Steroids, UC and pregnancy.Pls help!

Hi everyone,

My husband has had UC for several years already and he's been on steroids for a couple of years. I conceived a baby who's now 4 yrs old when he wasnt on steroids and we've been now trying for another baby but its not working. My husband has stopped his steroids around 3 or so months ago as we were told by his Doc that long term use of steroids have effects on the production of sperms so if we want to have a baby then he might have to discontinue the use of steroids at least 4-6 months before trying for a baby so that his sperm count would come back to normal.
Its almost 4 months now and I'm still waiting to conceive .I know its still too early to be getting worried about as the doc said it might take 4-6 months but we've been still trying our luck and he's been eating all that food that helps sperm production quickly.
My question is, has any of you faced similar situation? How long did it take for you to conceive?Did your husband have to stop taking steroids in order for you to conceive?
Please help me.He's off steroids but now seems to be having mild flare ups. If his flare ups get severe then he'll have to stick back on steroids but he reallly wants a baby. If he starts steroids again then we'll have more trouble trying for a baby. Will it ever work? I dont know what to do about it.
Someone please help out

I can't help you with your baby problem but I feel the need to give advice on the living instead of the not yet conceived. What other meds and dosages is your husband on? Taking steroids for that long of a time frame as a treatment plan is TOTALLY INSANE! Steroids are not meant for long term use. They should only be used to improve his condition so that maintenance meds can work at keeping him in remission once the steroids are tapered off. Staying on steroids long term is the most horrible treatment plan I can think of. Steroids will destroy his body and age him decades, making him look like a 60 year old in his forties and an 80 year old in his 50's or 60's, not to mention bringing on bone loss, diabetes, and a host of other things including constant irritability and short temperedness and these aren't possible side effects, they are almost guaranteed side effects. This will severly limit his abilities of being a father to growing children. I can't even believe his doctor is ok with this treatment plan. There are many different treatment options and I suggest reading through the resources thread at the top of the page. You might be able to kill three birds with one stone by getting him off steroids, finding another treatment plan that is much more safe, and the baby thing just might work itself out in the process.

What do you call the lowest dose? There are several different options with the safest one being rectal meds but your husband would have to be willing to use other meds. While biologics can have some worrisome side effects in a small percentage of people, even they are a lot safer than long term steroid use. Since he is no longer on steroids due to the other issue now would be the time to try something different as allowing himself to let a flare get out of control can wind up turning himself into an absentee father.