CBEFM - is it worth it?

if you are using or have used CBEFM, would you recommend it to someone just starting out? I am considering buying one but it is pricey how much are the test sticks? How many would you say you use a month? Best place to purchase?

thanks girls

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

For ME it certainly was. My cycles were irregular and it helped me pinpoint ovulation without having to stress about missing it.

I bought one after about 4 months of trying. There was a promo on amazon.com. It was $120 for a new machine AND a box of test sticks.

Each box should last you about 3 months unless you have really long cycles. You use 10 sticks per month.

It is a lot of money but in the grand scheme of things it's really not. I was spending so much $ on OPKs (and failed pregnancy tests) anyway and besides I plan to use it in the future when we TTC again.

Once you "invest" in it it only ends up costing about $10 a month and to me it is worth the piece of mind.

Message edited 8/4/2009 3:18:16 PM.

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

thanks so much. for me, my cycles are VERY predictable (and I have never been on the pill) every 30 days, always. I just have a feeling that I will have a hard time pinpointing ovulation since my periods are long ... 7-9 days some months thanks to hypothyroidism

i think i'll give it a try. Cant use it this month since I am CD5 but might invest for next month!

Message edited 8/4/2009 3:24:45 PM.

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by mrskparetta

thanks so much. for me, my cycles are VERY predictable (and I have never been on the pill) every 30 days, always. I just have a feeling that I will have a hard time pinpointing ovulation since my periods are long ... 7-9 days some months thanks to hypothyroidism

i think i'll give it a try. Cant use it this month since I am CD5 but might invest for next month!

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

I wouldn't think period length would get in the way of predicting when you would O. It doesn't have to do with how long AF is but how many days before CD1 you typically O (aka the length of your luteal phase - this never changes).

How about trying out the clear blue easy digital OPKs this month? They are $30 at target I believe and you can find them for less than that online.

If you have a 30 day cycle you would start testing on CD13 and once you get a you stop.

Good luck whichever you decide!

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by headoverheels

Posted by mrskparetta

thanks so much. for me, my cycles are VERY predictable (and I have never been on the pill) every 30 days, always. I just have a feeling that I will have a hard time pinpointing ovulation since my periods are long ... 7-9 days some months thanks to hypothyroidism

i think i'll give it a try. Cant use it this month since I am CD5 but might invest for next month!

karin i would try using OPKs first to make sure you are ovulating regularly. if you are getting funny results then i would consider investing in a CBEFM.

good luck!

Message edited 8/4/2009 3:31:34 PM.

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by mrskparetta
LB dont laugh, but... what are OPKs, how do they work etc? Obviously I am new to this Are they pricey?

ETS - I know what they are but how do you use them, daily?

Message edited 8/4/2009 3:35:08 PM.

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

friend...i bought them for this month, and it's stressing me out (of course). lol

OPKs are just little sticks that you pee on in the afternoon (daily)...and when it comes up with two lines (just like a pregnancy test) that means you'll be ovulating in the next 12-36 hours, so LTP will get lots of action...lol

super easy. i bought the cvs brand that are comparable to whatever name brand. $20 bucks for i think 20 sticks.

Message edited 8/4/2009 3:37:23 PM.

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by mrskparetta

Posted by mrskmurphy

friend...i bought them for this month, and it's stressing me out (of course). lol

OPKs are just little sticks that you pee on in the afternoon (daily)...and when it comes up with two lines (just like a pregnancy test) that means you'll be ovulating in the next 12-36 hours, so LTP will get lots of action...lol

super easy. i bought the cvs brand that are comparable to whatever name brand. $20 bucks for i think 20 sticks.

thanks girls, deff best for this month since I am CD5 and wouldnt be able to use the CBEFM till next month anyway.

Kate - maybe the digital are better, more "certain?" Ill go get some this week, I guess I should start using them right away since I am CD5?

I hate this, we should just be able to say ... ok, I am ready, flip the switch and I'm pregnant

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

If you're on CD5 and you have 30 day cycles, you actually don't have to start right away...look in the package when you buy it. i think you might start around day 10 or something...look it up so that you don't waste sticks...esp if you're going digital, they can get pricey!!

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

I love the CBEFM because I always had such a hard time with opk's. The CBEFM helps me keep track of my cycles and gets to kind of know your body.

But, since you are just starting out. I would probably try the opk's first and see how you do with them before you drop all of that money. The monitor is only half of it...the test sticks are $50/three months (but, since your cycles are long, the box may not last 3 months).

Good luck!

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

thanks girls. i stopped at CVS on the way home and with with the CVS brand - 20 for $20 vs. the digital CBE 7 for $30... way too expensive. Ill see how I do with the strips first.

Good luck girls and lots of

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

opk can they be tested in the PM or does it have to be in the am?

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by mrskparetta

thanks girls. i stopped at CVS on the way home and with with the CVS brand - 20 for $20 vs. the digital CBE 7 for $30... way too expensive. Ill see how I do with the strips first.

Good luck girls and lots of

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by mrskparetta

Posted by mrskmurphy

friend...i bought them for this month, and it's stressing me out (of course). lol

OPKs are just little sticks that you pee on in the afternoon (daily)...and when it comes up with two lines (just like a pregnancy test) that means you'll be ovulating in the next 12-36 hours, so LTP will get lots of action...lol

super easy. i bought the cvs brand that are comparable to whatever name brand. $20 bucks for i think 20 sticks.

thanks girls, deff best for this month since I am CD5 and wouldnt be able to use the CBEFM till next month anyway.

Kate - maybe the digital are better, more "certain?" Ill go get some this week, I guess I should start using them right away since I am CD5?

I hate this, we should just be able to say ... ok, I am ready, flip the switch and I'm pregnant

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

Posted by headoverheels

Posted by mrskparetta

thanks so much. for me, my cycles are VERY predictable (and I have never been on the pill) every 30 days, always. I just have a feeling that I will have a hard time pinpointing ovulation since my periods are long ... 7-9 days some months thanks to hypothyroidism

i think i'll give it a try. Cant use it this month since I am CD5 but might invest for next month!

karin i would try using OPKs first to make sure you are ovulating regularly. if you are getting funny results then i would consider investing in a CBEFM.

good luck!

Re: CBEFM - is it worth it?

i started with the OPK's then after a few months of BPN"S i bought the CBEFM. my cycle was very irregular so it was worth the investment. OPK"S were fine though, its just annoying b.c you have to hold it for a few hours in the afternoon.
i would try the opk's first then move onto the CBEFM if necesary.
GL!