The start of our 1st cycle

[CoveyClover]

Hi all,

Myself and my partner are starting our TTC journey this cycle. We are a same sex couple so we have a donor who will be helping myself to conceive via AI.

I've started taking folic acid but is there anything else you'd recommend I take or use?

Also, I'm heading into town today to get some ovulation strips... I've heard you can get some from Poundland, has anyone used them or is it better to spend a bit more?

Any info you have will be greatly received!!

TIA x

 

[Sunflower1]

We are actually also using AI after 2 years of struggling with timing. I started with the cheap ovulation strips but after trying Clear Blue advanced 4 day opks, found that I would get a high fertility day and be on my second 'peak' day before the positive showed up on the cheapie. We do the AI on the first high fertility day (I only get one but you can get 2 on these opks) and then the second peak day. You might be fine with the cheap opks, but they will only tell you about your LH surge, whereas the other ones identify your estrogen surge which happens just before. You get a few more days notice. They are about 19/20 quid on Amazon, which is a lot.

I found a good shop on ebay to get cheap needleless syringes and stuff. You've probably got that all already if you are using that method. but let me now if you need any recommendations...they can be hard to find, especially ones without a lot of rubber in them. We use fertility friendly lubricant as well to increase the chances.

It's worth doing BBT if you can be bothered as it will tell you that you have ovulated.

I am just taking folic acid. Sometimes I take Spatone iron water as iron is really important. Vitamin D is important so if you can't get lots of sun, take a supplement. Other than that just eat well, avoid too much caffeine etc and have plenty of fruit and veg, oh and hydrate properly. Vitamin C is good for CM, so oranges are a good idea.

Good luck!

 

[CoveyClover]

Thanks for your reply sweet!!

Think I might look into the Clear Blue ones... perhaps this first cycle I try the cheapie ones then if no bfp then get the better ones! They do sound much better!!

I've literally just started my af so we have a little bit of time... I need to get all of the bits and bobs needed today or at least ordered so yes please that'd be great if you could provide me with the details? Links to anything will be helpful!!

I've not looked into what's involved with tracking my BBT but that also sounds useful so perhaps I start that too!

Good luck to you - I hope you get your bfp soon xx

 

[Sunflower1]

The other thing is to track your CM, so even if you haven't got a positive on the opk yet, if you have EWCM you are good to go! From what I've read every other day is recommended in your fertile window, so 2-3 times per ovulation. There's so many people giving advice online.

Here are the syringes I found...they are sold by someone specifically for AI. I tried Amazon ones with rubber seals but they stuck and you really want to push the plunger slowly so these are better and cheaper! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10x10ml-s...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 They are packaged in sterile state. Some people reuse...I don't...too much risk. They are 50p a go so not worth reusing.

The guy also sells sterile cups. We used 60ml ones from Amazon but these are cheaper. Haven't got them from him yet but will.

I've used Conceive Plus but other people use Preseed. You don't necessarily need it if you EWCM is good.

Here is the BBT thermometer I got in a kit. Also has ovulation tests too and a chart. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002VF8EXC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It all feels a bit like a science experiment! But it's fun and hopefully you get a lovely prize at the end of it! xx