Have been using the ovulation tests each month, and have never had a positive...anyone any experience?

[panicpants]

Brief history: Have been ttc for 3 years. Have a ds already. Have had lots of blood tests (day 4, 20 etc), scans and dh has had sperm tests. All normal....now diagnosed as unexplained infertility.

Anyhow, have been using the ovulation tests for a while now, and I've never had a positive.

Any ideas? Reasons? And does it mean I'm not ovulating..even though according to the hospital I am?

TIA

Which ones are you using and how are you using them? Love the name by the way

No, I don't think it does. I'd be more inclined to believe the hospital since their tests are more sophisticated.

OPKs are designed to show positive when your lutenising hormone hits a certain level. If you test once a day and your LH surge is short, if you ovulate after a lower surge of LH or if you are one of those women who just never gets a positive OPK (and there are some out there) then they won't help you.

One of my gynaes called OPKs "worse than useless". In my case I used them to confirm what I already knew from charting temps and observing the way my body felt, but I can see his point. Some months I didn't get a positive, even though I can usually tell when I ovulate to the day. Other months nothing but a clearblue digi came up positive.

Have u considered buying the Clearblue Fertility Monitor - it is very good!

panicpants,

I would not be using OPK's at all particularly if you have been ttc for three years. You are well beyond that stage.

Would also add that any test result done over six months ago should now be discounted - you need up to date test results. What are they now suggesting in terms of treatment?.

There is a list of tests that are often missed out - I will put this up for you. I would also look into seeking a second opinion from another gynae unit.

The most common tests that tend to be omitted are:-

Adequate x-rays of the uterus which may show abnormalities not otherwise seen at laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy - telescope inspection of the inside of the uterus which may occasionally show abnormalities not seen otherwise

Repeated sperm counts over several weeks and months to make sure there is no subtle abnormality

Testing the sperm in special media such as swim up testsvelocity testing. However, when they are done, they often uncover a hidden cause for the suppposed unexplained problem

Thorough hormone tests to detect abnormalities of male hormone or early falls in progesterone

Scanning of the ovaries to see if follicles really are developing and there are no sign of polycystic ovaries.

BTW "unexplained" is actually no diagnosis at all and can sometimes also be given when not enough tests have been done. "Unexplained" basically means they have failed to find out what is wrong. I would certainly now look into seeking a referral to another subfertility unit.

Have used the clearblu digi, and the normal clear blue one.

Thankyou Meerkat, am now waiting for a xray laparoscopy to determine state of my remaining tube (have also had an ectoic years ago).

So bascially, the tests aren't worth the money then??

Hi, I have the same problem. Have been using the cheapo OPKs off ebay for a good few monts now and never detected a surge. This is the first month I've used the Clearblue Digi, and again, nothing so far. My big question is, even if you don't ovulate, do you still get your periods? I'm obviously not really up to date with all this (I'm just 39 now, ttc no 3) and am wondering whethe I'm just too old...

I used clearblue digital for months when we were ttc. Never once got a positive reading so I assumed I was not ovulating. I had some tests done and there was no problem at all with my ovulation.

When I was finally pg I used to pee on my clearblue ovulation tests when I was bored, just to see the smiley face come up .

A couple of friends have also mentioned to me that they never got a positive reading either.

I asked the doctor at the fertility clinic and she said if you have regular periods you are definitely ovulating. You could try taking your temperature or tracking your cervical mucus.

Blueinberlin you are not too old! I was 41 and thought it must be me and my old eggs, not my super athletic 37 year old partner. Nope, it was him and his wonky swimmers all along.

Wishing you lots of luck.

I didn't always get a positive - ended up using both Persona and OPKs, which got very expensive.

but most months it did work and I did eventually get pregnant (at 40, Blueinberlin).

No, annie - just nothing.

AttilaTheMeerkat - how often are all those tests given to women do you think?

I wonder because I don't know if I should be more pushy with the NHS? Is it worth doing and will it get results?