Oh, ovulations tests...

[molly13]

So my husband and I have been trying for a baby for about 5 years or so. We finally sought medical help about a year ago and it's been a LONG journey so far, but we're still hopeful!

We have been seeing our OB/GYN for a while and finally had our first appointment with the fertility specialist a couple weeks ago who sent us home with basically an "at home artificial insemination kit" (something that we had asked EVERY doctor for and all said, "sorry, doesn't exist!" so we are currently delighted with our FS!). She also recommended that we use ovulation tests. Specifically the Clear Blue Tests (non digital).

So I've been testing since about Day 13 of my cycle. For the first week or so, the line was *almost* as dark as the test line, but not quite. And now this week it has been non existent.

Does anyone know if that means I probably missed my ovulation and probably started testing too late, or does it even mean anything?

Why does there have to be so much guess work! And who are these people who say getting pregnant is easy! Geez!!!

 

[_Nell]

I think this is why your Dr has suggested the double line test and not the CB digital.

For me 'positive' is often not positive, just very close, a dark 2nd line. I can see my surge as when i line the tests up I can see the 2nd line get darker and then suddenly go v light again. I do get positives on digitals but not every cycle, so the 2 line tests are better for me.

Also as you didn't start testing until day 13 it's possible your positive was day 12 or 11 or before and the dark lines you saw were it starting to drop again IYSWIM?
So you *may* have missed your surge or you may have geared up to surge and not quite managed it and so will surge again in a few days time.......not very helpful really am I?!

For me I know 'that's it' if it goes darker but not quite positive, my body is fairly reliable (just reliably infertile!) and the surge is O.

 

[molly13]

Thanks Nell! That was helpful!
I think I'll just keep testing for the rest of my cycle to see if there's any difference, if not I guess I'll just try right when I stop bleeding next month so I don't miss it!

Now if only those darn tests weren't so expensive... :/ Oh well...I keep telling myself it will all be worth it!!!

 

[_Nell]

Once you get more familiar with your cycle and pattern you can switch to cheap OPK's (amazon sell them in 30 packs for a fiver). You can use the cheap OPK's on days you think it's unlikely you'll get a positive, but want to be sure, and then use the expensive ones when you feel close and need accuracy

 

[aintlifegrand]

^I use those, but I'm starting to have the same problem as the OP. They get close to being the same color as the test line, but never quite gets there. I need to get better at following the directions.

 

[Armywife84]

I have the same problem too. Sometimes I would get an accurate positive and other times, nothing. I'd have to test 2 times a day too. It's confirmed I ovulate and both tubes are clear, so who knows.

Then I just said feck OPks, as I was tired of buying them.