Need input ASAP: OPKs-when is it too late to BD??

[rene67]

I tested cd 13 and got faint lines,with the test line just a bit lighter (I think), then cd 14 yesterday and both lines looked dark but test wasn't as thick.  Today is cd15 and when I test its a definite negative.

So guessing I ovulated maybe yesterday or last night.  Problem is...no BD!!!!!  Is it too late?  I recall you need to BD a few days before and when you ovulate.  A day later can't be OK, can it?

I'm so frustrated and mad at my DH today, been telling him for the last 3 days we need to BD.  This will be my 4th attempt at pregnancy (1st 3 were m/c) so he knows the drill.  I just turned 41 and he is just taking this way too casually. Sure, I guess I could talk him into BD today, maybe there's a chance, but if not I don't want to even bother.

[Heather5]

Yeah, having to do it at the clinic does add some extra stress...but hey, we have to deal with a whole lot more than they do, right? My previous RE allowed to collect at home as long as you live close enough to bring it in within an hour of collection (I guess it has to sit for a while anyway to liquify before they can start processing the sample). I just started seeing my new RE last cycle, so I'm not sure what his policies are when it comes to collecting at home, but I think it's fairly normal to just bring it in if you live close by.

If you do end up doing IUIs, I would recommend you add a trigger, as it makes it a whole lot easier to time the IUI (usually 36 hours after the shot), and it's not that expensive either (we pay everything out of pocket, so some of the other meds can really add up!). I think Novarel was about $45, and Ovidrel, which I used last cycle was $60-something. I like Ovidrel a whole lot better, though, as it is pre-filled (no mixing required), and the Novarel shot was so much more sore and red after.

I'm sorry to hear about your three miscarriages. It's so devastating...and frustrating...to get excited about a BFP, just to have everything taken away from you a few week later. Especially when we've been trying for so long. I REALLY hope we both get a sticky BFP next time...and hopefully very soon!

Take care, and good luck with everything!

[rene67]

Thanks for the encouragement.  I'm not actually sure my RE recommends timed intercourse, especially as she is concerned I need to get pregnant again soon.  But maybe since I am usually successful with the OPKs.  My DH knows what the IUI would mean, but honestly I don't think he gets that he'll have to do it on demand and likely at the clinic (I don't think they prefer bringing it in).  We'll see.  I'm not even sure what regimen she'll recommend or whether I'll need a trigger.

Best of luck to you too.  Sounds like you are in a similar situation (trying for 3 years too, except 3 m/c).  I am 41 so I know your chances of term pregnancy are much better.  Although I am in a hurry to get pregnant again, I am also worried about another m/c.  My RE thinks this is the year I either get pregnant and have success, or don't or m/c then have to move on to something else.  Its good you started when you did, I'm sure you'll be successful soon.

[Heather5]

I'll be crossing my fingers that you BD'd in time! As for IUIs, I agree, I much rather do timed intercourse that IUIs too. I'm on my second month of femara, and so far, we've just been BD'ing around the time of ovulation. If I get a negative again this cycle, though, we might start IUIs next month. We did four unmedicated IUI cycles about a year ago, and although it wasn't that bad for me, I think it was a lot more stressful on my husband, because we did two back-to-back IUIs each month, which means he had to "perform" at home two days in a row, and rush the sample in before work. Soooo, if you'd rather do timed intercourse for a few months while on clomid, it might help to "warn" him that you'll have to start IUIs if it doesn't happen after a few tries. That might help motivate him :-) LOL! Also, my new RE tells me when to BD when I come in for my CD12 scan, and that kinda helps too, because both me and my husband knows that we'll be BD'ing over the next three days once I get the trigger (or positive OPK, if no trigger).

Best of luck to you!

[rene67]

Thanks for the tip on digital.  I've been using the others for years and generally fine, but sometimes its questionable whether the surge has been detected.  I stick to ClearBlue Easy usually...although the last 2 tests I used were a generic drug store brand.  A smiley face would be more obvious.

Did BD yesterday evening, so who knows, but I'm kind of doubtful I'll get a BFP this cycle.

My next cycle I may start Clomid....I do ovulate but RE says it should improve my chances of getting pregnant.  That will probably mean IUI next month.  Honestly, I'd rather BD but its sometimes a hassle getting DH to cooperate at the right time.  So maybe next cycle I'll have better luck.

[kazah]

Hi there.  If I was you, I would BD as soon as you can.  At least you if you do, it gives you a chance.  If you don't BD, then you will have no chance.  so good luck with it!

But in relation to your OPK's.  I had this problem last month, I wasn't sure exactly when I ovulated as I couldn't really  make out the lines and if they were darker etc.  I did ovulate (as I did a progresterone test on CD21 - but that doesn't help me with the right time to BD).....but this month I decided to stick to the digital OPK's - it is a clearblue one.  Used  it this month, and then there is no doubt that you have your LH surge. In fact, I got the smily face this morning!   I am in the UK and the digital is about £3 more than the ordinary one- so that is nothing for your piece of mind and getting the right day to BD.   Hope that helps - but definitely worth going digital.

Good luck with the BD!!

[Heather5]

A negative doesn't necessarily mean you've already ovulated. It just means your surge is over. And since the surge happens BEFORE you ovulate, it is possible to have a negative OPK on the day of ovulation.

Since you got an almost positive two days ago and a positive yesterday, i would think you ovulated yesterday or possibly today.

:0)

[rene67]

thanks for the responses, maybe its not too late.

but the test today is an absolute negative, meaning no surge detected.  I know that means you ovulated already.  24 hours ago it was a positive for sure, but could have been 48 if those 2 light lines counted...arghh...its usually much more obvious.

[Heather5]

You'll usually ovulate within 48 hours of detecting the surge, but most women ovulate the following day. Plus the egg can live for another 12-24 hours after that...so I say go for it!

Best of luck!

[bny807]

I would defintley bd today! if your last positive opk was yesterday then its 36 hours from time of positive opk till you ovulate typically, so you could still catch it before O time! and if not plenty of people get preggers bding soon after O, can be up to 24 hours after! so i'd bd today and tomorrow! tell dh he has no choice! tonight! good luck and keep us udpated! : )