Ttc first time

[Alee36]

Hi, just started ttc, first time. Me and partner are 36. Embarrassingly I'm confused about ovulation testing and finding it all very overwhelming. Have looked online a lot and have the tests, but still overwhelmed! I know it sounds ignorant, given my grand age! I can tell from my body when ovulating but still finding it hard to interpret tests or when is best time. I have pcos and a semi irregular cycle, that is to say that I have a period each month, but ranging from a 24 to a 38 day cycle. Also have become quite obsessed now and a bit emotional with it all. Just looking for some support I guess. X

@Alee36 hey 👋🏼 I’m a newbie to this all too but have done a lot of research. What tests are you using? I’ve used the easy@home & the CB digitals which are really helpful.

Several content creators (e.g. Natalie Crawford) have a wealth of information shared on YouTube.

I found the easy@home tests good, and you can get their Premom app. Start testing daily once your period is over, it's very obvious when you get a strong reading.

And I know it's hard but honestly remember there's only so much you can do, there's no exact science.

Hi! Thanks for your reply 😊 I'm using MomMed strip tests. I had lots of positive ovulation tests this month, I think what I'm finding hard to determine is whether the line is as dark, or darker than the test line! I'll keep going and researching x

Thank you! Yes I did wonder if there was something to be said for just relaxing and waiting. The minute I decided I was ready to ttc, my mind has been consumed by it 😅

Thank you, will definitely watch her videos after work 😊

@Alee36 i would defo go for the digital clear blue tests if you can afford them. They make it so simple, even if it’s just for one cycle maybe to test along with the MomMeds to know when you are at your peak

Thank you, I definitely will invest in these for next cycle. Checking them out now. Thanks so much for the advice! Its all very new to me, have spent the last two decades trying to not get pregnant 🙃 😅

I loved the CB ovulation sticks, tells you when to start testing based on your cycles and when to have sex with a smiley face. So easy!

If you have a Costco card my local one had them for wsg cheaper! Amazon it boots usually do offers though

Yes exactly that! Lol…kinda feels “naughty” having unprotected sense after having it drummed into me from such a young age! Lol

The Premom app scans the ovulation tests and tells you when you’re at your peak fertility etc, so maybe try that for a bit? It just makes it a bit more obvious than looking at just a dark line.

Thank you so much! I don't have a Costco card, but really don't mind the expense if it makes things a little easier! They seemed to be highly reccomended so will go for it 😊

Don't be embarrassed, none of us are taught this stuff!!

Natalie Crawford's YouTube is really good for explaining how to use OPKs and general TTC advice. I also like the Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant book.

The Premom app is really helpful you decide whether the line is dark enough - you take a picture of it and it gives you a number and tells you whether it thinks you're high, low or peak. I use the easy@home ones.

I've also got the digital ones to try this month to see if they are any easier.

If you decide to track using your temperature too, then I'd really recommend the Taking Charge of Your Fertility book.

i would just bonk every other day from when your period ends.

don’t worry about ovulation tests right now.
It will cause more pressure if you have an irregular cycle and are getting multiple LH surges in a month.

just enjoy each others bodies, plan some lovely date nights and reassess in a few months if you need to. But hopefully
you won’t!

Ah will do, that's helpful! I guess I thought it would be easy enough to interpret, but it certainly isn't!

It really does 🤣

Ah thank you for that. I really appreciate it 🙏 Lot's of great resources and advice, will take a note of all of them 😊

Thank you! I do have an irregular cycle, which may be why I'm going a bit crazy with the testing and understanding readings etc. This too is great advice! I will try to relax more into it, and like you say reassess with all the advice a reccomendations in a few months! Love the word bonk too! Not heard that for years 😂x

Hi @Alee36 ive just found this thread… we’re TTC number 1, this is our first proper cycle trying although we haven’t been ‘careful’ for a few months after coming off the pill, having been on it for 12 years prior! There is sooo much different info out there, but hadn’t heard about Natalie Crawford thank you @Outliers. It’s the strangest thing like you say, trying to prevent pregnancy for so long and now trying to do the complete opposite! My apps think I’m ovulating today although had some pain yesterday so not quite sure. We have DTD for the last 3 nights to try and cover it but DH poorly today so no chance tonight!

Where abouts are you in your cycle now @Alee36 ?

Hiya! So much luck to you both 💗 our first cycle trying too! According to testing, I am 7DPO. Though, I'm confused as this doesn't align with my 'myperiod' app, but then again I wouldn't expect it to, as my AF can range from around 38 to 24 day cycles. I think the app just calculates an average prediction. Confusing! We DTD around the window. Nothings happened yet. Trying to not become obsessed or have unrealistic expectations! 😅 please keep us updated on how things go for you! 😊🤞🏼

I’m with you on the ovulation confusion… I had pain yesterday so thought I was ovulating which my OPK’s sort of lined up with… but natural cycles where I track my BBT says not ovulating until tomorrow!! So annoying

Really confusing! A lot of advice says to just try every other day to cover all time windows! Not always practical or doable though!