Suddenly No Longer Getting +OPKs

TGPlove

Hello All -

DH and I have been TTCAS for 20 months now - we've gone through all of the tests and DH was diagnosed with a low sperm count.  I was very thankful that everything had checked out fine with me - no issues they could find.  We also confirmed that the +OPKs lined up correctly with my body preparing to ovulate.

We decided last month to start IUI, we just needed to call the RHS office when I received my first +OPK.  For the almost 2 years we've been trying i have always gotten a +OPK somewhere between CD 18-21, like clockwork.  But suddenly last month, no positive.  On day 22 when I still had not received a positive I called and they gave me an ultrasound and found that I had already ovulated and just didn't get an LH surge.  The DR wasn't concerned, said that happens, and said to call next month.  Needless to say I was devastated.  

Well here we are, month 2 of wanting to try IUI and I'm now on CD20 with no positive yet.  If tomorrow I still don't get a positive I seriously might lose my mind.

Why am I suddenly no longer able to get a surge?!!  Has this ever happened to anyone else before?  I'm going to ask the RE many more questions, but I feel so lost.  

ceclarlinetlo

do you test morning and night?

riveridgional

I rarely can see an LH surge on OPKs. I'm not sure why, but I guess I've always assumed it's because I drink too much water. I would recommend having monitoring (us & bw) done to help pinpoint ovulation. You can also take a trigger shot which allows very good timing for an IUI. Good luck.

TGPlove

Up until this month I only tested FMU, per direction from my RE.  But I'm afraid that the issue last month was that I missed it, so I did test last night too, and I'm planning to do the same today too just to make sure I'm not missing it.

That said, I asked my RE and she said that there's no reason to test twice a day, that if it turns positive at night it should still show positive the next morning???  Not sure how true that is.

starlitfae

Personally, I check every time I use the bathroom, but that's me... I also buy cheap teats off of Amazon for that reason

Also, I second the monitor and trigger suggestion. I ovulate on my own, but they give me a trigger shot to help with the timing (unless I get a + opk before I go in)

TGPlove

Thank you all so much.  I'm going to talk to my doctor about the trigger shot - can you tell me a little more about what this is?  Is it literally a shot you give yourself that forces ovulation within a certain amount of time?

The nurse called a little bit ago and wants to see me to give me an us and blood work to see what's going on.  I can't imagine having to do that each month!!!  It's hard enough to find time and a babysitter for our DD when it's time for IUI let alone to have to go multiple times a month... ugh, I know that just might have to be what we deal with, but man this is getting tougher and tougher.  

starlitfae

It's a shot in your hip that brings on ovulation. Either you give it to yourself or the re does it for you, depending on the timing. The one time I have had it, the nurse at the clinic did it.

riveridgional

The trigger shot will force you to ovulate. The most typical is 36 hours after the shot. I can't remember the range exactly, but I want to say 32-42 hours. It can be given in different spots and there are a few brands. I've taken Pregnyl on my 4 triggers. All of mine have been given in the stomach, and I gave myself 3 of them and a nurse gave me my first (only because I was in the office when the doctor recommended it be given immediately). The ultrasound and bloodwork are pretty easy. I typically have over 3 a month.

wifeinraleigh28

I always used OPKs in the morning and evening, because sometimes the LH surge will only show for a window of a couple hours.   Last month I got the surge at 11pm and got nothing earlier that morning or the next morning.  Sometimes it can be difficult to catch!

I agree with the PPs who suggested the trigger shot.  A trigger shot to go along with an IUI is a pretty sure fire way to make sure the timing is right!  GL to you!