I should be moving on to cycle 7 in the next day or two, and meeting with the RE next week to discuss IVF. I'm wondering if it's even worthwhile to bother charting anymore since the chances of a BFP are so remote and I'd rather just take the opportunity to be less intense about this for a while. Since I'm definitely ovulating, maybe I'll just use OPKs?
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I don't really chart but I know what you mean about it being so intense, and you feel like you are on edge so it's hard. Maybe just keep charting til you meet with your RE and go from there?
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I'm in the same boat! I keep wavering back and forth, if I should or shouldn't. I'm interested in knowing the responses.
Personally, I'm the kind of person that wouldn't be okay with not knowing for sure, so for now, I am going to keep charting. I actually decided to skip the OPK's after this cycle.
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I would often just chart the week I knew I'd have a rise since my temps were pretty consistent from month to month. I couldn't make OPKs work, but if they work for you, do them!
Or just totally take it easy on your "miracle baby" month (that's what I call it) : ).
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Does charting stress you out or make you more calm? If it stresses you out and you find you are watching each little dip and rise like a hawk, then it makes sense to stop. Also, you could always stop charting for a month and see how it makes you feel.
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Ya I took my temps for a couple weeks and found I was like depressed with any decrease. It was horrible.
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At this point charting is just...extra work and one more thing to obsess about. There's no pattern that would jump out at me from the rest and at this point I don't even bother to POAS. I'd love to be able to wake up and not reach for the thermometer anymore!
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I stopped a month ago and unless my RE tells me anything differently today, I plan to quit the temp taking. I have found that taking this month off made me see that early morning temp taking was definitely adding to the stress. Yes, it informed me, but at this point...I just want to sleep in and not wake up every morning thinking about what my temperature means.
I stopped using my fertility monitor too...I might start using it again, but I'm just going to see what happens next. Trying to "start fresh" today with the RE. A new chapter!
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@spaniellove: For me it was a bit of a relief to stop charting and using OPKs. I had been obsessing over everything for several months and it was nice to leave that behind.
Best of luck with the RE!
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I find charting reassuring to see where I am in my cycle and when I could start to think about testing, etc. But I'm pretty good about not obsessing over every number, just the trend (so far at least-- I've been charting for 5 months, but this is only the first cycle we are trying and have a chance). If it is stressing you out more, than it would make sense to me to stop.
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I would say if you get clear positives on OPKs, not to bother. But if you're getting unclear OPKs, I would keep charting.
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Another thing to think about it how regular your O date is...for me, I've always O'd between days 12-14, so after 7 cycles, I stopped charting and just used the monitor and it was freakin' awesome...but if your O day fluctuates significantly, then charting might make more sense. But from what you wrote above, I vote that it's time to take a break!
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@spaniellove: looking at your chart history (hi FF friend!) it looks like you O within the same 3-4 day window every month, so I'd quit to save your sanity and feel like you're giving yourself a "break". So long as you keep updating us charting girls!
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I T'dTC for 23 months before my BFP (IUI via an infertility study at a RE office) and found that the occasional months I took a break from charting to be super-relaxing (well, in comparison to all of the other months.) OK, maybe not super-relaxing but it was a relief not to wake up and chuck the thermometer in my mouth.
After a while you just need a mini-breather. It's not like you're throwing in the TTC towel, you're just ramping down the intensity focus for a bit.
Another thing to consider: If you're headed to the RE they'll have all kinds of extra obnoxious monitoring for you too, probably (internal ultrasounds, tons of bloodwork, holla!). GOOD LUCK at your appointment!!
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You know what, from the way you posed the question, "I'd rather just...(stop)" and your next post "I'd love to be able to...(stop)", I think you already know the answer to your question. The only reasons to chart are:
1) Make sure you are timing BD right (ie make sure you O when you think you O)
and
2) Diagnose/rule out potential problems - i.e have some data to give to your specialist if and when the time comes.
From what you've said on other threads, we know that it's not BD timing that's preventing conception and I think 6 months worth of data is enough for your specialist to review.
Who knows, you might get lucky this month - but you could get lucky with or without charting (it's not the charting that does it, it's the sperm and egg thing)....
If charting makes you feel better and more in control - do it. BUT if it makes you stressed and miserable (which from the way you worded your question, I think it does) then give it a rest for a bit....
PS - IVF appointment!!! That's SO exciting!! My friend just had two gorgeous daughters through IVF after years and years of TTC heartbreak. IVF is amazing!!
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@Ali: You're right, in my heart I know I want to stop. DH doesn't want me to and feels I'd be giving up if I did. He seems to think I should be trying my hardest to get a natural BFP until the last possible moment, maybe to prove that there's nothing wrong with him. And I'm really exhausted and would like to go on autopilot until the whole IVF deal, which btw he doesn't have to have done to his body.
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