To be really worried about these ovulation tests?

[Nowhereelsetogo90]

On our third cycle of TTC which I know isn’t long at all but last cycle and this one I’ve been using OPK tests to track ovulation and I’ve never had a positive result. There’s always a faint line or sometimes a stronger than faint like the picture attached but never stronger or equal to the control line.

My cycles are always 27-29 days and I’ve never had any pain or symptoms that would make me worry about that side of things, so I’m worried that I’m not ovulating for no apparent reason!

AIBU to worry? Does anyone know if a GP would investigate this further or if they’d still just say try for a year? I’m 32, one previous pregnancy 8 years ago with an ex that was ectopic and resolved with methotrexate.

I'd be more inclined to use the smiley face ones, or the Ava bracket or the tampon type one.

*Bracelet

Hi, I’m not an expert but just based on my experience with the ovulation tests, I would often get a very faint line but but at a different time of the same day it would be a stronger line then on a later test a faint line again. I’ve probably not explained that very well but basically the window where it would be a strong line was small and if I hadn’t tested at the right time of day I would miss it.

have you tested multiple points through the day when you are getting the faint line?

Purple smiley face kits. A bit more expensive but worth every penny.

Hi, Hope you don’t mind but I’m following with interest as an exactly the same position I have been using a mixture of digital and the strips but have never had a positive result. My periods are regular on a 28 day cycle

Sometimes ovulation test strips don't show a positive for me (even when I take twice a day) but I've had ovulation later confirmed by a blood test. Some months they do work for me. I even tried the expensive internal temperature one and that told me I hadn't ovulated, but i know I did that month. You can buy finger prick blood tests to take 7 days after ovulation to check. Places like medichecks sell them. Maybe would be worth it for your peace of mind.

Some people have a really short ovulation peak, possibly you might be missing it and not testing enough?

Are you testing between 12-8pm? When I first started using them I was doing first thing!

Thanks everyone! I’m testing around 12 then again around 6 but could be missing it in-between I suppose! Will look into more expensive ones!

@seven201 that’s interesting because I had the day 21 blood test done twice at the doctors for a different issue about three years ago and it also came back that I was ovulating! It crossed my paranoid mind that I’ve just waited too long but at 32 it doesn’t seem too likely.

I’ve started BBT tracking too on advice of my acupuncturist (was seeing her for sleep issue but she’s now advising with TTC!) so maybe that will show if there is an issue.

Can’t believe I used to worry about getting preg accidentally, it’s a bloody minefield!

I had the smiley face ones and never ever got a smiley face but got pregnant twice while using them. I'm not sure any of them are really that accurate.

I was the same OP and was really worried. I conceived in cycle 5 and am now pregnant. I used the clearblue advanced digital OPKs and got a static smiley. The strip OPK had a visible second line but not as strong as the control.

I've only had a few positives and at 11pm. I wouldn't worry. I just assume I have a short sharp spike and probably at night.
I track my BBT though so know I've ovulated by temps.

You could try the clear blue test kit, it's pricey but it tracks estrogen too

OP, I never got a positive OPK and got my BFP today. Last 2 cycles I stopped worrying about ovulation and focused on other things, and seems that worked! Been trying since miscarriage in March so took a while.

Given your age and the fact you've tried for a short time a GP would not pay any attention as OPKs really aren't very reliable. If your cycles are regular, try not to worry and most likely it'll happen! (I know how hard it is though)

Thanks everyone! I’m tracking my BBT this month and we’re just going to try every couple days and hope we hit the right time! It’s reassuring to hear people with similar experiences did get pregnant, thank you!