Ovulation tracking - help!

[WHeatherW]

Hello everyone, me again!

Whilst I wait for our private round to commence in the NY, we thought we would try naturally for a few months. Last month I tracked using ovulation strips and soon enough, my peak was there, like clockwork.

This month, I've been tracking and when I thought it would start to go darker, it went lighter just for one day. The following day it was dark - not quite as dark as my peak last month though, so assumed a test that evening or the following morning would be stronger - but they were lighter.

Do I assume that the dark(ist) test was my peak?

Why wasn't it as dark as last month?

I do have a low egg count, could it be that?

Have I actually ovulated?!

Google isn't really helping. I would love to know your thoughts. Thank you xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. Why don’t you ask your GP if you can have a Day 21 ptrogesterone blood test, which would verify ovulation for that month. Anything over 30 would confirm it. Diane

[WHeatherW in reply to DianeArnold]

Ohh didn’t know about that! Thanks so much

[WHeatherW in reply to DianeArnold]

Got the results back, on day 21 my levels were 23.9, which they said is inconclusive as it's below 30. What could be happening?! I got a strong line, but not quitteee as dark as the test line. It's so confusing!

[Endofitall]

I often used to get confused and miss peak with the cheapies which made me panic. Now I’ve tended to use those cheaper ones to know it’s approaching (so from when I finished period to when they start looking a bit darker) then switch to the more expensive 2 day (pink) clearblue smiley ones when I know it’s approaching to get the actual peak as less confusing.

My clinics have advocated this and told me just to use the 2 day smiley when I did natural cycle FETs and also timing start of oestrogen priming.

It’s easy to miss things if you’ve got more diluted urine etc.

Best of luck 🤞🏼

[WHeatherW in reply to Endofitall]

Ohhh ok, that’s so good to know!

I’ve spent all day convinced I’m menopausal and it will all be over in a few months 😂 oh the joys of the emotional rollercoaster that is IVF!

Thank you for responding. Lots of luck to you too x

[Endofitall in reply to WHeatherW]

Haha I know that spiral well. Honestly I’ve never missed a peak since I switched to doing this. I do find I need to test a couple of times some days to capture it though as I must have a shorter duration peak in some months. I also drink easily 3 litres a day so not always easy to get a non dilute sample of FMU hasn’t shown the peak.

We have conceived naturally though with doing this and when my progesterone is checked it is showing good post ovulation levels, so try not to worry - easier said than done I know x

[WHeatherW in reply to Endofitall]

I always have a short peak period too. I tracked with those tests a few years ago and they did work well, but always seemed to break on me every couple of months. As I’ve only got a 3 month break to before ivf again, I thought I’d just get the cheap ones but they’ve stressed me out so much!

I’ve ordered a test to check my bloods at home just for reassurance / confirmation. X

[Estherlovescats]

Id recommend mira ovulation tracker. Gives you a 7 day fertility window. More likely to show lh surge. Has a Facebook group where you put your chart up and people comment on 4 hormones in the cycle including lh surge and it also confirms ovulation a few days after you have ovulated. I got pregnant using this device after 2 failed ivf cycles. X

[WHeatherW in reply to Estherlovescats]

Oh wow that’s unreal! Thanks for sharing! I will take a look xx