er.... so how do you do this again?

[meowmix]

OK so we're trying for number 2 after a few false starts (and bearing in mind DS took 5 years to arrive, but then he's a terrible dawdler so that may explain it). Given I'll be 37 this year this is a bit last chance saloon for us.

Obviously I know the mechanics. What I'm after are the tried and tested tips on conceiving (but being outside UK I can't get the fertility kits etc you get in Boots so we're talking more old wife style than scientific.

I'm going to give it 6 months of non-scientific trial and error and then... think about Clomid/similar maybe. Come to that what are people's experiences with Clomid?

There are a number of ways that you can identify when you are likely to be ovulating (other than the tests). In particular noticing when your cervical mucus becomes slippery and stretchy and your cervix moves to higher up the vagina can be useful indicators of imminent ovulation. In my case, I also become very frisky when I am ovulating!

Basal body temperature charting can be useful, because if you chart for a few months you can spot a pattern - e.g. your temperature increasing at around day 21 of your cycle, which indicates that ovulation has occurred. The thing about charting is that it cannot predict ovulation each month and so is only useful when done over a few months. If you wanted to chart, could you get someone to send you a basal thermometer?

Many people say that if you have sex every 2-3 days then you are optimising your chances of getting pregnant. Personally I think this is a sensible approach - it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself. When I didn't get pregnant right away I went mad on charting, tests etc and probably stressed myself out too much (and gave my poor DH performance anxiety into the bargain). I was 30 and it took us about 7 months to conceive, largely because my periods are slightly irregular (cycle length of between 29 and 33 days) and so sometimes we were going for it at the wrong time (compounded by the fact that my DH works away from home in the week). If your periods are regular, then hopefully it should be a bit easier.

No advice on the Clomid, I'm afraid. HTH.

Thanks Plibble - anymore for anymore? or has the idea of more mini meowmixes in the world scared everyone off?

meowmix,

What you need to consider is what your periods are like e.g are they regular or irregular, very painful and or heavy in nature?. All these have a bearing.

Clomid is of no real benefit unless there is definate proof you are not ovulating regularly. It should also not be given without medical supervision - e.g blood tests to check that the clomid is working as it should. It is certainly not suitable for all to take.

If you have a regular cycle it may be worth charting for a short period of time but chartign is not infallible. You can have a rise in temp in the second half of your cycle when an egg has not been shed. It can also bring with it stress.

meowmix,

What you need to consider is what your periods are like e.g are they regular or irregular, very painful and or heavy in nature?. All these have a bearing.

Clomid is of no real benefit unless there is definate proof you are not ovulating regularly. It should also not be given without medical supervision - e.g blood tests to check that the clomid is working as it should. It is certainly not suitable for all to take.

If you have a regular cycle it may be worth charting for a short period of time but chartign is not infallible. You can have a rise in temp in the second half of your cycle when an egg has not been shed. It can also bring with it stress.

meowmix,

What you need to consider is what your periods are like e.g are they regular or irregular, very painful and or heavy in nature?. All these have a bearing.

Clomid is of no real benefit unless there is definate proof you are not ovulating regularly. It should also not be given without medical supervision - e.g blood tests to check that the clomid is working as it should. It is certainly not suitable for all to take.

If you have a regular cycle it may be worth charting for a short period of time but chartign is not infallible. You can have a rise in temp in the second half of your cycle when an egg has not been shed. It can also bring with it stress.

Sorry for repeat posts. The Mumsnet server was not fully functional (saw a server message).

Hi,

I would suggest having sex every 2 - 3 days as my doc said if u are using ov kits, it can make you not ov properly. Good luck!