Ovulation Prediction Methods?

[Ready]

Been charting my BBT and have got a rough idea of my cycle. Looks like I ovulate on CD15/16. Still no luck despite most of the "effort" up to and around those days... so am beginning to wonder if we need to predict OV rather than chart it after the event (IYKWIM)... I always said I wouldn't go down the road of OPKs but am thinking I might have to eat humble pie and just do it.

Anyone recommend the best ones to use?? How expensive are they? Any suggestions or advice or anything really??

Frustrated.

Would uggest you not use opk's particularly if you suspect PCOS is an issue.

OPK's work on two misleading principles; namely that a rise in LH is immediately followed by ovulation and that women only get one rise in LH every month. Both of these are simply not true.

If you are one of many women who are producing higher than normal levels of LH (a common problem with polycystic ovaries for instance) the kit will be just reading this excess level.

For the above reasons (and quite apart from the expense of the things) they are really best avoided.

A blood test can always be done to see what your hormone levels are like. If such a test is done ensure that both your LH (luteinising hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) levels are compared against one another.

Thanks Atilla, as always a font of knowledge I wouldn't say I was concerned about PCOS, it's just that I am guilty of reading too much on here, and worrying. I always see the symptoms of PCOS and recently my spots and lack of BFP have got me wondering!! I guess my question about regular periods was my way of trying to get PCOS out of my mind.

I think I should stick to my guns with the OPKs, I said I wouldn't use them and am just now thinking of using them because nothing has happened with ttc and I am getting worried. Pathetic really. Not really been trying long enough to get so anxious.

just a quick note to say as long as using opks together with checking cm can't really go wrong

Ready - I spent a fortune on OTK to begin with and found, not only did they give me inaccuarte results but that they confused me no end and got me really anxious about what was happening and when. Do you get ovulation pains? I get these which last for 4-5 days (from day 9 of my 28day cycle)so I use this as an indicator of ovulation. Having said that I am convinced that we got pregnant last month by BD'ing later in the month... but who knows for sure. The GP told me to BD 2-3 times week as you can get pregnant anytime between day 9 and 19 apparently. RE: PCOS I had a scan in november last year as my sister suffers with this and I thought I may have it too as I keep breaking out in spots and it was taking a while TTC etc - it was all clear and GP said as long as cycles are regular its a really good sign. Hope this helps a little. Have you been trying long?

PinkElephant... no not been trying long just have issues with instant gratification and a bit (well, a lot) of a control freak, and this is something that clearly I have no control over and it is frustrating. This is cycle 5 for us, and we are just coming up to the crucial stage. We are going to try every other day from day 8 to 20 this time.

I chart my BBT, and the last 3 months have shown ovulation on CD 15/15/16 - so it's promising. I am on CD10 today, we started on CD8 this cycle.

Reading all the negative things about the OPKs was what made me decide early on that I wouldn't go down that road. But I guess I am just running out of ideas

Good luck Ready. Just a thought - I know that I conceived both of my dss on day 4 of my cycle - much earlier than most people, so don't be convinced by those who say that ovulation doesn't happen then! You might want to start trying before day 8 - just to be sure.

Notquitesotiredmum - thanks for that. I had read a couple of posts about people that ovulated really early, and I did wonder. My shift in temps is hopefully an indication of a later ovulation, but if the FTC continues I might just have to do it every other day from day 2!!!!! Not sure how comfortable that would be though???

Yes, I'm lucky, I'm usually fine by day 4, though it did feel as if we were being quick off the blocks as it were! It was worth it though Very best of luck to you!

I reckon I'd be ok on Day4/5 not sure about DH though

I use persona - is good for getting the right time - least it was for me the actual machine was £17 from ebay and then £10 p/m for the sticks. the first month thou you need 2 packs of sticks.

Ready - its all so confusing and frustrating isn't it? Why not buy some one month just to confirm when you suspect your ovulation is. I was convinced I was ovulating earlier than I thought and maybe missing it completely, as you do read about some people ovulating from day 8. If you do buy them get first response - I'm going to give them another go in April to check my cycle. Good luck honey

PinkElephant - I reckon I might do that... next month I will push the boat out and treat myself to some sticks... just to have a look and see if they concur with my temp shift... That way I won't get too involved {hopeful face}... That settles it, I'll get them for next cycle!!

Thanks again hon x