Do OTC fertility tests work?

[ecorrell]

I posted a question earlier. I don't think I was clear enough last time, so here goes. My husband and I are trying to get pregnant. I have been using an otc fertility test (Walgreens brand)  I have followed the directions exsctly. My cycle is, on average about 32 days. I started testing on the 16th day in. Well, today was my 7th test and I still have no positive result, What does this mean? I already have two children, so this has never been a problem before. Could it have something to do with me getting older?

[Tygerlillie]

I have no idea if this helps but you can have a non ovulatory cycle which is normal.  I would see if you have the same thing happen next month and maybe test with a different brand and see what happens.

I hope this in some way helps you.

[Heather5]

Do you mean ovulation prediction kits (OPKs)? If so, you might have started testing a little too late, since the surge occurs about 24-48 hours before ovulation. Maybe start on day 14 or so next month...unless you get pregnant this month, of course ;-)

Best of luck!

[ecorrell]

Well. I was using Walgreesn off brand, But just today, I have started using Accu Clear. So,today was the eighth day and I took it and still negative. Just don't understand it. My question now is, should I continue to test this month. I have 4 tests left. Or should I save them and try starting all over again next month

[ecorrell]

And to answer one more question, my cycle is usually around 32 days. So I started testing 16 days after, Today was the 8th day I took the test and still a negative reading. I am due to start my period again around October 6. Why would I not be fertile by now? Like I said, I have two other kids, so this has never been an issue before, But with my two other kids, they weren't planned, So I have no idea when I was ovulating as far as getting pregnant with them. We are trying to plan this one. But now sure how, since I can't tell when I am ovulating. I have been off of birth control now for a little over a year and we use no protection. So what now?

[Heather5]

If your cycles are pretty regular at around 32 days, I would guess you just missed the LH surge (which is what makes the test positive and happens a day or two before ovulation). Since you're now only 11 days away from your next expected period, I would probably just save the remaining tests for next cycle (if you need them...you never know, you might still get pregnant this month!) And next month, start using the tests a few days earlier. You might also want to consider BBT (basal body temperature) charting. It takes a little bit of effort in the beginning, but you soon get used to it, and it's a great way to help you understand your cycle better, and it will also let you know if and when you ovulate (although only after the fact). There's even an online tracker here on medhelp that you can use. Good luck!