Fertility Monitors--opinions needed

[cooroo]

I'm wondering what you guys think about the fancy and expensive fertility monitors (like Clear Plan). Are they worth it? Will they give me any more accurate info than my charting and my regular pee sticks? Is there a particularily good one to get?

Thanks! xo-Coo

[AngelaM]

Here is my opinion.

I bought the CPFM last month. I bought it new. This is my first month using it. It detects estrogen levels and your LH surge. OPK's only test your LH surge. The CPFM will identify low, high and peak (LH surge) fertility days. OPK's only detect peak (LH surge) fertility days.

The instruction manual for the CPFM states that after you use it over a course of several months, it becomes more in tune with your cycle and better at identifying your peak times. So, that makes me wonder about buying them used from someone else. It did also say in the first month, it will most likely identify more than 5 high fertility days while it gets more familiar with the individual's cycle. IMHO, it won't tell me any more this month than a OPK would for that reason because it will tell me my peak time is day 9-11 and peak is day 12-16 (I'm guessing though...I'm still in the high period now). So, in addition to the CPFM, I have some test sticks left from my OPK last month (the digital OPK also made by Clearplan). I plan to use the CPFM in the morning and use what's left of the OPK sticks in the afternoon in the hopes that if I miss the LH surge in the morning with the CPFM, I can catch it in the afternoon with the OPK. I am also still doing BBT as well.
I think the combination of everything will help me narrow done some things.
I also wanted to say if you think you'll be TTC over the course of several months, you will have purchased the CPFM. I bought mine on Ebay new for $89. I had to buy the test sticks separately.
Some ladies have posted here that they were successful with the CPFM. This is my first month using it, so I'll wait and see what my opinion is. I do think it is funny that the OPK test sticks look just like the CPFM test sticks....makes me think its the same technology. The Clearplan digital OPK runs around $40 for a one month supply. So, as I've already mentioned, you will have bought the CPFM if you use several months of the digital OPK. I have to say the digital OPK is awesome. There is no mistaking when you have your LH surge. I always had a hard time reading the traditional line versions.

Good luck...I hope this has been of help.

[BC-Maura]

Hi Coo: Here is a link where we discussed the ClearPlan Monitor--

http://www3.fertilethoughts.com/foru...d.php?t=318459

If I had to get one, I'd get the Monitor.. but as I said in the other thread, it doesn't give you that much more information than regular OPKs (esp. if you're also charting and going to BMS regularly anyway).

Good luck with your decision.
++++++++++++
Maura
p.s. I didn't see Angela's post before I did mine, so I defer to her, who will have actual experience with it!

[cooroo]

Thanks you guys. I'm not sure if it's worth it for me now, cause I will probably be starting up with the doctor's help pretty soon here. Maybe in July or August. But then, if I spend the $$ and get the monitor and get pg before starting with the doc, well, I've saved a bunch of money, eh?

xo-Coo

[AngelaM]

I posted more information on the monitor and digital OPK on the pinned post titled "Information & Links that may be helpful in your TTC journey:" I thought it might also be helpful for others inquiring about these high cost items. I got the information that I posted directly from the instructions provided with the items that I bought.

[infertilemertle]

I personally love mine. I have been using it for about 15 months. It keeps up with my cycle and I don't have to worry about it which cuts my stress down. It is 99% accurate. I love it. Worth every cent. My doctor even said he thought they were great. I don't chart...I just wait for the egg to show up in the window. It will show you when you are at low, high and peak (egg).

[cooroo]

Would there be a reason to use the monitor if I am going to start again with IF treatment, either IUI or another IVF?

Coo

[AngelaM]

Originally Posted by cooroo

Would there be a reason to use the monitor if I am going to start again with IF treatment, either IUI or another IVF?

Coo

For IVF, no. You won't care when you ovulate per se if IVF is being done.

It may help with IUI or if you are just using fertility drugs. However, from my other post, please remember that medications that affect hormone levels including infertility drugs containing HCG or LH can affect your test results with the monitor. And, if you take clomid...it recommends that you consult your physician to see if the monitor is right for you. While using clomid, high fertility may start early in your cycle and you may have more high days because of increased estrogen. The display of peak fertility is primarily dependent on the detection of a significant increase in LH, the LH surge. However, clomid can cause unnaturally high estrogen levels, in some cases the monitor may not show the presence of an LH surge, even when you are ovulating.

The main thing I would say is that if I had just caved and bought the monitor when I first started with TTC years ago, I would've more than paid for the monitor with ovulation kits, pregnancy tests, etc. So, if someone has just started TTC and they weren't sure about when they ovulate, I would recommend it. In addition, I still think it is helpful to do BBT because when you first go to an OB or RE, they would like to see what has been going on with your cycles up until your visit and this will help them.