CBFM Users - Join in...

[GeCon]

Hi,

I thought it would be nice to have a place where the CBFM users can exchange experiences, ask questions, etc.

I have only started using my CBFM again this month. Mainly to see what my cycle is up to as I am still BF'ing our LO at night and have only got my 1st "real" AF a month or so ago. I am hoping that using the CBFM will take some stress and pressure off as to when ovulation will take place.

Today I am on CD26: 9 Highs and no Peaks this month for me. Today back to Low. I know this is common to happen in the 1st few months of using the CBFM while it is getting used to your cycle, but still....

So who's next?

[LacePrincess]

Thanks for starting this thread! This is a GREAT idea. A lot of us have the CBFM and a lot of the same questions come up over and over again. I'm going to sticky this thread if you don't mind.

Here's a recent discussion where people can get started reading, a lot of commonly asked questions about the CBFM came up on it: http://genderdreaming.com/forum/trying-conceive-girl/18690-clear-blue-fertility-monitor.html

And here's a graph that gives a great snapshot visual aid to understand exactly how the CBFM is supposed to help you 'read' your cycle:

http://www.clearblue.com/uk/HCP/img/graph-2.jpg

As far as personal experience, I have owned the CBFM for almost 9 years now (!!!). I've used it when TTC all of my kids. I tend to have false estrogen surges and multiple surges before my body finally O's, so sometimes I find it's not that useful for me. I too tend to have a lot of months with a gazillion Highs and no Peak at all. The thing is, once the monitor registers a High it'll KEEP showing High even if your estrogen has actually gone down again (so a false surge that doesn't trigger the LH surge). I find that a weakness of the device, since if you have multiple estrogen surges your estrogen will actually dip down again in between and you're not fertile, but the CBFM won't show Low again in between the surges even though it should. And, the sticks are $$$ so I stop after 10 sticks each month even though the monitor will ask for up to 20 sticks before giving up on finding the Peak.

So it's most useful for people who have 'normal' hormone surges.

I found it useful before I got really good at charting, but ever since I learnt to chart really well I don't find the CBFM tells me anything I don't already know. So for me it's more a luxury to confirm my IC OPKs and charting signs then anything else.

[mkarntz1980]

well i am on month one of using my CBEFM....im only on CD 6 but still spotting from AF, it asked for a stick and it gave me a high reading?! i did start vitex a few days and im still bleeding so im guessing i still have estrogen from bleeding.....we will see what it shows tomorrow but i know i am no way close to ovulating!!

[rainbowflower]

the high reading is all related to oestrogen level, but as everyone's individual oestrogen levels pre-OV are different it takes a couple of cycles to get used to it

GeCon - as with OPKs, it's possible for the CBFM to miss your LH surge that it uses to give you peak readings. In this case, you will get a lot of highs in a row before you get a low again. I used the CBFM to TTC 3 times and I'd say that 40% of cycles it missed my peak days. Thankfully I was using OPKs alongside it so still picked up on them.

[GeCon]

2nd cycle of using the CBFM for me. CD23 and another High. I have taken Vitex earlier this month to hopefully shorten my cycle, but I am not sure yet.... EWCM on and off for the last week.. just playing the waiting game at the moment.

Your turn! :)

[BZ88]

I'm cd 16 still no peak and had ewcm last week and no pos opk yet I'm so confused this is my first month charting and I don't if I've already ovulated or having late ovulation. Is it possible for opk not to work too?

[rainbowflower]

I think with OPKs you have more of an idea if you've missed the surge or not (as you will get signficantly darker test lines even if not actually positive) if you only catch the surge on the way up or way down and not the peak. Are you doing them at a different time of day to the CBFM? if so, it's unlikely you'll have missed the surge when testing twice a day so OV might not have happened yet

[GeCon]

I am pretty chuffed this morning as I woke up to a Peak. :) The 1st Peak I have ever seen on my monitor. Means that the Vitex has hopefully reduced my ovulation from CD42 to CD26. Woohoo!

[rainbowflower]

yay!! :)

[True Blue]

I have used the cbfm since 2011 and always gotten peaks, it takes a few months (2-3) to get used to your cycle but I find it very accurate :)
For me O mostly happens on my second peak day :)

Just a tip: From the first peak reading the monitor will automatically read a second peak, then one high, then back to lows so once you get your first peak reading you can stop feeding it sticks :)

[BZ88]

That's great I hope I follow. I'm day 19 and still no peak just high

[GeCon]

Fingers crossed, BZ88. Are you on Fertility Friend for the charting yet? If not, I can send you an invite if you want. ;)

[BZ88]

I am how do I share my temps have been varying from 97.2-97.6. I am so nervous I am coming off a failed IVF and I know my cycle could be a bit wonky

[GeCon]

I am how do I share my temps have been varying from 97.2-97.6. I am so nervous I am coming off a failed IVF and I know my cycle could be a bit wonky

In FF: Menu Command "Sharing" --> Get Code

Choose bbCode Code: Either Chart Thumbnail for clickable pic of your chart or Simple Link and copy and paste in here. ;)

[GeCon]

Just thought I'd update that my monitor asked for another stick this morning after my 1st Peak yesterday. I fed it a High stick from a few days ago and still got a Peak, so as it is programmed to automatically give you P, H, L after the 1st Peak, it is definitely worth feeding it already used sticks to save sticks and money. :agree:

[Deux Bleus]

Hi ladies.

I am going to purchase some OPKs ASAP as my attempt is in a couple of months. I have never really tracked my fertility at all. The most I've done is taking my temps, but how reliable is that anyway?

What's the diff between CBFM or OPK sticks?
Should I get one over the other?

Thanks

[GeCon]

At the beginning of this cycle I reset the monitor and started POAS on CD6. I started getting Highs from CD10 and a Peak on CD25. With the monitor realising that, I am assuming it will ask me to POAS later next cycle.

Now the thing is: I have taken Vitex this cycle and it has brought ovulation forward from CD42 last cycle to CD26 this one. I guess there is quite a high possibility that the Vitex next cycle will bring it forward again. Do you reckon there is a chance I might be missing my Peak if the CBFM asks me to POAS later? Does anyone know how much later it might ask me to start POAS?

[GeCon]

Hi ladies.

I am going to purchase some OPKs ASAP as my attempt is in a couple of months. I have never really tracked my fertility at all. The most I've done is taking my temps, but how reliable is that anyway?

What's the diff between CBFM or OPK sticks?
Should I get one over the other?

Thanks

From the Clearblue website:

Clearblue Fertility Monitor - proven to almost double the chances of conceiving1

The Clearblue Fertility Monitor is the most advanced home method of maximising your chances of getting pregnant.

Research shows that the Clearblue Fertility Monitor increases the chances of conceiving by 89% over the first two cycles of use1.

Most home ovulation tests identify the 2 peak fertility days during your cycle by detecting the surge in Luteinising Hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. The Clearblue Fertility Monitor is unique as it tracks 2 hormones to typically identify up to 6 fertile days – it not only shows you your 2 peak fertility days, it can also inform most women of an extra 1-5 days of high fertility prior to their peak fertility. Since your partner’s sperm can survive in your body for several days, making love on all of these days can lead to conception.

Personally I bought the CBFM as there is no second guessing any lines like on an OPK and I like the fact that it gives you more warning than regular OPK's. Also, I know of a lot of people who used the CBFM (without swaying though) who fell pregnant within the 1st three months of using it. They are a bit more expensive, but worth it in my opinion. I bought mine 2nd hand of Ebay.

[Sonia2003]

I was worried with this too as the fertile CM kind of messed with my cycles so on one cycle I went from low to peak with no highs, but ever since then, it has shown my the high and peak days.

[GeCon]

Automatic High after the 2nd (automatic) Peak for me today and it did not ask me to feed a stick, but gave me the High straight away. Temperate suggests that I ovulated yesterday.

[BZ88]

Do you think fertile cm is worth getting if swaying boy

[GeCon]

Do you think fertile cm is worth getting if swaying boy

I'd think so as it increases fertility.

[BZ88]

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/29541b/thumb.png
My Ovulation Chart (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/29541b)

[BZ88]

Wasn't sure if it showed today's temp now it's up to 97.7. I'm so confused.
And I only have 1 opk stick left. I'm getting disappointed that maybe this is an anovulatory cycle after my IVF last month.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/29541b/thumb.png
My Ovulation Chart (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/29541b)

[GeCon]

How is everyone getting on these days?

As for me I am on CD33, 7DPO and am just waiting to see how long my luteal phase is as I get the feeling it may be a bit short due to the BF'ing.

[atomic sagebrush]

Hi ladies, I'm going to unsticky this thread, if you keep using it regularly it will stay at the top of the rotation! Sorry, I know it's less convenient but it's too confusing for people with all the stickies we have going on.

[coliny]

Can you use CBFM mid cycle? I will only get mine on CD 9. However, I had a chemical pg previous cycle and this is my first AF. Do I treat the first bleeding as CD1?

[GeCon]

coliny, you can set the CBFM up to CD5 by holding down the m key and releasing it, when it hits CD5.

You always treat the 1st day of fresh, red flow as CD1.

If I was you, I would probably still use the CBFM for this cycle although its cycle days will not correspond to your real cycle days.

I.e. I would set it to the furthest possible CD when you get it, which would be CD5.

So your CD9 or maybe CD10 depending if you manage to set it before your chosen testing window, would be CD5 on the monitor. It will then ask you to start POAS from the day after (CD6 on the CBFM). This way the monitor will not count your cycle days correctly, but you will not miss completely miss out on using it this cycle, especially as you are said to be more fertile after a chemical.

Just make sure that if you need to use the monitor again next cycle to completely reset it to erase any previous data from this cycle as otherwise it will store this information and draw incorrect conclusions for the next cycles.

Also, are you getting a new or used CBFM? Because if it is used you need to make sure to reset it prior to using it yourself as otherwise it may not ask you to POAS on CD6 depending on the previous user's cycles.

[Elico]

Hi guys this is my first month of using the CBFM . its conflicting with my BBT chart and cm and cervix position. It has given me 3 bars (the egg sign) on days 24 and 25 after getting highs ( 2 bars) since day 9.
SEE FF CHART:
<a href="http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/420b0e/">My Ovulation Chart</a>

I find the ff wrong this cycle too, i believe that I actually O'ed early this cycle after the first dip in temp.As i had ewcm and a soft and squishy cervix. AF will soon be here is this is so.
thanks to anyone that can advise.

[MyByC]

I had conflictual results as well...
My Oview strips show me 1 line and just a faint faint second line, which means no Ov for me yet...
But my CB advanced gave me a High in the morning and a Peak in the evening....WHAT TO BELIEVE NOW?:(
I had pains yesterday in my down left side but today not anymore...😔😔
Do you think it was a false? I was only day 11....

[maidentomother]

The CBAD is different but similar.

I just got a CBFM and this will be my 3rd cycle using it, and I will be TTC this month. My first month I had 2 Highs and Oed the day after my 2nd Peak. My second month I had 3 Highs and Oed the day after my first Peak. I am hoping the latter will be my normal pattern since regular OPKs don't give me enough warning. I plan to BD on my 2nd or 3rd High day for my one attempt, since all my months TTC that failed I either BDed 4+ days before O or only 1 day before or one day after, or only on O day. I really want to aim for 2 days before O.

[MyByC]

Well, let me tell you that I had a false result with it. Saturday I got a high in the morning and a peak in the evening. While my stripes 0 - negative. So I trusted the CBAD since I used it all 2014 and always Ov next day after my Peak..and did my attempt that night...Now, in the morning I got almost positive at my stripes(made 2 to be sure) and most probably will ov tomorrow.....I kinda missed my chances of getting pg 😔😔
So my advice is not to trust CB.
Use both stripes and CB and compare.

[maidentomother]

I compare always with strips, so far they have matched up well for me. You can definitely still get pregnant though, despite BDing sooner than you planned.

[Junie]

You aren't out MyByC! 3-4 days ahead can still lead to a BFP! :)

sent using tapatalk

[MyByC]

I just went to my gine, and made an abdominal u/s. I have a folicle on my right side of 2.05 already..probably Wednesday it will brake....I'm devastated 😔😔😔😔😔

[Junie]

What does that mean MyBYC- I'm sorry I don't understand?

[MyByC]

I had my attempt on Saturday due to a false positive in CBAD...cant have another one cause it will ruins my chances for a girl...

[Junie]

Every 4 days is fine! Sat und Wed should be great and I think would only count as once in your fertile period.

sent using tapatalk

[Junie]

Or maybe even Tues night?

sent using tapatalk

[MyByC]

Dont know yet. I had a folicle of 2.05 today at my abdominal u/s. Doctor said I should O tomorrow or most probably Wednesday. I will definetly make another attempt tomorrow night if it's Wednesday...just that tonight I got this super positive at my Oview stripes...22306
..and having the left side pains...like before Ov...
I'm going for another u/s tomorrow...
If it's tomorrow, I still have low chances of pg....
Saturday night....Tuesday morning....almost 72 hours...arrhhhhh 😔

[maidentomother]

Agree with Junie. You have a great shot bding on Wed am.

[MyByC]

Actually I BD last night again :)) and had my ov same time! Came back from u/s. My doctor confirmed.

[maidentomother]

Yay sounds great!

[MyByC]

If I had my attempt same time with ov, do I have any chances ?

[maidentomother]

Yes.

[atomic sagebrush]

bumping for update?

[MyByC]

Me update or...? :))

[yogi&booboo]

That's a great looking opk MyByC♡

I also have a cbfm and have also experienced weird cycles with no peaks or peaks that shouldn't have occured. I still use it and cheapy opks to make sure I don't miss my surge. I got a false peak last month and my cycle went up to 60 days so I removed the batteries at 43 days only because the monitor will keep track of the long cycle. Plus I was using the cheapies just to be safe. I do love my cbfm very much.

[MyByC]

I'm not using them anymore.
I trust the stripes more 😁
Yogi, that was a long time ago...now I wait for a positive or my AF to come 😩

[maidentomother]

Well it looks like the monitor isn't working right this month (the month I start TTC, of course!) - though I think it's not all the monitor's fault. I started testing a bit late, on CD12, and that first day my FMU was extremely dark, almost brown. Usually I struggle to get urine darker than lemonade colour but I was on high dose pain meds + antibiotics from my surgery. CBFM gave me a High right away, yes on CD12 (I usually O around CD18) which I think SHOULD have been a Low if my urine were less concentrated.

On CD13 I got another High, this one I think was legitimate as my urine was normal again. CD14, again super dark urine, which I actually diluted with SMU but it was still too dark High again - also EWCM and HSO cervix. CD15, normal urine, High - still HSO cervix and EWCM - but my cheap OPKs look like my positives usually do. I also opened a new box of tester sticks with purple handles bc I ran out. CD16, today, normal urine, mega EWCM, true positive on my OPK strips, but High again on my CBFM! And comparing today, CD16's test stick to previous months, it looks just like my Peaks.

So did the 2 days of super concentrated urine, the switch to a different batch of tester sticks on CD15, or my starting testing too late throw it off? Maybe all these things? Argh!

Here's my chart (I marked CD12 as Low bc I don't believe it was a true High): 4a5f89 Fertility Charts (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/m/home.php/4a5f89)

[yogi&booboo]

MyByC,
I use it more out of habit :P
I refuse to pay full price for those sticks because they are somewhat pricey but because I am a poas addict I usually buy sticks half or up to 80% off price. The ones getting ready to expire and they work just fine but the cheap opks are the best I must admit.

Maidenmother you definitely have a positive. Don't rely on CBFM. What you are going through has happened to me before and that is the rea I began using opks. However don't be surprised if you get a late peak. I got a peak two month's ago 3 days after I got a positive opk on my cheapies.

[maidentomother]

Thank you!