Do you think I ovulate?

I'm out of the race again this month. Af is not due until Thursday but have just started light brown tinge when I wipe and this usually signals for me that it is coming either tomorrow or Wednesday.
I always use OPKs from about day 10 until I go back to a negative result again. With the brand I use I usuallu get a day or so of both lines being the same colour, then 3 days of test line being a lot darker than control, followed by a day of them being the same and then back to negative. My CM is usually eggwhite like during this period. I don't take temps and never have done. About 3 months ago I had a progesterone test done with a result of 25. Blood was taken on day 25 but AF started 4 days later. I think I ovulated on about day 19 so only about 10 day luteal phase, maybe 11 day.

By all of this I'm pretty sure I am ovulating each cycle just wanted to know what any of you think. If I am ovulating I guess I will have to just keep going and keep my fingers crossed. No point trying Clomid if I'm ovulating anyway????
I'm 43 so can't really afford to hang about but have never had a problem falling pregnant before. This was my 8th cycle since I lost my son Luke due to a cord accident at 16 weeks last September.

Can I pick anyones brains??

Baby dust to everyone!!!
Debbie

Hi Debbie,
Firstly, sorry to read of your twins,m/c and Luke, it's so so very sad.
It appears you and I have very similiar circumstances. I have never had problems falling pregnant (up until now:( ). I seem to ovulate regularly and all seems well. Doctor happy with everything, I worry about having a short LP. It seems to be around 10-12 days each month. Queried doc about this, he said there's no problem? Cycle normally around 28-32 days, ovulate between 14-17 days, just can't fall pregnant. (stressed myself out about it all too much now I think). I too am 41 so I don't have much time to muck around. Have been trying for a boy, (bd around ovulation) which is why I started charting cycles. Kind of wish I never started but that's another story. I worried about my age, doc said not too which was encouraging. I'm on 9dpo now but feel af coming. I have all signs apart from blood tinge in cm which I normally get around now. It looks like we might share journey together this month. Fingers crossed for both of us. I can't really give much advice because I'm in same boat. All I know is doctor is not concerned and i am worrying too much about it. One thing I will say is, this month I'm taking vitex after ovulation. Also taking vit b6. This month I ovulated around day 14, the first time I have ever recorded.
:hug:
Lilylou

Hi Debbie,
Sorry to hear that AF is descending upon you! I think I am too out of the race this month too, feeling pretty AFish so that will make 3 of us 'old birds'!
Clomid is helpful for women with luteal phase defects, but Debbie I don't really think you fit that category. I understand though it's been 8 months and you haven't got as much time to play as others.
I guess you have a few options. You could keep going and see what happens.
You could make an appointment to see a trusted and recommended ob for some advice. You could see a natural therapist who is also recommended by someone.
Personally I would do all three! Go and see an ob and see what she says. She may recommend a cycle of clomid, or then again since you have a good track record with conceiving she may wait and see a bit. See a natural therapist and get some advice from that perspective.

If you are deteting a surge each month it is more than likely that you are ovulating. However the best way to check this is to have a 7dpo progesterone level done. So, from when your sticks go negative again count 7 days and then go and get some bloods done. This gives us a good indication if you have ovulated.

As we age sometimes the quality of eggs decreases. This can mean that it takes longer to conceive. But this is a generalisation and not true of everyone. It is really really disheartening to see those lines and know that you are dtd at the right time and then to bleed. I so so understand. ((HUGS)).

If it helps I took 8 cycles to conceive my dd31/2. I was only 34. So, it just may be the luck of the draw, your body getting back into the swing of things after delivery.
If only for your peace of mind I think it would be good to check out with an ob. I really really don't think they will find anything 'wrong'. You will probably feel better though.

Big hugs again...

Lilylou,
Thanks for your kind words. You are right, we do seem to be follwoing similar circumstances. I also take B6 and am thinking of forgetting the progesterone cream next cycle and starting vitex. I think I read somewhere on this site that it is best to take it for the entire cycle but to make sure that you stop if you get a BFP. I still have my fingers crossed for you this time though. It's not over until AF arrives!!


Debbie,
Thanks for your words of wisdom again. You appear so calm and knowledgeable and are a great help. I feel so much better just reading your post (and Lilylou's as well). I am of the feeling that Clomid is not necessary for me. I think we may just keep going for at least one more cycle and then talk to Doc. I may arrange a 7dpo progesterone test. As I mentioned, the last time I had one done my level was 25 but AF started 4 days later. That was about 5 months ago. I am going to start doing temps as well as OPK's and checking CM. At the moment the OPK's and CM alone point towards the fact that I ovulate. Just want to add temps to the equation. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. They really do help.

Good luck to you both this cycle. You are both still in with a chance and my fingers are crossed.

Hugs to you both .
Debbie

MMM, I am not always calm! That sounds like a good plan Debbie. This is a real bugger TTC after loss. I hope that this next cycle is yours and mine and we can be buddies together!

Hugs to you

Hi Debbie,

Not sure if i can be much of assistance but im also experiencing similar problems to you, i am O'ing, but am having a luteal phase of 11 days, I had a m/c in January with a blighted ovum and i have been recommended to start taking vitex as it will help balance out my hormones which could be out of whack since the m/c.

Best of luck to you.

Hope we all have success soon!
Hugs to you all.
Debbie

Hi there,

My best advice is for you to start temping - i know it seems like a lot of trouble, but its one of the only ways I know that i can track, that ive actually ovulated. Your temp normally drops quite a bit the day you O, then if it stays elevated above your "coverline" for 3 consecutive days, you will know youve O-ed. There are several good websites that can help you track your temps for most girls i know use FF, Fertilty Friend (hope im allowed to write that here ??).. so basically my advice would be to start temping.... hope that helps:p

Thanks Pebs. I have started temping.
Debbie

Debbie,

It certainly sounds as though you are certainly O'ing sweetheart. Like Flowerchild (Deb) says a Day 21 test (which is the same as the 7 days after O test she is talking about) is great and shows more clearly what your Luteal phase is like. Really hope you have some success soon....