Can one of you lovely ladies help me please? Working out when I ovulate

[Weegle]

We're not TTC (no2) just yet but are hoping to in the summer. It's a bit complicated as I'm on drugs which are fine to take whilst TTC and pregnant but reduce your fertility if you take them around ovulation. Therefore my consultant has got me doing practice cycles of temp, CM etc to pinpoint ovulation so I can work out when not to take my meds. But I am completely confused - it's nothing like as clear cut as he implied. I am nearing the end (I think) of 3rd cycle and they are just so different. First cycle was 35 days, second 26 and currently on day 23 but not sure I have ovulated yet as no marked difference in temp - but then I've only noticed these in the first two cycles in hindsight as it was 0.1 of a degree sustained over a few days. CM is so variable I'm not sure I get that method!

Should I buy some OPK's - will they narrow it down to the precise days I shouldn't take the drugs? The consultant seemed to think this would leave too big a "window" without my meds and wanted to pinpoint it more accurately. He's referring me to an obstetrician but that might be a while off yet by the time the appointment comes through. Am I missing something here?

[mummyloveslucy]

I know, it's extreamly tricky pinpointing your ovulation. I had to do this and I had irregula cycles but I also got ovulation pain which helped. I used the ovulation predicting kits but they work out expencive, especially if you have an irregula cycle. I found a different ovulation device from boots/superdrug which is like a little microscope that you lick the lense, let it dry and then look through the tube at it and if you're ovulating you will see a strange fern like pattern. The device is only the size of a lipstick and can be used over and over so works out cheeper than the sticks. I found this really helpfull and quite facinating.
Good luck for the summer.

[ArrietyClock]

Hi Weegle

This book www.amazon.co.uk/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Reproductive/dp/0091887585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 qid=1206987458&sr=1-1 will tell you all you need to know! It's a hefty book but worth a read - tells you about temping, CM (with pictures!), and cervical position (should you choose to investigate!). I've just started playing around with a thermometer too - mostly from a curious perspective as I have a very good idea when I ovulate. I too haven't found the temperature change to be as marked as the book suggests although greater that 0.1 of a degree. You need to take your temp first thing in the morning, at about the same time, before you get out of bed and (apparently) need to have been there for at least 3 hours before hand. Tricky when you have a little one who might demand some attention in the night. Your temp will tell you when you have ovulated by going up afterwards. The book will give you a method for drawing a 'line' on a graph so that you can determine which are the raised temps.

As for the CM thing, try writing down what you observe over a couple of cycles and you might see a pattern. In a nutshell the stuff that is like egg white indicates you are/are about to ovulate. If you don't get that, it's the wettest stuff you get which should indicate it. The presence of this should occur just before your temp goes up. Once you have some idea you can then double check with OPK's if you wish.

Mind you,I did all this the other way around though. We used a Persona montitor for (vague) contraception so that told me the most fertile couple of days. Then I realised the CM thing matched up. And now I've bought the book and the thermometer because I'm, ummm, probably a science/biology geek or something! Haven't tried the ferning thing yet, though sadly tempted....

[fym]

You might want to jump in on the temping buddies thread - we're all TTC so just say you're not yet. Post a link to your charts, here or on the temping thread and you'll get loads of takers for examining your cycle!! Are you using FF or TCOYF software?

temping thread

charts thread

[fym]

oh you should also look at the charts on here can be useful in seeing the possibilties for charts!

[Weegle]

great - thanks everyone, will have a look at those threads. It's a bit complicated!

[JulietM]

Hello Weegle
The best and most reliable method to use even on your drugs is the Billings Ovulation Method where you monitor your cervical mucus to see when you are at your most fertile and then the length of time following your 'peak' fertility day until you bleed again which is called the luteal phase. It's very easy to follow and does not cost anything as long as you are taught by a qualified teacher. If you live London way then the people to contact are:
The BOM Trust
The Basement
58B Vauxhall Grove
London
SW8 1TB

Tel: 020 7793 0026

Best time to telephone: After 10.30 am, Monday - Friday, but not Thursdays

Hope this helps.