[AngelM82]

So I just got home from the doc and having like 6 viles of blood taken from my body against my will (well sorta.. hehe)! The doc did a super quick exam, told me my CM indicates that I have not O'ed this cycle, so I guess FF is wrong? He also said not to bother charting at all and to toss out my BBT because it won't be accurate anyway... I didn't even know what to say to that! He also said that most women take up to a year to concieve but since I have irregular cycles, which he estimated to be an average of 50 day cycles, to come back in like February or so and he would refer me to the fertility specialists.

Anyway, I am at a loss here.... Have any of your docs told you to not bother with temps and did you anyway? And also, he suspects PCOS I think, so can they tell that from blood tests or how would they diagnose it?

[ShawnaCAN]

1. There's no way he could tell you anything about your cycle just by looking at your CM one time. It's the whole pattern that matters, not one observation. DON'T BE ALARMED at this level of ignorance, most doctors don't actually get any training in fertility awareness in med school.

2. It's true that couples with average fertility can take up to a year to conceive. That means trying by chance, no charting or anything. With charting and timing intercourse correctly, this time should be closer to 6 months. If you're irregular, it can take longer, yes.

3. Charting has benefits, but it can also increase your stress level. Stress and fertility are NOT friends. So in order to reduce stress, not charting can be a good thing. Only you can evaluate the benefit/stress for yourself.

4. PCOS can be diagnosed with bloodwork, yes. Usually PCOS women have higher levels of FSH and LH during parts of the cycle when those hormones shouldn't be high. That combined with symptoms and/or ultrasound is how it's diagnosed.

[Patriciamomofboys]

When I went to see the fertility doctor I was actually afraid to tell her that I temp because I expected her to tell me that it was a waste of time and inaccurate. She was actually happy that I do it and said that it's more accurate than charting cm. I agree with everything ShawnaCAN said.

[AngelM82]

Thanks for that Shawna! Yes, I was very shocked by his stating that he didn't think I had O'ed based on my CM... But because my temps are super low right now considering FF claims I could have O'ed, I figured he must be right.

And I can definitely see charting causing stress but it doesn't for me I dont think... if anything it gives me to focus some of my energy on since there isn't much else I can do at this point in the game while waiting to O and just waiting to see what happens.

The only other thing he mentioned was insulin and causing extra wait around the middle or upper body and I'm reading right now, that happens with PCOS also? Anyway, he said it didn't look like I had a whole lot of that wait in my middle but losing some weight could help (i need to lose somewhere between 20-25lbs).

Patricia, thats good that your doc said it was good you charted... I want to keep up with it and then by the time this doc refers me in a few months I will have my charts to show a fertility specialist in case they view charting differently than him and maybe it could be helpful at that time. Here's hoping anyway!

[MountainMomma]

My doctor told me not to bother with charting, but I still do. I am more stressed out NOT knowing than I ever amd when I am charting.

[AngelM82]

Stephanie, I completely agree... if I didn't chart I would probably just go nuts wondering what my temps would be!

[CandaceDianne]

I was going to tell you that if it keeps you more grounded and sane, than chart! I really cant believe how your DR responded....I am not saying he is a bad DR, I am just kind of surprised. I am entirely convinced you O'd yet, but I do see an obvious thermal shift in your previous chart (where you had a solid CH). Hmmmm....other than that, I dont have much input. GL!

[AngelM82]

Yeah see I don't really know how great this doc is, but my DH is military and with our insurance I don't have a whole lot of option on where to go... I mean, I could pay to go else where but on base I can go for free and won't have to pay for anything. Its hard to beat that unless I get to a point where they flat out wont help me, ya know?

[Coley]

I am in complete agreement with Shawna. I thought the exact same thing!! How could he tell if you have ovulated already by checking your CM today? Today's CM tells you what's going on TODAY... not 10 or 11 days ago. (shaking head)

I was afraid of this kind of reaction when I went to the doc yesterday... so I was really pleased when she asked for my charts so that she could make copies for my file!!

As far as the stress thing goes... I can see how it would be stressful, especially for the girls who are unable to step back and see the pattern and instead read into each and every little temperature variation. For myself, I'm just like you... it gives me something to focus on while I'm doing all of this dang waiting. It also gives me a sense of control and insight. It's like I feel better knowing what's happening for that day, ya know?

I actually told my doc yesterday that I'd be stressed if I didn't temp!

[AngelM82]

It definitely sounds like you found yourself a great doc Nikki, that's awesome!

Yeah, I agree that temping does give me a sense of control and understanding of my body every day... Though I fully admit, I have my days were I obsess slightly over what a temp might mean if it's not what I was expecting at all. LOL

[bev26]

Shawna, you are really a wealth of information!

Angel, I saw a fertility specialist about two months ago, and he told me not to temp because he thought it could lead to stress (he gave me a big speech about how stress hurts your chances of pregnancy) and that it was too much of an inconvenience. I didn't listen to him. He had no problems with other charting tools, though, like OPKs.

[AngelM82]

Bev, this doctor even said that he thought the OPK's were a waste of money and we should just just be doing what's "fun" (implying to BD.. well duh!). He said to use them if I wanted to but he basically sent me off telling me to just have lots of sex and come back in 4 months.

[~*Jackie*~]

Just lurking.... When I had first gone to my OB/GYN forever ago about TTC, he was not at all impressed with my charts. He believed in OPKs and nothing else, but didn't tell me to "stop"- only implied it.

I have charted for a long time now, and went early this year for the first time to my RE. He has been in infertility for 30+ years and was SUPER happy about me having everything charted and organized. So it's just a difference of opinion from doctor/specialist to doctor/specialist I guess, but I wanted you to know my story, too, which shows some of them truly appreciate what we do!

[erica.marsh]

Originally Posted by AngelM82

Bev, this doctor even said that he thought the OPK's were a waste of money and we should just just be doing what's "fun" (implying to BD.. well duh!). He said to use them if I wanted to but he basically sent me off telling me to just have lots of sex and come back in 4 months.

That sounds like his 'general' response to everyone who comes in the office then... He probably doesn't expect his patients to know anymore than he does and he considers charting an out-dated method of fertility planning. My doc is sort of the same way... but when I took my charts in to him... he said that he could CLEARLY see my O-date and was surprised that my chart was so clear (I guess the charts he'd seen in the past weren't consistent or clear)... So you never know what HIS knowledge or experience is, only your's. And if you like charting, throw the doc's advice out the window (I do some of the pediatrician's advice too...).

[AngelM82]

Thanks Jackie, it is always helpful to hear other ladies' stories.

Erica I agree completely. I'll take the advice on the big stuff but on things like this that I can have control of, I will and he can stuff it! That cracks me up that your doc didn't seem keen on the charting thing but then had to admit that there was obvious data on yours, which in turn is obviously helpful! Take that Mister PhD!

[Admin-pattyandthemoos]

Originally Posted by AngelM82

Yeah see I don't really know how great this doc is, but my DH is military and with our insurance I don't have a whole lot of option on where to go... I mean, I could pay to go else where but on base I can go for free and won't have to pay for anything. Its hard to beat that unless I get to a point where they flat out wont help me, ya know?

Don't take this the wrong way but I have a whole lot of military family members and if you are seeing a military doc I will say that I have heard a lot of complaints from military friends and family about military docs. I understand you have to see him but I would let what he said go in one ear and out the other. He obviously knows nothing about charting.

(((HUGS))))

[forest]

Sounds like your Dr is a bit a a tool to me. I would totally ignore him myself.

My RE was very happy to see my charts. I think when you do go see a specialist it will be very helpful for them.