Charting vs OPKs vs CBEFM vs OV Watch

itsmexine

I've only used OPKs.  What is everyone else using / have used and why do you think that one is best?

 

indianasunshine

I have only used opk's. ?Around the time I considered buying the CBEFM, I started seeing an RE and realized that our issues were not timing related. ? I o like clockwork, so I saved the $200 on the monitor and now pay thousands to the RE. : (

&&

I used CBEFM on our 'break cycle' from meds/procedures just for the hell of it, and that is when we got our BFP.

JLSBWG

I used OPK's to get pregnant with my son.  They worked for me.

KarlsSweetie05

I've used them all.  I have PCOS so its really hard for me to figure out when I ovulate when doing a natural cycle.

 I use charting, OPK, and CBEFM to cross check against each other. 

Since my cycles can go really long, the CBEFM only tracks up to so many days.  Once I go over that limit, I can only use OPK.  If I get Peak on the CBEFM during the time limit, I cross check it with an OPK. 

I love the CBEFM best, but again, it doesn't always track a long cycle. Its expensive, but worth it.

I tried the OV Watch, but didn't like it.  It hurt (strap was too small even after I called and got longer replacement band), it was not fashionable, I sleep on my side and it was uncomfortable.  My sensor wouldn't stay clicked into the watch (thus rendering it useless).  I will say, though, they they refunded my money based upon their guarantee with no questions asked.

Julia-Henry

Great question! I've been wondering this myself.

 

I'm just in the pre-ttc stage, still have an IUD in place, but beginning to chart and trying to figure out if I should spend some $ on OPKs or CBEFM.

I'm finding lots of 'signs' if I just pay attention and try to temp, but find that charting is a little bit difficult, mostly because I have a 3 year old and often get woken up/disturbed before I can temp properly.. So I'll probably just go ahead and invest in the CBEFM... I'll post if I learn anything that helps me make up my mind.

 Good luck!

amoureux

I think my CBEFM is the greatest.  The monitor gives you the heads up 24-36 hours before it is going to happen. Plus, unlike OPK, since it also measures estrogen, you get the high readings that warn you the peak is coming.

Just keep in mind it doesn't work properly if you are ever put on clomid.

In three cycles of using it I got pregnant twice (obviously my big problem is staying pregnant). In two of those cycles O had shifted a few days which can happen post m/c and I would have missed it without the monitor.    I don't always get the cue of EWCM but I ovulate and pregnant anyways.

peztopper

i chart on ff and use cbefm.

i like cbefm b/c it's fmu and so easy to use.

i got my cbefm gently used so it was a bit cheaper, the sticks will run you a lot but i think they are worth it. ?