Accuracy of Ovulation Tests?

[LottieLee]

Hello All :)

Obviously I'm new here so this is probably going to sound like such a silly question. I was just wondering how accurate ovulation tests are in other people's experience.

Has anybody successfully conceived, even if the ovulation test is saying they aren't ovulating? 

My cycle started June 2, which according to fertility calculators and fertility friend, my ovulation days should be from approximately June 13-June 15. I just took my first ovulation test however (a Clear Blue digital), which says it can detect ovulation 24-36 hours ahead of time, and it says I'm not ovulating. Should I be worried? 

I mentioned in a prior post that I went off the Pill (after 9 years on it) at the beginning of April, and my mensus didn't start until June (so approximately 2 months), which I'm assuming is due to my hormones getting into balance again.

I have been taking Folic Acid since going off the Pill, and have started taking Pre Natal vitamins this past week as I've heard they assist with hormone re-balancing. 

I'm wondering if the Pill may have affected my ability to ovulate? Has anybody else had difficulty within the months following stopping the Pill? 

I guess I should probably only be worried on the 13th if an ovulation test is still negative then;. I'm just stressing out :) 

Thanks in advance for your input!

xLottie

[aHikaru]

OPK's don't tell you if or when you've ovulated, just that "it looks like you might". Best way to know for sure is to temp. 

[Cathlin]

My doc said to try two months of ovulation tests and if there was no ovulation/we didn't conceive then to come back in. Those things are expensive!

After a yr of just ttc, I did two months of ovulation tests, was ovulating, and we did not conceive. We conceived the following month LOL - yes, just as my husband was realizing in a panic that the difficulty might be on his end!

Prior to ttc, I had been on the pill - but as indicated above, I don't think that was relevant to our difficulties.

It's great that you're taking supplements now, it's recommend that you be on them prior to conceiving anyway!

[pokeyAC]

Ovulation predictor kits tell you that you should ovulate 24-36 hours in the future, like dakipode said.  I second the temping advice too.  OPK's don't tell you that you are ovulating or that you have ovulated.  They only predict.  It's your LH surge that causes the egg to release.  The test detects that surge.  When your LH reaches its peak, you ovulate after that.  So if you ovulate on the 13th, you may detect a surge on the 11th or 12th.  That's why they tell you to start testing on cycle day 9 or so depending on your cycle length.  I would keep testing and see what it says.  Cervical mucus can also be a good way to tell if you are fertile if you get the stretchy slippery kind every month.  Good luck!

[pickle18]

I wasn't charting or anything but used OPKs when TTC with DS, right after getting off the pill - the month we conceived him, I don't think I ever got a real positive (did them every day, first thing).  I had one that I thought was a squinter, but I wasn't at all confident in it.  Luckily, I got the BFP anyway!  

So, I don't think you should fret *too much* about it - it seems like your body is definitely taking some time to adjust.  I think it depends on the person, but I've heard it can take a few months to get back "normal."  You are doing great by taking the prenatals!  

It sounds like reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility (or similar) might help you - I'm thinking of getting into charting (with temps, monitoring cervical fluid, etc.) now to better understand my body.  Like PP said, it would help give you the whole picture, I think (and perhaps more info to discuss with a doctor, should you need help?).

Good luck! Sending baby dust your way! 

[flyrabbitfly]

I can't remember specifics, but when we were trying, and trying and trying, we finally did the OP kit and something about what it said made us decide to try sex in the morning instead of at night when we usually did- we were missing the window or something- in any case, we finally conceived that month! We also used some stuff called Preseed as a lube, since most lubes are pretty toxic to sperm....I was charting as well, and knew that my cycle wasn't "typical" legnthwise, so I think the advice to take temps and chart is wise...

[boomer78]

Originally Posted by pickle18 

I wasn't charting or anything but used OPKs when TTC with DS, right after getting off the pill - the month we conceived him, I don't think I ever got a real positive (did them every day, first thing).  I had one that I thought was a squinter, but I wasn't at all confident in it.  Luckily, I got the BFP anyway!  

So, I don't think you should fret *too much* about it - it seems like your body is definitely taking some time to adjust.  I think it depends on the person, but I've heard it can take a few months to get back "normal."  You are doing great by taking the prenatals!  

It sounds like reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility (or similar) might help you - I'm thinking of getting into charting (with temps, monitoring cervical fluid, etc.) now to better understand my body.  Like PP said, it would help give you the whole picture, I think (and perhaps more info to discuss with a doctor, should you need help?).

Good luck! Sending baby dust your way! 

Pickle, did you do your OPK tests in the morning? I believe they say it is best to test after noon. But I do have a friend who tested every month for a few months (not sure what time of day though), was ovulating (by the tests) and didn't get pregnant. The only month when she didn't even get a positive OPK was when she got pregnant! Go figure...

To the OP: I'm just trying OPK this month for the first time so I don't have any word of advice. I'm on day 8 (24 day cycles) and nothing so far. But no ewcm either yet and I didn't even bother checking cp. 

[pickle18]

Yup - I did test first thing in the morning.  That might be good advice about afternoon - I have no idea!  I can't remember if the kit said to do it in the am or if I just assumed it would be better to do in the morning.  There are alot of women on here who know more about it who could weigh in...

Good luck!

[pokeyAC]

Some tests say don't test first thing in the morning, some tests say it's ok.  FMU may be too concentrated.  Some people say the best times to test are 10 and 2.  I read the other day that it's best to do it between like 10am and 8pm.  It's confusing.  I think most tests say to wait at least 4 hours since you last went to the bathroom.  I think it works well to wake up, go to the bathroom and then test 4 hours later.  I test at least twice a day so I don't miss it.

[LottieLee]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all of the helpful responses :) About a month before going off the Pill I went to the doctor regarding fatigue so had blood work done (I was normal / fine on all accounts- except that my thyroid was a fraction high, but my Dr told me this was usually due to the Pill and it wasn't high enough to be a concern). The fatigue ended up being put down to the obvious culprit of overwork (in addition, we are house hunting as we will be relocating this year, and 2000 mile round trips on weekends to look at houses, plus my 10-12 hour work days, plus looking after my wonderful but housework and kitchen-shy husband). I've since resigned from my job to focus on enjoying being a wife, and finding and buying a house, and of course the fatigue has vanished :) I guess I'm just not fabulous at multi tasking!

Anyway- I have ordered a Basal Thermometer off Amazon so should receive it any day now, so I can accurately keep track.

I have continued to take the Ovulation tests although it is still giving me the empty circle as opposed to the smiley face.

HOWEVER, I think I am possibly ovulating due to a change I just noticed in my cervical fluid. (is that TMI?)

Wouldn't you believe it though- my husband is already sound asleep, and he's going to the "field" tomorrow (a type of military training where they literally camp out in a field usually, for those non-military wives). I guess my best bet is to wake him up half an hour early! As he'll be gone for a few days, I'm now panicking about missing the window of opportunity! 

Also, I have an appointment with an OB GYN in 3 and a half weeks (it was the first available) for my annual check up and also to get more info about TTC. 

Wish me luck in the morning! 

x

Lottie Lee