Experts Help needed! Another when did I O question

[soni]

Hi Ladies, this is our first month TTC blue and I have never tracked ovulation before. I am embarrassed to admit I am not even sure about the average length of my cycle. I have a vague idea that AF is due and she comes by. So, this cycle I decided to start tracking using an OPK kit. I used both the Clear Blue smiley ones as well as the one with the lines.

I tested about 2 times in the afternoon on CDs 10, 12, 13, 14. All negative. I usually test at 12 noon and at 4 pm. On CD15 I got busy and could only test at 5.30pm. Got a smiley on my clear blue. Tested again at 9pm with the traditional OPK and did not get a line. Wanted to DTD the next morning but did not happen. Tested with clear blue on CD16 at 1pm and that was negative. DTD on CD16 at 6.30pm. On CD16 the cervix was getting soft but did not quite feel like "lips" and it was a little open. CM was watery and present but could be due to robitussin, bsf.

The next morning on CD17 the cervix was soft so much so that I almost could not find it - it seemed to disappear in the walls of the vagina and it was open like really open! This kind of stayed the entire day. On CD18, cervix started hardening and closing.

So after the essay, my question is do you think I Oed on CD16? Btw, I do not temp. I started tempting with a ear thermometer :rofl:before I learnt there are special BBTs and I am trying to look for a drugstore that carries it.

Thanks so much for your help!:bighug: You girls rock!

[begonia]

I was like you; no idea about my cycle or my O day til I swayed ... I tracked for 9 months though only with OPK's and did really get the hang of it, so my 1st bit of advice would be to give yourself a couple of months to figure out your own cycle.

Here's my thoughts on your situation this month. Based on the physical cues and your OPK, yes, it sounds to me like you O'd CD16/17, and your BD timing was spot on for TTC boy...many of us boy swayers BD the night of the +OPK (which for you would have been CD15) because we didn't want to risk 0+12, but it sounds like for you, for this cycle, your +OPK picked up the surge at the beginning of your LH peak, which can be up to 36 hours prior to O. Which fits in well with the physical cues from your cervix to make sense out of an O day of CD16/17.

[soni]

Thanks Begonia! Congratulations on your pregnancy (saw your ticker)

This was supposed to be a tracking cycle. I just got excited when I saw the +OPK and wanted to DTD. I am worried that I may have done the O+12 accidentally, but the cervix throws me off. Also stupid question - but is it safe to check the cervix in the 2ww?

[begonia]

Yes, safe to check it in the 2WW. I checked pretty frequently when I was new to it just trying to figure out what the heck I was even feeling around for :) Have you looked at the website My Beautiful Cervix? You can google it to find it ... the pics are pretty graphic but it will definitely help you understand what you're feeling in there.

It doesn't sound to me like an 0+12 attempt at all based on your cervix. And even if it was ... you'll find most of us here really don't think timing is that important. The only consistent studies with regard to timing are more about frequency of release for your DH ... very frequent release will lower sperm count, which has been proven to sway girl. And it has also been shown that abstinence of 2-4 days does in fact up sperm count, which has been proven to sway boy. Most swayers on here do shoot to BD on O or just prior to O day for TTC boy. But, I know ELP got her boy BD I *think* 2 days prior to O. She wanted to go with the theory of having the swimmers up there waiting for the egg, and that worked out for her :)

Good luck!!

[begonia]

Just wanted to add I wouldn't check the cervix for about 24 hours after your attempt though ... I wouldn't want to disrupt any business going on up there :) But in general yes, 2WW is a fine time to check.

[soni]

Thanks for the info Begonia, though I did check about 12 hours after the attempt! Well its done so there is no use fretting about it. :eek:

TMI but the next morning everything inside was so wet - I dont know if it was the CM or the semen or egg whites!

[Cinss]

soni i think you have a really good shot at falling pg this cycle. I would just recommend that you keep records of everything you are testing either on FF or on a calender, it really helps future months TTC when you can look back on data you have recorded from previous months, for example if your cervix opens up for 1 day or 3 days, its really handy to know how YOUR body works.

[atomic sagebrush]

Either CD 16 or 17 and either way, timing was just right. :agree:

[atomic sagebrush]

Thanks Begonia! Congratulations on your pregnancy (saw your ticker)

This was supposed to be a tracking cycle. I just got excited when I saw the +OPK and wanted to DTD. I am worried that I may have done the O+12 accidentally, but the cervix throws me off. Also stupid question - but is it safe to check the cervix in the 2ww?

I put no stock into timing and I think it's next to impossible to conceive with O+12 - unless you release two eggs, which means that you BD spot on O anyway! Very VERY hard to get pg with O+12.

You shouldn't check your cervix in the 2WW. There's NO reason to and you run the risk of irritating your cervix (which can cause bleeding) and also introducing microorganisms that might interfere with pg.

[Hobbermittens]

Since I can't figure out my OWN O day, I probably have no business chiming in here. Besides, the other ladies have been super helpful with their replies! But my guess would be that you O'ed on CD17. If you don't get pregnant this cycle, definitely get a Basal Body THermometer (they sell them on Amazon if you can't get one locally) and start using Fertility Friend. It helps a lot to keep track of things! Good luck!

[soni]

Cinss, Atomic, Hobber - thanks so much for your help. You ladies are awesome!:hug2: I will get a BBT - will order on Amazon if I cant find it. Also, I tried charting on fertility friend but stopped after the ear thermometer fiasco! I am maintaining a calendar though with my observations minus the tempting.

Atomic, thanks for the warning - I have so much to learn. i was still checking my cervix everyday to see what the CM was like but what you say makes sense. I will stop ASAP!