Struggling with ovulation tests

[survivalinsufficient]

I’m using easy@home ovulation tests to try and track my ovulation. First month of trying it. I’m not testing my temperature.

I’m really struggling with when to take the tests - I keep reading you basically need to have no fluids and hold the pee for at least 3 hours, but can’t use first morning urine. How are people doing this without getting so dehydrated? And to do this multiple times in a day? Can anyone advise as to whether they do limit water intake to do this? Maybe this way of tracking isn’t going to work for me.

You’re overthinking it. I always use the first urine of the day, as it’s most the most convenient time. When I start to see the test line developing as the days go by…and it starts to get darker, I start testing both first thing in the morning, lunchtime, and then in the evening. Remember you don’t need a huge volume of urine to test, and I find it easier to wee into a plastic cup and dip.

I certainly don’t do any fine tuning of when I drink fluids. I just drink normally, wee normally, and that’s that.

@MyUmberSeal chronic over thinker over here, thank you!

And when you do that do you pay much attention to the numbers the app gives you or do you just do the tests and follow the lines? I think I’m getting hung up on numbers!

@survivalinsufficient I have never used an app, I go purely on the test lines and how dark they are. I’ve used the clear blue digital ovulation tests previously too, alongside the cheapy sticks, and the two have always corresponded.

My cycle is usually 28-32 days, I usually start testing on day 8, even though I know I won’t ovulate for several days, possibly a week after that, I like to see the lines slowly get darker as peak approaches.

@MyUmberSeal okay that is genuinely really helpful - I might just stop using the app because the numbers are stressing me out but following the lines darkening makes sense to me.

thank you!

I found your post very relatable 😆

Everyone seems to say dont use first urine - but I started last month and I have always seemed to have got the truest result using first one of the day - so far I have never got anything but the faintest line at any other time! I like being hydrated throughout the day 🤣

Totally agree with going off your eyes if numbers are stressing you out - Ive used premom this month, the numbers dont seem consistent - but i find it helpful keeping the pictures (flo doesnt have that feature!) so trying to ignore the numbers ☺️

Use the app, ignore the numbers. Consistency is key here. Try to test around the same time and when it’s closest to its peak (where test line is almost as dark as control line) test twice a day so you don’t miss it. Also, take pictures in the same room + lighting so it’s easy to compare.

I never had extremely dark ovulation tests but here I am 26 weeks pregnant.. so don’t get hung up on the numbers.

Good luck x

I always put my son to bed at 7 and then nip and do my ovulation test - its difficult not to get hung up on all these things when you are trying

I did use the app and was confused by the numbers as they didn’t always make sense. But when I did ovulate it seemed to follow that. I used these to get pregnant with my second child. I’d check your cm and when it’s ewcm you’re good to go! Good luck.