck this cycle. What you described sounds perfect to me. I was the one who said about chucking my ferti-lily it’s quite difficult to use, doesn’t pop out like an umbrella inside for me (as advertised) and hard to get ‘far up there’. It helps a bit if I SI in the morning and keeps the goods in place a bit (i hope?!) if I need to get on but overall I wouldn’t recommend wasting your money. The Ziggy cup looks like an overall winner & some great successes recently using these soft cups ✨

@Makingnumber2 I am good thank you, last SI today of this FW. Hoping we have got it right this month 🤞🏻. I can totally understand your anxiety, particularly with a friend having an early miscarriage. It’s easier said than done but try keep mantras and affirmations in your mind to help ease those worries when they creep up and try to distract yourself as much as possible, do something nice for yourself.. a little pamper, read a book etc whatever helps you personally. The first few weeks before 1st scan sound agonising and I too would feel the same I’m sure. Sending you lots of positive vibes. xx

@eloiseislost that’s great you’ve booked your early scan in but sorry you’re also a bundle of nerves. It’s so bloody hard not to be. Hopefully that first early scan will help put your
Mind at rest. I’m going to book myself in for one around 7weeks which is when I had one with DD. I may have remembered info incorrectly but too early and you won’t see the heartbeat so maybe have a quick google to check when that will be visible? I haven’t told DH yet as it’s been a big week with his mum in and out of hospital with various issues. And also I really wanted to tell him on Valentine’s Day as cheesy as that sounds. His mum and dad both got vaccine jab today so that has been a real positive for all the family this week.

Thank you @Oilyoilyoilgob I am going to do some m and m once DD goes down for her nap. I definitely need to do it at least twice a day at the moment I think. I’m so sorry for what happened with your last BFP and you’re right, these things sadly can happen at any point and worrying won’t change if it will or won’t happen.

@Sydney1986x thank you for that suggestion of affirmation and mantras. I am going to dig some out and put them on my phone so I can have them to hand when I need 😊 Hope you and DH get to put your feet up a bit now FW is over and that’s TWW speeds by!

@Makingnumber2 thank you!! It’s been a busy week 😂. 2WW is the worst bit now but I will follow my own advice with the affirmations, keeping occupied and self care!

Also, Valentine’s Day sharing your BFP is the best idea 😍 you must come back on to tell us his reaction, so exciting!!!! Xx

Thank you so much for the welcome and the information, @eloiseislost @Sydney1986x and @Makingnumber2

😊

Eloise, Thank you for taking the time to explain in such detail. Really helpful. Good luck with everything and your scan.
It’s wonderful hearing about people’s successes here. I’m away to Amazon now!

What great news about your in-laws both getting the jab this week @Makingnumber2! And it's wonderful to tell DH on Valentine's Day, it will make the day extra special and I bet he will be over the moon! ❤️
Had a quick read, heartbeat should be visible at 6 weeks, also the yolk sac. I fully expect to have 2-3 private ultrasounds before my NHS one, I'm hoping that they will give me some reassurance.

@Sydney1986x I will be sure to report back! and yes you must take your own advice and be kind to yourself over the next fortnight 😊

@eloiseislost that’s perfect then! And not too long away at all for you to wait now then- I hope the time flies by for you.
I was going to book early scan in for around 7weeks I think-so that’s good news I should see heartbeat 🤞🏻 but will wait til I’ve told DH before booking anything.

@Cyberworrier enjoy your online shopping and keep us posted on how you get on 😊

OK, I'm in major panic mode right now…
I just noticed that my RHR follows the exact same pattern that it did last time I was pregnant -and we all know how that ended! 😢
Huge drop at 19DPO and today at 23DPO it is at 74, exactly the same as in November. I can't stop crying, what's wrong with me? 😭

Hey @Makingnumber2 thanks for thinking of me. I've not tested for a day and a half now. Got some new tests which arrived this afternoon so I can bin the old ones but I've decided i actually feel better not knowing haha.
Because of the panic and anxiety I felt before I know I need to be able to focus on the positives of being pregnant but I can't do that until much later as the risk of losing it is so high so early on.... So for now (until I change my mind!) I'm just going to think, "maybe i am! Maybe i'm not!"
If AF arrives the tricky thing is whether to go ahead with ICSI which the consultant is pushing for a decision asap... I'd rather try a few more months this way but time is not on our side....

@eloiseislost I don't know much about the whole RHR and the patterns they should follow but honestly I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt it means it's necessarily following the same as before. HR can differ massively. Try not to panic. Thinking of you xx