Digital Fertility Monitors - are they any use?

[AveryJessup]

Working on TTC #2 here and I have very irregular cycles so I was thinking about getting one of those fertility monitor things to try and pinpoint my fertile days. Last time around it took me nearly 2 years to conceive successfully. What finally worked for us was using PreSeed and doing the TTC every two days thing. We have less time on our side this time and a toddler interrupting sleep etc so I just feel I have to be more 'focused' this time!

Anyone used these and found them helpful or are they a waste of money? They are quite expensive so don't want to shell out unless they're worthwhile...

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

Do not waste your money. These are of no use at all if the menstrual cycle is irregular.

I would go to the GP and have blood tests done; such irregularity of periods is often caused by hormonal imbalances. In this regard a condition called polycystic ovaries is a common culprit. You need to find out why your cycle is so irregular.

[KatAndKit]

I have used the Clearblue monitor and it was helpful but it wont work properly if you don't have reasonably regular cycles between about 24 and 35 days long. If yours are not regular you are better off with the super cheap ovulation predictor tests so you can do one every day once your period is over. As previous poster said, irregular cycles should get checked out as it may make conceiving more difficult.

[AveryJessup]

Thanks guys. So these monitors don't work unless your cycle is regular?? What the heck is the point of that? If you have a regular cycle then you presumably don't need an ovulation detection kit!

Re the irregular cycle - I've had all the tests done already for PCOS etc first time around and again six months ago with my new OB-GYN. There's no sign of any serious hormonal imbalance, just slightly elevated testosterone and my ovaries had some cysts but not enough to count as PCOS, apparently. Maybe I'm a borderline case or something.

My doctor said she's happy to prescribe me Clomid if I don't get pregnant soon as I'm getting close to 35 but I was just hoping to give myself the best chance to get pregnant on my own first.

[schmalex]

My cycles are irregular (but between 26-35 days) and it worked like a charm for me. Conceived at first try. My GP also told me they're pretty accurate.
If you DM me I can send you my old one (you'd still need to buy the sticks). Currently pg with number 2 and don't want any more!

[AveryJessup]

Thanks, schmalex. I live in abroad so probably can't accept your kind offer but it's good to know it worked for you. Congrats on your pregnancy!

About 7 cycles out of 10 my cycle is in the 25-35 days range but then every so often I get a crazy out of whack cycle that is 45 days long or whatever. I don't seem to ovulate those cycles. Maybe a monitor would actually come in hand on the cycles when I am ovulating then to predict when it happens?

When I think about all the stress and heartbreak first time around a couple of hundred dollars seems a small price to pay if it could result in a BFP and if it doesn't well I can always sell it on. Hope springs eternal when you're TTC-ing!!

[Pinkbell123]

Could you have a look on eBay? I got mine for around £30. Worked first time

[sahr78]

hello all, if i could join in?!
can i ask 'schmalex' did you dtd on lots of days in the end. sorry feels such a personal thing to ask, it is just i am thinking of investing in one of these after a year of no luck. conceived first baby pretty easy so i am surprised i haven't had as much luck this second time.
good to know tho that is works for cycles in that range. mine is probably 26-32 days.
thanks ladies.