Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

40 Years Old, Ttc #1 gluten-free 3 Years

Loribop22

By Loribop22
in Related Issues & Disorders

Recommended Posts

Loribop22 Newbie
Loribop22
Posted

Hi, I'm a newbie to this board. I've been trying to conceive (ttc) for 2 years and finally went to a reproductive endo for help in November. This weekend we did our 1st Clomid/IUI and am now in the stressful 2 week wait part of the cycle. I found out I had Celiac 3 1/2 years ago and have been stricly gluten-free ever since.

Is there anything special I should do to help our chances of conceiving this cycle? We can't do IVF because of the expense, and I think this procedure will cost about $500. We've already spent about $500 for labwork and tests. Our insurance covers next to nothing. I really don't want to go thru this over and over again. I never thought I'd be infertile. Actually, my hubby has low sperm and low morphology. I know this is a pregnancy forum, but I couldn't find one for those of us ttc. The fertility site I am on does not have many gluten-free members and I feel it's a big issue and could use the support. They just don't understand. Anyway, any stories or advice on how ttc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lori

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guest cassidy
Guest cassidy
Posted

I saw no one responded, but I'm not sure that I can offer much help.

I took my temperature and charted, but I'm sure if you are at the point where you are at, then you have already done all of that.

Being gluten-free really hasn't been an issue in my pregnancy. I have had a couple of cravings that I couldn't satisfy but that was not that hard to deal with. I think the bigger issue will be dealing with the baby's diet and hoping he doesn't have celiac.

Good luck. I hope it works out this time!

klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted
Hi, I'm a newbie to this board. I've been trying to conceive (ttc) for 2 years and finally went to a reproductive endo for help in November. This weekend we did our 1st Clomid/IUI and am now in the stressful 2 week wait part of the cycle. I found out I had Celiac 3 1/2 years ago and have been stricly gluten-free ever since.

Is there anything special I should do to help our chances of conceiving this cycle? We can't do IVF because of the expense, and I think this procedure will cost about $500. We've already spent about $500 for labwork and tests. Our insurance covers next to nothing. I really don't want to go thru this over and over again. I never thought I'd be infertile. Actually, my hubby has low sperm and low morphology. I know this is a pregnancy forum, but I couldn't find one for those of us ttc. The fertility site I am on does not have many gluten-free members and I feel it's a big issue and could use the support. They just don't understand. Anyway, any stories or advice on how ttc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lori

I'm almost in the same boat as you. I've been TTC for 2 years and have been gluten-free for 10. We haven't really started any fertility 'treatments' yet. We are in the process of getting tested. If I find anything out that might help I'll let you know. I know how it feels to be looking for for answers

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

Have your husband take vitamin C supplements in addition to a good multiple. Vitamin C is safe, any extra goes out in the urine, so I'd have my hubby take it a few times per day in that situation. Vitamin C is good for sperm health in many ways. You might Google Vitamin C and sperm to see what you can find.

I'm sure doc has already told him -- loose fitting underwear and pants ...

Also, do what you can to build up sperm count ... abstain two weeks (or at least 10 days) before ovulation to build up sperm count. You are most fertile when you have cervical mucus present (that mucus that you see mid-month), so when you begin seeing that mucus, start having relations at that time. One month try every-other-day, then the next month every day. Studies vary on which is more effective.

If your mucus never becomes like raw-egg white, then eat carrots ... the beta carotene is good for mucus quality. Mucus is essential for sperm migration, given the low sperm count, you want to be as friendly of an environment as you can!

Don't forget to have fun trying. ;) Stress won't help any.

Loribop22 Newbie
Loribop22
Posted
  • Author

Thanks everyone for writing. My husband takes a slew of vitamins and amino acids to help his sperm count, including esther C. I chart my temps and cervical mucus, use the clear blue ovulation monitor, and we've tried baby dancing every day during ovulation, every other day, etc. It's been a long two years! At this point, if the IUI doesn't work, we'll try anything. Is there any chance that gluten is passed thru his sperm?

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Lori,

There have been numerous threads on this topic (gluten in ..... ) and the resounding answer is no.

Even if it were, unless you were allergic, it wouldn't be a problem, because in general, gluten has to reach your small intestine for the celiac reaction to occur. And, it won't through "baby practicing." It can through other means of intimacy, but like stated above, it IS gluten free. :)

Good luck,

Laura

Loribop22 Newbie
Loribop22
Posted
  • Author
I'm almost in the same boat as you. I've been TTC for 2 years and have been gluten-free for 10. We haven't really started any fertility 'treatments' yet. We are in the process of getting tested. If I find anything out that might help I'll let you know. I know how it feels to be looking for for answers
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted
Klaya, if I may ask, how old are you? It may be time to see a Dr just for tests to make sure there isn't an easily resolvable solution (ie: thyroid). You can ask your gyno to take some cycle day 3 bloodwork and thyoid tests. I wish we didn't wait as long as we did to see someone. Especially at my age. Oh well, you live and you learn!

I am 35 and we've been trying for 2 years. We've just completed the first set of blood test and have started seeing a specialist. My tests came back 'normal' whatever that means

michelle marriott Newbie
michelle marriott
Posted

hi i have diagnosed been 2 years ago,but have been ill for 17 years, i have 5 kids and pregentet again

have you tride takeing agnus castus it is good

good luck :)

dionnek Enthusiast
dionnek
Posted

Well, this is not what you want to hear, but it is my story - stop trying! :)

Seriously, as Carla said, stressing about it will make it never work. We tried for about 2 years, did the clomid and some other drug can't remember the name, then finally gave up and decided we could live together just the 2 of us and maybe get a dog then bam! very next month I had a period and got pregnant. The whole stress thing was lifted off my shoulders so I guess that helped. Now, I am pregnant again (we were not trying - thought I couldn't have another b/c I haven't had a period since that 1 three years ago) but as soon as I stopped taking the pill I got pregnant.

BTW, I was not dx with celiac until after my first pregnancy (1 1/2 years after to be exact), so I was eating gluten all along. Good luck to you!

klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted
Klaya, if I may ask, how old are you? It may be time to see a Dr just for tests to make sure there isn't an easily resolvable solution (ie: thyroid). You can ask your gyno to take some cycle day 3 bloodwork and thyoid tests. I wish we didn't wait as long as we did to see someone. Especially at my age. Oh well, you live and you learn!

We (husband and I) got our test results back and all is normal and good. So it appears that celiac disease is not really effecting my fertility at this point. Since I've been off gluten for so long I really didn't think it was an issue but you never know. The next step will be a pelvic x-ray 'Dye' test and then the Lap surgery if needed. Thanks for your encouragement I wish you all the best things that the future can bring.

  • 1 month later...
klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted

Hi, I just wanted give you all an update. I had the Dye Test last month and then about a week ago my doc put me on Amoxicillin because I was having a lot of back pain and cramping (he thought I might have an infection form the test). Now I am 8 days late. I took an EPT 2 days before my period was due and it was negative. I am a little hesitant to take another test until I am few more days late. Has anyone had any experience with antibiotics and gluten? I asked the pharmacist if the drug was gluten free but she didn't know. Anyway, I'm feeling very bloated but I don't have my usual PMS symptoms so I'm not sure if I'm pregnant or have some sort of reaction to the antibiotics that has delayed my period. I also cut way back on dairy this month??? Who knows maybe that had some kind of effect.

Any one out there have any insight?

  • 1 month later...
yodelbaby23 Newbie
yodelbaby23
Posted

If your husband has a variocele find another doctor and get a second opinion. My husband and I tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for 5 years. He was also told he did not need to have his variocele corrected. We got a second opionion and were told to make up our own minds. He had his variocele corrected and within 4 months I was pregnant with a healthy baby girl. The variocele surgery is pretty simple and quick. My husband had the surgery on Friday and was up and around and back to work on Monday....and he's a big baby. Plus, our insurance paid for the entire thing. Good Luck to you! Karena

alamaz Collaborator
alamaz
Posted

Hi Klaya,

I would get a second opinion about your husbands condition.

Also, have the doctors performed antibody testing? Open Original Shared Link I know it says it's rare however the first test a nutritionist told me I should have is the anitbody testing if I'm not pregnant by the end of the year. It's supposedly not well received in the US but in other countries it's one of the first tests they perform.

I don't have much else for you except a big hug. I'm right in the same boat as you are and it's so frustrating. Our problem this month is DH is traveling right at prime time. :angry: Maybe next month! I hope everything works out for you!

Amy

  • 2 weeks later...
klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted

Hi again, here's another update, although there's not much to update...

It's been almost 3 months since the dye test. I am having pain on my right side every other month so I'm sort of thinking that there's something going on in my right ovary. I am scheduled to see the doc at the end of May. I know he is going to suggest the Lap surgery

diamondheart Newbie
diamondheart
Posted

Hi Klaya,

I would definitely recommend acupuncture for you AND your husband. I frequent on another fertility board and the one group I'm on there is women who have been TTC doing acupuncture. There have been a lot of success stories.

I'm not quite there yet, but working on it. I did the whole IUI thing and it didn't work. I'm also 40. I'm probably going on to IVF.

Does anyone know how Lori's IUI went?

Claire

  • 4 months later...
klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted

Hi everyone, it's been a while but I wanted to give an update in case there is anyone else in my shoes who might be looking for help. 3 weeks ago I had the lap and the doc found stage 2 endometriosos. He told me that my infertility was most likely caused by this and I believe him, since all else was normal. He removed it and we are now looking at something like 70% chances of conceiving naturally.

The surgery was a little scary but not as scary as I thought it would be. The recovery has been fairly quick. If your doc suggests having this type of surgery I would seriously consider it . My back and side pain have gone away and it only been 3 weeks. My Husband and I are really excited about our chances now.If anyone has any questions about the Lap surgery I'd be happy to try and help.

  • 9 months later...
klaya Rookie
klaya
Posted
Hi everyone, it's been a while but I wanted to give an update in case there is anyone else in my shoes who might be looking for help. 3 weeks ago I had the lap and the doc found stage 2 endometriosos. He told me that my infertility was most likely caused by this and I believe him, since all else was normal. He removed it and we are now looking at something like 70% chances of conceiving naturally.

The surgery was a little scary but not as scary as I thought it would be. The recovery has been fairly quick. If your doc suggests having this type of surgery I would seriously consider it . My back and side pain have gone away and it only been 3 weeks. My Husband and I are really excited about our chances now.If anyone has any questions about the Lap surgery I'd be happy to try and help.

Hello! It's been almost a year since I last posted here. I needed a little break. Anyway in the last year I have started seeing an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility. She has changed my cycle so much for the better - it's truly amazing.

I am now on my second cycle with her, taking TCM herbs and feeling so much better. With these treatments I have very little PMS and my period is much easier to endure. I am still glad that I had the lab surgery rgery but it didn't reslolve my fertility problem. If anyone out there is thinking about trying acupuncture I highly recommend it. Also read The Infertility Cure. by Randine A Lewis

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,728
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Jo-Anne Bloom
    Newest Member
    Jo-Anne Bloom
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Possible celiac - need advice

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Do you have the results of your endoscopy? Did you do a celiac disease blood panel before that?  Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy: and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:    
    • Scott Adams
      Celiac or not??

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is odd that your Tissue Transglutaminase (TTG) IgA level has bounced from the "inconclusive" range (7.9, 9.8) down to a negative level (5.3), only to climb back up near the positive threshold. This inconsistency, coupled with your ongoing symptoms of malabsorption and specific nutrient deficiencies, is a strong clinical indicator that warrants a more thorough investigation than a simple "satisfactory" sign-off. A negative blood test does not definitively rule out celiac disease, especially with such variable numbers and a classic symptomatic picture. You are absolutely right to seek a second opinion and push for a referral to a gastroenterologist. A biopsy remains the gold standard for a reason, and advocating for one is the most direct path to getting the answers you need to finally address the root cause of your suffering. Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy: and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:    
    • Scott Adams
      How Come Gluten Didnt Bother Me In Italy

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      There is a distinction between gluten itself and the other chemicals and processing methods involved in modern food production. Your experience in Italy and Greece, contrasted with your reactions in the U.S., provides powerful anecdotal evidence that the problem, for some people, may not be the wheat, but the additives like potassium bromate and the industrial processing it undergoes here. The point about bromines displacing iodine and disrupting thyroid function is a significant one, explaining a potential biological mechanism for why such additives could cause systemic health issues that mimic gluten sensitivity. It's both alarming and insightful to consider that the very "watchdog" agencies meant to protect us are allowing practices banned in many other developed countries. Seeking out European flour and your caution about the high-carb, potentially diabeticgenic nature of many gluten-free products are excellent practical takeaways from your research, but I just want to mention--if you have celiac disease you need to avoid all wheat, including all wheat and gluten in Europe.
    • Rejoicephd
      Draft gluten-free ciders… can they be trusted ?

      By Rejoicephd · Posted

      @Scott Adams That's actually exactly what I ended up asking for— vodka tonic with Titos.  I saw on their website that Tito's is certified gluten-free (maybe many of the clear vodkas are, I don't know, I just happened to look up Tito's in advance). I should have actually specified the 'splash' though, because I think with the amount of tonic she put in there, it did still end up fairly sweet.  Anyway, I think I've almost got this drink order down!
    • Wends
      Inconclusive results

      By Wends · Posted

      Be interesting to see the effects of dairy reintroduction with gluten. As well as milk protein sensitivity in and of itself the casein part particularly has been shown to mimic gluten in about 50% of celiacs. Keep us posted!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.