ANSWERS BACK: TTCing? Have a question about Clearblue fertility, conception, and pregnancy products?

[AngelieMumsnet]

This week we're running a Q&A with Sally Haworth, a product specialist from Clearblue.

Sally will be able to offer support and advice about using the full range of Clearblue products (which include fertility monitors, ovulation tests, pregnancy tests and contraception monitors) when you are TTCing, experiencing infertility or about to POAS.

Sally has worked in the Customer Support Team at the Clearblue Innovation Centre for 12 years as a product specialist for ovulation tests, advising women on how to use Clearblue products to conceive or check for pregnancy confirmation.

Post your questions to Sally here before 8th September and we will send 20 questions over to Sally for her to respond to. We will then post her responses back on the thread on 17th September.

Everyone who adds a question (regardless of whether it's answered or not) will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £100 John Lewis voucher.

This Q&A is sponsored by Clearblue.

Thanks
MNHQ

@Melmel2801

I've always used clearblue tests as most reliable, but will you make one that goes further than telling you your 1-2-3+ weeks?

We’re always looking at ways to improve our products and lots of our customers have asked about this. The challenge is that after 3+ weeks from ovulation, typical hCG levels between different pregnant women become much more variable so delivering an accurate result is much more challenging.

@StopEatingThatMud

Similar to beccaroo I recently had a m/c at 5w3. I've been using the ovulation sticks the last couple of weeks as from what I've read my next period could be at any point over the next 4-6 weeks and I'd like an idea of when I do ovulate. I have decided not to wait for for my period to TTC again.

I'd also like to know if the ovulation sticks are likely to be accurate following a m/c?

Sorry to hear that you also have experienced an early loss. As I mentioned in my answer to Beccaroo, we recommend that you wait but it’s a very personal choice at such a difficult time. The main problems with testing straight away are that hCG may remain in your system for a while (this could cause false surge results as hCG is also picked up by LH tests). You may also need to use more tests than usual as you won’t be entirely sure of your cycle length. Wishing you all the best!

@Whatamuddleduck

I would like to know how sensitive all the different hpt from clearblue are. The leaflets in the boxes don't say. Is there a reason for this?

All Clearblue HPTs (visual (line tests) and digital) have a sensitivity of 25mIU/ml hCG in urine. We include this information in the Q+As on the reverse of the instruction leaflet – sorry if you have not found it easy to locate!

@DulcetMoans

Why is there such a perceived difference between blue and pink dye tests? Is it true blue ones are less reliable?

Another one that thinks the sticks should be able to be purchased separately from the device - such a waste!

I struggle with the duel hormone tests as I get flashing smilies for days or weeks before maybe getting a fixed - what might the reason for that be? It doesn't help pinpoint ovulation and we get a bit knackered!

Lastly, I did the trial is 2012 and saw you are doing it again - are there any results yet?

Any modern brand of HPT (including Clearblue) you can buy is likely to have an accuracy of >99% from the day the period is due so it’s not true that blue ones are less reliable. The colour of the lines that form is simply down to the colour of the latex that is bound to the antibodies in the test strip.
I understand that getting weeks of High Fertility results could be exhausting . Your High Fertility results are especially dependant on the use of the first urine of the day (as High Fertility is displayed when an increase in estrogen is detected and most estrogen is produced overnight). Testing with a dilute urine sample can cause an unexpected number of High Fertility days. It’s certainly normal to get more than two days of High Fertility prior to Peak Fertility. If you are always using the first urine of the day then the test is reacting to your personal hormone profile. If you’re concerned by any of your results then your Doctor is the best person to discuss them with. As you are seeing Peak Fertility (eventually!) then remember that you are still pinpointing your two most fertile days each cycle.

@MakeTeaNotWar

Is there any truth that you're more likely to conceive a boy or a girl depending on how close to ovulation conception takes place?

No, I’ve never seen any published data that confirms this is true

@IamEvan

What are the most accurate clear blue tests for pregnancy? I was told the digital tests are not as sensitive

All Clearblue Pregnancy Tests (visual (line tests) and digital) are >99% accurate from the day your period is due. They all have a sensitivity of 25mIU/ml hCG

@Treesandbees

Is it possible for the CBFM to miss ovulation? I seem to get all my ovulation signs (EWCM and ovulation pain) 2/3 days before my first peak. It doesn't seem to tally and beginning to question the monitor as after 6 months of DTD on both peak days I'm not pregnant!

The Monitor displays Peak Fertility when it detects the LH surge – the hormonal trigger for ovulation. EWCM is usually produced when the estrogen level is increased – this is when your fertile window opens and your Monitor will display these days as High Fertility days. Sperm can typically survive 3-5 days so making love on both High and Peak Fertility days will give you the best chances of getting pregnant. If you’ve been able to try at the best time for 6 months without success then it would be worth discussing with your Doctor. Wishing you lots of luck!

@MissRee

Am I right in thinking that you shouldn't use FMU for ovulation tests as it can distort the results? I heard it was best to test around lunchtime - is that true?

No – all of our ovulation products are clinically tested with FMU. Our Fertility Monitor and Dual Hormone Indicator tests need to be done with FMU as they are also testing for estrogen. Many women also find the morning the most convenient time of day to test

@idlefolly

My AF hasn't returned yet, nine weeks after having my implant removed but I want to use the CB ovulation sticks to see if/when I'm ovulating. Do I just start testing any day?

You can if you really want to but you risk having to potentially do a lot of tests. We recommend that you wait for your periods to return and for two cycles (note how long these cycles are) before testing so that you are testing at the right time. The implant won’t affect the accuracy of the test so it’s a personal choice as to when to start – good luck!

@Clarinet9

this is just a quick fun question so please don't use it to replace something important but might be worth having as number 21.

Can I use an ovulation predictor test as a pregnancy test or is that just an urban myth?

I can’t overlook a quick fun question . Ovulation test results are affected by hCG – the antibodies in the ovulation test recognise LH and hCG as the same molecule so you could potentially get false ‘Surge’ results if testing when pregnant.
There is however, no information on the accuracy or sensitivity of using an ovulation test as a pregnancy test and the test could also be picking up LH rather than hCG so always do an HPT if you suspect you are pregnant

So that's all the questions answered - we didn't want to miss any out.
Thanks to everyone for the questions, it's been great answering them for you.

Any other questions on Clearblue products, please do call give Careline a call - calls are free from landlines and we're open 7am-3pm Monday-Friday 0800 917 2710.

Sally

Kudos Sally. Thanks for answering!

Thanks for answering Sally, was an informative read and very helpful

Thanks for answering

When's the draw?

Hi - glad you liked the responses.
Winner of the draw is Drania - well done!