Predicting ovulation with a fetility monitor - what product is best?

[Canterburybelle]

I've been TTC no 2 for a year with no success and I'm now considering purchasing a fetility monitor.

I tried cheap ovulation tests from a web site with little success - although a blood test at the drs appears to show I am ovulating.

Does anyone have any views on using Persona to predict fetility, or going for a Clearblue Fetility Monitor?

I did think about simply buying a Clearblue Digital ovulation test but his seems like an expensive way of doing things.

If you have been ttc for a year without success I would not actually bother with a monitor as they are not always helpful. Also at a year of ttc too you are beyond the stage of using such things.

What hormone levels were tested and what were the results of this?. Your man should have semen analysis done too as subfertility is not the sole preserve of the woman.

Hi Attila

Thanks for your response.

Just wondered if you could explain what you mean by the following?

"Also at a year of ttc too you are beyond the stage of using such things."

I have a regular cycle and have been trying to BD every other day from about day 8 to 20. So is the assumption that if it hasn't happened in 12 months pinpointing ovulation isn't likely to help?

I'm embarrassed to say that I have no idea what hormone levels were tested (!). I spoke to my GP and had a couple of blood tests which she said were normal and showed no obvious problems. I'm now waiting for an appointment at the hospital. DP hasn't been tested, GP indicated hospital would take this up if necessary.

I guess I'm frustrated that I didn't try to take control of things after 5 or 6 months of trying. I'm 35 and feel time slipping away.

If you're waiting for a hospital appt, I'd wait and see what they say. I think Attila means you need more that ov tests if you've been ttc for more than a year, but if you're getting a hospital appt then it sounds like that's all in hand. Ov tests can be misleading, especially if other things (like not conceiving in 12 months) suggest you may have a fertility problem.

Did you struggle ttc no1 at all? or is this all new to you?

Good luck with the hospital appt, be pushy and ask lots of questions. Don't assume the gynae doc you see will know everything though, they aren't always fertility specialists or it's only a part of their remit. My IVF doc disagreed with the advice my gynae at the (local) hospital gave.

Canterburybelle - have you read "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler?

It is a brilliant book and may help you shed some light on your situation.

"If you're waiting for a hospital appt, I'd wait and see what they say. I think Attila means you need more that ov tests if you've been ttc for more than a year".

Nomoremagnolia is correct in her assumption; also I note that you are 35 so further investigation is warranted. Secondary subfertility is unfortunately not all that uncommon.

Would also fully agree with the rest of Nomoremagnolia;s response. You cannot afford to be fobbed off, you need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Ovulation is not an exact science and a person can ovulate earlier, later or not at all in any given cycle. The fact that you have regular cycles is good but even then you can still have the occasional anovulatory one. Would not just focus on the days 8 to 20; you should make love two or three times throughout your cycle. Such timing as you have done is not really necessary.

Also your man should be tested as a matter of course in tandem with any further investigative tests that you have done.

Good luck

Attila