Clearblue Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator - Feedback Thread NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

This thread is for the 50 Mumsnetters recruited to try out the ovulation test from Clearblue.

Here’s what ClearBlue say "Clearblue Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator is breakthrough product because it tracks both luteinising hormone and estrogen it is the only Ovulation test that typically identifies 4 or more Fertile days, that’s more than any other Ovulation test. This means you have more advanced notice of when your body is preparing for ovulation than any other test."

All testers are currently trying to conceive and selected testers have been sent a Dual Hormone Ovulation Kit - RRP £29.99.

We are asking for feedback across a three month period. We have added some questions below on first impressions: please answer them as soon as you can after receiving the Dual Hormone Ovulation Kit. We will add some more questions across the next three months.

All testers who try the Dual Hormone Ovulation Kit and leaves their feedback as requested will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £250 Love2Shop voucher.

First impressions
How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.
Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
What was the packaging like?
How quickly did you get started with it?
How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
Any other comments on first impressions?

As a wrap up please could all testers let Clearblue know their responses to the following questions:

1. Based on your experiences with the Clearblue Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator, do you think you would recommend it to someone else you knew who was TTCing? Or do you think you'd recommend it on MN if you saw a post asking this or from someone who was TTCing like you were?
   

1. If you're still TTCing, do you think you will continue to use it?
   

1. How did you get on over the last 3 months or so with the test?
   

1. What impact, if any, did it have on your TTCing?
   

and finally any last comments on this product?

Please note: your anonymous comments may be used by Clearblue on their website and other marketing materials.

Thanks and good luck (with everything!)
MNHQ

[AnnMumsnet]

funkymonk - you are part of this product test: you complete a short survey form on MN and then we should have emailed you. Please email me [email protected] and I will resend the email.

InThisTogether - I think you are doing something unconnected with MN, you're not on my list for this one.

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.
TTC DC3 for 14 months.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
Not used any other products.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
It reminded me of a pregnancy test. Felt sturdy. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but is was surprised to find only 10 sticks and that the sticks were individually wrapped. I thought the sticks would be flimsier.

What was the packaging like?
Like a pregnancy test.

How quickly did you get started with it?
A couple of days after I got it.

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
Very simple to understand. Only problem was that I got bored of staring at the stick waiting for a result, so went away and got distracted, by which point the result had gone off. A quick check of the instructions and I saw the result though. (Low fertility

[AnnMumsnet]

hi - FYI we are running a Q&A with an expert from Clearblue over here - do add your own question about TTCing if you want to

[pickle84]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.

im 30, We have been trying to conceive for around 4 months, this is my 5th cycle, and we are currently trying for baby no2, although i lost my son at 26 weeks :( so technically 3rd pregnancy

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.

We have also been using preseed, conceive plus, and as I'm an insulin dependant diabetic i have been on folic acid for 4 months, and DH has been put on wellman vitamins, I'm also using the kindara app and period log,

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?

Great!!! very exciting, I couldn't wait to start testing,

What was the packaging like?
Good, well wrapped and sturdy, i get the impression that Royal Mail had been a bit careless as the envelope was a bit battered and ripped, but everything inside was fine,

How quickly did you get started with it?
I received the parcel on cycle day 6, according to the instructions I was to wait until day 8 to start testing, i wanted to test right away, but I didn't! lol was so very tempting :)

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?

Absolutely! Instructions were clear and precise, I read them a couple of times so as not to miss anything, and as I was so excited, I thought id better read again in case I had missed anything in my haste to start

Any other comments on first impressions?
I must agree I found it strange that you cant just buy the testing sticks, maybe something to consider and my cycles are a bit all over the place at the mo, I've had a flashing smiley face since day 11, so hopefully I will get my non flashing smiley soon :)
Other than that I love using this product

[nippey]

Hi Everyone,

I received mine a few days ago and have just started testing.

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc
I have been TTC for 4 months now, for first baby, after being on contraception for a very very long time!


Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
I have used the cheap OPK's from amazon, and was not convinced they worked or that I was reading them correctly.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
Very smart looking, sturdy and as Angelbloomer said it is a reassuring brand so it felt 'proper'


What was the packaging like?
Good, well packaged and compact

How quickly did you get started with it?
Only started yesterday when the instructions said I should

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
Really clear and straight forward, read them a couple of times just so I was 100% sure

Any other comments on first impressions?
I am hopeful that this will be more straightforward than the other ones I have tried.
I am feeling positive, I like the easy to read screen, no chance of getting it wrong hopefully!


Good luck to everyone x

[CrewElla]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.
This is TTC #3 and this is the last time we'll be trying...

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
We haven't tried anything else other than DTD

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
It looks easy to use but has lots of parts ;-)

What was the packaging like?
I like that everything is individually wrapped

How quickly did you get started with it?
As per the instructions I have about a week to wait until I use it for the first time

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
It seems easy

[notmuchofaclue]

Hello,
We're TTC no. 2 and have only just got properly started. Received the kits a week or so ago and having read the instructions a few times, realised we could get started within a few days. Got a first flashy smiley face today so we'll see what happens! I've not used any other similar products in the past. Packaging was nice enough, bit bland but I couldn't necessarily offer any suggestions as to how to improve it. Kit seemed relatively straightforward but I did have to focus on all the instructions as it was a lot of info to take in. I thought it would have been a lot more useful to have the 'important things you should know' type leaflet included in the main instructions leaflet. I only found it at the bottom of the box after a couple of days.

[Uzma01]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.
Trying for a third, has been around 10 months. Have had two miscarriages this year and period is slowly getting back to normal.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
None. Thought it'd be good to try out something that takes the guess work out of fertility and see if it actually does increase the chances of me conceiving.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
Was a lot of information on the outside of the box, seems like overkill.

What was the packaging like?
Seems a bit bulky, could do with making it more slimline and eco-friendly.

*How quickly did you get started with it?
Have missed the window of opportunity for this month, will try at the end of the month/early next month.

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
Seems quite straightforward. Mostly understood on a couple of readings and the pictures were helpful. The troubleshooting section seems good.

Any other comments on first impressions?
None.

[catnip85]

Was due to start using my kit this wk but have just got a bfp!

[MaccaPaccaismyNemesis]

Sorry if this is not allowed, but if anyone on the thread who gets a BFP and doesn't need it anymore, and is willing to pass it on please PM me. We are desperate for a second and need some help conceiving this time round.

[tattyteddy]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.
Trying for second baby and so far on cycle 7.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.
Using online calendars, temping etc.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
The kit looked high tech and looked like it would do the job.

What was the packaging like?
Good packaging, easy to open.

How quickly did you get started with it?
I started on day cycle day 9.

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
Instructions took a few reads to understand and I didn't find them very straightforward.

Any other comments on first impressions?
On the reader contained in my pack the rubber seal kept coming off when I ejected the stick - didn't seem very well made or robust.

[Impatientwino]

Hi all

The kit arrived at the wrong part of my cycle so i will start using them after my next period (should be early next month)

Good luck to you all in the meantime!

[AnnMumsnet]

Hi - a few of you had queries relating to the kit and sticks etc - see below for a response from the team at Clearblue

"Thank you for taking the time to post your reviews of the Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test with Dual Hormone Indicator. We love to hear feedback from women that are using our products. The test is available in two pack sizes – 10 sticks and 20 sticks. Both pack sizes come with a Holder included; separate refill packs of test sticks are not available. The reason for this is that the vast majority of the expense of the pack is the test sticks – they contain a strip that detects 2 key fertility hormones using a sophisticated chemical reaction, in an easy to use format. Offering just the test sticks without the Holder would allow only a very small reduction in price and as the Holder is an essential part of the kit, it makes sense to include one in every pack.

If you have a Holder and five tests left over you can go ahead and use them in the next cycle. You’ll notice the ‘new cycle symbol’ flashing when you do the first test of the new cycle as the Holder will have reset after finding Peak Fertility (or if you don’t do a test for more than 3 days). If you need to do more than five tests then continue with the Holder you are already using and use test sticks from a new pack as it’s important to stick with the same Holder throughout a cycle of use.

Wishing each of you all the very best with your TTC journey!"

[misssis]

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.

I'm 41 and I've had 3 miscarriages. I have turned to using ovulation tests as time is no longer on my side! I have just started trying to conceive again after a miscarriage in June.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.

I have used cheap ovulation prediction sticks in the past without much success.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?

The kit looks professional and somewhat comforting in that it looks like it will do a good job!

What was the packaging like?

The packaging was calm and attractive.

How quickly did you get started with it?

I've not started using yet as I was too far in my cycle when I received it. Waiting for next month and looking forward to it.

[Anusia86]

Hello,

I received my test couple days ago just waiting till next Monday to start it

[idlefolly]

First impressions
How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.

• Two months but still waiting for AF to arrive 9 weeks after implant removal so have no idea where in my cycle I am or if I'm even ovulating.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.

• Internet cheapy OPKs

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?

• Nice and compactly packaged, informative information on the box.

What was the packaging like?

• Compact, soothing, friendly colours, in-keeping with the brand.

How quickly did you get started with it?

• I haven't started yet as I'm unsure where I am in my cycle until AF arrives.

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?

• I haven't started using it yet but the instructions seem straightforward.

Any other comments on first impressions?

• I am a bit disappointed that you can't buy refill sticks to use with the monitor. As I am not currently having an AF every month, I have no idea where I am in my cycle, so it would be good for me to be able to start using the monitor and just keep using it every day until I get a positive result, which would enable to find out if I am indeed ovulating. However, this would be very wasteful and expensive as I'd have to keep buying new monitors rather than just buying new strips.

[LondonLancashireRose]

Hi Everybody,
I've picked up my kit from the post office today (was on holiday) but I feel awful about joining this trial as I've also had a BFP since joining up! I used internet cheapies....

[heidiwine]

TTC for 12 months (first time) am 39 so maybe I left it too late!
Haven't tried many products - did a couple of months taking temperature and tried a boots fertility monitor but I wanted to just keep on trying (and trying) without getting hung up on when I was ovulating... I did quite quickly get him up in it though!
It was good to get the kit, I've seen it before, the packaging was fine but I like something a bit more discreet (probably because I have step children and I don't want to have to worry about hiding things etc).
I got started straight away and the instructions were long (but easy enough to follow). The result screen was really good - much better than the others I've tried where there's just one line or two. Got my first flashing smiley today.
I do think that for £30 I'd expect the packaging to be better: easier to open, less 1980s pictures, clearer information. Having said that, now that I've used it I can see why it's more expensive than boots own.
Here's hoping for a static smiley!

[fififolle]

I signed up to the trial after getting confused with OPKs before conceiving DS.
These ones appealed as they give you a very definite 'yes' or 'no' regarding fertile times.
I eventually convinced my husband in May that DS needs a sibling! There'll be at least a 5 year age gap and I'm quite conscious about my age- I'll be 37 at the end of October.
My Mirena came out at the end of May and I have June for my cycle to normalise.
I thought that I had a fairly good idea of timings but missed it completely in July so I decided to sign up to the trial.
The kit looked very simple and straightforward to use, no squinting of eyes looking for lines as with the blue dye kits.
I started testing on day 9 as per instructions and was getting disheartened by the lack of smiley face....however, it appeared on day 28 of 28 cycle and I got my BFP 2 weeks later.
I've already recommended them to my sister and a friend.

[ImpatientOne]

How long you have been TTCing
Been TTC our first baby for 3 years & 3 months
Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing
OPKs, Clearblue Fertility Monitor (original), BBT charting with thermometer & Fertility Friend, DuoFertility Monitor
We have been diagnosed with unexplained fertility and I have also had a course of clomid with cycle tracking which showed no issues with ovulation.
On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?
I thought it looked a lot like the sticks for the CBFM. I thought it was a bit odd to have the sticks separate to the holder as I was expecting the test to be all as one.
What was the packaging like?
Ok - I am not keen on the photo of a baby on the packaging but can understand it. I did think it looked a lot like the CBFM sticks packaging though and would be a bit worried about mixing them up.
How quickly did you get started with it?
Not started yet as picked it up after our holiday and just missed the right time so will start next cycle!
How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?
I've read them and seem fine - very similar to other things I've used. I know I will have to check about flashing/static when I start testing though as I think I will mix them up.

:)

[wonkylegs]

Right I've got mine & have started using them
First impressions
How long have you been TTCing etc
19months - 2nd baby
What other products have you tried?
None
1st impressions of kit
Good - looks easy enough to use, clear packaging.
what was the packaging like?
Fine - recognisable clearblue brand
Clear instructions.
Don't like the branding on the stick wrappers - I don't need to advertise to visiting family that we are TTC however the wrappers in the bathroom bin with the clear branding scream pregnancy test/fertility test. Descrete white /clear wrapping wouldn't do this. Thankfully only my Sis noticed rather than my MIL.
How quickly did you get started with it?
I have a long cycle so started with it 12 days in - just over a week after getting it
how easy were the instructions to follow?
They were clear & easy to follow - no problems at all
did you understand it all?
Yes
any other comments?
It's brought out the stupid comments about pressure to perform thanks to a flashy smily face but besides that it's seems worth a try.

[Redone]

Hello everyone!

I got my pack just before the end of my last cycle - about 2 weeks ago - so was waiting for the next cycle to start. We are hoping for baby#2 (DD3) and had been trying for 3 months. However...got my BFP last weds!!

Still v early days but hopefully won't need the ovulation tests after all!

Good luck to everyone, hoping you all have positive outcomes.

[MaybeBabyThree]

My goodness, it seems the quickest way to get a bfp is to sign up on this test! Congratulations to all those who won't need the sticks after all!

How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.

Third baby, have 2 DSs already but some 'issues' in that area mean we are aware this will be a challenge/may well not happen at all

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.

Used Clearblue ovulation prediction kits with DS1 went a bit crazy with it tbh! didn't use anything for DS2

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?

Lots of "bits" but pretty much what i expected, looks a bit medical but I quite like that, looks reassuringly professional if you know what I mean?! I don't want something all hearts/flowers/bubblegum pink?

What was the packaging like?

Said what it was on the tin?! Clear, easy to understand what it is/for, think Clearblue is a trusted brand (was the only test I believed and therefore used when pregnancy testing both times!) so good to see a big logo on it

How quickly did you get started with it?

Not started yet, currently still bleeding but will asap!

How easy were the instructions to follow? Did you understand it all?

Yep, seemed like most other pregnancy/baby related stuff, pee on this stick and follow the results!

Oh, am on a name change in a vague attempt to keep things a bit secret work might go mad if they knew! so I hope MN can still track its me and I have left feedback???

[mountaingirl01]

Hi all..

So i received my package at the weekend and got VERY excited. Started testing on Monday and got EVEN MORE excited when I got my first flashing face today.

DH and I have been trying to conceive #1 for a while now and I was starting to worry that I don't ovulate at all as I have hardly any periods. That flashy face made me so happy I nearly cried - here's hoping that it turns solid asap.

I like these a lot, there is no 'is it positive or not' aspect to them which I have had with the normal opks in the past (which always seem to either be positive or nearly positive with me - and I don't have pcos). I like that they warn you that you will be ovulating soon and there is no worry of missing a smiley face (as with the clearblue 1 hormone ones).

Packaging wise I find the solidity of them nice. They feel scientific. The only problem I have with the box is the picture of a happy smiley baby - we all know what they are for and if we are using them chances are that happy smiley baby is a dream we are struggling for (makes me sad every time I see it).
Instructions; excellent, I like the step by step'ness' of them. I would like a bit more scientific stuff in there (I think someone else may have said that?) but I understand that might be more than most people want.

I have also recently had a name change -- I assume MN know who I am?

Here's hoping to lots of lovely smiley faces and double pink lines for us all

[SweetTeaVodka]

Still waiting until I can use these but my period reared it's ugly head yesterday so I opened up a pack today to have a look. Seems like I'll be testing from d 15.

First impressions
How long you have been TTCing and whether this is for a first baby or 2nd, 3rd etc.

We have just come to the end of cycle 3 TTC baby number 2.

Please say what other products, if any, you have tried when TTCing.

The last two cycles I used "ebay cheapies" ovulation sticks but was unable to identify any fertile days. My periods are irregular so I think I might not.have been testing at the right times.

On opening the package what were your first impressions of the kit?

First impressions were that these are a lot bigger than the ebay cheapies I used before. The electronic handset thingy looks good quality.

What was the packaging like?

The tests are individually wrapped in purple foil (superficial bit I like the colour) within a cardboard box with cellophane wrap. The box has the familiar Clear blue branding.

How quickly did you get started with it?
Still waiting.

How easy were the instructions to follow?
Haven't had to follow them yet but they seem straight forward enough. The only bit that wasn't completely clear on first read was how to tell the difference between the high fertility and peak fertility symbols. After a little bit I realised that the blue lines around the diagram means that the smiley face flashes for one and is steady for the other. Probably just a dense moment on my part! :)

Did you understand it all?
See above.