Newbie questions! : )

ells33

Hello all! I'm new to these boards.  I turn 36 in March and went off the pill New Year's Eve.  I really have no idea what to expect, but I'm definitely feeling both nervous and excited.  I was going to just kind of wing it and see what happens, but after reading up a little it seems like my plan might not be the best.  I have a general idea of when I should be ovulating, but I am wondering if I should start charting?  How did you guys "get started?"  Any recommendations for a BBT thermometer?  Should I get any ovulation predictor kits?  I've spent my whole life making sure I did NOT get pregnant, so I am flying blind here...  LOL.  Thanks : )

happywifemomofone

Welcome to the board!  I do not chart, as I'm the obsessive type and it's just a little too much for me.  Have been using OPK when not cycling though.  Like the CBE ovulation predictor digital with the smiley face.  Considering purchasing a CBE fertility monitor.  Timing is everything, want to BD in days leading up to ovulation.  If no BFP after 6 months, it is recommended that you consult with a RE for further testing, evaluation and treatment.  We waited a year before seeing a RE, and wish that we had not.  Good luck!

snappy mom

Welcome!  I'm new too.

I have never used opks or really tracked my cervical mucus, etc.  I just use fertility friend to track my cycle and symptoms. 

Good luck to you! 

Abeille

Welcome!  

If you are interested in charting fertilityfriend.com is a great place to learn a lot more and keep track of all your cycle-related info. You can click on the dragonfly in my signature and it will take you to the site. I bought a Walgreen's brand bbt and it works fine for me.  Last month was my first month temping and I think I got some good info, but it's also easy to obsess over it too. It's worth trying, if you don't like it you can stop any time.

I do find the OPK's really helpful and I will continue to use those whether I chart temps or not.  I buy the cheap wondfo brand on amazon (i test 2x day). I also keep some digital opk's on hand to confirm any possible positives. I save some money that way. 

 Also keep in mind that it can take a while for your body to normalize after coming off bcp, so your cycles may not be very regular right away.   And like the PP said, see an RE after 6 months of no success. Due to my PCOS, I needed help when TTC my DD.  I'm hoping that won't be the case for me this time.

Best of luck to you! 

Maybe Joleisa

Welcome!

I got started by reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility.  I charted for a couple months and then added in using OPKs.  I've been using the Clear Blue Easy "smiley face" OPKs, but recently bought some Wondfos just because I hear so much about them on these boards.

I have the CVS BBT and while the functionality is great, I feel it takes a long time to register the temperature and when it does it lets out four loud beeps.

I hear you about speinding the better part of life making sure you didn't get pregnant.  Ugh...if I only knew then what I know now!  Best of luck to you!

kellygksu

Read Taking Charge of Your Fertility, check out Fertility Friend for online charting, and just start taking better care of yourself.  Since you're over 35, if you aren't pregnant in 6 months, go to your ob/gyn to get started with testing and possibly get a referral to an RE.  Good luck to you!  I hope are pg in no time!  

genmalone

I started charting the 1st month off of BCP.  I always knew that IF was a possibility though.  My BFF is 37 and KU with her 2nd right now.  She didn't chart or anything for either one.

If you have average cycles I would probably wing it for a cycle or 2.  As long as you have an idea when you might O.  In a perfect world, I'd give it 3 months of just trying and then 3 months of charting.  At 6 months you can go to a RE for assistance.

I would do anything to just be able to get KU without making it a science experiment.  Charting and OPKs aren't a bad idea though.  You just need to decide how much you want to know immediately.

Good luck!

Bubs711

Welcome! Personally I've found charting and using OPK's really helpful as far as learning how my body works. Sadly it hasn't helped me get KU, but that's more because of my diminshed ovarian reserve. I use the BBT from Walmart, and I usually just buy my OPK's there (Answer brand) or at Rite Aid (store brand). Lots of ladies like the smiley face digitals that have been recommended or internet cheapies - Wondfo brand I think. You have to find the system you feel most comfortable with for you. Good luck!