CBEFM - help me interpret this please

first of all, we're not TTC but i've been reading these boards because I'm trying to understand my cycle. I've basically had my period since March with little reprieve (maybe 1 or 2 days off per month).

I used the CDEFM to get pg with my son after 4 unsuccesful months and was successful the first month when I started using this. I've almost convinced myself that this menstrual issue (which is a side effect of getting 1 dose of the depo shot earlier this year) has caused me to become infertile. So for peace of mind I started using the monitor 22 days ago (on the first day of bleeding after my 2 day break from my period) to see if i am at least ovulating still. I started out with just the one bar. At day 16 i went to 2 bars and have stayed there ever since. Now, I'm not sure if when I started was the beginning of the cycle because I don't know when my cycle really starts and ends.

What's the deal? Is it possible that I just didn't ovulate this month? Does it detect a peak (meaning goes to the second bar) even if you don't ovulate and get the egg symbol? Help, i'm scared there is something wrong (other than the fact that I always have my period).

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

You probably just still haven't ovulated yet. I've heard of some people not getting their peak til about CD26/27. When I first started to use CBEFM I had a ton of high days as well.

HTH

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

I'm a little confused.

You've been bleeding nonstop (besides 1-2 days here and there) since March?

Have you seen a doctor about this?

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

To be perfectly honest, I'm very concerned.

Here's some information I've found on the internet:

Before the age of 35, the most common cause of this type of constant bleeding is a defect in the endocrine control of the uterine lining (endometrium). Often this is associated with anovulation and lack of a regularly functioning ovary.

I think you need to speak to your ob/gyn ASAP and get this figured out. As far as I know, bleeding like that is NOT normal - and I would try to get that under control first and foremost.

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Okay, sorry to keep replying, but I've been googling for you.

When did you get your depo-provera shot? I've put the important parts in BOLD.

Here's what I'm reading about that:

Depo-Provera (99.7 percent effective)
Depo-Provera is a long-acting progestin given as a shot into your arm or buttock once every three months. That's it. Its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy starts to wear off after three months, but the medication may remain in your body for up to a year. If you develop constant bleeding with this birth control method, your practitioner can give you some pills that usually will stop the bleeding for a while. By the second year of use, many women have no periods at all.

In general, women who are happy with Depo-Provera are those who cannot or will not take birth control pills. If you are doing fine on the Pill, the Patch or the Ring, you'll probably find that your method has fewer side effects and is almost as effective. But for women who cannot take estrogen-containing contraceptives for medical reasons, this progestin-only method may offer a safe alternative.

One concern for many women who are considering using or are using Depo-Provera is weight gain. On average, women gain about five pounds during the first year of use, so if you're using this method, it's a good idea to pay extra close attention to your eating habits and to get into an exercise routine.

Advantages:

Depo-Provera is highly effective.

All it requires is getting a shot every three months.

Women who don't get periods often see the lack of bleeding as a blessing.
Disadvantages:
If you don't like how you feel on it, you are unfortunately stuck with it for up to a year; there is no way to remove it from your body.

In addition to a small initial weight gain, some women continue to put on a few pounds every year thereafter.

Researchers currently are studying the possibility that long-term use of this medication may increase the risk of osteoporosis (brittle bones).

If you decide you want to get pregnant, it may take more than a year to regain your fertility.


Also, this is from American Pregnancy Association re: Depo Provera.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
Intense pain in the abdominal area
Major depression
Yellowing of skin or eyes
Any new lumps in your breast
Women who wish to use Depo-Provera should seek additional consultations with their physician if they are experiencing any of the following medical concerns:

Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High risk for heart disease
History of blood clotting conditions
History of liver disease

Is Depo-Provera reversible?

Yes. However it may take several months before your cycle returns to normal. Ovulation usually returns within three to six months for most women; however it is possible that you may not have your cycle for 12 to 18 months after discontinuing the injections.

Pregnancy is possible when you stop using the birth control injections, but it may be delayed. This method of birth control is not recommended for someone who wants to get pregnant quickly after discontinuing use.

Message edited 10/23/2008 11:18:02 PM.

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Here's what I know about Depo Provera:

I was on it for over 2 years... with no side effects... until now and wanting to conceive.

My best friend, on it for ONE cycle, and had AF EVERY day for 5 months... she eventually went back to the doctor - after the 12 weeks of the shot were over ... basically the time she would've gone back for another shot - and he gave her another shot of something else to control it.

As for me I would recommend going to your dr asap if you've been bleeding since march or at least every day of the month with only 2 days reprieve...


The issues I've had with the AFTER effects of depo are endless...

to start NO period for 6 months after stopping the shot... and now - intermittent anovulatory cycles...

Long story short... talk to your doctor and figure out what's going on ...

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

thank you so much for taking the time to do all that research for me.

Yes, my OB is aware and they say "unfortunately that is a side effect that some woman have" blah blah blah.

I'm due to go back very soon as this was our next check in time. I went about 2 months ago because i was concerned. The "pill" they give you is birth control. Basically giving you more progesterone to help stop the bleeding until such time that the shots take full effect. apparently it was supposed to be common to bleed the first few months but i didn't know that. Your below scenario assumes that you continue to get the shot every 3 months. I decided to never get it again (i only had it once in march). So in theory the hormones should be wearing down. And the things it has done to me are horrible. Moody, depression, anemia from all the bleeding, weight gain. Its honestly been a horror show. I decided not to take the birth control because the last thing I need right now are more hormones running through my body.

I've read a lot on stories of how woman claim this causes their infertility after having children. I can honesty say that in the back of my head i do think something is wrong. And another thing i've read is that even if I were to become pregnant i'd likely miscarry because my iterine lining is constantly thin.

I really do wish my doctors could give me some other input other than "it happens". They don't feel the need to have me evaluated further since I have no other symptoms of infection and whatnot. I've had bloodwork done and nothing else has showed up to indicate a problem. Next time I go in though I am going to bring up the fertility thing and demand some answers. For now I was just curious if I could even get an egg on the monitor to put my mind at ease because I doubt they're going to just send me to an RE for the heck of it. I don't plan on ttc until next year. For now I am extremely grateful that I have my DS because I really do think that the next time around will be an issue.

Not a day goes by that I don't regret the decision to get this shot. I warn anyone who will listen NOT to get it.

Thank you for your concern

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this!

Have you only spoken to your ob/gyn? Maybe you can speak to an RE about this.

I'm sure some testing wouldn't hurt - maybe CD 3 blood work and CD 21 bloodwork to make sure you are ovulating.

I know you said you only got 1 injection, but I wonder if it could still have the same effects - maybe taking 6+ months to go back to regular cycles and ovulation?

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

From what I am reading, even with one one shot - it can still take 12-18 months to regain normal fertility (although it could be sooner as well).

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Posted by maybeamommy

From what I am reading, even with one one shot - it can still take 12-18 months to regain normal fertility (although it could be sooner as well).

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

2 bars means "high" fertility.

Is this your first month using the CBEFM?

Did you reset it?

A lot of times during the first month, people will get all low and/or high days without a peak - although some people WILL get a peak (I did!).

The only thing that REALLY means something is getting the peak (three bars + egg).

In my first month, I had MANY high days. In subsequent months when the CBEFM got used to my body, I had between 1 and 5 high days before peak.

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

if you have the directions that would be awesome!

To answer your question -- well, i have no idea when CD1 is. For purposes of this experiment (remember, I'm not TTC but just trying to see if I ovulate for my own peace of mind) I started it on the first day of bleeding after my last 2-day hiatus.

I'm going to continue to do what I'm doing until such time that I stop bleeding. Then I'll reset and do it again using your directions. I'm going to call the doc later and get an appt.

Re: CBEFM - help me interpret this please

Resetting the CBEFM:

1. Remove the plastic cap from one end of a clean-unused-test-stick and snap the cap onto the other end of stick. Inset the test stick into the test stick slot of the monitor. The beveled corner on the insertion end of the stick must face in toward the monitor. THE STICK MUST SNAP INTO PLACE TO PERFORM PROPERLY . The monitor should not be turned until step 2.

2. Press and hold the "M" button. Continue pressing the "M" button while turning the monitor on. NOTE: Do not take finger off the "m" button until these directions say to do so in STEP 5.

3. The screen will show the "remove the test stick" symbol (a flashing test stick with an arrow pointing right). Continue pressing "M".

4. Keep pressing the "M" button and in about 20 seconds, you will see a screen full of symbols. The screen will also display these symbols when you initially turn the monitor on for the FIRST time. This indicates the memory is now cleared of all prior data.

5. Remove the test stick first and then QUICKLY release your finger from the "M" button. The memory should now be cleared.

6. Your screen should display a flashing "M" and one or two dashes. If it does not, it will probably show a "1" and an "M" in a non-flashing mode. If so, you will need to repeat all steps of the process. This procedure may take several times before you successfully reset the unit to its “new” state.

7. Start using the monitor on CD 1 as per the instruction booklet.