Ovulation kits?

[Ellypoo]

Hi
My baby girl died at New Year, she was 2 days old, delivered at 37+4. We've had results back & consultant sees no reason why we can't start TTC, as long as I've taken folic acid for 12 wks, and aspirin (low dose) for 2-3 weeks, both of which I've done.
Think I've missed the boat this month unfortunately, my period is due a week on Monday so I think it's too late now - was just after a bit of advice as to which ovulation kit is best to use from next month, can anyone help please? Also, how do they work?

[KatAndKit]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your baby girl.

As for ovulation kits, they work by detecting a massive surge in Luteinizing Hormone, which happens in general the day before ovulation.

The "best" one is the Clearblue Fertility Monitor as it also identifies the rise in oestrogen that comes before the LH surge so it tracks more hormones and gives you more information about your cycle. However it is pricey and the sticks are pricey.

If you just want to use a normal ovulation test, the cheapo ones off Ebay/Amazon/Home Health do just the same thing as the expensive ones in the shops. Moreover, you aren't limited to the seven sticks in a pack so you can test every day if you want to, or even twice a day. As soon as you get a positive result (test line as dark as control line) you should have sex that day and the next day. However, conception often happens as a result of sex that happened before the LH surge as sperm can live a few days, so it is best to have regular sex anyway and not leave it until you get the surge.

If you can have sex three times a week you don't need an ovulation kit, it won't improve your chances as you will definitely be getting the right time anyway.

Good luck with the ttc, hope it happens quickly for you.

[Ellypoo]

Thanks KatAndKit - maybe we'll just see how it goes then for now, I'm just desperate to conceive (not trying to replace my baby girl, could never do that, just need to be a proper mum!), but I'm sure that won't help conception will it! Will try not to stress, and if nothing positive in a couple of months, will look at those ones from Amazon/Ebay. Thanks very much x

[bemybebe]

I am a great fan of ovulation tests as they worked brilliantly for us. They are not for everyone though. I used First Response Daily OV test and Clear Blue Monitor. Conceived after 2-3 months of trying and this is after years of ttc, ivf, even accupuncture, etc...
Both times were very close to either mc or to birth of dd1 (died 23days old, another long story and unconnected to infert issues).
Currently 26 weeks pg. I think I know how you feel. and [hug] Stay strong and keep positive.

[morecoffeepleaseholdthecake]

Hi Ellypoo

So sorry for the loss of your baby girl. Thinking of you >

Wrt Ov kits, I've ordered 100 sticks from home health, absolute bargain compared to clear blue etc. I start testing tommorow and will be testing everyday as cycle is so unpredictable!

Not sure when is the best time to test though, I've heard 1st thing is not recommended as it can give a false result?

Stay strong and good luck

[bemybebe]

don't they include any instruction with your testers more? i would look on their website or call them for an advice. CB afair recommended taking the test at the same time of the day (not excluding the first urine), so I tested first thing in the morning as it was easy to remember... it was an electronic test though and the results were traced throughout the month by the machine, so it needed consistency. my first response was also taken first thing in the morning.

[KatAndKit]

Clearblue fertility monitor needs first morning urine. It's not just looking for LH, it needs to track your estrogen too.

Other tests, the instructions will generally recommend afternoon testing. But if you don't get results in the afternoon, you might be one of those people who would be better off doing them in the morning. Because I did bulk buy them I did two a day for about 5 days a month, one first morning and one late afternoon.

[morecoffeepleaseholdthecake]

I think it stated not first urine so assumed it should not be first thing in the morning. I have bulk bought and they were so cheap I could also do 2 a day (morning and afternoon).

[blizy]

Hi elypoo, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. My dd was stillborn. At 41 weeks last feb, my Dh and I are currently ttc. I use ov kits from eBay, i have bought the dip strip ones and the clear blue quite cheaply.

We have a thread in conception named Angels and rainbows for ladies who lost children and are ttc. Why don't you pop over for a nosey, the girls are so very supportive of each other and a great help. (sorry I can't link from my phone)

[Ellypoo]

Thanks everyone - will check out the ones you have suggested then.
Blizy - thanks for that, I will look for that thread now.

[sunnyday123]

so sorry about your little girl :(

home bargains used to do them - 5 for £1. I used them with each time but never bought the clearblue - expensive! Most chemists offer cheap one for about £5 per month e.g Numark

Good luck