First Response Ovulation Test: Is this a positive or negative? So confusing!

[Gili]

My cheapo sticks from ebay are confusing me for the first time.  

2 days ago:
I did a dip test on 4:30pm Thursday and forgot to check the result until 2 1/2 hours later.  Then I detected something that looks like almost a positive, at least 80 to 90% as dark as the control line.  But that's 2 1/2 hours later at 7:00pm already.  So I decide to take another test at 9:30pm and got a similar but just a tad lighter at about 70% darker this time.  I got so confused but couldn't pee again to test.  

Yesterday: I retested 2 time again with the cheapo test.  Both time shows virtually a negative result.  Could it be diluted urine?  So last night I bought a pack of 7 expensive First Response Midstream Tests yesterday for $17.99 thinking that they'll be easier to read.  I took a 3rd test at 9:00pm.  After 10 seconds, I saw the red dye moves across the result box showing BOTH the control line and a thinnier result line at the same time.  After waiting for 5 minutes and then the max. reading time of 1 hour, the result stayed the same.  It looks just a tad lighter than the control line.

Today: This morning I took another First Response midstream test and the result is just a tad DARKER than last night's result, but the line is still skinnier.  I asked my husband (which really takes the romance out) to interpret for me.  He said it's too hard to tell, but would say it looks less 'fill in' with color but same darkness.  In other words, it's skinnier.

To sum it up, the two different brands of test shows an abrupt surge on Thursday afternoon, then down yesterday and coming back up again today.  I haven't had signs of fertile mucus for 4 days. My last fertile-looking fluid was 5 and 6 days ago the two mornings AFTER intercourse which I do know if it's seminal fluid.  My BBT has been pretty much 97.4 the whole time with one dip to 97.2 the day after I had intercourse.  However, my ovulation test that day was so negative.

Do you think I have missed my ovulation or it is coming?  I will test again early this afternoon.  But if I did detected that positive Thursday at 4:30pm, then it would be 48 hours by this afternoon, just missing the conceivable time frame.  (By the way, I'm trying for a boy.)

[heather n]

If you want really accurate readings on ovulation, and don't mind spending some money....try the Clear Blue Easy Ovulation Monitor.  It's $250 plus sticks every month, but it can be worth it depending on how much control you want - it tells you when you are about to ovulate and the day/days you are ovulating.  Takes the guesswork out.  Good luck!!!!

[Gili]

Wow, ovulation monitor can get that expensive?  How do you like their ovulation test instead?  If I don't get a more precise result later this afternoon, I'm going to buy another brand.  I'll be bummed if I missed my ovulation.

[heather n]

I totally know the feeling of having to wait another month.  Remember that once you actually ovulate the window of opportunity is really over.  Clear Blue Easy is the best in my experience in technology, try their ovulation kit.  My dr. recommends trying every other days 10 through 18 after your period.  Also, taking your temperature every day will help indicate ovulation.  Best of luck....