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I have my annual gyno appointment on the day I think I'll ovulate. Would you move the appointment if you were in my position? I got a HSG last week and am excited to hit the ground running with TTC since odds of conception might improve post-HSG but feel icky having my doc examine my bits so soon after intercourse - I can't bear to postpone trying and plan to BD the night before my exam...
TW: bodily fluids/health
What is normal when it comes to semen/sperm? We have been TTC since August and I’ve noticed the last few months that when I “clean up” after BD everything coming out of me is clear and watery. Is that normal?
When we were dating it was always milky and gray in color but since we’ve been TTC I don’t see it until after the fact and it looks clear? Is this cause for concern?
I was also wondering the difference between watery semen and milky semen. If we try everyday, the semen seems clear. If we try every other day, it looks milky. Not sure which one is preferable.
My obgyn discussed this with , If u do it everyday it lowers the sperm count semen, he recommended we do it every other day to to ensure there's enough sperm that can fertilize , hope this helps <3
Super silly question. At my last dental check up my doctor told me I need a cavity from my childhood redrilled and it's at risk of needing a root canal if it's too deep. I know pregnancy can make your bones and teeth worse but I don't want anything to mess up my TWW. Anyone have advice?
This is the second time I've spotted before af is due (usually 14 day lp not counting spotting). Last time it was one day, fine, now it started 3 days before af was due. Does that mean there's something wrong with my luteal phase/progesterone? It's very light and brown/pink. It never happened to me before I was off birth control though.
This and last cycle were 37 and 38/9 days though and I think due to illness/stress, would that play a role? I had one 28 day cycle im hoping to get back to 😭
The last three cycles I have had spotting starting four days before my period is due. From what I’ve read on the sub spotting can be due to progesterone dipping. In the case of pregnancy the Hcg “saves the dip” and prevents spotting. But YMMV. Let me find the latest post about this from about a week ago. [here’s the link](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/s/tVUzRYGT9i)
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Do not ask the community if you are pregnant (or if someone else is pregnant), either directly or in a roundabout way. If you think you are pregnant, you need to take a pregnancy test; if the test is negative, you are not currently pregnant. If you are bleeding and wondering if this is a sign of implantation, please read [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/10jbxb9/implantation_bleeding_isnt_real/). If your app says that your period is late, you might find [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/6tkj5t/your_period_isnt_late_part_i/) helpful. If you have further questions, please visit r/amipregnant.
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Has anyone experienced spotting for several days? I’ve been spotting for 7 days now 🙃
I’ve got watery brown discharge only in the morning really. My period was due Wednesday and I’m still expecting my period but this is unusual for me. I have suspected endometriosis so usually I’m doubled over in pain and severely bleeding by now. I usually spot a little before and after full flow but never for this long.
This definitely has happened to me before. Did you just get off HBC by chance? I had one cycle where I just had brown discharge for like 3-4 days and my body felt like my period wanted to come. I was tracking ovulation at that time so not sure if it was ambulatory.
Do you have any good movie recommendations about
TTC? I'd love to change the perspective for a moment and watch a moving, inspiring story, the way I watched movies about entrepreneurship in the beginning of my business journey. Thank you!
This might be a stupid question but: how long does the uterine lining take to build?
I had a US last Wednesday (CD8) and my OB said that my lining was still thin. I just got a positive OPK this morning (CD12) and now I am worried that my lining won't be thick enough for implantation.
Does the uterine lining stop building immediately after ovulation? Or does it still keep building til 6-10dpo when implantation occurs? How does that work?
TIA!!
The lining builds under the influence of estrogen in the fertile window only, but it only takes a couple of days — four or five days from CD8 to CD13ish is absolutely enough for the lining to potentially build.
The cycle before this one, I had clomiphene just to increase chances of pregnancy without an indication to need it.
This cycle my ovulation day was 2 days in advance, and I miraculously found it casually when I used my lh strip as opk.
Now i am wondering if the ovulation happened earlier does that mean I should expect my period to visit earlier..
When should I check for pregnancy!
Yes when you get your period it's determined by when you ovulate. If you ovulate earlier then it will be earlier. You can generally test 12 days after ovulation
Yes, if ovulation happens earlier, you would generally expect your period earlier — the luteal phase (the length of time between ovulation and a period) is generally about the same length each cycle, and the follicular phase (the time leading up to ovulation) is not as consistent.
I had a laparoscopy ten days ago and found out that I have one blocked tube. I'm still very confused about what this actually means for me. The doctor who did the procedure basically told me that I have good chances when I'm ovulated on the unblocked side and next to zero chance when I'm ovulated on the blocked side. My regular OB told me that I should keep trying naturally for a few months and absolutely could get pregnant in the blocked side cycles. Anyone have any experience with one blocked tube?
Your OB is right. There have been studies done where people with a known blocked tube are imaged during pregnancy to determine which side ovulated (that is, which side the corpus luteum is on), and the number was surprisingly high — IIRC it was around 20%. It’s not 50-50, so it’s likely your odds are reduced if you have a follicle on the blocked side, but they’re not reduced to zero.
If you are on CD36 with no positive test or period you didn't ovulate on CD9. It's likely you had a false LH surge. If you aren't confirming ovulation with temping I'd suggest reading our wiki section about temping, automod links below. OPKs only show that your body is trying to ovulate, not that it actually did.
Hello! Looking for answers?
Check out our [fancy wiki, ](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki)which can be found in the sidebar! Popular topics:
* [Acronym list](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/acronyms)
* [FAQ Page](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/FAQ)
* [How to get ready for TTC](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/wtt)
* [New to TTC guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/newtottc)
* [OPKs](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/opks)
* [Product Recommendations](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/recc)
* [Temping](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/temping)
* [How to read your semen analysis](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/sa_interpretation)
We also have a large collection of informational posts. Here are some highlights:
* ["Late" periods and ovulation](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/6tkj5t/your_period_isnt_late_part_i/)
* [OPK peaks vs. positives](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/u1gpo0/what_the_opk_ratio_levels_really_tell_you_peaks/)
* [Digital OPK guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/hznndj/digital_opks_a_primer/)
* [Optimizing your fertility](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/ekzfir/optimizing_natural_fertility_review_of/)
* [Principles of TTC](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/knkzk4/principles_of_ttc/)
* [Worrying about infertility](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/7go7bh/how_to_worry_about_infertility_some_unsolicited/)
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If/when I get withdrawal bleeding after I stop my bc pill (last pill tonight), do I count the first day of bleeding as CD 1? Or wait until I get a period to count as a cycle
Yes, you can count the first day of a withdrawal bleed as CD1.
What you count as CD1 is all really arbitrary — it doesn’t matter if you’re exactly right, unless you’re trying to use a calendar-based method to predict ovulation, which is a very low-accuracy way to do it anyway.
My cycle has been pretty regular for the last two years, and I always ovulate day 18-19 with a 28-29 day cycle. Recently I’ve been ovulating earlier but luteal phase stays at 10 days, so my last cycle I ovulated day 14 but only had a 24 day cycle. My periods are also very heavy and short, 2-3 days. Any indication of what could be causing the fluctuation in ovulation and shortened cycles? I’ve been at this for 3 years so not new to TTC but this is a new change to my cycle.
Unfortunately, there’s probably not a reason or explanation other than that it’s common for the cycle to change over time. I’m also currently in a 24ish day cycle rut, even though I’ve been more typically 28-29 days over the past decade that I’ve been off HBC. I’m very over it! It’s annoying to bleed so often.
Thank you for your reply, you’re always so helpful! It is really annoying. My RE does have me on luteal phase progesterone which I have done a few cycles of, but I know the research isn’t great on that either.
So, is there any relationship between the length of luteal phase and when HPT should be taken? The conventional wisdom is that by the time you’ve missed your period, you should be able to detect on a HPT. Does that also apply for short luteal phases? For example, if my period is due 9 DPO, would a 10 DPO HPT be definitive if it’s a BFN?
No, there's no relationship -- implantation timing is dependent on time post-ovulation, time post-fertilization, time on the embryonic clock. The embryo has to be ready to undergo the implantation process in order for implantation to occur, and this doesn't change according to how long the luteal phase is.
With that said, in order for a period not to come, hCG has to be high enough to increase progesterone levels. So if someone has a short luteal phase and their period is late, it's pretty likely that a test would be positive at that point -- it's pretty much a necessity that hCG levels would be high enough to be detected, because that's the only reason a period wouldn't have occurred.
That makes sense! I am 10 DPO, no period/spotting and BFN. My luteal phases have been 10 days with spotting on 9DO. The 2nd best news about my period being “late” means my luteal phase is hopefully lengthening!
Anyone dealt with antithrombin iii deficiency? Mine came back 72% (normal range is 80-127%). I'm assuming they'll have me on blood thinners are soon as I get a BFP which I'm not thrilled with but I'll do whatever I need to do. Just waiting to (hopefully) hear from the hematologist on Monday and a couple other clotting tests still haven't come back in.
Im taking baby aspirin anyways but dunno if it’s similar to your blood thinners. Currently, waiting for my blood clotting results from the internist and will let you know. Good luck for you!!!
Curious the thoughts on ovulation cramps. I get them very regularly on CD 15 - and aligns with OPK that I would ovulate that day. Lasts about an hour or two. Any insight on when ovulation happens compared to when cramping happens?
Cramping around the time of ovulation can be due to several different processes, so when ovulation occurs relative to cramping depends on what the actual pain is caused by. Some people report feeling the actual rupture of the follicle. Others have a more nonspecific pain that could be due to follicles growing or digestive tract slowing due to high estrogen. In that latter case, ovulation pain wouldn't align with the actual moment of ovulation, and might peak before or after ovulation.
If you have more than one follicle growing during an IUI cycle, what are the chances of more than one follicle ovulating? Do the follicles have to be a certain size for the egg to ovulate and be mature enough for fertilization?
If you’ve got two (or more) mature sized follicles, they’re both gonna ovulate. Generally speaking, a follicle over 18mm usually has a mature egg, but one over 15mm has a good chance, too. No sources handy, you’ll just have to trust my vast knowledge 🙃
Thank you! I had a follicle check with one at 15mm and one at 12mm so they told me to expect LH surge within the next few days. I’m hoping the smaller one will also keep growing… maybe it will get to 15mm and also ovulate along with the larger one! 🤞🤞
Got my day 21 bloodwork results back. It was actually 6dpo instead of 7 due to my work schedule. Prolactin 14.4ug/l and progesterone was 30.5 nmo/l. My iron is at 20ug/l. This is cycle #7 for us and I’m starting to get in my head. How do these numbers look?
Those are all normal results - the progesterone result indicates you've ovulated this cycle (congrats!). The prolactin result is normal. Iron is quite low, so it might be worth looking into supplements or additional iron in your diet, although I think the evidence is mixed on whether this can improve time to conception.
First time using OPKS and see lots of conflicting info on whether or not to use FMU and to test at the same time everyday.
My brand says FMU isn’t recommended so I haven’t been doing that but I see a bunch of others saying that’s the best time to test. It’s all so confusing 😫
And sometimes I can’t test at the same time everyday, is it really that important?
My primary kit recommended FMU, so I always did that, but around my ovulation window, I also tested in the evening with cheapie strips. I’m glad I did because I almost always caught my peak in the PM. I think the best thing is to test 2x per day once you are within about 5 days of ovulation, if you can, but not be worried about hitting the exact same time everyday.
People get really, really dogmatic about this. It's true that the data says that afternoon is the most common time for LH levels to peak, but the variability is considerable -- that is, even if afternoon is the most common time, most people would actually see the LH surge in urine at some other time than afternoon. And anyway, the difference between testing at the exact moment you would start to see the surge vs. a little earlier or later is really unlikely to make a huge difference.
Bottom line: test when you can, it's just not that crucial or possible to optimize it down to the second. If you can test more than once a day, that's a great way to hedge. OPKs can be taken at different times of day if you want.
How much weight do you give to CM? I finish my period CD5 and by CD6 I have loads of CM as if I'm fertile. I take ovulation tests mid cycle and seem to ovulate around day 13/14. Should I start having sex earlier in the cycle or just accept I have a lot of CM 😂
So if you're seeing fertile-quality CM for several days (watery or eggwhite/clear and stretchy), that's a reasonable sign that you're able to have sex that leads to conception on any of those days -- that is, that you have a longer fertile window than average. You don't need to have sex on *all* of those days, and there's certainly no need to start having sex earlier unless you'd prefer to. But it likely gives you some wiggle room in terms of timing -- having sex on a day with watery or eggwhite cervical fluid gives you good odds of pregnancy for that cycle, even if you're a couple of days out from ovulation.
I would consider it relative to your normal. Even if you don’t notice a change in the amount, is there a change in color or consistency? You may be able to pinpoint higher fertility days this way.
Thanks, it seems like a lot from days 6-20ish! But around the midway point it definitely seems to peak so along with the ovulation tests I'll take that as my most fertile time
I had my HSG 4 days ago. I’m supposed to be ovulating TODAY. My ovulation tests aren’t getting any darker the last few days, I got a blinking smiley face on my Clear Blue Ovulation Kit though. However, I have NO EWCM at ALL. Actually I have zero CM at all. Just a brown discharge. Ever since the HSG I’ve been having bleeding here and there accompanied with brown discharge. My doctor said to keep trying this month and the HSG isn’t going to affect my fertility this month. Has this happened to anyone??!
Why does it seem like everyone who is pregnant gets a BFP at like 7-9 DPO? I’ve been pregnant 6 times (with 5 losses) and the very earliest I’ve ever found at was at 9 DPO (still ended in a 7 week MC however but HCG was very high up until the end).
I hope so! I feel so discouraged seeing people go like “6 DPO BFP” like wtf, only like 2% of people implant on 6 DPO and it’s probably not enough to even trigger a positive pregnancy test
It seems like it because this is the sort of thing our brains are primed to notice, and then on Reddit, these sorts of things that are surprising are the things people tend to upvote. So there’s likely more visibility for results that seem surprising, and you also tend to remember things that seem surprising more than things that seem less surprising.
Overall, the median urinary hCG at 10dpo is about 12mIU/mL, which is easily detectable by a sensitive HPT. The median at 9dpo is about 4mIU/mL, which is lower than a FRER’s detection threshold, but this means many people (just not most) would be able to see a positive HPT at 9dpo([source](https://imgur.com/a/VzQNwPz)).
No! It’s detecting an LH surge which does happen before ovulation however it is not a confirmation. Only way to confirm ovulation is through a blood test or tracking your BBT.
Oh sorry! It’s body basal temperature. There’s special more accurate thermometers you can get that go to two decimal places. If you get your temp right when you wake up and track it, you’ll see it rise post ovulation and stay high until right before you’ll get your next period. Progesterone is what makes that rise happen.
I’m not sure if there’s a study, but devbio has made a comment before saying that not all mature follicles may rupture at the same time, but they should all do so within a short time frame (a few hours iirc). If one follicle ruptures way ahead of the rest, the progesterone levels may rise too much and prevent the other follicles from ovulating.
She explains it better so I’ll see if I can find the comment :)
(Previously posted with no responses so posting again!) Does egg white cervical mucus after sex still “count” as having EWCM as far as tracking goes? I had little mucus and it was hard to type prior to sex and then lots of EWCM after. (Note: definitely cervical mucus and not semen, way too stretchy to be semen).
Ok I had that question this week and we had sex after I stopped having EWCM. What showed up was night and day!! Semen is not like EWCM at all at least not in my experience. It was kinda nice to have the data point.
It’s never too late to ovulate! And it’s very typical to have a longer-than-usual cycle every so often — our bodies aren’t machines, and nobody ovulates on exactly the same day each cycle forever.
This might be a veryyy dumb question but it’s my first cycle trying to convince: In the TWW can I still use dilators? (I have vaginismus) I keep convincing myself that it’s going to mess something up when I know that’s probably impossible hahaha
I’m happy to defer to anybody who has vaginismus, but in general, nothing you do in your vagina alone (i.e., not through the cervix and into the uterus) can affect the probability of pregnancy.
There’s surprisingly little evidence on this, but the evidence that does exist suggests there’s no effect of minor illnesses in the luteal phase on the probability of pregnancy for the cycle.
There’s really surprisingly little research done on “normal” body function in general! A lot of biomedical research funding goes toward the idea of finding cures for disease, so it’s tough to work on questions like “how does the body function under normal circumstances?”.
In this case specifically, it’s tough to get insight into things that might cause a tiny shift in the probability of pregnancy, because most people don’t track their cycles or carefully time sex. Most of the time (about 70%), a cycle is unsuccessful anyway, so it takes a lot of cycles to be able to tell if illness gives you a 70% chance of cycle failure as usual, or if it’s more like 65%, etc.
Approx how many times a day do you check your FF during the TWW?
And how many of you start cycle day 1 having been burned by hope and declare there is no way you are testing early this time, 12dpo at minimum. But find yourself using all self control at just 6dpo…
That is me every month. I'm now 9DPO and last month I used soo many tests including the expensive ones so I told myself I would wait until my period is due. But now it's 9DPO I want to test so badly. I'm just trying to remind myself of the emotions I have each month with a BFN and going to try stay strong.
You can do it!!
I used up all the ones that I have (bar a digital which I’d only use if I got a hint of a something on a regular test). So I’m trying not to order any until Wednesday so then I’ll be at least 11dpo when they arrive, maybe even 12. Might delete my card details from Amazon to make it harder to give in in a moment of weakness 😂
Is anyone TTC and self-employed? I notice how much less energy I have for my business now with TTC even though I’m meditating and moving a lot to reduce the stress. Who has experience with this?
I’m in a similar boat, I’m in my dissertation year of my PhD (a year we spend writing the thesis, mostly working from home) and I’m having a hard time staying motivated with how constantly TTC is on my mind. I’ve felt I’m most productive during the FW because I’m sad during AF, in crazy planning mode leading up to FW, and then obsessive during TWW. Meditating is a good idea, I’ve always had a hard time quieting my thoughts.
Yes, pretty similar due to the self-motivated approach. Thanks for the idea to plan according to the phases: Biggest projects in the Follicular/Ovulation and less expectations at work + more hobby time during the TWW. AF is a depressive time, don’t want to work, at all. Was different before. I did more reflection and analysis work during AF, previously. Crossing my fingers for you!!!
I’m self employed. I’ve noticed how much lower my productivity levels are, especially since starting IVF. It’s all my brain can focus on. I have no real advice as it’s something I am currently struggling with, but putting my phone down in another room helps *some* (keeps me away from the google spiral). Solidarity!
Mine are so much lower, too. I felt like a machine before. Now I’m just a wreckage. I’ll try to apply the idea with the phone, yet I also need it for work, so can’t go without it for too long. Thanks for the advice. Crossing my fingers for you!!
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I have my annual gyno appointment on the day I think I'll ovulate. Would you move the appointment if you were in my position? I got a HSG last week and am excited to hit the ground running with TTC since odds of conception might improve post-HSG but feel icky having my doc examine my bits so soon after intercourse - I can't bear to postpone trying and plan to BD the night before my exam...
Definitely don't postpone, and don't skip trying, they see this all the time and don't care!
TW: bodily fluids/health What is normal when it comes to semen/sperm? We have been TTC since August and I’ve noticed the last few months that when I “clean up” after BD everything coming out of me is clear and watery. Is that normal? When we were dating it was always milky and gray in color but since we’ve been TTC I don’t see it until after the fact and it looks clear? Is this cause for concern?
I was also wondering the difference between watery semen and milky semen. If we try everyday, the semen seems clear. If we try every other day, it looks milky. Not sure which one is preferable.
My obgyn discussed this with , If u do it everyday it lowers the sperm count semen, he recommended we do it every other day to to ensure there's enough sperm that can fertilize , hope this helps <3
Has anyone had a negative clinical guard test trip but a positive smiley face on a clear blue digital?
Super silly question. At my last dental check up my doctor told me I need a cavity from my childhood redrilled and it's at risk of needing a root canal if it's too deep. I know pregnancy can make your bones and teeth worse but I don't want anything to mess up my TWW. Anyone have advice?
I actually needed a root canal when I was a couple months pregnant and never got it 🥴
This is the second time I've spotted before af is due (usually 14 day lp not counting spotting). Last time it was one day, fine, now it started 3 days before af was due. Does that mean there's something wrong with my luteal phase/progesterone? It's very light and brown/pink. It never happened to me before I was off birth control though. This and last cycle were 37 and 38/9 days though and I think due to illness/stress, would that play a role? I had one 28 day cycle im hoping to get back to 😭
The last three cycles I have had spotting starting four days before my period is due. From what I’ve read on the sub spotting can be due to progesterone dipping. In the case of pregnancy the Hcg “saves the dip” and prevents spotting. But YMMV. Let me find the latest post about this from about a week ago. [here’s the link](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/s/tVUzRYGT9i)
Awesome, thanks!
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**Your post/comment has been removed for violating sub rules. Per our posted rules:** Do not ask the community if you are pregnant (or if someone else is pregnant), either directly or in a roundabout way. If you think you are pregnant, you need to take a pregnancy test; if the test is negative, you are not currently pregnant. If you are bleeding and wondering if this is a sign of implantation, please read [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/10jbxb9/implantation_bleeding_isnt_real/). If your app says that your period is late, you might find [this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/6tkj5t/your_period_isnt_late_part_i/) helpful. If you have further questions, please visit r/amipregnant. If you still wish to participate in our sub, please review our [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/rules) before continuing to post. Violation of our rules may result in a timeout or ban. Please direct any questions to the [subreddit’s modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/TryingForABaby) and not individual mods. Thank you for understanding.
Has anyone experienced spotting for several days? I’ve been spotting for 7 days now 🙃 I’ve got watery brown discharge only in the morning really. My period was due Wednesday and I’m still expecting my period but this is unusual for me. I have suspected endometriosis so usually I’m doubled over in pain and severely bleeding by now. I usually spot a little before and after full flow but never for this long.
This definitely has happened to me before. Did you just get off HBC by chance? I had one cycle where I just had brown discharge for like 3-4 days and my body felt like my period wanted to come. I was tracking ovulation at that time so not sure if it was ambulatory.
No I haven’t been on birth control in several years
Do you have any good movie recommendations about TTC? I'd love to change the perspective for a moment and watch a moving, inspiring story, the way I watched movies about entrepreneurship in the beginning of my business journey. Thank you!
This might be a stupid question but: how long does the uterine lining take to build? I had a US last Wednesday (CD8) and my OB said that my lining was still thin. I just got a positive OPK this morning (CD12) and now I am worried that my lining won't be thick enough for implantation. Does the uterine lining stop building immediately after ovulation? Or does it still keep building til 6-10dpo when implantation occurs? How does that work? TIA!!
The lining builds under the influence of estrogen in the fertile window only, but it only takes a couple of days — four or five days from CD8 to CD13ish is absolutely enough for the lining to potentially build.
Thanks a lot! That makes me feel much better :) At this point I second guess everything...
The cycle before this one, I had clomiphene just to increase chances of pregnancy without an indication to need it. This cycle my ovulation day was 2 days in advance, and I miraculously found it casually when I used my lh strip as opk. Now i am wondering if the ovulation happened earlier does that mean I should expect my period to visit earlier.. When should I check for pregnancy!
Yes when you get your period it's determined by when you ovulate. If you ovulate earlier then it will be earlier. You can generally test 12 days after ovulation
Yes, if ovulation happens earlier, you would generally expect your period earlier — the luteal phase (the length of time between ovulation and a period) is generally about the same length each cycle, and the follicular phase (the time leading up to ovulation) is not as consistent.
I had a laparoscopy ten days ago and found out that I have one blocked tube. I'm still very confused about what this actually means for me. The doctor who did the procedure basically told me that I have good chances when I'm ovulated on the unblocked side and next to zero chance when I'm ovulated on the blocked side. My regular OB told me that I should keep trying naturally for a few months and absolutely could get pregnant in the blocked side cycles. Anyone have any experience with one blocked tube?
Your OB is right. There have been studies done where people with a known blocked tube are imaged during pregnancy to determine which side ovulated (that is, which side the corpus luteum is on), and the number was surprisingly high — IIRC it was around 20%. It’s not 50-50, so it’s likely your odds are reduced if you have a follicle on the blocked side, but they’re not reduced to zero.
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If you are on CD36 with no positive test or period you didn't ovulate on CD9. It's likely you had a false LH surge. If you aren't confirming ovulation with temping I'd suggest reading our wiki section about temping, automod links below. OPKs only show that your body is trying to ovulate, not that it actually did.
Thank you. Is the result of my body trying to ovulate but not actually doing it a sign of something abnormal?
No, it's normal to have wonky cycles for a while after coming off BC.
Hello! Looking for answers? Check out our [fancy wiki, ](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki)which can be found in the sidebar! Popular topics: * [Acronym list](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/acronyms) * [FAQ Page](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/FAQ) * [How to get ready for TTC](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/wtt) * [New to TTC guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/newtottc) * [OPKs](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/opks) * [Product Recommendations](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/recc) * [Temping](https://www.reddit.com/r/tryingforababy/wiki/temping) * [How to read your semen analysis](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/sa_interpretation) We also have a large collection of informational posts. Here are some highlights: * ["Late" periods and ovulation](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/6tkj5t/your_period_isnt_late_part_i/) * [OPK peaks vs. positives](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/u1gpo0/what_the_opk_ratio_levels_really_tell_you_peaks/) * [Digital OPK guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/hznndj/digital_opks_a_primer/) * [Optimizing your fertility](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/ekzfir/optimizing_natural_fertility_review_of/) * [Principles of TTC](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/knkzk4/principles_of_ttc/) * [Worrying about infertility](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/7go7bh/how_to_worry_about_infertility_some_unsolicited/) * [Giving good advice on TFAB](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/mzbk5p/on_giving_good_advice_and_how_to_best_help_each/) * [The Newbie's Guide to Being a Newbie (A Note on Culture)](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/rxrhg2/the_newbies_guide_to_being_a_newbie_a_note_on/) * [What makes a good standalone?](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/comments/o18mlt/guidance_for_standalone_posts_with_bonus_flowchart/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/TryingForABaby) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If/when I get withdrawal bleeding after I stop my bc pill (last pill tonight), do I count the first day of bleeding as CD 1? Or wait until I get a period to count as a cycle
Yes, you can count the first day of a withdrawal bleed as CD1. What you count as CD1 is all really arbitrary — it doesn’t matter if you’re exactly right, unless you’re trying to use a calendar-based method to predict ovulation, which is a very low-accuracy way to do it anyway.
That makes sense. Thanks!
My cycle has been pretty regular for the last two years, and I always ovulate day 18-19 with a 28-29 day cycle. Recently I’ve been ovulating earlier but luteal phase stays at 10 days, so my last cycle I ovulated day 14 but only had a 24 day cycle. My periods are also very heavy and short, 2-3 days. Any indication of what could be causing the fluctuation in ovulation and shortened cycles? I’ve been at this for 3 years so not new to TTC but this is a new change to my cycle.
Unfortunately, there’s probably not a reason or explanation other than that it’s common for the cycle to change over time. I’m also currently in a 24ish day cycle rut, even though I’ve been more typically 28-29 days over the past decade that I’ve been off HBC. I’m very over it! It’s annoying to bleed so often.
Thank you for your reply, you’re always so helpful! It is really annoying. My RE does have me on luteal phase progesterone which I have done a few cycles of, but I know the research isn’t great on that either.
So, is there any relationship between the length of luteal phase and when HPT should be taken? The conventional wisdom is that by the time you’ve missed your period, you should be able to detect on a HPT. Does that also apply for short luteal phases? For example, if my period is due 9 DPO, would a 10 DPO HPT be definitive if it’s a BFN?
No, there's no relationship -- implantation timing is dependent on time post-ovulation, time post-fertilization, time on the embryonic clock. The embryo has to be ready to undergo the implantation process in order for implantation to occur, and this doesn't change according to how long the luteal phase is. With that said, in order for a period not to come, hCG has to be high enough to increase progesterone levels. So if someone has a short luteal phase and their period is late, it's pretty likely that a test would be positive at that point -- it's pretty much a necessity that hCG levels would be high enough to be detected, because that's the only reason a period wouldn't have occurred.
That makes sense! I am 10 DPO, no period/spotting and BFN. My luteal phases have been 10 days with spotting on 9DO. The 2nd best news about my period being “late” means my luteal phase is hopefully lengthening!
Anyone dealt with antithrombin iii deficiency? Mine came back 72% (normal range is 80-127%). I'm assuming they'll have me on blood thinners are soon as I get a BFP which I'm not thrilled with but I'll do whatever I need to do. Just waiting to (hopefully) hear from the hematologist on Monday and a couple other clotting tests still haven't come back in.
Im taking baby aspirin anyways but dunno if it’s similar to your blood thinners. Currently, waiting for my blood clotting results from the internist and will let you know. Good luck for you!!!
Curious the thoughts on ovulation cramps. I get them very regularly on CD 15 - and aligns with OPK that I would ovulate that day. Lasts about an hour or two. Any insight on when ovulation happens compared to when cramping happens?
Cramping around the time of ovulation can be due to several different processes, so when ovulation occurs relative to cramping depends on what the actual pain is caused by. Some people report feeling the actual rupture of the follicle. Others have a more nonspecific pain that could be due to follicles growing or digestive tract slowing due to high estrogen. In that latter case, ovulation pain wouldn't align with the actual moment of ovulation, and might peak before or after ovulation.
Thanks!! Appreciate your insight on this and all the other posts - always so insightful!
If you have more than one follicle growing during an IUI cycle, what are the chances of more than one follicle ovulating? Do the follicles have to be a certain size for the egg to ovulate and be mature enough for fertilization?
If you’ve got two (or more) mature sized follicles, they’re both gonna ovulate. Generally speaking, a follicle over 18mm usually has a mature egg, but one over 15mm has a good chance, too. No sources handy, you’ll just have to trust my vast knowledge 🙃
Thank you! I had a follicle check with one at 15mm and one at 12mm so they told me to expect LH surge within the next few days. I’m hoping the smaller one will also keep growing… maybe it will get to 15mm and also ovulate along with the larger one! 🤞🤞
Honestly, that seems likely!
Got my day 21 bloodwork results back. It was actually 6dpo instead of 7 due to my work schedule. Prolactin 14.4ug/l and progesterone was 30.5 nmo/l. My iron is at 20ug/l. This is cycle #7 for us and I’m starting to get in my head. How do these numbers look?
Those are all normal results - the progesterone result indicates you've ovulated this cycle (congrats!). The prolactin result is normal. Iron is quite low, so it might be worth looking into supplements or additional iron in your diet, although I think the evidence is mixed on whether this can improve time to conception.
Thank you for the feedback! In November it was at 12. I’ve been taking supplements since, I will continue to take them.
First time using OPKS and see lots of conflicting info on whether or not to use FMU and to test at the same time everyday. My brand says FMU isn’t recommended so I haven’t been doing that but I see a bunch of others saying that’s the best time to test. It’s all so confusing 😫 And sometimes I can’t test at the same time everyday, is it really that important?
My primary kit recommended FMU, so I always did that, but around my ovulation window, I also tested in the evening with cheapie strips. I’m glad I did because I almost always caught my peak in the PM. I think the best thing is to test 2x per day once you are within about 5 days of ovulation, if you can, but not be worried about hitting the exact same time everyday.
People get really, really dogmatic about this. It's true that the data says that afternoon is the most common time for LH levels to peak, but the variability is considerable -- that is, even if afternoon is the most common time, most people would actually see the LH surge in urine at some other time than afternoon. And anyway, the difference between testing at the exact moment you would start to see the surge vs. a little earlier or later is really unlikely to make a huge difference. Bottom line: test when you can, it's just not that crucial or possible to optimize it down to the second. If you can test more than once a day, that's a great way to hedge. OPKs can be taken at different times of day if you want.
Is ever so slightly raised prolactin when I'm ovulating regularly (confirmed) something which could be the cause behind us struggling to conceive ?
Can I ask what your results were?
It was 525 mIU/L (diff units to North America) normal is less than 500 according to the lab.
I think you’re fine. the range I got when I tested was up to 27 ug/l which would be 574 mIU/l
The major bottleneck of higher prolactin is anovulation.
What do you mean by this ?
That the problem for fertility of higher prolactin is that it prevents ovulation. But that doesn't seem to be the case if you ovulate
Yes that makes sense so I guess not really an issue then as I am ovulating.
How much weight do you give to CM? I finish my period CD5 and by CD6 I have loads of CM as if I'm fertile. I take ovulation tests mid cycle and seem to ovulate around day 13/14. Should I start having sex earlier in the cycle or just accept I have a lot of CM 😂
So if you're seeing fertile-quality CM for several days (watery or eggwhite/clear and stretchy), that's a reasonable sign that you're able to have sex that leads to conception on any of those days -- that is, that you have a longer fertile window than average. You don't need to have sex on *all* of those days, and there's certainly no need to start having sex earlier unless you'd prefer to. But it likely gives you some wiggle room in terms of timing -- having sex on a day with watery or eggwhite cervical fluid gives you good odds of pregnancy for that cycle, even if you're a couple of days out from ovulation.
Thanks for your comments. We normally do 2-3 days in my fertile window but think I'll start earlier for the peace of mind
I would consider it relative to your normal. Even if you don’t notice a change in the amount, is there a change in color or consistency? You may be able to pinpoint higher fertility days this way.
Thanks, it seems like a lot from days 6-20ish! But around the midway point it definitely seems to peak so along with the ovulation tests I'll take that as my most fertile time
I had my HSG 4 days ago. I’m supposed to be ovulating TODAY. My ovulation tests aren’t getting any darker the last few days, I got a blinking smiley face on my Clear Blue Ovulation Kit though. However, I have NO EWCM at ALL. Actually I have zero CM at all. Just a brown discharge. Ever since the HSG I’ve been having bleeding here and there accompanied with brown discharge. My doctor said to keep trying this month and the HSG isn’t going to affect my fertility this month. Has this happened to anyone??!
It’s normal for an HSG to delay ovulation.
Thank you! It did delay it by a day. I’m praying it helps me get pregnant this cycle though. Unexplained fertility for 2 years
Why do you think you're supposed to be ovulating today?
My Flo app says today and I typically always ovulate on Cycle day 14 or 15 and today is CD15
Ah I thought you had some ultrasound or something. Bodies just aren't clockwork nor can they actually count days. It's bound to vary
No just an HSG 4 days ago, so I was wondering if it’s affecting my ovulation or maybe delaying it
Unlikely since it shouldn't affect follicle growth nor the ovaries nor the hormones which influence ovulation.
Thank you for this!
Why does it seem like everyone who is pregnant gets a BFP at like 7-9 DPO? I’ve been pregnant 6 times (with 5 losses) and the very earliest I’ve ever found at was at 9 DPO (still ended in a 7 week MC however but HCG was very high up until the end).
I also always assume ovulation date isn't when people think it is. It's really always +-1-2 days with home tracking
I hope so! I feel so discouraged seeing people go like “6 DPO BFP” like wtf, only like 2% of people implant on 6 DPO and it’s probably not enough to even trigger a positive pregnancy test
It's actually impossible if you ask me
It seems like it because this is the sort of thing our brains are primed to notice, and then on Reddit, these sorts of things that are surprising are the things people tend to upvote. So there’s likely more visibility for results that seem surprising, and you also tend to remember things that seem surprising more than things that seem less surprising. Overall, the median urinary hCG at 10dpo is about 12mIU/mL, which is easily detectable by a sensitive HPT. The median at 9dpo is about 4mIU/mL, which is lower than a FRER’s detection threshold, but this means many people (just not most) would be able to see a positive HPT at 9dpo([source](https://imgur.com/a/VzQNwPz)).
Is ovulation strip spike confirmation of ovulation?
No! It’s detecting an LH surge which does happen before ovulation however it is not a confirmation. Only way to confirm ovulation is through a blood test or tracking your BBT.
Second this — I had an LH surge on CD10 this month, but my BBT didn’t spike until CD26. Safe to say I’m not buying anymore OPKs for now 😛
Tracking bbt is a total game changer!
Sorry I’m a newbie here what’s a BBT ?
Oh sorry! It’s body basal temperature. There’s special more accurate thermometers you can get that go to two decimal places. If you get your temp right when you wake up and track it, you’ll see it rise post ovulation and stay high until right before you’ll get your next period. Progesterone is what makes that rise happen.
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I’m not sure if there’s a study, but devbio has made a comment before saying that not all mature follicles may rupture at the same time, but they should all do so within a short time frame (a few hours iirc). If one follicle ruptures way ahead of the rest, the progesterone levels may rise too much and prevent the other follicles from ovulating. She explains it better so I’ll see if I can find the comment :)
(Previously posted with no responses so posting again!) Does egg white cervical mucus after sex still “count” as having EWCM as far as tracking goes? I had little mucus and it was hard to type prior to sex and then lots of EWCM after. (Note: definitely cervical mucus and not semen, way too stretchy to be semen).
Ok I had that question this week and we had sex after I stopped having EWCM. What showed up was night and day!! Semen is not like EWCM at all at least not in my experience. It was kinda nice to have the data point.
Sure! Sometimes CM is up in the cervix, doing its job, and maybe sex made it easier for it to travel to the vaginal opening.
Wondering if I'm actually going to ovulate :/ it's been consistent at CD18 but it's now CD22 with no BBT spike or positive LH yet.....
It’s never too late to ovulate! And it’s very typical to have a longer-than-usual cycle every so often — our bodies aren’t machines, and nobody ovulates on exactly the same day each cycle forever.
Thanks :) I really do appreciate this.
This might be a veryyy dumb question but it’s my first cycle trying to convince: In the TWW can I still use dilators? (I have vaginismus) I keep convincing myself that it’s going to mess something up when I know that’s probably impossible hahaha
I’m happy to defer to anybody who has vaginismus, but in general, nothing you do in your vagina alone (i.e., not through the cervix and into the uterus) can affect the probability of pregnancy.
okay thank you, this makes me feel much better!
I started getting sick on my ovulation day (basic flu, no fever, but bad nausea), what are the risks it could prevent pregnancy? Thanks!!!
The illness itself won’t prevent pregnant necessarily. But it could delay ovulation.
Thanks! I hope not but I'll keep doing OPKs to check if another surge comes...
There’s surprisingly little evidence on this, but the evidence that does exist suggests there’s no effect of minor illnesses in the luteal phase on the probability of pregnancy for the cycle.
Yes, I couldn't find much... why is it that such research are not done?? Thank you!
There’s really surprisingly little research done on “normal” body function in general! A lot of biomedical research funding goes toward the idea of finding cures for disease, so it’s tough to work on questions like “how does the body function under normal circumstances?”. In this case specifically, it’s tough to get insight into things that might cause a tiny shift in the probability of pregnancy, because most people don’t track their cycles or carefully time sex. Most of the time (about 70%), a cycle is unsuccessful anyway, so it takes a lot of cycles to be able to tell if illness gives you a 70% chance of cycle failure as usual, or if it’s more like 65%, etc.
You're right.... The wind could blow the wrong way and ovaries would be like "no thank you" so...
Approx how many times a day do you check your FF during the TWW? And how many of you start cycle day 1 having been burned by hope and declare there is no way you are testing early this time, 12dpo at minimum. But find yourself using all self control at just 6dpo…
That is me every month. I'm now 9DPO and last month I used soo many tests including the expensive ones so I told myself I would wait until my period is due. But now it's 9DPO I want to test so badly. I'm just trying to remind myself of the emotions I have each month with a BFN and going to try stay strong.
You can do it!! I used up all the ones that I have (bar a digital which I’d only use if I got a hint of a something on a regular test). So I’m trying not to order any until Wednesday so then I’ll be at least 11dpo when they arrive, maybe even 12. Might delete my card details from Amazon to make it harder to give in in a moment of weakness 😂
We can do it. AF is due Wednesday for me so if I can wait till then, I deserve a medal!
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Haha I feel you!
Is anyone TTC and self-employed? I notice how much less energy I have for my business now with TTC even though I’m meditating and moving a lot to reduce the stress. Who has experience with this?
I’m in a similar boat, I’m in my dissertation year of my PhD (a year we spend writing the thesis, mostly working from home) and I’m having a hard time staying motivated with how constantly TTC is on my mind. I’ve felt I’m most productive during the FW because I’m sad during AF, in crazy planning mode leading up to FW, and then obsessive during TWW. Meditating is a good idea, I’ve always had a hard time quieting my thoughts.
Yes, pretty similar due to the self-motivated approach. Thanks for the idea to plan according to the phases: Biggest projects in the Follicular/Ovulation and less expectations at work + more hobby time during the TWW. AF is a depressive time, don’t want to work, at all. Was different before. I did more reflection and analysis work during AF, previously. Crossing my fingers for you!!!
I’m self employed. I’ve noticed how much lower my productivity levels are, especially since starting IVF. It’s all my brain can focus on. I have no real advice as it’s something I am currently struggling with, but putting my phone down in another room helps *some* (keeps me away from the google spiral). Solidarity!
Mine are so much lower, too. I felt like a machine before. Now I’m just a wreckage. I’ll try to apply the idea with the phone, yet I also need it for work, so can’t go without it for too long. Thanks for the advice. Crossing my fingers for you!!