GUM....not the Wrigleys kind....

"Well, you can't say I never give you anything"

Having made the decision to TTC, OH and I thought it would be a good idea to get tested for any STDs. A woman in my babycentre group recommended it too.

I've never done this before. Quite embarrassing really given I'm 35.


Incase you think you don't need to...
STIs and simple infections are common reasons for infertility. Chlamydia can cause infertility and has no symptoms. It would be heart breaking to know your TTC journey could have been quicker, had you got tested.
It's quick and easy.


So off I trotted to my local GUM.

It was very discreet in our new local hospital. It's named after a person 'e.g. the fred blog clinic', so not embarrassing if you need to ask for directions in the hospital.
Arriving at reception i was asked if i'd been here before.
"No!" very defensively...silly me.
The receptionist was very warm and soothing in her tone - probably figured I was nervous. Although the beads of sweat probably gave it away!
I was asked to take a seat, given a form and a clipboard to put my name, address, GP details (if I wanted to) and mobile number and which tests I want done. I ticked the 'all the above' box.

The waiting area was blocked off cleverly and men and women were in different areas.

Form filled in, you're given a small card with clinic contact details and your unique ID number. You use this to obtain your results and thank goodness the staff call you by the number - not your name.

Next step - I was called in to speak with a doctor. Nice woman who asked why I wanted to be tested. I simply said I'd never done this before, it was about time and I'm planning on having children. A few questions about my lifestyle, e.g. ever taken drugs, has my partner slept with a man ('er, if he has he's kept that quiet!), then she gave me a small sample pot to have a wee in and wait in reception.

Now here's the funny bit. In the toilet there's a small hatch to drop your sample in! You don't need to hand it to anyone, brilliant!


Next step was to wait to be called for blood test.
Again this was quick and easy, i was in and out within two minutes. Blood test took seconds.

Then I was told to wait 10 working days.
If they find an infection I'll get a phone call.
If not, I won't hear anything, but can call if I want to.

I rang after 10 days - and was given my results. All clear! Hurrah!


Get yourself checked out. If you've ever had unprotected sex, be it a crazy random one night stand or only in a loving relationship...it's worth the piece of mind.


And it's easy and free! (you're making your own jokes up here aren't you!)

NHS info on Visiting a GUM clinic

Beginners guide to TTC

Having made the decision, if you're like me, you're probably thinking...where do I start?

Basic ingredients:

• A loving partner
• Lots of sex (preferably good quality sex)
• A good helping of patience (this recipe may take a while to cook)
• Healthy body
• Healthy lifestyle
• Sensible support network (note: frenemies do not count!)

A Loving Partner:

The Bear (my OH) can wind me up something chronic! But he's also my best friend and a good guy. We think alike so that makes life easy. This journey can test a relationship, so be sure to have someone who's a team player on your side.


Lots of sex
Nuff said!


Patience
If you've spent most of your adult life avoiding pregnancy, it can be a shock to realise how long it takes. Expect to try for up to a year if you're under 35 and six months if you're over 35. If you're not pregnant within that timeframe, time to chat with your GP.

NHS Choices - Fertility info



Healthy Body & Lifestyle
Lots of common sense really. if you smoke - now's the time to stop, it'll only be harder once pregnant. if OH smokes, quitting will improve his sperm.
Couch potato? Start introducing some movement into your life.
Coffee addict - cut down to one per day , decaff or stop.
Junk food addict - enjoy your treats but introduce a variety of fresh foods where you can.
Supplements can also help - make sure they're specific to pregnancy or conception.

Support network

Shameless plug: Babycentre.co.uk is a great resource, with information, tips, articles, and a very active on-line network for every stage from TTC to parenting.
Tip - choose a username you are happy to be seen publicly and will last throughout your journey, as you can't amend it. i.e. trying for number 1 will look silly once you've 3 year old twins!

I have chosen not to tell friends and family, as it's too much pressure. Once we got pregnant I'll announce it!

So, that's the basic stuff....time to start baby making!

Making the decision...

So, you've made the decision.

You're going to have a baby, or at least get lots of practice making one!

The question is often asked: "When is a good time?"

The answer is invariably "Oh, there's never a good time", "You never know how long it will take"

So, if you're reading this I won't bore you with when is a good time. You're grown up enough to know when is the right time.

So, I'll simply say this....

If you're:

• About to be sent to prison
• Are under 18
• Using drugs and drinking heavily.
• The 'Octomum'
• Can't remember the name of the man you're sleeping with

Now is not the right time!

Anything else.....you can find a way :)

Is it just me.....?

Or is the entire world having children?!

There are pregnant women everywhere....Facebook, twitter, on the tube, on the bus, presenting TV programmes....everywhere!!

OK, my point is a tad silly, but nonetheless, it's as though I've suddenly woken up and seen the world in a new light.


It's forced a reality check.

I'm 35, childless or child free depending on your view.

The Big Bear (that's my other half) and I decided several months ago.....

"It's time to start making babies!"

So I'm going to blog our journey, share some tips, probably say some things I wish I hadn't and hopefully learn how to Bake a Bun!

Come join me....it beats playing solitare!