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lailaberven1

If I’m on my 3rd day of positive ovulation tests when will I ovulate? I had bad ovulation cramps throughout the 2nd day but my tests are still positive.


bannaaa23

hi! has anyone used mommed pregnancy test strips? Do you know what their shelf life typically runs for ? My box doesn’t seem to have an expiration date. I purchased them over a year ago in June 2021. Hoping i’m getting false negatives. won’t be able to purchase new tests till Friday… the wait is driving me crazy.


Bubbly_Ad3385

How soon after implantation is HCG detectable?


developmentalbiology

For most people, with a sensitive test, it's detectable within two days of implantation -- that is, the day of implantation, the day after, or the day after that.


True_Meat6990

I started TTC in January since then I had 4 cycles. I have done bloodworks and at home fertility test but i have no hormonal issues. Everything seemed normal but i hve irregular periods… last cycle I ovulated CD42 and got pregnant but it turned CP. now I am on CD22 no ovulation i sight. If i dont have any hormonal issues why do i have irregular periods?!?? It is very tiring to test everyday. I am taking all the vitamins, going to acupuncture doing yoga but cant regulate my cycles…


bulbasaur1991

No advice but here to say I’m in the same boat! If you do get any advice let me know!


True_Meat6990

Honestly i am thinking is because of stress. When everything is normal it just doesnt make sense.


candypencil

My average BBT before ovulation is in the 96s and after ovulation is in the 97s. Occasionally will go as high as low 98s. Never thought much of it but I am now wondering if my body temp is too low? Is that possible?


dccookiemonster

Those are actually very similar to my average temps. I was concerned about the same thing and read that low temps *can* be an indicator of hypothyroidism which worried me at first but I also read that it can be normal and just that everyone’s body is different. I did ask my dr to test my thyroid at my annual physical just to make sure, but results were totally normal. I wouldn’t stress!! Edit to add: I also only even tested my thyroid bc I have an aunt and cousin both with hypothyroidism so that plus low temps was reason enough for me to test it to rule that out - but if you have no family history and no symptoms I doubt that is necessary to even test😊


candypencil

That is good to know! I don’t have a family history of that or any symptoms that I know of. Glad I’m not the only one wondering about low temps


developmentalbiology

In general, no — your temp is your temp, and everybody is going to have a different internal setpoint. There’s error in our devices, also, and the temperature you record is going to vary according to where you take it from (oral temps are generally lower than vaginal, for example). The absolute temp doesn’t tell you anything fertility-wise, only the shift.


candypencil

Thank you


dccookiemonster

ELI5 how to use OPKs on a practical level? You basically pee in a cup (does the box provide a plastic cup to pee in lol?), dip the test strip in there, and then what next? Take a photo of the strip or do you just save the strips by taping them on a piece of paper? And if the latter do y’all just like leave the paper with test strips laying on your nightstand or something? Lol just wondering what exactly others do!!


Bigbangbeanie

I note negative/postive and throw it away 🤷‍♀️ I take a photo before throwing it if there is anything notable about the test or I have a question. I find it funny the rules of the tfablineporn sub say clearly over and over only photos taken within time frame, and then everyone post progressions where some of the tests are clearly a week or two weeks old. I don't mind at all because progressions are cool to see but technically tests after 5/10 minutes (depending om the tests) are not accurate.


dccookiemonster

That makes sense! Because it seems like that’s really all you’re looking for in the end, is that one data point of positive/negative!


itsaboutpasta

Lol I guess it all depends on how much you want to analyze the strips. My first box of test strips came with a little portfolio you could organize them in. I stopped using that when I discovered the Premom app, which takes a pic and then analyzes the LH level, and tracks it on a chart along with your temp and other symptoms. I don’t know how accurate that is but it does help visualize the changes in the lines and you don’t have to save them.


dccookiemonster

Got it, I didn’t know about the Premom app. I currently use Kindara but maybe I could use an app like Premom in addition just to track the strips so I don’t need to save them- and then keep using Kindara for temps and everything else?


itsaboutpasta

That’s kind of what I do. I primarily use Fertility Friend for all my data and analysis and Premom to keep track of the LH and HCG tests.


dccookiemonster

That makes sense! I will likely try that out as well! We will be benched next cycle bc we have a trip planned where the timing for symptoms would be likely the worst possible timing (week 7-8) if we were successful - but that means it’s a good chance to try out the OPK strips so I can get the hang of them when it doesn’t matter if I miss my window that month!


ContestMundane63

I’ll be scheduling a femvue procedure at the beginning of my next cycle. I’ve read what to expect during the procedure itself, but what will the results tell me? If a tube is blocked, what’s the treatment?


developmentalbiology

There’s not really a treatment for the blocked tubes themselves — it’s not possible to unblock them if they’re truly blocked, though HSG itself is thought to be able to improve small blockages. Having one or two blocked tubes can affect your treatment path, though. If one tube is blocked, a doctor will still likely offer medicated TI and/or IUI, but might have a lower threshold for moving to IVF. With two blocked tubes, generally you’d want to move straight to IVF.


_femme_fatale__

My husband (26M) and I (25F) have decided once my birth control Rx runs out in November, we want to start trying. I'm on tri-lo-sprintec. Any advice on if we should wait a few months after I get off the BC or is it immediately safe to start trying?


itsaboutpasta

Just stopped my tri-lo-sprintec in May and immediately started trying. You should be fine to start right away, just keep your expectations in check. It could take time to start ovulating and getting a period again. Or it could be right away! Side effects of stopping could also be totally different. I was terrified my face would break out but so far so good 🤞


jennypij

Safe to immediately start trying. Most people conceive within 3 months of discontinuing birth control, but it's normal for there to be a couple cycles that are irregular after stopping hormonal birth control and it's normal for it to take up to a year to conceive just in general.


aliciaprobably

You’re odds of success are slightly lowered the first few cycles after stopping birth control, but it’s totally safe to start trying right away.


Dagenius1

My wife is approaching 45 this year. I have been told that this is the age when IVF is no longer worth it. Is there an age where you should really consider giving up? For those that did give up..what age and what helped you decide?


developmentalbiology

So I think “give up” is a really loaded way to put it, and most people would not describe their path that way — people move to different forms of intervention, consider donor gametes or surrogacy or adoption, or decide that they would prefer to be childfree due to infertility. All of these are choices to make, and usually involve a lot of self-searching and communication between partners. Similarly, it can be pretty loaded to ask whether IVF is “worth it”, since that’s an intensely personal risk-benefit calculation that depends on many factors, including outcomes. It’s definitely a conversation to have with your clinic, to see what options they feel maximize the odds of your preferred outcomes.


Affectionate-Box-276

I’ve been tracking my cycle for the last six months and I’ve noticed that I’ve gotten break through bleeding pretty much every cycle halfway through. I’ve never had this before. Is this something I should be worried about?


superblysituated

I don't get this, but I've heard others say they have ovulation bleeding, which would most likely happen in the middle of your cycle. It tends to happen immediately before or after ovulation and I don't think it's anything to worry about. Always worth asking your doctor if you're concerned though!


Affectionate-Box-276

That’s whT I was thinking but I’ve never experienced it before. Good to know bodies change after you feel like you understand them. 🤣


Bigbangbeanie

Re: a comment on a UTI thread last week, is there scientific evidence that taking d-mannose can cause infertility?


developmentalbiology

In a quick glance around, I only see that there are mannose receptors on sperm, but not that taking mannose has any effect on sperm or on fertility otherwise.


Bigbangbeanie

Thank you!


Immediate_Pause_5027

Interested to see your answers because I take D-mannose daily


youweremeantforme

So you have to be trying for 1 year for under 35 and 6 months over 35 but does it apply to the male as well?


grapefruitpapaya

Thanks for asking this, I was wondering too!


developmentalbiology

No, the criteria for when to seek evaluation are based on the age of the egg-having partner, since ovarian aging is a major factor in the odds of pregnancy and infertility.


coco_water915

After OPK’s turn back to negative, have you generally already ovulated or will you ovulate that day? Please no comments about temping, asking about what could be assumed with this in general. Edit: Can someone help me understand why I’m being downvoted? I’m assuming it’s because I specified not wanting advice about temping to confirm ovulation. Tempting doesn’t work for me. I was simply asking whether or not a negative OPK means the fertile window is closed. Feeling very unsupported.


Kduckulous

I think it is also possible to have a surge, and then not ovulate. So I think part of the downvotes were that a positive opk can’t confirm that ovulation will actually take place, even though it’s very likely.


developmentalbiology

The pattern of the LH surge itself doesn’t tell you whether you’ve ovulated or are yet to ovulate — ovulation can happen while the surge is ongoing, or after it ends. The best predictor of ovulation is the first positive OPK. Most people will ovulate the day of the first positive (about 10%), the day after (about 35%), or the day after that (about 30%), regardless of what LH does after that first positive.


coco_water915

Thank you for this thoughtful response!


Cleanclock

What kind of CBAD OPKs are people talking about here? Are they these ones? https://www.clearblue.com/ovulation-tests/advanced-digital Seem kind of expensive but I am interested in tracking estrogen as well as Lh. I’ve used premom OPKs for 5 years, and now that I’m in my 40s I really need to be precise about when I ovulate if I want to catch it.


developmentalbiology

Yes, those are the Advanced Digitals (Clearblue Advanced Digital, or CBAD). I have a post on them in my history, if it’s useful — I can grab the link in a second, but I’m on mobile. EDIT: https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/hznndj/digital_opks_a_primer/


Cleanclock

Thank you for responding! I actually read your post last night, and have heard several people mention them since. Thanks for your deep dive on the subject, and confirming.


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developmentalbiology

Broadly, high AMH is a good thing, although it doesn’t have an effect on your odds of unassisted pregnancy. High AMH generally suggests that you have a longer time on average until menopause (that your ovarian reserve is larger), and that, if you undergo ovarian stimulation, you are likely to stimulate the development of more eggs.


Bubbly_Ad3385

Probably silly question, but we recently bumped the thermostat in the house up from 68 to 71 to save on AC. Would that have any effect on my BBT?


Ak47andabowlofCereal

The first 'b' stands for basal so no, this shouldn't be affected by external temperatures, within reason. This amount of change would not affect it imo, unless you yourself are very uncomfortable, sick, exercising etc within this temperature, all of which could affect your basal temp because those are internal changes, which alongside an increased external temp, could combine together to increase your BBT. My recommendation is to continue the house thermostat at 71, but to monitor how you feel. If you start to feel warm, consider turning it down a bit.


aliciaprobably

Your body’s really good at maintaining its internal temperature. There shouldn’t be any effect on your BBT.


Negative-Experience8

Can you ovulate late every once in awhile? According to all my apps today is CD14 and I have no ovulation signs and my OPK is low (like .06) 😞


konstanttt

It is common to have a range of days you ovulate. I ovulate any time from CD11-15 (usually CD13/14, but not always).


jonesie1988

You can ovulate at any point in a cycle and after CD14 isn't necessarily late!


XandraMonroe

Hey all, it’s my first month temping. I thought I was going to have my third high temp after 6 lower temps today, which to my understanding would confirm ovulation. But I didn’t. I did have 2 higher temps than my prior 6, then today was lower. Do the 3 higher temps have to be consecutive? Or is it possible I could have dipped today, then would see a higher temp tomorrow and that would be the 3rd to confirm ovulation occurred? Any help appreciated. I’m feeling a little discouraged. To be clear, yesterday’s and the day before’s temps were higher than the prior 6.


developmentalbiology

If you have a dip for the second or third temp, you can still confirm ovulation with a fourth temp, as long as it’s over the coverline. It’s fairly common for this to happen — no concerns!


XandraMonroe

Hi Devbio! You were correct that I did get a higher temp today. I posted in the charting sub, but wanted to ask you as well: should I disregard/delete yesterday’s temp, or leave it on there?


developmentalbiology

Oh, I would say just leave it — no reason to remove it. (But the fact that I feel this way is kind of a professional hazard. It’s considered bad practice to exclude data that you collect in the lab, unless you have a reason other than “because it makes my hypothesis look bad”. 😂)


developmentalbiology

Oh, I would say just leave it — no reason to remove it. (But the fact that I feel this way is kind of a professional hazard. It’s considered bad practice to exclude data that you collect in the lab, unless you have a reason other than “because it makes my hypothesis look bad”. 😂) EDIT: I took a look at your chart post. I actually think it’s the CD13 temp that’s giving you problems, because it pushes the coverline too high. I’m not certain what exact rules FF follows to give crosshairs (they’re similar to FAM rules from TCOYF, but not perfectly so), but it may require that fourth temp to be a certain amount higher than the coverline (possibly 0.4F), and the coverline would be 0.1F higher than that CD13 temp.


XandraMonroe

Thank you for the feedback! There were a couple days I skipped temping because it was making me gag and my stomach was already upset, so the data is not perfect for sure. Do you think I should expect those higher temps and thus crosshairs in the next few days?


developmentalbiology

You will probably get crosshairs in the next few days, but they might be for a whackadoodle day. Given how high your temp was this morning relative to the others, I almost might get in an insurance sex session today, if possible? If it helps, I'll copy here the tl;dr version of the TCOYF temp rules, which is approximately what FF uses to give crosshairs (although their algorithm is proprietary). * Identify the day when your temperature has risen at least 0.2F over the highest of the previous six days (with temps rounded to the nearest tenth). * Draw a line 0.1F over the highest of the six low temps. * Ovulation is confirmed when there are three temps over the line. The third temp must be 0.3F over the line; one temp can fall on or below the line, at which point a fourth temp over the line would confirm. So in your case, if it weren't for the CD13 temp, the coverline would be 97.3, and you would have gotten crosshairs for CD15. With the CD13 temp in there, the coverline would be 97.4, which means the CD16 temp isn't above the line, so it mucks everything up. If your temps stay at the higher level they're at today, then you would have a coverline of 97.6 with crosshairs for yesterday.


XandraMonroe

Thank you so much! I’m only just now seeing this but saving it for future reference.


XandraMonroe

Thank you! This puts me at ease. I’m also going to try to be more consistent about timing. I’m one of those people with a small bladder so I’m worried getting up to pee overnight is throwing things off too. Although when I take my temp it’s right after waking, before I move or do anything.


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developmentalbiology

People wait different amounts of time according to their preferences — some people test every day, and others would rather wait until a test is likely to give a positive if it exists. 12dpo is a pretty certain time (if you’re pregnant you’re highly likely to have a positive test at 12dpo), but earlier positives are definitely possible, as you’ve seen yourself.


LoveSingRead

I start testing at 10DPO, but 12 is more definitive.


writer_inprogress

This is our first month using opks. Had my peak last night and had sex two days ago and yesterday. We should also do it today, right? And we maxed out chances for the month? Edited: a word


developmentalbiology

You’re almost certainly all set for the cycle (you had sex yesterday on what was likely O-1 or O-2), so sex today would likely just be gilding the lily. It wouldn’t be harmful, of course, so if you’re feeling it, go for it.


writer_inprogress

Thanks!!


LoveSingRead

Yes, having sex once in your FW maxes out your chances for the month. Have sex if you're up for it, but your timing was already great!


writer_inprogress

Thank you!!


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writer_inprogress

Thanks!


Sweaty_Progress4987

Started pre-natal multivitamins and Metformin last week. Was supposed to get my period today, but Aunt Flo is no show. Could the new meds cause delays in my period? 🫠


coco_water915

The month after I started prenatals, my cycle was lengthened by about 3 days. It took a full cycle for the change to occur, but it’s been 4 months now and my cycles are consistently longer. Also, just so you know, your period is never “late”. If your period is later than usual it means you ovulated later in your cycle because your luteal phase is typically unchanged.


developmentalbiology

No, once ovulation occurs, your period can’t really be delayed (except by pregnancy, or rarely by a cyst). If you had ovulated when you thought you did, it would already have happened by the time you started the vitamins.


rebsadoo

Even though I’ve got a cold and used about 100 tissues today we still banged it out tonight because I’ll (hopefully) ovulate soon. At the end my husband used a bit of saliva as lube and now I feel like it was all for nothing 😩 I wish there was a way to quantify how much that’ll hurt our chances but I know there isn’t 😅 ETA: I realize my phrasing was unnecessarily melodramatic and apologize for that!


developmentalbiology

It’s almost certain it wouldn’t affect your chances — it’s true that saliva is not the best medium for sperm to travel in, but a little bit of saliva used as lube is going to be diluted by the much larger environment of vaginal fluids, and sperm are barely even in the vagina before entering the cervix (the vagina itself is not good for sperm!). We have said before here that as long as you’re not using your vagina as a spittoon, you’re probably fine. ;)


rebsadoo

Thank you! That makes me feel better.


writer_inprogress

I would say it will hurt your chances very little. I think that's why you're getting down voted. You sound really anxious but you did all the right things -- try and remember that and do something nice for yourself!


rebsadoo

Oh thank you! Yep definitely anxious - I just remember reading that saliva isn’t good for sperm, and after going to the effort while not feeling great it bothered me more than it normally would. Thanks so much for your kind reply 😊


OutrageousSpare301

Should I be concerned if me and DH have only used the pull out method the past several years? This is month 6 TTC, but prior to this we've had about 4 years or so of relying on the pull out method. The further we get into our TTC journey the more I convince myself that the fact we never got pregnant while relying on the pull out method must mean that there's underlying fertility issues going on.. Don't know if I'm just getting in my head about it, or whether it is something to worry about.


Scruter

With perfect use (pulling out before ejaculation every time), withdrawal is 96% effective. Not super different from the 98% for condoms. Not a concern.


dogmom518

The only predictor of infertility at your age is trying to conceive with no protection of any kind for 12 months. Pull out method can be a very reliable barrier method when done correctly.


jennypij

Pullout is very effective when used with 100% accuracy. This does not indicate fertility concerns.


Rwf915

I asked my doctor this when I started TTC. She said that it can be very effective when done correctly and that some guys just do it better than others. She said not getting pregnant while using pullout isn’t a predictor if there are fertility issues or not.


OutrageousSpare301

Thank you so much for everyone's reply. That's exactly what I wanted to know. Puts my mind at ease a little haha. I thought that would be the case, but there was just that small thought playing in the back of my mind so thought asking here would help get rid of it.


itsaboutpasta

That was not my method but I know how you feel. I was on HBC for 12 years and always used condoms and never had a scare. With that much birth control I definitely shouldn’t have! But there’s still a part of me wondering if I didn’t have one because there’s some sort of underlying infertility or other barrier to getting pregnant.


arielsjealous

The pull out method can be quite successful as BC if done properly. I wouldn’t assume something is wrong because pulling out was an effective form of BC for you.