HPT testing confusion

[Tizzi]

Hi,

I've got really muddled about when you can realistically start testing each cycle with hpts.

I normally have a short luteal phase, so that waiting until 14 days post-Ov to test would actually take me 2 - 3 days past AF.

This month, I ovulated really early for the first time ever, which means I'm going to have a luteal phase of about 18 days.

How soon can I test after ov and expect a reasonably reliable BFN/BFP?

Do I have to wait until AF is late (ie 19 days post-Ov) or can I start expecting fairly reliable results from 14 days post-Ov (even though that would be 4 days before AF was due?)

What's the earliest number of days post-Ov that it's actually worth testing, or should you always wait until AF is late regardless of how many days post-Ov that is?

Any advice would be appreciated, as I've totally confused myself this month! :)

Thanks!

Tizzi

[BigW]

Hey Tizzi,
I'm not really sure - I have been using an ovulation kit to see what my cycle is up to while ttc, so would be handy to know - hopefully this month?!! :fingerscrossed:
I have seen kits that test like five days before AF though.

[Bub2luv]

Hi Tizzi,

I think that on average implantation takes place 8 to 10 days after ovulation and HPT can detects preg hormones in your body 4 to 5 days after implantation has occured - so this would make it 12+ days after ovulation. If you are not sure its best to wait until AF is due.

p.s. it also depends on the sensitivity of the test you use. Some tests can be used 5 to 7 days before AF is due.

[jaydensmum]

I recommend you wait until your AF is due so that you can get an accurate reading. There are tests that allow you to test 7 days before your due.

jaydensmum

[little_fish]

Hi Tizzi, :wave:

From what I've read, most of us have a consistant length of luteal phase, so if you O'ed really early, you can expect AF early this month as well.

I'd recommend if you can wait without tormenting yourself too much that you should wait at least 14 days after when you O'ed. This gives the chemicals enough time to build up in your body, and also reduces the risk of testing positive which might turn into a negative later (a chemical pregnancy).

If you click on the TTCweb page link in my signature and go to the FAQ page. At the bottom it goes through the numbers of how much HcG you can expect when.

If you want to test really early, use one of the kits that detect 10U/mL. you may get a positive with these as early as 7 DPO (provided you've implanted early as well I think)

Good luck :fingerscrossed:

[chicken]

Hi,


This month, I ovulated really early for the first time ever, which means I'm going to have a luteal phase of about 18 days.


Tizzi, if you ovulate early, it should have no impact on your luteal phase. Your luteal phase should be stable from month to month, regardless of whether your cycles are irregular or not. If you ovulate early, you should have a shorter cycle, but the time from O to AF should be unchanged. So you can reliably test on 14dpo.

[Tizzi]

Aaaah, I see! Thank you all so very much! I was assuming that, as my cycles are normally 28 days like clockwork, there'd be a longer luteal phase rather than a cycle shortening. I didn't think about luteal phases remaining constant!

What you've said makes sense, so I'll be expecting AF any day now, rather than next week as I was thinking.

Thank you all, I'm much less muddled now. :D

Tizzi

[Tizzi]

Well, looks like AF might not be coming this weekend after all - I got a very faint BFP this morning!!! :D

Thanks again for your advice, and I'm now crossing my fingers and toes that this pregnancy's a sticky one...

[Bub2luv]

:smiliedance: :smiliedance:
CONGRATULATIONS TIZZI
:yelclap: :yelclap:
Best wishes for a wonderful pregnancy

[Little_Toad]

Wonderful news Tizzy. Lets hope the lines keep getting darker.

Congratulations