What feels like a million ovulation tests and not one positive

[CJ_82]

I'm very irregular so have been tracking my periods for a while now and testing daily for ovulation for 3 months and not had one positive test so far.

I've started testing twice a day, waiting 4 hours between pees (OMG that's hard) and all the tips I've found to date. I've even mixed up brands and tests from cheap ones to the pricier ones.

I know these things happen at times, but it is really frustrating and I'll be honest, concerning as I've had issues with my cycles and my sister couldn't conceive.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Thanks x

 

[sammielou]

I tried those tests for 3 months and never got a positive either. My periods were reasonably regular (29-32 day cycles). Given I'm pregnant now I must ovulate sometimes! Did I genuinely go 3 months without ovulating that just happened to coincide with my testing? Maybe. Its also possible those tests just don't work for some of us. I quit using them because not peeing for 4 hours was just horrible, and the whole thing was stressing me out more than TTC without them had been.

I won't be going near them again when it comes to TTC in future.

 

[LittleDalla]

I am thinking about stopping them next cycle if I dont get my BFP this cycle. I went through 60 OPKs using one everytoilet trip.
Close to OV when they looked like they should of been positive they werent drying properly and smudging the dye. I also have irregular periods, so deciding when to test is tricky, so I start early and tend to go insane. To the point I refuse to go to the toilet unless I am at home, I give myself pain I hold for that long until I manage to get in.

 

[CJ_82]

My cycles are free spirited

Some months I can have two periods and then go two months without any. My periods last a day or two at times, then up to 14 days others.

I've had medical help to try and regulate them and my doctor suggested the OPKs to avoid missing ovulation since there is no real pattern.

But I agree, each day I feel like a failure and part of me is thinking 'just get down to it every couple of days and ride it out' (no pun intended )

 

[LittleDalla]

Without sounding rude ...
Have you been tested PCOS or have any worries about it? With you missing cycles etc?

 

[CJ_82]

Without sounding rude ...
Have you been tested PCOS or have any worries about it? With you missing cycles etc?

I don't mind you asking that...

...the doctor mentioned this last time I saw him as I have a few symptoms. I'll be honest, I've not been back since as I'm scared to. It doesn't help that where I live has a really awful NHs system (it takes weeks to see a GP). So I've been putting it off with the whole busy life excuse to see how the OPKs go.

But I need to go back. I've told the hubby that I'll give it another month and head back. I'm being an ostrich, I know.

 

[LittleDalla]

Yeah it is best if you go back, if they test for it and find you dont have that great and you can move forward about finding more out about your cycles.

If you do have it (I do) and was referred to my local hospital to see a specialist and was put on Metformin which even though they have some horrible side effects (with me) they have worked wonders on regulating my periods. And settling PCOS symptoms

 

[CJ_82]

You're right. I know you are. And I know I am hiding. I was on progestin (forget the name of the one I took. Began with 'M') to help regulate them (which it has, amazingly, improved them a little but they still suck) and I hated it. I gained weight and felt hot all the time. Plus, I know I am just scared of hearing bad news.

But you're right and I need to get my butt back to them. Not sure why they didn't test me already, since they have mentioned it.

 

[LittleDalla]

I know what you mean. I found out quite young. I was 18, before any TTC so to me at the time it wasnt much of a big deal, I was more happy with the fact of having little periods

But now, I understand how it effects people and the real meaning of it etc
I can only sympathise with people who find out during TTC.
I have just re-read your original post. Maybe mention about your sister, something may be connected depending on your sisters reasons.

I wish you all the luck in the world, and in the mean time get BDing at every opportunity and FX for that BFP

 

[CJ_82]

Thanks. It's early days I guess. It's possibly impatience and worry because of my sister's issues. But I'll get a GP slot and enjoy TTC. I don't want it to become our life. If that makes sense? Xx

P.S. I may be putting pressure on myself as hubby is off his arthritis medication (cytotoxic so dangerous when TTC) and is aching and I worry. When and if we conceive and are blessed with a baby, I'll be jumping for joy. And hopefully this is me being a negative nelly about it x

 

[LittleDalla]

Yeah I know what you mean. We can all get obsessed with TTC and we all have our down days about it.
It will happen for yous, unfortunately a lot of patience comes into it ...

 

[sammielou]

You see being tested for PCOS as the potential bringer of bad news but that just isn't true!

Either you have it or you don't. Getting checked out for it doesn't actually change which it is.

If you have it, then getting a diagnosis and treatment dramatically improves your chances of conceiving.
And if you don't have it you can stop worrying that you might have.

Win either way!

 

[CJ_82]

True. I was feeling down yesterday, but much more positive today.

I said the same thing to a friend earlier. What will be will be. Only so much you can influence directly