Questions about ovulation tests.

[CrystalJMM]

Hello everyone, I'm brand new to these boards so please excuse me if I don't use the proper abbreviations or if I'm posting in the wrong place. I apologize in advance.

I'm Crystal, 30 years old. TTC for 2 months now but have been not trying but not preventing for over 2 years. I've always felt when it came time to have a child it would be difficult for me. I've never been pregnant. I will say that I didn't start having sex until later in life but still.....

I have always had very regular very heavy periods in the past but the past few months have been weird. March I had two periods in the same month (beginning and end) and then April it was a very very light period (end of month). In April I had 6 days of positive ovulation stick tests. I don't know if I didn't ovulate or what that is about.... Anyway, I immediately began taking ovulation tests after I finished my cycle so I could be sure to catch it. In April I ovulated (the first day) on cycle day 16. This month I got 3 positive stick tests (all different brands) today which is cycle day 11, but 1 negative digital test. How am I supposed to know which test to trust? The fiance' and I did the deed last night by luck as I didn't think it was really time, I'm glad we did though.

Do you guys think I'm actually ovulating? Do you trust the stick tests over the digital? I'm just having a hard time trusting when I'm supposed to be doing things, ya know? I've been taking my basal temp for the last few weeks but I spike as low at 96 up to over 99. So I don't feel like that's super clear....

Any advice you all have about the ovulation tests and everything would be much appreciated. Thank you!

Crystal

 

[CrystalJMM]

The fiance' and I don't have sex pretty much at all outside of my fertile time of month. This may be TMI but he also doesn't masturbate (and I truly believe this about the man....he has the tiniest sex drive). Are the sperm still viable if he hasn't ejaculated in approx 3 weeks?

I've read they can die in the tubes, etc.....

Thanks again!

 

[10yearsago]

I am also interested in what others have to say about the sperm. My DH also has a low sex drive. I wonder if the sperm is weaker this way.

 

[CrystalJMM]

Bump? Anyone?

 

[Wnt2beAMom]

I dont know about the sperm quality question...but I havent had any problems with the cheap wondfo opks...when I got a positive looking test it was positive (I know because I followed up with taking my bbt and it got higher after O.) I've never tried the digital tests though so I dont know which tests are better....didn't want to read and run.

 

[MrsKChicago]

I would trust the traditional tests, not the digital, simply because there are more of them. If 3 tests say you ovulated and 1 doesn't, I'd assume the exception was a faulty test. But, are you sure you're reading them right? The test line needs to be as dark as or darker than the control line for it to be positive.

It's totally normal to get positives for a few days. You get your first positive 12-36 hours before you actually ovulate (on average), but it can take some time for the hormones to subside. I usually get a few days of positives, and count the day after the first as O day.

I have similar concerns about sperm quality - DH has a lower sex drive and our work schedules often make it hard to find time for sex, too. I just make sure we start having sex around ovulation early enough that the first time doesn't have to count Since I'm fully in charge of keeping track of when we need to do it, it works.

 

[CrystalJMM]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Yes, I'm certain I'm reading them correctly. These were all clearly darker than the test line. Last month there were a few days where they were the same shade but still definitely positive. Last night and just now they were definitely negative so I'm pretty sure I ovulated. My BBT has been over 100 the last few days. I feel okay otherwise, maybe a little run down but my usual temp is closer to 97 so I'm not sure what's going on there....

 

[AuntieKate]

I watched this video last weekend and it answered my question about sperm viability:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAnMymnJiLM&list=PLCDECC6C14006053D

Basically, they say the sperm die off the longer they're left in there. So to have optimal, healthy sperm it's important to ejaculate every 2-3 days. One of the specialist also suggested that a better/stronger orgasm for him results in using the newer sperm for the back. Let's just say my hubby is a lucky man I watched that video! haha. Best of luck!!

 

[MrsKChicago]

I can't watch it right now Did they address what to do if every 2-3 days just isn't an option? I've been assuming that getting the old stuff out and making room for new stuff a couple days before I enter my fertile period works.

Thanks for hunting it up!

 

[amariee]

You can get cheapie OPKS on ebay or amazon. It's the best way to go. Test in the late morning and early evening. Once you get a positive OPK (test line is as dark as the control line or darker for it to be positive anything other than that is negative) you have 12-48 hours before you actually ovulate so I would have sex after the positive for the next 3 days. Good luck!

 

[CrystalJMM]

That video makes it sound damn near impossible. Haha