Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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

TTC at 37 - questions about OPK

56 replies

pinkpirlie · 22/01/2021 11:26

I'm TTC aged 37.

I never thought I wanted children. Then my partner when a little drunk last July and said he desperately wanted a baby. Then the next day he said he didn't know where it had come from and he wasn't ready. I was so disappointed and realised I really did want one.
We have spent the past 6 months discussing whether or not it is the right choice for us, and we decided over Christmas that now is the time.

I am currently on CD 13. I started doing daily OPKs at CD8 (I don't know my cycle length, I've never paid it much attention but it is fairly regular, 30 days give or take I would say), which I know was probably too early but I didn't have a clue so thought earlier is better than late.

On no test yet has there even been a hint of a second line. Is this something to be concerned about? Could I be doing something wrong? Or is it just too early.
Looking at posts of other people doing them, they seem to be showing lines from around CD12.

OP posts:
Amz6219 · 22/01/2021 13:01

Chart ...

TTC at 37 - questions about OPK
Amz6219 · 22/01/2021 13:01

Definitely is a lot to take in. I am 35, have 1 son who is nearly 3 and had MMC last year so am just back TTC after a break.

I have attached a chart which shows hormones through cycle. Oestrogen steadily increases and precedes LH surge (which is short and sharp and happens about 12-36 hours before ovulation). Clearblue dual hormone OPKs pick up the oestrogen increase as well as the LH surge, so gives you a broader fertile window as you are most fertile 5 days before and day of ovulation.

Hope that is of some help...! Good luck! x

Original poster
pinkpirlie · 22/01/2021 13:01

I have been taking them once a day around lunch time. I have a drink first thing and then hold on as long as possible. I read to try and not drink for 4 hours before, and between 2 and 2.30 is the optimum time.
I'm going to start twice a day now as I get closer to my ovulation date.
I only got the cheap femometer sticks off Amazon, I figured I would try with those for a couple of months and see what happens. And if I don't conceive or get good data, invest in more expensive ones later on and see if they are more helpful.

I have never tracked before and AF came when AF came. I couldn't even tell you when my December period came that's how little notice I took. Now I'm wishing I had paid more attention.

I have my fingers crossed for you!

OP posts:
TTCat39 · 22/01/2021 12:52

hi @pinkpirlie - I'm TTC at 39, first time, and first month using OPK, so I thought I'd jump in and say hello. I'm only on CD8 (on a usually 25 day cycle), and using Clearblue OPK I haven't had a smiley face yet. I was just wondering at what time of day you are taking the test, and are you doing it multiple times a day? The leaflet says it can be done at any time of the day, once a day, but I have read other online advice that says people often take it every 12 hours, and that it isn't best to use first thing in the morning, as LH peaks are usually between 12-8pm.

Original poster
pinkpirlie · 22/01/2021 12:45

Okay thank you. I thought it would gradually rise rather than sudden.
Better do some more reading - it's all so new and a lot to take in.
Good luck!!
First month trying for us so I'm not expecting anything, but it's nice to be on the journey.

OP posts:
Amz6219 · 22/01/2021 11:33

Most likely too early, my cycle is usually around 30 days too and I am also on CD13 today! Tested today with standard OPK and very faint but CB dual hormone has been saying high (flashing smiley - oestrogen rise) for a few days.

I usually ovulate around CD15/16 so assume you would be similar with 30 day cycle (assuming 14 day average luteal phase), although it can differ. I am expecting peak on standard OPK on Sunday. The surge is short and sharp rather than a steady increase, so until it happens you will be getting very faint lines :) x