Trouble predicting ovulation - advice

[collieflower]

I've been TTC for 15 months and am having a really tough time predicting ovulation. I've charted my BBT for quite a while, but ovulation seems to happen anywhere from day 14 to day 21 and my cervical fluid signs are all over the place. I use OPKs as well, but don't always get the best results from them (they're sometimes hard to interpret, etc).

So, I was wondering is if anyone has any suggestions for predicting ovulation, given that simple charting probably won't work well for me (I can see when I have ovulated after the fact, but not beforehand). Would a Clearblue Fertility Monitor help with this situation? Has anyone out there faced a similar problem?

As well, does anyone have any thoughts about the Fertility Friend VIP membership? I've just started inputting my charts on the FF site. Is it worth purchasing a VIP membership?

Thanks!

[MaerynPearl]

if your O date is really jumping that much (is your LP length staying constant after it?) Im not sure ANYTHING can give you a good idea of when you will O...

[collieflower]

LP is usually 13 or 14 days, with the occasional variation. It was shorter until I began seeing a naturopath and taking supplements, including a B complex.

[MaerynPearl]

are you using donor sperm or have any other reason why just simply DTD every day/every other day from about 10 dpo until O is confirmed is just not possible?

[collieflower]

That's what we are currently doing, but since it's been so long (15 months with one 13 week miscarriage, so about 12 continuous months), I'm starting to wonder if we're doing something wrong! Plus, with a busy life, full-time jobs and a 3.5 year-old, we don't always have the energy for every day/second day Given that o sometimes happens at day 19 or later, we sometimes just run out of steam....

[theirmommy]

I have used (and am using again) the CBEFM and really love it. It sounds, to me, like it would work well for you. I would definitely continue charting in addition to the monitor to confirm ovulation (and not just a surge) but I've found it well worth the investment. We conceived our second son with it and are using it to try for #4 now (though since I have long cycles, I restart it mid-cycle because it's meant for cycles under 42ish days). It takes the interpretation of OPKs out and gives a few days of high (though some people report more while it's getting to "know" you) and then 1-2 days of peak fertility. Very best of luck to you!

[MaerynPearl]

Have you been to a doctor to discuss being checked out?

Trying for so long even if you are under 30 is enough to warrant a fertility workup.

[karmab]

agree with maeryn re: talking with a doctor. could be something very simple that shows up on bloodwork etc that can be fixed and you will be on your way.

[collieflower]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

I am actually 36 and thus, really starting to worry. My naturopath ran all the blood testing (for hormones, anticoagulant, etc) after 4 months TTC (bless her; it's hard to get docs to take fertility problems seriously). I've also had a hydrosalpingogram and fluid ultrasound. I'm currently seeing a doctor of TCM for acupuncture and herbs, and will be seeing an RE in a month. It's a long wait to get into the RE where I live.

Lately I had just been thinking that maybe it's something as simple as not timing the BD correctly and missing O, but I doubt that's the case since I managed to get pregnant easily 3 times previously (2 resulting in miscarriages).

[MaerynPearl]

Have you had your SOs sperm checked?

They can have secondary infertility too! (aka fertility problems after previous conceptions)

[collieflower]

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that DH has had his sperm checked out and everything is fine there...

[enigo]

Originally Posted by collieflower

That's what we are currently doing, but since it's been so long (15 months with one 13 week miscarriage, so about 12 continuous months), I'm starting to wonder if we're doing something wrong! Plus, with a busy life, full-time jobs and a 3.5 year-old, we don't always have the energy for every day/second day Given that o sometimes happens at day 19 or later, we sometimes just run out of steam....

Man I could have written this. Complete with 3 1/2 yr old.
When we first started. No problem, sex every day, every other day.
After a year and a half, and 2 mc's at 12 wks (so pregnant for 6 months of that TTC time.) I am so done with trying to make sure we do it at the right time. My cycles have just been a mess since the mc's. I'll have a couple normal ones, then a couple that are all over the place.

[collieflower]

Enigo-my son was born in July 2006; our situations sound so similar. I hope that you have some good news soon! I alternate between having hope and reminding myself that many people take a looong time to get pregnant, and complete despair that things will never work out. Maybe your cycles will become more regular with time? How long ago was your last miscarriage?

[collieflower]

oops, should have looked more closely at your signature. Your last miscarriage was in November? I found that my cycles were very unpredictable for at least 3-4 months after the last miscarriage, but got a bit better (minus the crazy ovulation thing after that.

[enigo]

That is funny, DS's birthday is the end of June.

I thought my cycles were going back to normal. I mean they did the same thing last time. A couple of pretty normal cycles and then back with the weird O. Lately they're so long, I'm missing out extra trying time.
Don't wanna hijack your thread