Test to check if you're ovulating. which one is best?

[peskyfeelings]

Really considering going private as my GP has told me to come back at the end of September if I'm not pregnant by then.

My charting seems to show anovulation and I'm 37...no time to waste. Plus I might actually have expired from worry about it all by the end of two months.

Think I'm going to go private, but not sure of what tests to get? I really just want to find out if I'm not ovulating, so I can take the evidence back to GP. There's such a dizzying choice of stuff you can have done, and I'm not sure what to pick. We are far from well off as well, so don't have a lot of money to burn.

Thank you in advance. :)

[loopylou1984]

Your GP should be able to do your day 3/21 bloods to check for ovulation? I got mine done after 8 months of ttc. They can't refer you anywhere that early, but basic tests should be ok. Can you see a different doctor at your surgery? Xx

[peskyfeelings]

My GP is the only good one at my surgery sammylou1. The others are awful.

My chats weren't actually showing I wasn't ovulating when I went, but she didn't seem too concerned when I said I was worried I wasn't. Just said that she understood my concerns, but to give it until the end of September.

She didn't do any tests at all tbh. Not even my weight, blood pressure, anything. I mentioned my periods had been getting progressively lighter since coming off pill, and she didn't seem interested in that either.

Perhaps I will switch to a different GP. I really can't afford a casual approach GP at my age in life. She told me having a baby is a "natural process" (not if you're not ovulating it isn't) and that charting is an "interesting exercise" (code for "I don't believe in it" methinks?)

[peskyfeelings]

Chats? charts. Although I have also done a lot of chatting about my ovulation fears recently.

[loopylou1984]

Doctors (even fertility clinics) HATE charting, I don't know why as it very clearly works. I'd def go back and demand the blood tests. You're completely entitles to them. Xx

[peskyfeelings]

It's so odd isn't it? I could see her hackles rise the minute I mentioned charting. Perhaps it's because they put us in a position of control? They clearly do work. My charting this month has just confirmed what I already feared.

I will go back. I had no idea you were entitled to get them done. I thought it was a 6 month minimum of ttc over 35 before they would do anything at all.

I could have cheerfully throttled her when she mentioned it being a natural process!

[loopylou1984]

It's certainly not natural for me! I'm on my third IVF!
Good luck x

[peskyfeelings]

Exactly sammylou1 There's plenty of people out there for who it's the opposite of natural!

I really hope this cycle works for you. Best of luck to you too.

[SpunBodgeSquarepants]

Hi Pesky, can you post some of your charts? What's your bmi and are you temping/using opks?

[loopylou1984]

All you need to prove you're not ovulating is a progesterone blood test. This is usually done a week before your period is due. Cd21 based on a 28 day cycle. Normally gps do this and if you're found not to be ovulating the would repeat it at least once as everyone will have an annovulatory cycle now and again. If you contact a local fertility clinic then I'm sure you can get the test through them. My latest blood test for hcg check was £55, so I guess you'll be looking at about the same.
I would go back to your GP and just ask for the blood tests. It's money you shouldn't have to spend.

[peskyfeelings]

Hi Spunbodge I've attached my chart if you want to have a look. The times differ a bit due to me being a horribly early waker. I can be up anytime between 4.30 and 5.30 am usually.

I use OPKS. I got my first positive ever on CD12, so I was really happy. As you can see though the temp rise didn't last. I also got a very nearly positive yesterday, so I have no idea what is going on.

I'm definitely going to go back and ask about the bloods SammyLou I'm a bit annoyed about being fobbed off now. Why should I have to wait until end of September with all this uncertainty?

Thank you for you help both. It is really appreciated.

[peskyfeelings]

On and my bmi is 19, so I can't imagine that is an issue?

[loopylou1984]

I can't see your chart?

Your bmi is on the low side, but ok. In my clinic it has to be 18.5 to qualify for NHS IVF. Not sure the private clinic were so bothered.

[peskyfeelings]

Doh! I totally forgot to attach it. Hopefully I've managed this time!

I think my nearest NHS place has 19 as minimum BMI. There's no limit for private though.

[loopylou1984]

I normally work in Celsius so I'm not sure how high those temps are. However you're right, there doesn't look to be a sustained rise. You do have a lot of open circles though which won't have helped. X

[peskyfeelings]

I know the open circles aren't good. I sleep that badly though and wake up insanely early. I would have to set my alarm at 4am every morning to get a consistent time. I might start doing that though. I'm pretty desperate!