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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

Original poster

Ovulation Corner

348 replies

EvelineUK · 31/07/2019 16:56

Ask away, whether it's OPK's, LH, Temping (BBT), Surges, lines, DPO's, ask away, I have worked for the big boys of fertility and some of the smaller ones....

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Thread gallery
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Makingawish · 05/08/2019 16:33

@EvelineUK how accurate would you say the clear blue OPK's are? I used one for the first time this month. Started at CD8 and got 2 days of empty circles then 1 day of flashing smiley before my static on CD11. Does this sound right? It seems a bit TOO straightforward and easy.

Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 16:01

@mrssunshinexxx
Thank you and good luck, don't be afraid to overtest the first few months at days 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 , 17 for example, you don't want to miss the peak also look into temping and CM to confirm ovulation so you know you are looking in the right window.

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Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 15:59

@Mycrazylife85
You will not necessarily ovulate every month and the long cycles would suggest your body is still settling down, albeit quite some time after stopping contraception. The most important thing is consistency, make sure you test your LH 3-5 days a month to get on top of the cycle phases. EWCM is a bit like Temping, it's good for some and suits certain ladies, but you need to be very strict with the method, LH (OPK) is a little more forgiving. Day 25 is very late to ovulate, but on a 44 day cycle not unheard of, was the test line darker than the control line?

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Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 15:55

@NavyBerry
Leutial phase is not my speciality, 7 days does sound short, I'm not sure if there is anything that can be done to lengthen it pharmaceutically, but definitely worth getting referral in case it can be managed.

Good Luck x

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Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 15:53

@Lucylou22039
Thanks for all the questions :)
Positive for LH generally means the test line needs to be darker than the control line, it can be hard to see on some tests, but I would suggest you were seeing high (pre-shoulder) results rather than the ovulation peak if you didn't yet see a darker line, as for timing, this is why we do an LH test, so we don't assume it is the same time every month, there are a lot of factors that can alter the day of ovulation every month.

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Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 15:50

Ahh we're back...
@Lookingforalittlehelp, a surge during your period would be very strange, I can't think of anything that would cause that, do you have a picture/ which kit? As for a shortened Leutial phase that can be associated with issues of implantation as the lining may be too thin or not form correctly, I'm not a doctor, but 10 days vs. 12 days doesn't sound that bad and you cycle length is certainly in the normal range, if a little short.

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Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 13:41

@NavyBerry I think I might do a pregnancy test just be sure

mrssunshinexxx · 05/08/2019 13:35

@EvelineUK I am currently ttc 1 cycle 5 first month using clear blue opk don't currently have a question but sure that will change but just wanted to say it's a really kind thread to start I am sure you will help a lot of ladies x

Mycrazylife85 · 05/08/2019 13:28

I'm hoping to learn something here.
Having come off the pill in January my cycles have been irregular. Last month was the shortest cycle at 44 days.

I had EWCM earlier in the cycle at day 15/16 but never managed to get a positive OPK. However, I've had ovary discomfort over the last week and thought I'd missed my ovulation and my period was due in around 4 days (if I'd ovulated 15/16).

Today I have a much stronger OPK test but absolutely no EWCM. I'm on day 25. So no idea 🤷‍♀️ I was hoping my cycle was reducing and I was in for a shorter cycle this month ☹️

NavyBerry · 05/08/2019 13:14

@Lucylou22039 can you also take a pregnancy test? My three bright ovulation tests on three days in a row ended up in a BFP straight after my period ended. Weird but that was it

NavyBerry · 05/08/2019 13:12

My cycle is 26 days. Ovulated on day 18 which leaves me with a very short luteal phase of 7-8 days. Is it considered a risk for a pregnancy? I had a negative experience of a heavy 'period' bleed during the first weeks of my last pregnancy which resulted in me finding out I was pregnant after two weeks of constant bleeding. I suppose the body was confused and my progesterone was too low. It didn't end well. Is a short luteal phase a problem? Thanks!

Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 10:51

Please can I ask a question. I've tested positive on OPK sticks for 3 days now but the 3 positives have been in CD 8/9/10 which is very early. I didn't know if this was normal or I have a bad batch of cheap OPKs . line is consisitant in colour everyday and it's just a tad lighter than the test line but a very clear positive xx

Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 10:51

Please can I ask a question. I've tested positive on OPK sticks for 3 days now but the 3 positives have been in CD 8/9/10 which is very early. I didn't know if this was normal or I have a bad batch of cheap OPKs . line is consisitant in colour everyday and it's just a tad lighter than the test line but a very clear positive xx

Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 10:51

Please can I ask a question. I've tested positive on OPK sticks for 3 days now but the 3 positives have been in CD 8/9/10 which is very early. I didn't know if this was normal or I have a bad batch of cheap OPKs . line is consisitant in colour everyday and it's just a tad lighter than the test line but a very clear positive xx

Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 10:51

Please can I ask a question. I've tested positive on OPK sticks for 3 days now but the 3 positives have been in CD 8/9/10 which is very early. I didn't know if this was normal or I have a bad batch of cheap OPKs . line is consisitant in colour everyday and it's just a tad lighter than the test line but a very clear positive xx

Lucylou22039 · 05/08/2019 10:50

Please can I ask a question. I've tested positive on OPK sticks for 3 days now but the 3 positives have been in CD 8/9/10 which is very early. I didn't know if this was normal or I have a bad batch of cheap OPKs . line is consisitant in colour everyday and it's just a tad lighter than the test line but a very clear positive xx

Lookingforalittlehelp · 05/08/2019 10:24

And a secondary question, do you think a shorter luteal phase (10-11 days) is cause for concern?

Lookingforalittlehelp · 05/08/2019 10:23

I have a question! I have noticed this cycle I had strong opks during my period. Can you have an LH surge during your period?! I've been tracking my cycle for months but dont normally start with opks until CD10. I usually ovulate around CD15 and have a 25/26 day cycle.

Original poster
EvelineUK · 05/08/2019 10:08

Any more questions?

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AllHopeAndNoResults · 01/08/2019 18:29

Thank you!

Original poster
EvelineUK · 01/08/2019 18:28

Fair enough, well lots of luck to you, baby dust on your cornflakes :)

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AllHopeAndNoResults · 01/08/2019 18:26

@EvelineUK no they didn’t say why. The GP did say I still have every chance conceiving. My feeling is that the vit d deficiency played a part and also because my cycles are long that they probably tested on a day I didn’t ovulate?

Original poster
EvelineUK · 01/08/2019 18:15

Yep sounds like you are, once you can map out your ovulation, you can get military on the DTD plan :) I'm not saying Agnus won't work, but I like to see peer reviewed stuff to back up claims. 29 is still relatively young, so you have that on your side, interesting that your progesterone is low, have they suggested why?

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AllHopeAndNoResults · 01/08/2019 17:54

@EvelineUk thank you for your speedy response. Ahh really that’s disappointing as I’ve read so many success stories using the Agnus. I think it still might be helpful for me though to use for my periods as they are long and irregular. I do take folic acid twice a day and have done for months now so hopefully that is helping.
I am 29 this month so not sure if that does affect it? Yep the GP tested and also tested for vit d which I was low on and have been taking tablets prescribed twice a day for a while now. DP has been tested and he is all good. Today I had a pelvic exam, swabs and smear so it’s all moving in the right direction.
I am temping every morning but it just feels like a faff! So from what you’ve said I feel like I’m doing all I can. I guess it’s just a matter of catching the right time and waiting?

Original poster
EvelineUK · 01/08/2019 17:46

@AllHopeAndNoResults
Thanks for the question, it's a tough one, but some things stand out...
I had to google Agnus Castus, not heard of that before, from what I can see it holds no benefits for conception at all and is more for period issues. Not sure how old you are so I can't make any assumptions on your progesterone levels, I assume this was tested by your GP, did he test anything else?
If you have long cycles, you absolutely need to use a reputable LH (OPK) test to pinpoint ovulation or you are shooting in the dark, add in Temping if you can to confirm that ovulation has occurred. EWCM is a good sign, but can be more random as you get older.
Any SMEP system relies on pinpointing that LH surge, spend your money there, rather than products that may not be scientifically backed up. Beyond Folic Acid the benefits of most supplements is anecdotal.
Also remember it takes two to make a baby, it's not all on you, make sure your partner maintains good sperm health too, after so long, you may want to get him checked out too, just cos it did work, doesn't mean it still does, men get less fertile with age too...

Hope this helps x

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