Community› The Bump Message Boards› TTC after 35
TTC after 35
New Discussion

Advice re: Fertility Monitor/OPKs.

MAtoNCMAtoNC member
in TTC after 35

Hello, everyone: 

I'm hoping that some of you veterans can offer some advice for me.

I had my IUD removed last month and finally started my period last night, so we are back on the TTC journey.  

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase some OPKs for this cycle in addition to using the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor. Is that overkill?

We were using the monitor when we were blessed to conceived our son almost 3 years ago. I am using that again this time around.

I am 42 years old now, and frankly, have no idea whether I am still ovulating, and what my cycles will be like, so I also plan on charting this time. 

Is it going overboard to use OPKs in addition to the monitor? Or would it be a waste? I've read that the best time to detect an LH surge may be later in the day, but I use first morning urine for the fertility monitor.

I feel like at this point in my life, I can't let even one egg go to waste, you now?  

We have decided not to pursue any medical intervention, and I am aware that my fertility is likely impacted by my "advanced" age. We are trying to be realistic, but hopeful. 

Any advice will be really appreciated. Thanks! 

Married 4/12/08 DS born 11/17/2009 via c-section at 39 weeks. 11/12/2011 BFP #2!! m/c 7w5d. 2/28/2012 BFP #3 Beta #1-12dpo = 18; Beta #2-16dpo = 185; Beta #3-18dpo = 505. EDD 11/10/2012. Ectopic discovered at 5w4d. D&C followed by methotrexate.
Report Reply to Post

Re: Advice re: Fertility Monitor/OPKs.

  • happywifemomofonehappywifemomofone member
    Wishing you best of luck.   Encourage you and DH to keep open mind about next steps.....as many women have found that things change as you go through the process.  I would say that CBEFM would be enough on it's own, although I've never used it.  OPKs are expensive.  Good luck!
    TTC since 10/09 Me-43 DH-44 RE and testing 10/10-11/10, Recommending IVF 1/11 New RE AMA and DOR-DH low motility IVF #1.1 cancelled 3/11 due to poor response IVF #1.2 May 2011, one perfect 8-cell embryo, 3dt-BFN, IVF #2.1 Converted to IUI d/t poor response. New RE 9/2011. IVF 2.2 completed using HGH,EPP,DHEA, Q-10 and accupuncture. Transferred one 8-cell, grade one embryo on 10/19. BFP 10/31/11 Chemical pregancy on 11/2/11. Started stims for IVF #3, our final try, on 12-2-11. ET on 12/18. Transferred 3 Grade A embryos-BFFN Planning DE IVF, late March/early April- Donors ER expected to be 4/2-4/4. PAIF/SAIF welcome
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • Country Girl in the CityCountry Girl in the City

    I use both OPKs and the monitor.  It is probably overkill.  I like it because the monitor tells me exactly which days to test.  If you are not sure if you are ovulating, temping is a great idea.

    Good luck.

    BFP on IVF #2 6/29/2012. Beta #1 7/3 = 522; Beta #2 = 1180; Beta #3 = 6491 image BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
  • DawnHopeDawnHope member

    The CBEFM is essentially the same thing as an OPK, it just gives you more info on the 'ramp up' to the surge.  But, I hear ya on the not wanting to waste even one egg thing !  (I'm 40 and ttc #1)  I suppose if wanted to be SURE not to miss the surge, you could use the OPK, too.

     I used the OPK's on their own for a few months with no success, and the first month I used the CBEFM, I got pg.  Unfortunately, that ended in a m/c.  This is the first month I am cleared to try again, and I'm using just the CPEFM on its own.  I'm currently in the 2ww.  We'll see if I'm lucky again.  I sure hope so!  Wishing you lots of luck as well :) 

    Me-42 DH-43 TTC #1 since 3/11
    HSG 7/11 showed possible blockage
    8/11 BFP, then early m/c  (Natural)
    9/11 blood tests reveal Factor V Leiden (heterozygous)
    11/11 Hysteroscopy revealed uterine septum, which was repaired
    12/11 1st round of Clomid (100mg)=BFN
    1/12 2nd round of Clomid (100mg)=BFN 
    2/12 Repeat HSG=All clear 
    2/12 IUI with injectables #1=BFN 
    3/12 natural cycle=BFN 
    4/12 IUI with injectables #2=C/P 
    7/12 IVF #1=30ER, 9F, 3T, 1 Frostie 7/29=BFP! 
    8/27/12 No Heartbeat. Waiting to M/C 
    9/13/12 D+C
    12/12 Operative Hysteroscopy 
    1/31/12  IVF#2 ...BFP 2/6 m/c 2/12 methotrexate due to presumed ectopic
    July '13 IVF #3: 13R, 10M, 8F=BFP
    1st Beta=549  2nd Beta 594 3rd Beta 422. M/C #5
    IVF#4 in November=BFP…TWINS!!!!!

    BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
  • 10-4LilBuddy10-4LilBuddy member

    I don't mean to hijack your post, but I had heard that using a CBEFM while using Femara or Clomid gave you false readings.  Anyone else find this out?

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • brooklynesquebrooklynesque member
    image10-4LilBuddy:

    I don't mean to hijack your post, but I had heard that using a CBEFM while using Femara or Clomid gave you false readings.  Anyone else find this out?

    I just used the CBEFM on Clomid.  I got more "high" readings than I did the prior month, but only two peak readings (the normal #) that coincide correctly with my O.  (See my chart if you want details.)  So I'm still glad I used it and think it provided useful info.

    To OP:  I personally think it's overkill to use both, but if it makes you feel better, go for it!

    Report Reply
  • Mrs.McIrishMrs.McIrish member

    When I use the monitor on non-treatment cycles, I still use OPK's. I have found that I don't always get a peak day even though I do get a positive OPK and confirmed the O with temping too. The monitor never picked up the peak day and if I was just doing that, I'd never have known.

     

    TTC #1 since 8/1/10; Me:41 and BRCA1+, DH:46
    DOR (FSH 24.3)/ terrible egg quality ; homozygous MTHFR c677t
    5 IUI's: 2/11 to 6/11 and 1/12= BFN
    OE IVF#1-4 8/11-6/12= all BFN
    DE IVF#1 11/12 bad embryos= BFN
    DE IVF #2 2/13 BFP/Beta hell: m/c 5w6d
    CFNBC 7 months, not doing well; decided on guarantee program at RBA w/frozen DE
    DE IVF #3 1/14  ET 4BB; BFP;M/C 5w1d, incomplete m/c; MVA extraction in ER 7w1d

    DE FET#1 ET 3/1714; BFP, beta 1 3/27= 197, beta 2 3/31= 1586, beta 3 4/7= 13879!!
    First u/s= Twins with HBs at 6w2d! We are Team Pink x 2!!

    K & K born 11/21/14 at 38wks 4 days

    imageimage

    SAIF/PAIF Welcome


    http://waitingforraintostop.wordpress.com

    Report Reply
  • MAtoNCMAtoNC member

    Thanks for all the feedback everyone. It is so helpful just to get all the different perspectives. 

    Dawnhope, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your 2WW is worth the wait and that you get a BFP.

    Thanks again, everyone! Maybe I'll try the OPKs, but if I start getting consistent PEAK readings on the CBEFM for a few months in a row, I'll just go with the CBEFM.

    I am trying to find the humor in the fact that I spent a couple decades avoiding pregnancy (with the idea that one instance of unprotected sex would result in a pregnancy) only to learn that I was going to spend more effort trying to get pregnant than I ever did avoiding it...

     

    Married 4/12/08 DS born 11/17/2009 via c-section at 39 weeks. 11/12/2011 BFP #2!! m/c 7w5d. 2/28/2012 BFP #3 Beta #1-12dpo = 18; Beta #2-16dpo = 185; Beta #3-18dpo = 505. EDD 11/10/2012. Ectopic discovered at 5w4d. D&C followed by methotrexate.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"