Rely on natural signs of Ovulation - or bring in the technology? Which is best?

[CosyTeaBags]

I've been TTC for about 6 months now.

I thought I had it sussed with my CM and cervix position. This month, I had very strong ovulation pain (I think). But all of these signs vary month by month - sometimes the EWCM is obvious, sometimes it isn't.

It all feels a bit vague for me, and I now have no idea whether I've missed the boat for this month by not DTD early enough, or not.

I discussed it with my DP and he said he'd rather not know when the 'right' time is, so I told him we really should just DTD every other day.

But I NEED to know!! I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and like to know all the facts. I'm considering trying temping or OPKs, but so many people have warned against this as it just feeds the obsession...

I've also had a couple of dodgy day 21 tests, which indicate low progesterone. I'm convinced we hit the wrong day with the tests each time, and my GP wants to test me again. But without knowing for sure when I Ov, I don't know when the best day to test is. This is weighing on my mind, so I really want to get this test done properly.

So, what would others recommend? Go all out on the technology and know for sure whether / when I'm ovulating, or stick to the natural signs...?

we have been trying for two months now. last month i knew when to try both from how i felt and because the tests i took were strongly positive for ovulation, and it was right in the middle of my cycle. this month, i haven't had any symptoms of ovulation and the tests are saying i haven't hit peak fertility yet, about 15/16 days in to my 26 day cycle. i'm finding it stressful, wondering what's "wrong", so discussed with my husband whether next month we should just dtd every other day and not worry about the right times. his take on it is that he would find that just as stressful, and that it might be harder on him having to "perform" for longer. he'd rather know when the right time is and go for it so we get our best shot. i can see the pros and cons of both approaches, but i suspect we'll continue to test. we both have quite demanding jobs, so giving it our best shot through tests and checks seem right for us. but they are stressful and they have certainly changed the way we approach dtd! maybe you could test for one month, just so you can get a clearer picture of how things are?

Useful advice thank you mssleepyhead

I did wonder how anyone manages to DTD every other day for the whole cycle... we would be knackered and stressed by that.. but might give it a try.

I'm quite keen to know the right time, so I might do what you suggest and test for one month. Are you using an OPK? Can you recommend any?

I used the clearblue digital ov sticks and also some Internet cheapies. The clearblue one is good but you have to be prepared for a lot of high fertility days before you get your peak. The ICs seem more hit and miss. If you test at just the right time you get a positive, but otherwise not. Yesterday I felt the same symptoms of ovulation as I felt last month and hey presto - I got a positive ov test on both the ICs and the clearblue, so next month I might not test and just use the signs I've gotten to know over the last couple of months. I've also been temping this month too, so I can think about the patterns from that. Unless I get a bfp this month of course! I would really recommend doing it for one month alongside checking cm and cervix position. I feel much more aware of my body now.