Clearblue digital ovulation

[willithappen]

Hi folks
Looking for some help/guidance with using the clearblue digital tests for ovulation.

We have fertility issues on dp side, but I'm still trying to track if I actually ovulate (I do have a blood test on Wednesday booked in but I was trying to track with opk this month to make sure I'm having the blood test at the right time and no delays)

Anyway, I have used the digital ones before, got the flashing smiley and solid smiley in those before.
My cycles lengths vary from 27-29 days and I have really, really light and short periods most of the time (another worry I have).
I usually get a pain in my left side around the time I'd ovulate and with the signs and my cycles I thought I would ovulate on the 3rd Oct. I went out and bought a new clearblue digital this day, and tested in the afternoon (I know, wrong timing) anyway, that one came back negative. I have continued to do them each morning with fmu since. I've since had flashing smileys every morning from the 4th onwards.
My concern here is that if I haven't ovulated yet and say ovulate tomorrow that would bring me to a 33 day cycle which is longer than I have ever had in years. 29 is the longest I have ever had. I'm also concerned that I had ovulation symptoms on the 3rd and that would match up with my usual cycle lengths.

Could it be because I used a new digital test and didn't test the days leading up to ovulation? Could I have actually ovulated on the 3rd but didn't catch it on the test because it was mid afternoon and then the flashing smileys have since been the LH surge decreasing? I read somewhere to use the same digital test each time but I don't get why they give you a new one with each packet if you do that, would it not be a waste?

I know I'll likely find out with the blood tests, but since that's not until Wednesday and could take a while after for them to give me my results I'm eager for advice now if anyone has?

Thanks for sticking with me through this long post (if you have)

Anyone?

Tested today and flashing smiley has now gone, empty circle in place from this mornings!

I believe that the Clearblue OPKs work by first identifying a personal “baseline” LH level and then looking for an increase in that to pinpoint the surge. That’s why you are supposed to start testing a certain number of days before you expect to ovulate and to reuse the digital part- so that it can identify your baseline before ovulation.

So if you only started testing on the day of ovulation, it will have just identified a higher “baseline” and wouldn’t then be able to pick up the surge. Does that make sense?

The flashing smiley is due to oestrogen levels, not LH levels so doesn’t really say anything about whether you have ovulated or not.

I should say on the day of the surge, not ovulation.

Hey I hope your appointment goes ok tomorrow .
With CB you need to test before your ovulation starts . Not sure if this is any good but, For example, my period ended 1st October , I got my tests and did my first one on the 4th October . Got a negative, then continued 5th October when I got my first flashing smiley . Still flashing this morning- I think I am due to ovulate Friday .

All very new to me , first time TTC. But they are very good and I am sure like @majorfaffington said, they need to work on a baseline so best to start before your fertile window begins

Good luck x