haileysheets
08-07-2006, 07:03 PM
I know no one is a doctor here, but I would value your opinion tremendously. In a nutshell: After TTC for 5 months unsuccessfully, I am coming to the conclusion that I am not O'ing or have a very short luteal phase. I have never tested + on an OPK, my cervical mucus doesnt change (I am always dry), and I never experience any other symptoms relating to O, like cramping. To make things more complicated, I still have regular 30 day cycles with very heavy AF's. I just started temping for the first time yesterday to see if it will give me any more insight on if I O. My question is that I am going to see an OB/GYN for a pap on the 14th. Do you think I should ask her to test me to see if I am O'ing or do you think I am bringing this up too early? My friend told me I should just wait a few months because the OB/GYN will want me to chart my temps before testing me. Also, is there any thing I can take to stimulate ovulation or lengthen my luteal phases? I've heard of vitamin B6, but I don't know any thing about it. Sorry this is so long...TTC is just more frustrating than I ever thought it would be...especially when I know my DH and I would make such great parents. If you have any advice, let me know.
Thanks and baby dust!
Thanks and baby dust!
Sponsor
Sweetpea06
08-07-2006, 07:40 PM
Yes I am in the same boat as you are. DH and I have been ttc for about 7 months now with no luck. Back to your question...... My ob/gyn told me that charting could be very frusterating and that I could do this if I chose but that she recommended using the OPK tests. I have read on numerous boards that a lot of gyn's like to have you chart for a couple of months before they will do any further testing. Mine did not. In fact I am having the same problem, I don't think I am oing we are schedualed to have an ultrasound of my ovaries so I can go on clomid which helps with ovulation. So yes you should inform your ob/gyn about how you have been ttc and have not yet had a + OPK. Keep us informed and Good luck!
GoldenMom
08-07-2006, 07:58 PM
Hailey~
You can take the supplement Vitex. It is like nature's clomid. It generally lengthens luteal phases and makes you O (a lot of women take it who O really late in their cycle to O earlier). It usually takes about 3 months to see an improvement.
If I were you, I would mention that you are TTC to the ob/gyn and let him/her know that you never get a positive result on OPKs. They might order the blood work right away.
My ob/gyn was completely disinterested in seeing my charts and wanted to know if I had been using OPKs. She asked if I was getting positive results on them and if I was able to correctly time intercourse accordingly. You never know which your Dr will think is more important.
Good luck!
You can take the supplement Vitex. It is like nature's clomid. It generally lengthens luteal phases and makes you O (a lot of women take it who O really late in their cycle to O earlier). It usually takes about 3 months to see an improvement.
If I were you, I would mention that you are TTC to the ob/gyn and let him/her know that you never get a positive result on OPKs. They might order the blood work right away.
My ob/gyn was completely disinterested in seeing my charts and wanted to know if I had been using OPKs. She asked if I was getting positive results on them and if I was able to correctly time intercourse accordingly. You never know which your Dr will think is more important.
Good luck!
Mommyof3under4
08-07-2006, 08:23 PM
I am having the same problem you are describing, I have not O'd regularly in 10 months. My ob/gyn didn't ask for any temp charts or anything, he knew we have been trying for a year. He took some blood, and three weeks later gave me some clomid. I know this journey is so hard, and frustrating, hang in there, your time will come, and it will be oh so special!
kellie84
08-07-2006, 08:54 PM
Normally docs wait a year after starting to TTC to suspect that something is going on, but if you are not ovulating then there is no reason to chart and temp. when there is no reason for it. You should tell them that you think you are not ovulating and get that looked into. Then if you actually are they will probley get you to temp. for a while before they do something about it. Definitley mention it, it can't hurt right? good luck.
haileysheets
08-07-2006, 09:15 PM
Goldenmom, where can I get Vitex? Is it a vitamin? I've never heard of this before. Thank you so much everyone!
GoldenMom
08-07-2006, 10:17 PM
I just bought Vitex tonight at a store called Wild Oats. You can order it online, too. It is an herb (also under the name Chasteberry). Try to buy the pill form, not the liquid. The flavor is horrid. If you don't have Wild Oats in your location, try a natural foods store -- maybe a Vitamin Cottage, Whole Foods, or something like that.
Temping could actually be beneficial because it could allow the Dr to diagnose other problems. Don't give up on it!
Good luck!
Temping could actually be beneficial because it could allow the Dr to diagnose other problems. Don't give up on it!
Good luck!
haileysheets
08-07-2006, 10:50 PM
Ok, one more quick question about ovulating and temping...
If a woman is not ovulating, will her chart show pretty solid, consistent temperatures throughout the entire month?
Thanks :)
If a woman is not ovulating, will her chart show pretty solid, consistent temperatures throughout the entire month?
Thanks :)
Star222
08-08-2006, 12:49 AM
I went to the oby gyn after 5 cycles of unsuccessful TTC. She ordered ultrasound on CD12 in the 6th cycle and confirmed that I'm not ovulating and I might have not ovulated the past 5 cycles. I've been charting since 2nd cycle of TTC...i have now 3-4 charts to compare but i'm still confused as those charts are different every month. But one thing i'm sure...me and my DH have been hardworking and serious at TTC for the past 5 cycles.
What your oby gyn can do for you is an ultrasound on CD12 or if it's already past, bloodtest about one week before your next period. In my case, the oby gyn also ordered semen analysis for DH.
What your oby gyn can do for you is an ultrasound on CD12 or if it's already past, bloodtest about one week before your next period. In my case, the oby gyn also ordered semen analysis for DH.
Star222
08-08-2006, 12:52 AM
mommyof3...did you have the same problem during your past pregnancy?
GoldenMom
08-08-2006, 09:11 AM
Hailey-- If you are not ovulating, there is much more variability in what the chart could look like:
*Flatline, with little variation.
*Jagged, with extreme ups and downs
*Several gradual peaks and valleys
At the charting website I use, I have viewed many of the anovulatory charts and the majority fit into 1 or two of the categories I listed.
You are using a digital BBT thermometer, right?
*Flatline, with little variation.
*Jagged, with extreme ups and downs
*Several gradual peaks and valleys
At the charting website I use, I have viewed many of the anovulatory charts and the majority fit into 1 or two of the categories I listed.
You are using a digital BBT thermometer, right?
ibelieve
08-08-2006, 11:43 AM
Hailey,
You can have a prog. level drawn on day 21 or 22 of your cycle and I think it will determine whether or not you ovulated. It may also determine whether or not you have a luteal phase defect, which can cause miscarriages when you do end up pg. Definitely worth asking about.
-believe
You can have a prog. level drawn on day 21 or 22 of your cycle and I think it will determine whether or not you ovulated. It may also determine whether or not you have a luteal phase defect, which can cause miscarriages when you do end up pg. Definitely worth asking about.
-believe
Mommyof3under4
08-08-2006, 11:53 AM
STAR, no, I haven't had this problem with the other 3. Two of them were concieved on BCP. I guess I am doing it all wrong, huh? My cycles never got back on track after my last DD. My ob/gyn seems to think that I am just not ovulating. I had an ultrasound, and everything looked good. He wanted to schedule a lap, but my oldest just started school, so I want to wait until Dec. Good Luck to all of you Wonderful ladies!!
haileysheets
08-08-2006, 06:24 PM
Hailey-- If you are not ovulating, there is much more variability in what the chart could look like:
*Flatline, with little variation.
*Jagged, with extreme ups and downs
*Several gradual peaks and valleys
At the charting website I use, I have viewed many of the anovulatory charts and the majority fit into 1 or two of the categories I listed.
You are using a digital BBT thermometer, right?
Thank you so much. This was very helpful. I spent yesterday on a fertility charting website learning about how to do it and what a good/bad chart looks like. I am hoping I have a handle on it. Yes, I am using a basal thermometer. I really appreciate your insight. Good luck to you too!
*Flatline, with little variation.
*Jagged, with extreme ups and downs
*Several gradual peaks and valleys
At the charting website I use, I have viewed many of the anovulatory charts and the majority fit into 1 or two of the categories I listed.
You are using a digital BBT thermometer, right?
Thank you so much. This was very helpful. I spent yesterday on a fertility charting website learning about how to do it and what a good/bad chart looks like. I am hoping I have a handle on it. Yes, I am using a basal thermometer. I really appreciate your insight. Good luck to you too!