There are many tools, herbal
supplements, and prescription medications available that can assist in
your attempts to conceive. The ones listed are ones we've tried, are
trying, or are going to try. If you have used any of these with success
please leave comments below and tell us about your experience with them!
TTC tools:
Fertile Focus Microscope- used to track
saliva texture and patterns to pinpoint ovulation
BBT Thermometer- Used to chart basal
body temperature for pinpointing ovulation (I personally use the
thermometer and microscope)
OPK
(ovulation predictor kits): Ovulation predictor kits come in a form
that looks a lot like a pregnancy test. They can tell you when your
body is about to ovulate or is ovulating. They can be bought with a
monitor(which is often quite pricey), as sticks (think a urine pregnancy
test you pee on), or as strips. The strips are what I purchased. You
collect your urine in a clean cup (dixie cups meant for shots are
perfect and disposable) and follow package instructions. Unlike a
pregnancy test a line is not a line. It has to match the control line
for you to be ovulating.
Pregnancy
tests: Many TTC women are familiar with the term POAS, or pee on a
stick. You can buy these at a drugstore, or online. If you go for the
strips (like the ovulation ones I described), you can buy large bulks of
them for a very reasonable price. These are the exact same ones they
use in your doctor's office.
Herbal Supplements:
Dong Qui root- used to force AF.
Dong Qui has a funny name, but it is used to nourish the blood. It
causes a woman to have a cycle according to my readings. I'm about to
try this one myself.
Maca Root- Used to encourage ovulation
in women and sperm count and motility in men
Prenatal vitamins- a vitamin formulated
to help prepare your body before pregnancy, and sustain a healthy
pregnancy. Many women continue taking it after because dammit, it
just makes your hair so pretty. (Available in pill, capsule, and even
yummy gummy form!) If you take absolutely nothing else for pregnancy
or to prepare, take some prenatals.
Pregnitude- A supplement containing
folic acid and myo-inositol. Folic acid is crucial for having a
healthy baby. It promotes new cell growth. (also means good hair for
the yet to be preggers). Myo-inositol is a naturally occurring
substance in the human body, it is a B vitamin. It helps spontaneous
ovulation and kinda just tells the body what it should do. It also
assists in correcting insulin resistance. Myo-inositol helps with
hair loss, acne, and anovulation often associated with PCOS. I could
write a whole article about it, but quite frankly, PCOS
Diva did it for me.
Progersterone cream- Used to balance
hormones by applying to the skin. Progesterone is naturally produced
by the body, but most PCOS women do not produce enough. Its often
used in PCOS women, menopausal women, and anyone who has trouble with
their LP(luteal phase). Often suggested to continue use during the
entire pregnancy, but should be consulted by your doctor of course.
Vitex- Chaste Tree is used to help
regulate menstral cycles in women. It helps with the natural
production of progesterone. Not to be taken while pregnant or
nursing, but helpful while trying to concieve or to regulate cycles
otherwise.
Fertilaid (or other off brand names of
the same mixture, often just called fertility blend for women. There
is one for men as well.) The blend I use contains Vitamins E, B6,
B12, folic acid, iron, magnesium, Zinc, selenium, green tea, and
vitex(a smaller amount than you take in its own form). Its a great
balance of the right things to prepare your body for pregnancy. Many
women with mild infertility can take this alone and conceive.
Magnesium- Helps stop preterm labor, helps with menstrual cramping. If you are PCOS or other possible high risk it is an important one to be aware of!
Co-Q 10- It is said that this vitamin supplement helps with the strength and production of egg follicles
.
Red Raspberry leaves(yes the leaves
from red raspberries)- used for many many ailments, but for this
specific use its for regulating your period. It can also known for
easing menstrual pain, nausea during pregnancy, and wait for it....
DELIVERY PAIN! If pregnant be careful not to take too much and talk
to your doctor about safe amounts during pregnancy.
RX:
Metformin- Metformin is a diabetes drug
used to regulate insulin resistance. For lack of a better word, if
you have insulin related PCOS your uterus is in a way, diabetic.
Metformin helps reduce weight, and has been found to assist the body
to return to its normal ovulation and menstrual cycle.
Clomiphene(Aka Clomid)- Clomid is often
prescribed in no more than 6 month cycles by your doctor to force
ovulation.
Provera- Provera is prescribed to bring
on a menstrual cycle.
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