Hi all,
In terms of tests, I think there are a few basic you can have.
For the man, there is of course the "whacking off into a pot" test. They look at the no of swimmers, the motility (if they are quick enough basically) and the shape. If any of these things are not quite right, they can often give you advice on how to fix them, often with changes to diet. Right up front we got some advice (1) if your man has to booze, make it wine NOT beer, which is the enemy of swimmers (2) keep his laptop off the area and dont turn on heated seats in cars or take hot baths (3) generating new super swimmers once you are doing this takes 3 months.
I didnt get through my tests as very luckily I fell pregnant. The easy (cheap) ones are the blood tests just before and just after AF to test hormone levels. Having your tubes tested is a bit more intrusive (I think they pump something into you, but Im not sure).
Regarding acupuncture, I was going once a week but I think the lady said just before OV is the best time to go if you have limited funds.
For me, nutritionally I was advised to cut down on caffeine (am terrible diet coke addict ) and to make sure I have enough dairy in my diet.
I have to say, even making a few changes made me feel like I was taking control a bit more and really kickstarted our efforts. I have to admit, we were getting a bit half hearted and defeatist after 18 months when we went to the experts!
(shouldnt you all be off mumsnet now, off seducing your men )
xx