What do you suggest I do?

I need to be extrememly careful after my PMP but I don't want to go on BCP for a number of reasons. I WAS really good at just keeping track and sort of charting myself to NOT get pregnant for a couple of years but now my cycle is all messed up. Do you think I should use OPKs for the next 4 months because then I will be TTC again...I just got AF yesterday, first time since August after a D&C on Nov. 3...My cycles used to be 30 days but now who knows when I will become regular again like that...So how do they work? Do you use them every day or only the week you should be Oing?

Re: What do you suggest I do?

i would not use OPKs as birth control, because the OPK only picks up your most fertile two days, but you are actually fertile for a few days before that... so i don't think you would be safe.

maybe try charting again? although i am not familiar with using charting to prevent pregnancy (i skipped those parts of 'taking charge of your fertility', LOL).

ETA: my use of OPKs has changed as the months of ttc pass. first month i used them every day from day 9 on, but didn't get a + until day 14. so months 2 and 3 of ttc i used them from day 12 on. i've gotten the same results 3 months in a row, so this month i will do only days 13 and 14.

Message edited 12/19/2006 6:27:24 PM.

Re: What do you suggest I do?

charting has been working well for me... I know when I am going to ovulate by my CM.

Re: What do you suggest I do?

I have to be honest- you are in a VERY precarious position. This isn't something where the doctor is just recommending you wait- you HAVE to wait to protect your health. It's very important you take every precaution to not become pregnant.

Charting is an awsome way to GET pregnant, but not quite as reliable to avoid it, especially if you haven't been charting for awhile- ESPECIALLY since your cycles are screwy. If you decide to chart, I would recommend using condoms with spermicide until you have a very clear picture of what your cycles are like.

If you went on the pill- it would only be a few months, not long enough to mess with your cycle I would think, but would provide you with the safety net you need until it's ok to conceive.

Good luck with whatever you decide. I am so sorry you've had such a hard time.