BBT (a fluke?) - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

Nicky2112 · 06-11-2007, 02:05 PM

Hi guys, this is my first cycle monitoring my BBT and I must say it's not really working for me and I don't think is a method I would really recommend to others.

You see, according to a 99% reliable OPK the LH surge happened on Friday morning which means I probably ovulated either Saturday or Sunday - the little smiley face told me so!!! As if that weren't enough, my EWCM was a clear indication of impending O - and I mean clear as day. But, just in case that wasn't enough evidence, I also felt the legendary "mittelschmerz" (ovulation pains in the form of a mild twinge and some cramping in my lower abdomen which nagged me all through the weekend). I left the best one for the end, though. Last month I had some bloodwork that indicated that all hormonal levels seem to be in tip-top shape--including progesterone which happens on the second half of the cycle right after ovulation and causes the thermal shifts, apparently.

So, my question is: Why, oh why, is my temp NOT going up?? All other signs are there! My temp should have spiked by now. Could it be that my cheapo thermometer is not working right? How reliable is this method anyway??

Jennio · 06-11-2007, 05:52 PM

It takes 24-48 hours for your temp to spike after ovulation, so if you didn't ovulate until Sunday, it may not spike until Tuesday. Also, some women don't have an immediate spike; instead they have a gradual increase in temperature. I wouldn't give up on the method yet--it's only your first month. Keep trying it, and you will start to see your individual pattern. They say you should temp for 3 months before you can see a reliable pattern. And I've been told that temping is more reliable than OPKs. OPKs don't work for every woman. Also, women in their 20s can have EWCM for up to 5 days, so if it just showed up on Friday, you may not have ovulated yet. Do you check your cervical position too? That could help you pinpoint ovulation too.

Best wishes!

Nicky2112 · 06-11-2007, 08:45 PM

Hi Jennio, thanks for the advice. It makes me feel better.

You're right, I might be jumping to conclusions. I'll keep tracking it and see where it takes me. Why do you say OPKs do not work well? Are they misleading?

I have no clue how to check the cervical position, but I'd appreciate any tips you could send my way. Is that reliable?

Blastoff9600 · 06-12-2007, 05:43 AM

The book Taking Charge Of Your Fertility is a great book to help with check cm,cp,and tons of great info about bbt.
As for women in their 20s having up to 5 days of fertile cm that is iffy. I say that because Im in my 30s and I have had several cycles of EWCM that lasted 5 to 7 days. But I also drink a lot of green tea which is known to help with that. Though I have never had a problem with CM before.
Anyway as to OPKs they dont work for me. And I have had three different fertility drs tell that for some women they dont work. One said that it could simply be that I dont have enough hormone in my urine to to detect the LH surge. Which is no big deal because O was confirmed in other ways. The best way O was confirmed for me one time was the news that I was pregnant with my second son.
Also with me hpts are hit and miss so I rely on blood tests to know if Im pregnant or not.

Faythey · 06-12-2007, 09:49 AM

You can have a LH surge and not release and egg, which is why OPK's are not reliable. If you did indeed release an egg than your progesterone will spike, causing an increase in temperature.