[midwestmama]

So I think that I am overthinking this whole trying to conceive thing. Before my m/c my husband and I were fortunate enough to conceive rather quickly. With our daughter it took 3 cycles and one cycle for our little angel. Part of me wants to just wait and see what happens. On the other hand I am concerned that something won't be right and am thinking of purchasing ovulation predictor sticks. I tried charting but the only knowledge I got from it is that I am a horrible sleeper. Am up too many times during the night. Will probably start again next month (if needed).

So would you just relax and see what happens or buy the sticks?

I also think that it could be a control thing. I want to be able to control something in this situation because I feel like I have lost much of my control after the m/c.

[Celena]

I wouldn't look at that way... using the opk strips can help you pinpoint exactly when you're ovulating, that's an awesome thing!!!

[krystal g]

I completely understand. I also like the control the OPKs & charting gives you. You may not be able to control the end results, but you can at least have some control over knowing your ovulation date & fertile window and then give yourself the best chance at conceiving. Lots of people have told me to relax, let it happen, and while that may actually be good advice, I find it nearly impossible....I'm obsessed! I say do whatever puts your mind at ease.

[farasha]

i don't think it's a bad thing to chart and do opks, but it is really easy to get obsessed. I haven't done opks yet, but I'm considering it. I hate charting, and many people have told me to stop and just "Relax". But I have irregular cycles, so without charting - I'd never know if I was ovulating or late or at all. Sometimes, I think we need to do these things to keep track of our body, or figure out if we're ovulating when we think we are, etc etc etc, even if it makes us a little crazy. You're right. Sometimes it feels good just to have control over SOMETHING, even if it's just control over knowledge.

So, if you feel like you need a better handle (or control) over your cycle, then I'd do it. You could just buy the cheap ones and try it for one cycle and if it gets you too stressed, stop doing it! You can't make the wrong choice, as long as it's what you want!

[midwestmama]

I bought some. I guess control may be the wrong word to use. In the past I took a very laid back approach. Used one of those ovulation predictor calc. and then just kind of went with it. I guess in the end I don't want to get stressed. It will happen when it is supposed to.

[mum74]

I bought opks after my miscarriage. It really helped because my cycle change post m/c so at least with the opks I could feel that we did at least have a chance of timing it right. I didn't temp because it makes me sleep worse.... like my body seems to try to time itself to wake up at the right time and I end up waking a lot (tried it years ago..).

[Mel1979]

I completely understand wanting to control 'something' in this whole journey. I am a control freak! Although I haven't brought any OPK's yet but I am thinking about it. I stopped temping and I started to obsess so I gave it up. Trying to maintain zen and just go with the flow (I am not very good at it )

I think if it makes you feel more in control and makes you feel better then go for it. I think when it starts to make you stress more that's when you should rethink things.

Best of luck!

[.:Shortcake:.]

For me I had to step back and take a break from charting, using OPKs and everything. It was driving me and DH insane.