Lady Reefers- Tanks and Fertility

[chaungo]

This is TMI guys so just warning you before you read on.....

All lady reefers out there:

I am wondering if sticking my arms in my reef tank could cause no ovulation or fertility problems. I don't use gloves which I probably should when I reach into my tank. I haven't seen any that go all the way up your arms. But anyway, I've been actively getting new corals and fish in the last 3 months which means more arms in the tank. But at the same time, I also didn't ovulate for the last 3 months either. My husband and I are trying for our first child and I wonder if there is any correlation because I did ovulate 4 months ago when I wasn't actively working on the tank-what do you think?

I have zoos, leathers, lps, and sps in my tank. I know zoos can be toxic but I haven't cut any of them. Sorry for the TMI guys.

Thanks.

[Tang Salad]

IMO, it seems rather unlikely. Your doctor could probably put this worry to rest.

[sjj80]

That's a very good question. I personally wouldn't put my hand in a reef tank while pregnant simply because you never know what coral toxins could do. There's definitely a correlation between the increase in the amount of times you've put your hand in the tank and the lack of ovulation. www.drsfostersmith.com sell Aqua Gloves that are 28" long. I'd use those and see if your ovulation starts back up. If you are using home ovulation tests they can be inaccurate as well, there are other ways of checking however that would be TMI for sure, look on webmd for more info. Lots of other things like medications, alcohol consumption, smoking and age can all affect ovulation as well. Generally if you have been trying for one year with no success then that's usually the time to see a fertility specialist. My husband and I planned and tried for our second child and it really made the experience of being pregnant wonderful. Congratulations on your decision and I wish you all the best.

[fayzane]

Ummm....no. If that were so, then other mammals in the sea would not be able to propagate. I think your ovulation issues are related to something else.

Have you been on birth control for awhile? I have often heard that getting pregnant after being on birth control can be difficult - it really messes up your body's natural cycle. Women often go through early menopause, you could have PCOS or some other endocrine issue going on. How old are you? Do you smoke/drink? Any history of health issues? I highly doubt it's the tank.

[chaungo]

Wow! Quick reponses. I'm 32 and been off BC since June 2007 so it could still be working itself out of my system. Drink socially and don't smoke, normal weight with no health issues-that I know of yet.

I use FAM and track temps so I know that I didn't ovulate for the last few months, but did ovulate in Dec. I've got an appointment with the Dr. on Monday but I seriously doubt the Dr will know anything about reef tanks and any potential toxins that could cause any problems since it is such a specialty hobby. I wanted to see if anyone at RC had anything to offer because I found it coincidental-that's all.

I know stress levels and other things could cause delays or lack of ovulation but I was just curious. I read that zoos could be very bad if you get any juices near skin, eyes, etc. Obviously humans don't live in the ocean and have not developed the life support/defenses like oceanic mammals. Plus the oceans have vast amounts of water which any toxic buildup is minimal whereas home aquariums are smaller environments.

Thanks sjj80 for the nice words. I'll order the gloves in case for now and in the future if we should get pregnant-wouldn't want to cause any harm to a developing baby- but just wondering if anyone had any experiences.

Thanks for your posts.

[Justinandkrista]

lol I would be very surprised if sticking your arm in your tank would affect geting pregnant. Sounds rediculus. What dose your man think of your theroy? Sorry to laught but this isnt and ordanary topic here on rc. Dont drink or do crack and babys usally turn out normal.

[fayzane]

I regret to inform you that even at the tender age of 32 your cycles can get screwy....I am your age and am already experiencing some wacky phenomena.

It could be because you were on birth control for X period of time, but also some people naturally have a harder time concieving - it's possible you are just now becoming aware of this because you decided to start a family. My aunt went through the same thing - in her 30's she finally decided she wanted a child after all and it was much harder than she anticipated - but she was overjoyed when her son arrived.

But I don't see how gloves can hurt...at least you will be making sure no lotion or anything gets into your tank. Good luck! Babies are wonderful....

[Linina]

It breaks my heart to hear of people who long for a baby but have trouble conceiving. I know way too many couples who are trying to get pregnant right now.

All my best and I hope it works out....I second the glove opinion - anything that might help and certainly won't hurt!

[BLKTANG]

I get excited when i get new reef toys,any relation??

[njdevilsfan]

i studied horticulture in college and my female prof swore she couldnt have a baby due to chemicals we used in the greenhouse

not trying to freak you out just saw your sig