Cervical Mucus Question

[Anonymous]

Got my period this morning, feeling down, and have a question for the next round of TTC.
My cycle is exactly 31 days, and typically we try on day 16, as soon as I see the appearance of cervical mucus.
My discharge is "textbook" - egg white - texture, so I have been taking that as my strong signal of ovulation, plus I feel some lower back pain around the same time. I have never doubted my body's signals for ovulation, but I am starting to wonder after trying to conceive for a few months now.
Also of consideration is the fact that I am turning 41 this year, and have had two miscarriages in the last year. So yes, I know my eggs are not great.
My question is: should we be trying a day before the appearance of CM, or is it generally better to try the second CM appears?
Many TIA.

[Anonymous]

I'd hedge my bets and try more than just when the CM is strong. Do OPKs work for you?

-- signed 43 and 9 wks pregnant after a m/c at 6wks.

[Anonymous]

thanks, pp, we'll try that this time around. i had heard though that sperm potency diminished after multiple successive tries... but we won't mind giving it our best.
thanks also for your encouragement, good luck with your pregnancy!!

[Anonymous]

Try combining CM with OPKs and charting BBT. All this data together will give you a better idea of when you are ovulating.

Have you been to an RE to get an idea of your ovarian reserve?

[Anonymous]

to maximize you chances, I would suggest trying every other day starting from day 12 since sperm can survive up to 3-5 days.

[Anonymous]

It is possible that your CM monitoring could be off. I finally used ovulation tests last month and realized that I was ovulating a week later than normal, even though I thought my CM was hitting earlier. Also, have sex much more! You should build up a reserve in there and continue during ovulation. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I 2nd 15:03's suggestion to combine OPKs, CM monitoring and temping for your best chance of figuring out when you ovulate and getting pregnant. Taking charge of your fertility is a great book, too, if you haven't already seen/read it. good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all your responses and encouragement. Just ordered an ovulation predictor kit, and will start temping, in conjunction with the other stuff.
I guess my underlying fear is that maybe there's some bigger problem beyond the issues of timing and such.
It's so hard and we want a baby so badly.

[Anonymous]

OP - have you tested your husband's sperm? I kept undergoing tests, going to acupuncture, but turns out everything works in me like a clockwork and my husband's poor sperm quality is the major undermining factor in our TTC efforts. He has poor motility and morphology. We've trying for over three years now, going for a natural cycle IVF with ICSI next month.

[Anonymous]

OP - have you tested your husband's sperm? I kept undergoing tests, going to acupuncture, but turns out everything works in me like a clockwork and my husband's poor sperm quality is the major undermining factor in our TTC efforts. He has poor motility and morphology. We've trying for over three years now, going for a natural cycle IVF with ICSI next month.

Poster 10:10, can I ask where you are doing natural cylce IVF with ICSI? I may be in your same boat. Curious to hear how you decided to try NCIVF and where you are going. How old are you?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if anyone could share their tips with getting through a GYN examination, and/or suggest a doctor whom they have found helpful (patient, gentle) in this regard. I know it's generally not fun at all, and a "must do" for health reasons (especially if one is hoping to conceive). But I've just never been able to deal with the procedure well at all -- always clamping, never relaxed. The doctor has actually never gotten a look all the way in there, because of this difficulty I seem to have with relaxation. (What has been visible has appeared normal, luckily, but again, the ideal scenario is to have a thorough check-up.)

I'm in my mid 30s, so it feels shameful that at this age I can't cope well. I'm told a therapist might be able to help with techniques to relax, etc, but I honestly wish I could learn to deal with this on my own. It has also affected my ability to be intimate with my husband (difficulty penetrating), so that's of course added stress.

[Anonymous]

Last Post: sorry for posting here by mistake ... I meant to post a separate question

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP - have you tested your husband's sperm? I kept undergoing tests, going to acupuncture, but turns out everything works in me like a clockwork and my husband's poor sperm quality is the major undermining factor in our TTC efforts. He has poor motility and morphology. We've trying for over three years now, going for a natural cycle IVF with ICSI next month.

Poster 10:10, can I ask where you are doing natural cylce IVF with ICSI? I may be in your same boat. Curious to hear how you decided to try NCIVF and where you are going. How old are you?

Thanks

10:10 poster here. We are going for a natutal cycle IVF at Dominion Fertility (with Dr. Gordon). I am 38 and I know that we have slim chances of succeeding due to my age, but I figured it's worth a shot since we were told IUIs will be a complete waste of money for us (my husband's motility is only 20% and morphology - 4%). I just don't want to medicate myself just yet for a regular IVF (read way too many horror stories about overstimulation, mood swings, weight gain, possible development of cancerous cells, etc.), although do not discard the idea of trying it if couple natural IVFs fail.

[Anonymous]

Thanks 10:10. I am virtually in the same boat... just a year older. Am trying to get on Dr G's calendar for next month. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Thank you, PP! And best of luck to you too! Hope we will get to post a success story here at some point.