Questions you are afraid to ask - Flame Free!

[requiressnacks]

Hi Ladies - since we have a few new faces around these parts lately, thought it might be time to post a flame free question thread. These can be any questions - about Trying to Conceive, about using the TCF website (I think I asked 3 times about how to update my siggy), or just about random things you are wondering about.

This is truly a flame, free thread. I promise.

Ask away!

ETA: Anyone can jump in with answers too!

[shadesofgold]

Thanks requiressnacks! I was just thinking of starting this. I'm not new, but I have a questions I've been holding onto: How do other people mark "increased sex drive" on FF? Anytime you find yourself in the mood out of nowhere (without reacting to obvious stimuli)? Or only when it is truly in hyper-drive? Only in the FW?

[requiressnacks]

Jun 9, 2015 8:51:38 GMT -5 shadesofgold said:

Thanks requiressnacks! I was just thinking of starting this. I'm not new, but I have a questions I've been holding onto: How do other people mark "increased sex drive" on FF? Anytime you find yourself in the mood out of nowhere (without reacting to obvious stimuli)? Or only when it is truly in hyper-drive? Only in the FW?

Phew! Glad we got our first question.  I mark "increased sex drive" when I find myself really wanting sex, without being stimulated otherwise.  For example, if I'm just going about my business cooking dinner and all of sudden I think of humping my husband, then I'll mark it down.  But if we go on a date night and sex is the obvious outcome of the evening, I don't really do anything with that.  And now that I think of it, I've only marked this down like once or twice.  Not sure how much it matters to FF.

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 9, 2015 8:51:38 GMT -5 shadesofgold said:

Thanks requiressnacks! I was just thinking of starting this. I'm not new, but I have a questions I've been holding onto: How do other people mark "increased sex drive" on FF? Anytime you find yourself in the mood out of nowhere (without reacting to obvious stimuli)? Or only when it is truly in hyper-drive? Only in the FW?

Those items really don't have any bearing on chart interpretation, so it's really dealer's choice there. I would guess you are looking at that as an indicator of impending ovulation to use as a sign for future cycles, so really however you want to use it is fine. Just be consistent with it otherwise you'll just confuse yourself.

I think the times I ever did were in FW and basically when I didn't have to question if it was higher or not.

[requiressnacks]

I have a question (and I'll be running to a meeting, so I'll be back in an hour or so).

My cycles are really irregular. Not only do they vary in length, I get multiple LH surges throughout the month. Is it really unreasonable to at least go for an initial consult with an RE at 9 months? I'd like to have some testing done so that when we hit the year mark, we are ready for intervention. (backstory - my OB already gave me a referral. She wanted nothing to do with getting me pregnant. I'm just torn about casually going to see "the infertility doctor," as she put it. Something about that word really got me)

[27alex]

Jun 9, 2015 9:01:56 GMT -5 requiressnacks said:

I have a question (and I'll be running to a meeting, so I'll be back in an hour or so).

My cycles are really irregular. Not only do they vary in length, I get multiple LH surges throughout the month. Is it really unreasonable to at least go for an initial consult with an RE at 9 months? I'd like to have some testing done so that when we hit the year mark, we are ready for intervention. (backstory - my OB already gave me a referral. She wanted nothing to do with getting me pregnant. I'm just torn about casually going to see "the infertility doctor," as she put it. Something about that word really got me)

Define irregular? Multiple surges and cycle length variations don't necessarily signal you're irregular. Are you temping? Do you know your LP? Is it fairly consistent?

Edit to clarify.

[Deleted]

Jun 9, 2015 9:01:56 GMT -5 requiressnacks said:

I have a question (and I'll be running to a meeting, so I'll be back in an hour or so).

My cycles are really irregular. Not only do they vary in length, I get multiple LH surges throughout the month. Is it really unreasonable to at least go for an initial consult with an RE at 9 months? I'd like to have some testing done so that when we hit the year mark, we are ready for intervention. (backstory - my OB already gave me a referral. She wanted nothing to do with getting me pregnant. I'm just torn about casually going to see "the infertility doctor," as she put it. Something about that word really got me)

I would say wait the year since you're still ovulating every cycle.

[requiressnacks]

Jun 9, 2015 9:06:43 GMT -5 27alex said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:01:56 GMT -5 requiressnacks said:

I have a question (and I'll be running to a meeting, so I'll be back in an hour or so).

My cycles are really irregular. Not only do they vary in length, I get multiple LH surges throughout the month. Is it really unreasonable to at least go for an initial consult with an RE at 9 months? I'd like to have some testing done so that when we hit the year mark, we are ready for intervention. (backstory - my OB already gave me a referral. She wanted nothing to do with getting me pregnant. I'm just torn about casually going to see "the infertility doctor," as she put it. Something about that word really got me)

Define irregular?

Ranging from 25 - 50+ days.  Not as irregular as they could be, but there's no discernible pattern.

[lilsneezy]

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

[shadesofgold]

Jun 9, 2015 9:01:56 GMT -5 requiressnacks said:

I have a question (and I'll be running to a meeting, so I'll be back in an hour or so).

My cycles are really irregular. Not only do they vary in length, I get multiple LH surges throughout the month. Is it really unreasonable to at least go for an initial consult with an RE at 9 months? I'd like to have some testing done so that when we hit the year mark, we are ready for intervention. (backstory - my OB already gave me a referral. She wanted nothing to do with getting me pregnant. I'm just torn about casually going to see "the infertility doctor," as she put it. Something about that word really got me)

I get why your OB was ready to sign you off to a specialist, but does the RE have their own standards for seeing patients? You might call to see if they have guidelines. I know the one-year rule is pretty sacrosanct around these parts, but I think most doctors are willing to see you whenever you're willing to pay for it. And just because you have an initial appointment to start a relationship and ask some questions doesn't mean you're going to get a full work-up. He/she might tell you that you don't have any red flags yet and to come back in a few months. Or he/she will decide you should really get some tests done based on your history. I really think it is up to you on this one.

[mrsjene]

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

I'm not sure, and this is totally anecdotal, but I triggered last cycle and tested on 10dpo.  Stark white.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

My last IUI, I tested my trigger out of my system. I think it was gone by 7 or 8DPO

[shadesofgold]

To piggyback on requiressnacks's question - we have both noted in the past that we get loooong stretches of fertile CM. (I had 12 days of it before I finally O'd last cycle.) People will casually mention that our bodies are just "gearing up to O." Can someone comment more on this? I haven't found much explanation. If our bodies are primed enough to produce the fertile CM, what would be "holding back" that egg from being released? Does it signal weak or low quality ovulation? When I google this question, or those about a long follicular phase, I usually just get hits from other message boards.

[rablissful]

Jun 9, 2015 9:14:22 GMT -5 shadesofgold said:

To piggyback on requiressnacks's question - we have both noted in the past that we get loooong stretches of fertile CM. (I had 12 days of it before I finally O'd last cycle.) People will casually mention that our bodies are just "gearing up to O." Can someone comment more on this? I haven't found much explanation. If our bodies are primed enough to produce the fertile CM, what would be "holding back" that egg from being released? Does it signal weak or low quality ovulation? When I google this question, or those about a long follicular phase, I usually just get hits from other message boards.

Fertile CM is an indication of high estrogen. (estrogen determines types of CM, progesterone determines the temperature shift)

High estrogen signals increased CM production and for LH to be released, which is why if women usually have high estrogen levels they will have multiple LH surges (this isn't necessarily a bad thing).

If there isn't an egg that is ready to be released (ie not mature), then it won't rupture from the follicle. It isn't an indication that the egg is weak/low quality.

[Deleted]

shadesofgold, I'm not sciency but there is process between the hormones in our brain (pituitary) and the hormones in our ovaries just a guess, but perhaps the rising FSH triggering the eggs to grow but not until the estrogen threshold (?Level) is reached can the LH level surge to the amount needed to cause the release of the egg. Ok, disclaimer I get this stuff on a very basic level so perhaps more info/exact will be provided.

[housecarder]

So the past two months since we got the puppy I have had erratic temps due to irregular sleep. Before this oral temping was enough to determine O. Would switching to vaginal temping help or would the erratic sleep still result in rocky temps?

[ghostmonkey]

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

Generally 1 day per 1,000 IU. Ovidrel is 5,000 IU. Novarel is 10,000 IU.

Most people are less than that, but that's a general rule. There are a few people that go longer than that as well. 2 weeks is pretty much 100% in the clear.

[SheilaTheTank]

What do you consider actual spotting? Light brown CM, redish tinged CM, slightly pink CM, or dark brown CM or all of the above?

I usually get slightly pink CM two days or so before my period and I didn't know if I should mark this as spotting or not?

[mustloveerica]

Jun 9, 2015 9:30:45 GMT -5 SheilaTheTank said:

What do you consider actual spotting? Light brown CM, redish tinged CM, slightly pink CM, or dark brown CM or all of the above?

I usually get slightly pink CM two days or so before my period and I didn't know if I should mark this as spotting or not?

All of the above. It's spotting regardless of color until it's heavy enough to require a pad or tampon.

[mrsjene]

Jun 9, 2015 9:30:45 GMT -5 SheilaTheTank said:

What do you consider actual spotting? Light brown CM, redish tinged CM, slightly pink CM, or dark brown CM or all of the above?

I usually get slightly pink CM two days or so before my period and I didn't know if I should mark this as spotting or not?

I used to mark that as spotting, but I also had a huge problem with spotting (period spotting sometimes 8 straight days prior to my period starting). I only don't consider it spotting when it's actual red flow. Just my opinion.

[shadesofgold]

Jun 9, 2015 9:20:17 GMT -5 rablissful said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:14:22 GMT -5 shadesofgold said:

To piggyback on requiressnacks's question - we have both noted in the past that we get loooong stretches of fertile CM. (I had 12 days of it before I finally O'd last cycle.) People will casually mention that our bodies are just "gearing up to O." Can someone comment more on this? I haven't found much explanation. If our bodies are primed enough to produce the fertile CM, what would be "holding back" that egg from being released? Does it signal weak or low quality ovulation? When I google this question, or those about a long follicular phase, I usually just get hits from other message boards.

Fertile CM is an indication of high estrogen. (estrogen determines types of CM, progesterone determines the temperature shift)

High estrogen signals increased CM production and for LH to be released, which is why if women usually have high estrogen levels they will have multiple LH surges (this isn't necessarily a bad thing).

If there isn't an egg that is ready to be released (ie not mature), then it won't rupture from the follicle. It isn't an indication that the egg is weak/low quality.

Thank you! 

[joy]

Jun 9, 2015 9:30:45 GMT -5 SheilaTheTank said:

What do you consider actual spotting? Light brown CM, redish tinged CM, slightly pink CM, or dark brown CM or all of the above?

I usually get slightly pink CM two days or so before my period and I didn't know if I should mark this as spotting or not?

Anything that is colored like blood is called spotting to me.  Pink?  Brown?  Red?  Spotting, spotting, spotting.

[queenofcats]

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

Jumping in.

I tested mine out and it was gone after 10 days. But it really depends on you and the dosage. I'd say unless you are testing it out to wait the 2 weeks before testing.

[lilsneezy]

Jun 9, 2015 9:30:03 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

Generally 1 day per 1,000 IU. Ovidrel is 5,000 IU. Novarel is 10,000 IU.

Most people are less than that, but that's a general rule. There are a few people that go longer than that as well. 2 weeks is pretty much 100% in the clear.

Thank you!

Thanks for your input as well ladies! longhornwino0907, mrsjene

[LadyNymeria]

Jun 9, 2015 9:30:45 GMT -5 SheilaTheTank said:

What do you consider actual spotting? Light brown CM, redish tinged CM, slightly pink CM, or dark brown CM or all of the above?

I usually get slightly pink CM two days or so before my period and I didn't know if I should mark this as spotting or not?

I consider all of the above spotting. I also added a custom checkbox in FF for brown CM so I could look back on my charts and differentiate that type of spotting vs red/pink spotting. 

[lilsneezy]

Jun 9, 2015 9:43:57 GMT -5 queenofcats said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:08:39 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

How long does a trigger shot stay in your system? My RE said two weeks but that seems like a long time.

Jumping in.

I tested mine out and it was gone after 10 days. But it really depends on you and the dosage. I'd say unless you are testing it out to wait the 2 weeks before testing.

Thanks. I'm probably going to test it out today because I've never seen two lines on a HPT before but I just don't want to see a false positive at like 12-13DPO.

[SheilaTheTank]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I need to go back and update my chart tonight.

[queenofcats]

Jun 9, 2015 9:51:14 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:43:57 GMT -5 queenofcats said:

Jumping in.

I tested mine out and it was gone after 10 days. But it really depends on you and the dosage. I'd say unless you are testing it out to wait the 2 weeks before testing.

Thanks. I'm probably going to test it out today because I've never seen two lines on a HPT before but I just don't want to see a false positive at like 12-13DPO.

Stick with the same kind of test and sensitivity! This is what screwed me up.

[longhornwino0907]

Jun 9, 2015 9:51:14 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:43:57 GMT -5 queenofcats said:

Jumping in.

I tested mine out and it was gone after 10 days. But it really depends on you and the dosage. I'd say unless you are testing it out to wait the 2 weeks before testing.

Thanks. I'm probably going to test it out today because I've never seen two lines on a HPT before but I just don't want to see a false positive at like 12-13DPO.

Won't lie, I tested mine out because I wanted to see the two lines. I had no clue what a "squinter" might look like. Now I know! It was a weird little mind fuck at first, though.

[lilsneezy]

Jun 9, 2015 9:53:43 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Jun 9, 2015 9:51:14 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Thanks. I'm probably going to test it out today because I've never seen two lines on a HPT before but I just don't want to see a false positive at like 12-13DPO.

Won't lie, I tested mine out because I wanted to see the two lines. I had no clue what a "squinter" might look like. Now I know! It was a weird little mind fuck at first, though.

Thats kind of how I felt looking at my U/S pics after my monitoring appointment. Not exactly how I pictured my first ultrasound to go but I guess it's something, right? Ugh.