[Erin80]

I just went off the pill (literally.....only 4 days ago!) and AF is coming tomorrow. I have been hearing SO many people say how irregular their cycle is, and how they barely ovulate. Does this happen to everyone? Did anyone here go anywhere near back to normal right away? I'm so worried my cycles are going to be super screwed up.

Also, should I even bother with an OPK this month? Or should I just wait until I see how long my cycle is?

[ShawnaCAN]

Most women begin ovulating fairly quickly after stopping the Pill, it's the cervical mucus that's most affected. It's normal for irregularity to occur up to 18 months post pill, but in most cases ovulation is still happening...WHEN it occurs just fluctuates from cycle to cycle (and it may not be accompanied by the appropriate mucus for awhile).

[sjkduke]

It wouldn't hurt to start using OPKs....then you'll know whether or not you're Oing. You might want to invest in some Pre-Seed as well. You can find it online.

[Erin80]

I ordered some Pre Seed today, as well as the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor. The refills for that thing are like $60 for 20! That's INSANE when you don't know what your cycle is.......it could get super expensive (and once I have my eye on something, I have a hard time not buying it!). I think I'll let one cycle go by (as HARD as that's going to be....I want to POAS!!!) and then start using OPK's on my 2nd cycle. I'm just so darn impatient!

[ShawnaCAN]

I ordered some Pre Seed today, as well as the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor. The refills for that thing are like $60 for 20! That's INSANE when you don't know what your cycle is.......it could get super expensive (and once I have my eye on something, I have a hard time not buying it!). I think I'll let one cycle go by (as HARD as that's going to be....I want to POAS!!!) and then start using OPK's on my 2nd cycle. I'm just so darn impatient![/b]

Yes, it is a little insane. Mucus will tell you just as much if you have the proper training in how to interpret the patterns (even when they are more complicated post-pill) - $50-$75 one time for the training is way more economical.

[Erin80]

I will definately be keeping an eye on my CM, but I also read that BCP can screw up the mucus your cervix produces for a while....that I might not get EWCM until my cervix has healed from the BCP. Anyway, I'm giving myself one full cycle without using OPK's, I will keep an eye on my CM to see if anything is happening. I'll start using OPK's the second cycle.

[ShawnaCAN]

I will definately be keeping an eye on my CM, but I also read that BCP can screw up the mucus your cervix produces for a while....that I might not get EWCM until my cervix has healed from the BCP. Anyway, I'm giving myself one full cycle without using OPK's, I will keep an eye on my CM to see if anything is happening. I'll start using OPK's the second cycle.[/b]

Yes, that's true..that's why working with an instructor is important to learn how to interpret all of that (on your own, it will probably only start to make sense after it's healed and is acting more normal). The world of CM is much more comprehensive than most women realize. Do keep a record of what your CM is doing, it will be of great benefit!