How bad is caffeine???

Okay,

So I have 3 failed IUI attempts and 11 years TTC (3 years since surgery).  The doctors tell me to cut caffeine.  I have switched to decaf at 1 cup a day with an occasional diet tea/and the dreaded diet soda.  Could that amount of caffeine be hindering my chances?  My doctor didn't sound so concerned when I mentioned my intake.  This has been a change because I drank huge amounts of coffee and tea (I have been freezing forever since surgery and I have used them to warm me up)  If they are hurting my chances of TTC I will leave them alone altogether even the decaf variety.  Any help would be welcome.

How are you?

Did your dr specify what, if any, level of caffeine is acceptable?  I would call and ask.  I was a Diet Coke addict for all the years I was TTC both kids.  I'm not advocating for huge quantities or anything, but IMHO I don't think 1 cup of coffee/day is going to cause infertility.  My OB even said it was all right to consume during pregnancy at this level, though I chose not to.  Again, not advocating that for others, just trying to point out one point-of-view on the matter.

Keep us posted because I'm interested to know what others feel.

Hugs,

She said one cup of  regular wouldn't hurt so I figured switching to decaf would be a better deal.  I also have been trying to do decaf in tea and other drinks I just wanted to be sure that every drink is not affecting my chances. 

Here is an article kind of telling how much caffeine is in decaf coffee compared to regular coffee. I agree that maybe you should get a number amount from the doctor and try to stick under that. Say 20 grams a day or whatever he says.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061012185602.htm

I am curious if he is making hubby cut out caffeine too for the same reasons...would be a good idea.

Also, I know alot don't advocate drinking soda post op, but I do have an occasional craving for the bubbles and have found that dite rite pure zero is good and has no caffeine and is sweetened with splenda, which is safer when you do become pregnant than other artificial sweeteners.

If you are always cold then you should check your iron levels as well. There are also no sugar added hot chocolates and herbal teas that are free of caffeine.

Just wondering if you don't mind, what your issues are. I have pcos with insulin resistance and hubby has super low sperm counts. We are pg with #2, so don't give up hope okay!! Shari

I will check out the link you sent, thanks a lot.   I have a dr. appt next week, I'll mention it again then.

He is doing decaf with me, but he doesn't care for it the way I do anyway.  Initially, our issue was my health I was extremely hypertensive and diabetic.  Now both of those are under control.   Now they have found that due to hubby's diabetes there is an issue of his sperm mixing with urine, so that is what they are treating us for during this round of fertility with extraction and sterilization.  All of my parts seemed to check out okay.  For my last IUI after their technique he had 18 million soldiers (sounds like a lot to me).

Chavon

Hubbies counts were 2-4 mil post wash. We got pg both times naturally with me just on metformin to regulate my cycles. It sounds like you are on the right track and that since your body is working okay and hubby is getting the 18 mil it is just a matter of timing and those soldiers getting through to the egg. Have they considered giving you clomid to maybe have you pop 2 eggs for better chances? Anyway, good luck.

Yes, I have done clomid with every IUI my first one there were quite a few eggs each time there were more, so I'm not sure what the issue is. I'm not going for Octomom status or anything but one good one would be fine with me. 

Hopefully next month when we do the IVF it will circumvent whatever the obstacle appears to be.  Thanks for your support.

Chavon

Forgot to add that I am also on Metformin.  I was on it originally for the diabetes but my GYN suggested I stay on it for the fertility benefits even after the diabetes was under control.

I'm not sure about the caffiene but I did want to wish you luck with your fertility treatments.  It's not easy, I too went through a lot.  I had 8 years of failed treatments and like Shari I too have PCOS and my DH has low low counts (not quite as low as Shari's DH but definitely lower than your DHs).  Fortunately for us we were able to concieve on our own 2x after surgery so please don't give up!

Thank you!  It is so good to hear from those who have been through the struggle.  As you know.  It seems like you will never get your turn.  In any event, it helps to see those with the outcome I'm looking for.  Keep sending those encouraging posts everyone, they really do help!!!