Clear blue ovulation tests

[Lillybilly20]

Hi all,

I’ve used the clear blue ovulation kit this month (the one with flashing and static smileys). I’ve had 9 days of flashing smileys so I’ve had to buy a new kit as there are only 10 test sticks in a box (I worked out the correct time for me to test according to the instructions). Stupid question but should I use the new test sticks on the old test monitor (does it somehow track my previous tests) or should I just chuck out the old kit and start with the new one? Also is it normal to have 9 days of flashing smileys and no static? I’m so confused 😂 thanks all xxx

Definitely use the new sticks in the old monitor - but be aware that occasionally the CB tests miss your peak so watch other fertility signs too!

Thanks so much for your reply, so It can miss even if I test everyday?

@lillybilly20. I’ve also been using clearblue. Last cycle I had 8 flashing smileys and no peak. Was also concerned so created a thread for a little advice. Seems that clearblue has a bit of a reputation for missing the surge! The instructions say to use fmu but the consensus is that some women can have a short surge in the afternoon/evenings meaning that by only using fmu it is missed. Also your levels of LH could be quite low so clearblue can’t detect it. Seems that the levels need to be reasonable high for the digital OPKs to pick up.

Once I get my flashing smiley this month I’m going to start testing in the afternoon. Might consider using internet cheapies though given that clearblue can be pretty expensive!

Yes, I was going to suggest using IC tests in the afternoon as well. Also learning how to interpret the CB sticks is a good idea - there is an estrogen line (furthest from the end you pee on / dip) which gets lighter as estrogen rises. This change in line intensity triggers the CB test to move from 'low' to 'high' fertility. For me, this has happened as early as CD7, much to my annoyance: I wasn't remotely fertile at that point according to my other fertility signs. Then the LH line (closest to the pee end) gets darker until it reaches a threshold for the test to tip from high to peak. However, if you look at the sticks then often the LH line darkens the day before the test gives you peak. An IC taken later that day would tend to show you a strong positive.

Take away points: CB tests are good, but I believe in using IC tests to back them up and provide an afternoon testing opportunity.

Also worth saying ... in the CB instructions, it says that morning testing is essential for identifying the low to high shift, which depends on estrogen BUT after that point, morning testing is less important because as long as your urine is reasonably concentrated, you can catch the LH surge at any time of day. So you could theoretically test twice a day with a CB test, morning and afternoon, only you would probably end up completely bankrupt after a while (hence the IC tests).

I hope that this helps and isn't too lengthy!

Thank you all for your reply’s. I’ve just done another test with yet another flashing smily (this is the 10th one in a row now!) i’ve Noticed that both lines look darker on this one so does this mean I might get my peak soon? Xx

Just got my static smiley, second test of the day 😁😁😁😁

Great news @Lillybilly20! I’m on day one of flashing smiley. Hope that I see my static shortly!! Fx that this is your lucky month

Brilliant- yay for testing twice per day. Also you clearly spotted the trend on the sticks before the monitor did (noticing that lines were darkening) so IF you have to use them next month (hope not) you know what your personal 'fade in' pattern looks like. Fingers crossed for you that this is the month! Xx

Thanks for all your replies and advice. I’ll be testing a couple of days after Christmas so i’ll Update you all either way 😁🤞