Lots of stupid questions ... Temping, CM, Soy Iso

browneyes_326

Ok so these questions short and to the point ... When I google I never quite get a simple & to the point answer LOL ... You ladies w/ your wealth of knowledge may be able to help this clueless newbie

1) it charting your temp foolproof? Does it w/ out a doubt tell you that you've O'd? (If so, then I'm in!)

2) What about the CM thing? ... Not sure I can do this. I have an irrational aversion to inside there ... Is is about as rational as my fear of wet paper products (don't ask).

3) Anyone take Soy Isoflavones if you think your not ovulating every month? ... Have an appt w/ the OBGYN but not for 2 weeks

Thanks

browneyes_326

P.S. apologies for all the typos! Typing while making dinner!

ewenner

Hello!  Here are my thoughts on your questions:

1) it charting your temp foolproof? Does it w/ out a doubt tell you that you've O'd? (If so, then I'm in!)
I wouldn't call it foolproof...  You really should try to take your temp at the same time every day for the most consistent results.  Personally, I recently started a new job and now I don't wake up at the same time every day, and my temps are a little wacky.  Also, even though I have a clear thermal shift each month, because my cycle length varies, my RE still thinks I may not be ovulating "properly."

2) What about the CM thing? ... Not sure I can do this. I have an irrational aversion to inside there ... Is is about as rational as my fear of wet paper products (don't ask).
I was concerned about the CM thing at first, too, but I've found it to not be as bad as I expected.  I just briefly touch whatever is on the paper after I wipe to get a sense of the consistency.  Not sure if this would work for you, but it works for me.  

3) Anyone take Soy Isoflavones if you think your not ovulating every month?

I don't have any advice here, but I can say that in spite of my irregular cycles, neither my RE nor my OBGYN have ever recommended any supplements to help.  I would recommend you talk to your doc about trying the Soy Isoflavones.  

I hope this is at least slightly helpful!  Whatever you decide to do, best wishes!

CML11

1) it charting your temp foolproof? Does it w/ out a doubt tell you that you've O'd? (If so, then I'm in!)

No it is not fool proof, if I was, I would have been pregnant a long time ago. However, unless you have an ultrasound, it's the best way to confirm that you O'd. With that being said, there are other factors, if your tubes are blocked, temping is not going to help. It is a good place to start though.

2) What about the CM thing?
It's not that bad. If you think about all the things that you touch that are a million times worse. Wash your hands before and after. If it's still difficult to get on board with, look into latex/non-laytex gloves. In the end, it's just your body.

3) Anyone take Soy Isoflavones if you think your not ovulating every month?

Never heard of it. I usually try to stay away from herbal remedies because the risks typically are greater than the benefits.

... Have an appt w/ the OBGYN but not for 2 weeks
Please be cautious if your OB gives you Clomid. You must be monitored closely preferably by an RE.

Good luck!

browneyes_326

Thanks ladies!! Def answered my questions.
Is RE reproductive expert? Don't laugh if Im totally wrong I assume it's someone specialized in fertility issues!

At our advanced age (sarcasm here) would you / did you go straight to a specialist vs your primary care / OBGYN ? Just curious!

Thanks!

meredithcarole

RE is reproductive endocrinologist. It's quite a mouthful, hence the abbreviation

ETA: some people need a referral for their insurance to cover an RE.

browneyes_326

@meredithcarole‌ thanks for the explanation!

C_Girlie

Temping is something you can do yourself no appointments needed. All you need is a basal body thermometer. Try to take your temps everyday at the same time with at least 3 hours of sleep. I take my temps vaginally (I'm an open mouth breather while I sleep).

I personally do a digital check. I stick my finger up there. This way I can also tell the position and softness of my cervix. The softer the cervix the closer to O you are. Some people can also tell of the opening of the cervix. Due to a surgical procedure I can't check my opening

As for the ISO supplement I've never heard of it

Good luck at your appointment

URMySunshine77

Definitely temp to see if you are ovulating or not. I don't temp at the same time each morning, but my temps still indicate shifts as long as I have had three hours of sleep before I take the temp.

@CML11 shared some helpful advice on CM. I just note the CM I see on my TP. Usually the morning is more indicative of the day. Be sure to record the most fertile CM you see on a given day. If you see creamy and watery, then you would note watery in FF.

I'm not sure about soy isoflavones. I just learned this week that soy's phytoestrogens may have a negative effect on fertility. I stopped drinking soy milk for now.

gscoville

1. Temping was, for me, the most accurate indicator of ovulation. Even though I'm an insomniac and didn't temp at the same time each day but rather the first time I woke up and ended up with a bit of a rocky chart, I was always able to see a clear temp shift each cycle I temped. I had many cycles where OPKs just didn't catch my surge very clearly, and I often had CM at random times throughout my cycles, so temping was the one constant I could always rely on.

2.  I don't get a lot of distinguishable CM on toilet paper or my undies, so I had to go fishing.  Although I did get EWCM kind of randomly, I was able to get cervical position accurately by checking internally, and that helped to corroborate what my temps were telling me.

3.  Soy has been found to be quite disruptive of female cycles/hormones, I would be very cautious about adding something like that to your regimen just because you've heard it might help.  As to whether you need help to ovulate, you can't know if you're not actually ovulating unless you temp over a number of cycles.  Please don't assume you're not ovulating and take random supplements to try to correct that until you've either temped to confirm anovulation or had testing with an RE to confirm that you need such help.  I've heard of many women self-medicating and messing themselves up much worse than they were before, hormones are not something to mess around with lightly.

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Austrogermokee

I'm surprised no one has recommended Taking Charge of Your Fertility yet. Ladies, what has become of us? 

This book does a great job of explaining fertility basics, when to see a doctor, and what sort of treatments can occur: https://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Fertility-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0060881909