[live.laugh.love.]

So, my best friend since the 4th grade is offering to help me get pregnant, without paying thousands of dollars on IUI's and donor sperm. What are the basics of TTC'ing normally? I've never kept track of my cycle, but I did last month. What are the basics of OPK's and such? Thanks ladies...

[katiegirl]

I would start by tracking you temps

If you go on www.fertilityfriend.com you can get a free trial membership (I believe its 30days) and they send you daily emails tutorials on how to chart and such.

As for OPKs, depending on your normal day of ovulation you start testing with those about a week prior to Oing, this help pinpoint ovulation better.
When you purchase OPKs most of the brands give you 7 tests, if you buy the Answer brand you get 30. I like this because you don't go through them as quickly.

Hopefully some other ladies can chime in and add any information I missed.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions along the way

[madmum_sarah]

fertilityfriend was how i started and its been a great help making me recognise my symtoms of ovulation etc
good luck

[Eleysia]

Ill have to ditto them as well. Make sure your thermometer is a BBT one, it is so much more accurate. I dont have much more to add. please ask questions along the way, enjoy yourself, and FILL US IN!!!


I think it is friggin awsome of him to offer this by the way. How cool is that..

[TTC2009Miracle]

Don't make the mistake I did with the OPKs and test first thing in the morning!! Test around noonish or the evening. They say that the LH breaks down in our bladder during the long night, so test in the afternoon 2 hours after drinking anything.

A great book to buy or look through at the bookstore is "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Wesler, (I think I spelled her last name wrong) it has pictures of the various mucus changes and is very informative.


Good luck to you!!!

Patty

[..Jessica..]

AMY!!!! GIRLLLLLLL!!!!!!!! I am excited for you right now!!!

What a wonderful guy to help you out! Should you take this as he's had a crush on you since the 4th grade?

Anyway, FF.com is the best. The temping might annoy you, and maybe the OPKs too. Checking CM is too confusing for me sometimes as I can't tell the difference between creamy & wet.

Good luck girl!!! Like Eleysia said! FILL US IN!!!

[amy2008]

Hi Amy! That is great that he offered!! While I am fine with my donor sperm, actually knowing what he and his family are like (and yes LOOK LIKE!!) would be wonderful. Congratulations!

I have absolutely no experience with OPK's, tempting, charting, etc...sorry! But it sounds like the other ladies have some good advice for you.

KUP!!!