Tracking apps

[JustTrying1]

Hi all,

I gave up TTC for several years, now trying again at 36. Started the IVF consultations years ago but broke up with my then husband and haven't considered anything since then to be honest. I vaguely recall the docs mentioning my ovulation (or lack of) was the problem back then but in all honesty it was that long ago I cant recall the ins and outs of the conversations.

Fast forward 9 years, I came off the pill this June and so far haven't even had my first period (tested not pregnant). This isn't unusual as occasionally I have taken a break from the mini pill and it has taken months for a cycle to kickstart.

This time I'm going to be tracking ovulation etc. and we are going to be taking conceive+ but I'm at a loss as to which app is best to use.

Thanks in advance.

I liked Premom.
You take photos of your ovulation strips and upload them and it plots them on a chart for you so it makes it easier to predict when you’re going to ovulate as you can see your LH levels rising on the chart. You can also chart your temperature on it.

Apps that just predict based on the number of days of your cycle (like clue) are useless, especially if you have irregular cycles.

Ah I've just read something about that one as I've bought a box of ovulation tests and it mentioned on the description that you can scan the results into that app!
My sister recommended Flo but I've read mixed reviews.

Definitely Fertility Friend if you intend to temp as well as use ovulation tests

@JustTrying1 I'm using flo - it's pretty basic but works fine for what I've needed so far. I've just bought a Mira though, so I'm going to move across to that app as the testing strips plug into a device that connects via bluetooth to the app (so nothing manual to do!)

If you remember having issues with ovulation, I'd recommend chatting to your GP as soon as possible about progesterone day 21 blood tests to check on this (and possibly ultrasounds etc too) otherwise you might end up trying for quite a while to no avail when you might not be able to conceive without some assistance like IVF. Best of luck to you - similar to yourself I was trying for a long time with my ex husband, had a multi-year break and here I am with my new partner trying again!

I've actually got an appointment with the GP on Thursday this week which was intended for something else but I am going to ask if it is possible to maybe do some tests now given the history on my records. I think I recall being told they will require us to try for a year before we could move onto IVF (as it's a new partner) but I don't see why they shouldn't be able to at least retest me and maybe see if there's some medication that could help.

It sounds like we have had similar situations with the previous attempts (with ex) and the gaps! Did you find it nervous TTC again? I'm quite anxious about it because I'm excited but conscious of my history.

@JustTrying1 ah that's a good idea!

So I had a miscarriage after 2.5 years trying with my ex (we split around 6 months after). Started TTC late last year, got pregnant in May but sadly had a second missed miscarriage, and surgical management a couple of weeks ago so we're back to tracking and trying again! I was nervous, partly because of the loss and partly because TTC before was really, really stressful. My new partner has some performance anxiety so we're using home artificial insemination which means if he doesn't finish from sex, it's ok and we don't miss our chances each month.

It's perfectly natural to be anxious if you have any sort of negative experiences or complications in TTC in the past. Good luck - I really hope that you don't have to wait too long for your BFP. Side note, because you're over 35 now, if you don't get pregnant within 6 months you can go to your GP and ask to start investigations to head towards IVF xx

@moosey89 I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriages 😞 TTC is stressful at times so when you've had a history of difficulties it is hard not to be nervous - which I guess at the same time also doesn't help!

Oh I didn't know over 35 meant you could start the testing sooner! I'll definitely mention it to the GP (I have to anyway due to some antibiotics that I'm on as he might want to take me off them now we are TTC). Fingers crossed I get a nice GP (they are new GP to me due to moving house), hopefully they understand / sympathise and don't make us wait a year+

I totally get it. I'm having reflexology and acupuncture at the moment, both for fertility but also to help just keep me as calm and relaxed as possible! Feels like it's really helping with the second bit at least so that's good.

Fingers crossed your doctor is nice and helpful for you x

That's a good idea! I will probably start to look at other things to help depending on how things are looking early next year. I'm glad it's helping you- I'd never even thought to consider reflexology and acupuncture so I'll keep that in mind!

Thank you - me too! Keeping everything crossed for you (apart from my legs 🫣🤣) x