Cheap vs CB opks and CB monitor- help!

[moggle]

So we have been TTC for 10 months so far with no success. I've been using the cheap ovulation sticks since the first month and have got a positive every month. Fairly regular periods, cycles vary from 28-30 days, and I get a line on the opks between 13-15 days (LP always 15 days).
Just grasping at straws for the next couple of months before we go to see the GP, so wondering what else I can try easily. So my main question is, Are the CB digital ov sticks the same test underneath as the Internet cheapies?
And if they are (and even if they aren't), is the CB fertility monitor the same again, ie testing the same hormone, or something different?
Just wondering if there's any point trying them if I'm already getting lines with the cheap tests...

[HaveALittleFaith]

They all pick up your LH levels, the positive indicates an LH surge which suggests your body is gearing up to ovulate within the next 24-48 hours. I never really got any joy with the cheap tests, when I tried the cb :) ones I could see a clear positive which helped, along with other signs like ov pain and ewcm to get a fair idea of when I was about to ovulate. I think if you're having positives on the cheap ones, you won't really benefit from the more expensive stuff. You have a fair idea that you're probably ovulating regularly (obviously only a blood test gives a definite confirmation of ovulation). I'd wait til 12 months then see your GP to see if there's anything else going on - ie check your ovarian reserves, check your post ovulation progesterone levels, maybe check your tubes and his swimmers.

[moggle]

Thanks! Yes It is reassuring that all the signs so far point to me ovulating regularly. Good to know they all measure the same thing, I will stick with my cheapies and save my money!!
I don't ever notice ewcm which worries me a little bit. Looking forward to going to the docs, hoping they propose to test DH first! He's taking the wellman pills. Apart from taking conception vitamins I'm trying to avoid being sucked in by any other "miracle" remedies. Just drumming my fingers until gP visit; think we're going to go after 12 cycles which is less than 12 months but really want to get the ball rolling before Christmas.
It took my parents 6 years to conceive me...

[HaveALittleFaith]

Lots of women don't see/recognise ewcm. I had to 'root' for mine at times! might be worth reading up on taking evening primrose oil which is meant to help.

Hold on to the stats that 80% of couples conceive within 1 year and 90% within 18 months. You may well conceive while waiting for a referral. My parents conceived within 1 cycle for my sister, two for me. DH's parents had two surprises! It took us 32 cycles so I don't set top much store by parental history! :)

[moggle]

Thanks for that! I'm a statistician so really should be able to be levelheaded about this- nothing like a good anecdote though!
I did take EPO for 6m or so, it did give me more cm but didn't change the texture of it (ew). It also gave me terrible acne on my back- I originally put this down to changes in hormones coming off the pill, but since being off it for a couple of months now the acne is gone so I will be staying off it. Need to drink more water!!

[keepitgoing]

hi moggie just to echo faith that the cheap ov sticks will do the same thing. I did the same as you and had positives most months with the cheapies, then bought a CBFM on about month 9 in desperation. It shows the same thing, but i prefer being able to do it in the morning, instead of afternoon, storing up wee etc. Unfortunately it's not got me pregnant (just starting cycle 16)... and anyway, we try and have regular sex throughout the month rather than rely too much on these.
We did go to the doctor's, and it was confirmed that i ovulate as and when i thought, which it sounds like you do too.

btw i don't think i get much cm either, but don't go rooting around for it. As i said we dtd regularly, so i'm not sure what rooting around can add... (much like cbfm )

Good luck - i have to say i found that time pretty hard, now i'm more accepting we'll need help it's in fact easier.

There are stats all over the place with ttc. Having failed to be in the majority in year 1, now i want to beat the odds and get pg naturally...

[keepitgoing]

oops, just to add that while the cheap sticks and cb sticks just measure LH, the cbfm also measure oestrogen, which rises a few days prior to the LH surge, so giving you a few days notice. But if your cycles are regular it's not all that helpful.

I have a 16 day LP. Wonder if a too-long LP can be bad?