Ovulation test: when to start trying?

[Hopeful2019]

Sorry, this is going to be a lengthy post but would love to hear your thoughts!

I've only been using OPKs for about 3/4 months along with tracking CM and BBT. After failing to get pregnant thinking ive nailed catching my peak fertility i did some research and found this article. I thought id post it in case it helps to shed some light for those who are in the same position as me i.e. absolutely confused!!

Urinary Luteinizing Hormone Tests: Which Concentration Threshold Best Predicts Ovulation?

Basically, and correct me if i have interpretted this incorrectly, depending on the LH threshold of the OPK being used, it may be better to start trying as soon as you start to see a line instead of waiting for a positive/peak since on average ovulation can occur within 24 hours from the START of a surge?? I have probably over analysed my pattern but i have a quick lh onset <1 day. So without mutiple tests a day i can miss my surge!

Also not every woman produces enough LH to get a line as dark as the control, which doesnt mean they havent ovulated but if they wait around for a peak and it never comes, they may miss their chance. For those that get a peak that continues for more than one day the article mentions that they may have already ovulated but for whatever reason the LH is decreasing very gradually.

I also read that it take 3-6hours of LH in the blood stream to show on a urine test. So would that mean the test I took this morning (which was positive by the way) actually shows I peaked overnight? And with the spike in my BBT this morning along with a lot less CM indicate I already ovulated? And just to add to that confusion i also read that it can take 12-24 hours for BBT to rise after ovulation. Again showing I might have ovulated even when my LH tests were not showing I've peaked yet?

With all this in mind, I did the deed yesterday (twice, just for fun and my husband was up for it haha) as soon as two tests confirmed just a rise in LH. I will let you know if this has any success.

What were your experiences?

 

[MrsT116]

I've only just started ttc again for baby number 3. Second cycle. I've always known when I'm ovulating from my left side as I get quite severe pain that lasts a few days (I've had this checked out and had laparoscopy etc all normal) and it's matched up with the pain starting the day I get a positive opk. I have a rough idea that I usually ov around day 16, so we try and bd from day 12/13 or so to try and catch the egg so to speak.
I'm not doing any other charting etc as trying to stay as relaxed as possible this time around. Are your cycles generally the same length each month?

 

[Hopeful2019]

I've only just started ttc again for baby number 3. Second cycle. I've always known when I'm ovulating from my left side as I get quite severe pain that lasts a few days (I've had this checked out and had laparoscopy etc all normal) and it's matched up with the pain starting the day I get a positive opk. I have a rough idea that I usually ov around day 16, so we try and bd from day 12/13 or so to try and catch the egg so to speak.
I'm not doing any other charting etc as trying to stay as relaxed as possible this time around. Are your cycles generally the same length each month?

Thanks for replying, usually my posts get missed. Yeah my cycles are regular, between 26 -30 days. Last cycle I ovulated day 15 and was a 30 day cycle. This time it was day 13, so I'm going to assume it will be one of my shorter cycles.

I've never been able to feel ovulation, But this time I did notice a sharp twinge on my left. Didnt last long though.

I did think the same as you, maybe taking a short break from charting. But it's so addictive. One thing I have refrained from doing so far is symptom spotting and I'm determined not to test until after AF doesn't show.

Fingers crossed for your BFP!

 

[MrsT116]

Thank you, and you. I'm convinced that it took us longer to conceive our 1st (3 years) because I was so stressed and obsessed with charting/testing/symptom spotting. As soon as we were told we were going for ivf I relaxed and got pregnant later that month. I'm convinced stress has a big impact.
Fingers crossed you get your bfp soon ☺

 

[TayBabes92]

We start dtd every second day a week before I think I may ovulate. Then I look for signs of cp and cm as well at taking opk’s and bbt. If I waited only for a positive opk I would never get pregnant as my surge is very short and research shows it takes sperm (in the end maybe 10) roughly 18 hours to reach the egg. Everyone is slightly different but for me my cm becomes ewcm on day of LH surge, cp is always high and finally soft for surge and next day only. Days before LH surge cm is normally clear and wet which is high fertility and best to dtd each day to catch the egg. Sorry if that was all over the place and hopefully helps

 

[Hopeful2019]

We start dtd every second day a week before I think I may ovulate. Then I look for signs of cp and cm as well at taking opk’s and bbt. If I waited only for a positive opk I would never get pregnant as my surge is very short and research shows it takes sperm (in the end maybe 10) roughly 18 hours to reach the egg. Everyone is slightly different but for me my cm becomes ewcm on day of LH surge, cp is always high and finally soft for surge and next day only. Days before LH surge cm is normally clear and wet which is high fertility and best to dtd each day to catch the egg. Sorry if that was all over the place and hopefully helps

Not at all, thanks for the advice. We dtd every other day before as well but DH ran out of steam. Would never have thought it, but to be fair to him he was also training for the marathon so he must have been worn out. I've only just started recording cm recently. I never used to notice it until I started trying. Funny how in tune we get with our bodies when we're trying.

 

[Hopeful2019]

Thank you, and you. I'm convinced that it took us longer to conceive our 1st (3 years) because I was so stressed and obsessed with charting/testing/symptom spotting. As soon as we were told we were going for ivf I relaxed and got pregnant later that month. I'm convinced stress has a big impact.
Fingers crossed you get your bfp soon ☺

Ha! Stress... I'm naturally uptight so we'll see how that goes. Might have to practice some relaxation techniques.