Hi there!

I really need some of your expert opinions here! We are TTC a girl
, and last month was the first month we tried but on BD'ed once on day #9. We planned to on the 10th day as well but on the morning of the 10th day I took an OPK and POAS and it was positive, so I was scared to BD again figuring I was within 12-36 hours of O.

This cycle, we started BDing on the 6th day (after AF arrived)....again on the 7th, and then last night (the 9th). I took a First Response OPK test this morning and it was very positive. I wanted to BD one more time tonight because last time the 9th day was too far from ovulation ( I guess), but I am not sure what to do because I'd really like to have a girl this time (although as I go through all of this stuff, my desires for just a baby are beginning to be stronger than for a girl!). Do you think we should BD one more time? Please help soon, the clock is ticking!
Thanks!


Amy

That tends to be the case with so many of us here.

Are you charting? If so, last cycle, what day did you O?

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Colleen

I would do it at least one more time. It sounds like you are basically following Shettles. He recommends upping your cut-off a day each month if the previous month's cut-off didn't work. Two-days is the closest you should get though.

Get busy girl, and WILL those to get there first!!

I think I will try one more time. I did chart for a number of months before we started TTC, but it varied enough that it just became confusing. I am following Shettles and using the OPK sticks to let me know when I am about to ovulate. With my son, who is 3, we just BD'd a bunch of times around what babyzone.com told me my most fertile days were (no charting BBT or anything, no OPKs) and after the first cycle a !

The funny thing is that we knew we would start to TTC in May, but before that I was charting and came every 27 or 28 days (for about a year since being off the BCP). Well, of course when it came the month to TTC, came after 31 days, and this past cycle was after 26 days. So I figured the best way to establish a cut off date is to use the OPK. Do you think this is my best way to figure it out? Thanks for your quick responses. I will get cracking on it and then wait those LONG 2 weeks !


Amy

Well, using OPK's for a cut-off for a girl simply won't work, because you need a bigger cut-off then 24-36 hours (according to Shettles). You use OPK's to predict when you will ovulate, and since you want to BD well before ovulation, then they really don't serve a purpose, kwim?

For example, OPK's are used to detect the LH surge which typically occurs a day or so before ovulation. If you are using Shettles correctly, then you would certainly have DTD well before any sign of the LH surge. If you were to use any method for certain, I would start checking your CM, even temping wouldn't do much good for a girl attempt since when you see the temp rise, ovulation has already occured and then it would be too late for a cut-off.

I do know what you mean Erin, but here is the dilemma. I used the OPK to help me know when to stop BD'ing. Last cycle, we BD'ed on the 9th day and the next day (the 10th) the OPK said positive so eventhough we planned to BD again, I didn't. The same thing happened this morning, except we BD'ed alot more this cycle (6, 7, & 9th days) I wanted to try again today bc as you said, Shettles said to up it one more day. Do you think I should? I am so conflicted on what to do. I am leaning towards one more time. Sorry to be such a pain, but I want to try and get it right this cycle. Thanks for helping me!

Amy

If it didn't work last cycle (obvious, ) then yes, I would BD again because you will have inched it up a day, just a Shettles suggests.

Thanks, Erin!
I am on the case!
We will DTD tonight being that this is the 10th day of my cycle, and as you said, Shettles said to up it one each cycle if it doesn't work. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Thanks for all of your good advice. I will keep you posted!

Amy