First time poster and some questions :)

Hi Everyone,

I've been a lurker for quite a while but I finally decided to join in. I've been on the pill for over 10 years, and i'm getting my period next week and my husband and i decided to come off it after that. I've been taking prenatals for about 2 months now and my dr said that i dont need to wait after coming off the pill to start trying. So my first question...should I use ovulation predictor kits since i have no idea what my cycle will be like?

Looking forward to meeting all of you!!!!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Welcome aboard!!!! I would def use the OPK, makes life a lot easier.. I would say the most popular kit is the Clear Blue easy digital OPK.

Good luck!!!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Thanks!!! If i have no idea how long my actual cycle should be, what day do I begin testing?

Also, is it possible to not ovulate for a few months as my body is getting back to life without the pill?

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Im not all that knowledgable compared to some on the board by far.. but give em time.. they will def respond...

but from what i've heard and done.. I would consider testing around cd 9 or 10. CD= cycle day. your Cycle day #1 is the first day of your period (full flow). So 9 or 10 days after that I would test.

You should test in the afternoon between 2-8, hold your urine for 3 -4 hours (i only hold for 2 though).

as far as not ovulating,,,Im sure anything is possible. But don't stress about that yet!!!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

welcome!!
And I agree with Linda OPK's are great

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

hi & welcome!!
OPK are a great start!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Welcome

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Welcome!


Hope your stay is short!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Everyone is so nice and knowledgeable and friendly!!! thanks for the warm welcome and info!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Welcome to the TTC boards - i truly hope your stay is short & sweet!

What i have to say on this topic may not be AS popular, but in my opinion for month 1 - you should kinda play it easy peasy....

Keep track of things you feel (either by using Fertility Friend or just a simple spreadsheet or document in Excel or Word), if you have EWCM on day 15 - write that down, if you have cramps on day 20 - write that down...

The first month off of birth control can kinda be like a crap shoot - you could:
a. not ovulate at all (it does happen).
b. ovulate VERY quickly (earlier in your cycle than will be normal).
c. ovulate VERY late (much later in your cycle than will be normal).
d. you may not even get a period for a month or 2 - it entirely depends on your body.

One hard and fast rule i've learned on this site is that EVERYONE'S body is different. You can not gage how long things will take based on anyone's experience, but your own.

With Birth Control - the game is a whole new level....it may take time for your body to adjust. Just in my circle of friends (in real life), my close friend Stacy was on the pill for 10 years and didn't ovulate until she was off of it for 8 months. Me? I was on it for 12 years and ovulated the second month I came off of it.

Best of luck to you - and any ??? you have, ask away!!! We're all here for ya!

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

welcome and good luck to you!

everyone is different when coming off BCP. if you want to jump right in, i think using OPKs is a great idea. but just keep in mind that you will most likely go through a box or two for the first few months, until your cycle regulates. i do like the CBE digital the best b/c they are SOOO easy. but they are expensive.

hope your stay here is short

Re: First time poster and some questions :)

Welcome and Good Luck!