A little confused...

[gemzyb1]

Hi all
I am new to this site as of this morning! I need some advice from like minded people!
My husband and I have been ttc since September. I was on the pill for 13 years prior to this but have had periods since stopping and have worked out my cycle as 31 days. We dtd loads over ovulation time (used ovulation sticks).
I was due on my period on 23rd Dec but as yet nothing. I did a test on 23rd which was negative :-( so I don't know what to do!
Should I test again or just wait for period to arrive?!
I think I'm driving myself insane as I literally can't think about anything else. I'm at work today and am as good as useless because I can't focus on anything!
Thanks in anticipation!
Gemma :-)
xxx

It can depend on the type of test you have used, clearblue did not show positive for me for ages, first response showed positives early. I would test again today with a different type of test.

It was a clearblue that I used. As they are so expensive I assumed they would be the best/most reliable. Any recommendations for tests? Will pop to Tescos when they open.
Thanks :-)

Test again. Tesco own-brand tests are fine. Sometimes you won't get a positive the day period is due even if you are pregnant, depends when implantation happened and how quickly HCG rises. Good luck!

First response definitely. I got a very clear positive when I was still getting negatives on internet cheapies. Didn't try a clear blue this time around (too expensive!)

I know it sounds silly but I'm almost too scared to test again in case its negative! Ha, ridiculous I know!! This whole baby making thing has turned me into a lunatic!!
10 mins til Tesco's opens....
xxx

Another vote for first response. I had negatives on a Sainsbury's blue dye and a clearblue and a clear positive on a FR just 20 mins later.

First Response!

Good luck Gem let us know how you get on.

Damn it - just been sent to a job at work so won't be able to get a test yet! Aaaargh! The wait continues....
Forget to say earlier that I have been having lower stomach cramps for the last week (feels like period pain) and really restless legs/achy hips. Not sure if this could mean anything? I sometimes think I am imagining all these things though!!
Thanks for your advice... will keep you posted :-)
Gem
xxx

Just did a tescos test...bfn. Guessing I'm just late on this cycle.
How confusing!!
Xx

gemzyb1 Try using First morning Urine!

When were your positive opks?

The ovulation tests were saying positive from about 5/6th dec until 11th I think, unless I have misinterpreted them? Tesco's ones that say ovulating in the next 12-36 hours.
I think it must just be my body working itself out after coming off the pill. I was on it for 13 years so I suppose it's wishful thinking to think it would have worked this quickly!
I will leave it a few more days, if nothing then I'll go to the docs.
Xxx

I think you misread the tests. The test line should be at least as dark or darker than the control line. It sounds like you may not have ovulated until the 12th and your luteal phase could be 16 days. So you probably tested too early.

5 days overdue for af, three tests all negative. How long should I wait until I go to the doctors?

You probably speculated within 36 hours of your last positive test, and may have a luteal phase of up to 16 days. So your period may not even be due until tomorrow.

Thanks SolomanDaisy. Maybe I have done that! I was confused with the ov tests when I did them so potentially I've miscalculated the whole thing? So if the first day of my last period was 22nd nov and (assuming) I come on tomorrow then my cycle is 37 days? Is that right? How long after finishing period do u start ovulating then?

It varies. Most people have a luteal phase of 12-16 days and the length of your luteal phase is usually pretty stable, so if you have 16 days between ovulation and your period starting this cycle, the chances are it will be the same next cycle. But the time between your period starting and you ovulating can vary from cycle to cycle, which is what changes your cycle length. In the classic 28 day cycle they assume you ovulate around day 14, but it is actually pretty rare for someone to have that cycle. So you probably ovulated around day 21-22 this cycle, but it might be earlier or later next cycle.