Clearblue digital monitor problem or just bizarre cycle?

[hollysaysboo]

Hello

I'm totally new to this site so bear with me!

My partner and I have just started TTC and because I've got very mild PCOS (treated with Metformin) I've been tracking my fertile days with a Clearblue digital fertility monitor. I've been doing this for a few months and every time I've ovulated on day 20 (30-32 day cycle). We had sex over the weekend when the monitor said i had high and not peak fertility, however I am now on day 26 and the monitor says I haven't ovulated. Is this sod's law or could I be having a long cycle this time?

I know PCOS can affect ovulation monitors but as mine is mild my GP didn't think it would make much difference.

Has this happened to anyone else?

I am really not an expect but didnt want you to go without an answer.

PCOS really can effect monitors to TBH I wouldn't rely on them. Use them to give you a guide if you want (I am not sure I would bother) but also use other methods such as monitoring your CM. Combined it may give you a better picture? It is of course possible that you havent ov'd this month, it is quite common not to ov every single cycle or it might just be that the monitor hasn't picked it up.

Thanks!

Every year, without fail I have one really long cycle (usually during the summer for some reason) so I think it must be something to do with that.

Normally I can tell when I'm ovulating without the monitor as I get a sharp pain in my side, slippery CM and I feel sick and I haven't had that yet so I guess it's just sod's law that the month we TTC this happens!

Please, please do not use such monitors with PCOS!!. Waste of both time and your cash. Your GP is talking crud!!.

As for how "mild" it is this is not actually quite correct as the commonality is the cystic follicles. It is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently.

The surest way of knowing whether you've ovulated or not is to have blood tests done. It is also quite possible to have periods without ovulating, with PCOS this is unfortunately even more likely.

What these monitors also do is measure LH on the incorrect basis that a rise in LH is immediately followed by ovulation. With PCOS LH levels are often elevated but do rise and fall. What the kit is likely reading as well is the excess therefore giving you a false positive result.

You should be referred to a gynae as a matter of course bearing in mind the PCOS diagnosis.
You should also have up to date blood tests; these will give you a more accurate picture of what is exactly going on with regards to your hormone levels (LH and FSH in particular).

I'm pretty sure I am ovulating as all the signs are usually there but you may be right about the monitor - it could be a waste of time and money. Probably more reliable to look to my body for signs rather than Clearblue device.

I've been on Metformin for a couple of years now and it's completely transformed my cycle so I'm not worried yet. Problem is I'm 35 and I don't want to waste too much time!

Signs can be misleading and your body can play tricks, particularly when PCOS is an issue. I had cervical mucus and I never ovulated (again PCOS was to blame).

I would also say that generally speaking, gynaes like to see women of 35 and over if they have been ttc for six months without success.

I had blood tests done last year to check the Metformin was working and I was ovulating then so I'm pretty sure all is ok in that area. Seriously, the met has had such a positive effect on my life, I can't praise it enough.

I'm lucky that my local hospital has a PCOS specialist and he's been really helpful. I'm wondering now if I ovulated earlier than expected and the machine didn't pick it up. Well I'll know when AF arrives!

Ideally you should also have up to date blood test results. The results of tests done over six months ago should be discounted.

Am really glad to read that Met has worked out so well for you.