Ask Me Help Desk - Trying to Conceive, When are my fertile days?

I have been trying to conceive for the pass 3-1/2 months, I have now tried monitoring my cycle a little closer by using the BBT and the OPK (Ovulation kit) and as an additional boost I am taking my multivitamins and folic acid (400mg).

My last period was the May 6th and I have a 26-27 cycle. When using the OPK it identified my most fertile day to be 18th May (smiley face). We had intercourse from 16th straight up until the 20th but we didn't do anything on the 19th and I am really worried that missing that day could lessing our chances of getting pregnant; being that it was the day immediately after I got results from the OPK. Note, that I did do a OPK test on the 19th and there was no smiley face, I understand that ovulation lasts for 24hrs, but still concerned.

Any advice? If you get a smiley face on your OPK is it just that day that you are suppose to be trying or should you continue to try also on the days following that result??

Okay, when using a OPK - you should not test with your morning urine. You should use the test about the same time each day. If you are on a 26-27 day cycle - then test around day 9 or 10. You are typically fertile around 2 weeks after the first day of your last period.
An OPK is a test that looks for luteinizing hormone (LH). Just prior to ovulation, women experience a short surge where the LH level rises to a higher level. The OPK will help you pinpoint this surge and help you predict when you will ovulate.
Most people will ovulate 12-48 hours after the LH surge is detected, most common is 36 hours after the actual surge. One should get a bit more notice, 24-48 hours, by testing in the afternoon.
It's best to have intercourse the day of the LH surge and the two days after. Also consider "insurance" sex for one more day in case you ovulate late. Perfect timing would be to have had intercourse the day before the LH surge as well, but that can be hard to predict for those with an irregular cycle. If you don't know when you might ovulate, having sex every other day from cycle day 10 through a positive OPK. If you are taking your basal body temperature, you should have sex through the first day of your temp rise to make sure you cover all days (though after the rise is usually too late).

Also, if you are trying to conceive, start taking prenatal vitamins. Your body needs the extra folic acid (about 400mg) per day.

The best thing to do right now is to relax and enjoy the experience. It can take normal, healthy women time to get pregnant. So, don't worry.

It is always a good idea to see your doctor when you are trying to conceive - have you done this yet?

Good Luck.

Note:::: I did do a little research to find my answer on the OPK - hope you find it helpful.

Thanks a lot for the info. It is very helpful, I just there is still hope for me this month then. I have visited my doctor numerous times know and I have done all of my check-ups to ensure that I am health and all is well. I guess I thought that it would be easy getting pregnant (lol).

My doctor mentioned the same thing that I should have intercourse 2 weeks after my last period, which would make it be on the 20th May, making it my day 14 and to have intercourse the day 13, 14 & 15 (19th, 20th & 21st of May). But I thought that because I have a 26-27 cycle that I should try on day 12 of my cycle and not day 14 as this is for those persons that have a 28 cycle?? It is not correct? This is where I am getting confused.

Well, I am waiting now, my period is due on the 1 or the 2 of June, which is around the corner so all I can do now is wait and hope all works in my favour.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by babyface08

Thanks alot for the info. it is very helpful, I just there is still hope for me this month then. I have visited my doctor numerous times know and I have done all of my check-ups to ensure that I am health and all is well. I guess I thought that it would be easy getting pregnant (lol).

My doctor mentioned the same thing that I should have intercourse 2 weeks after my last period, which would make it be on the 20th May, making it my day 14 and to have intercourse the day 13, 14 & 15 (19th, 20th & 21st of May). But I thought that because I have a 26-27 cycle that I should try on day 12 of my cycle and not day 14 as this is for those persons that have a 28 cycle??? It is not correct? this is where I am getting confused.

Well, I am waiting now, my period is due on the 1 or the 2 of June, which is around the corner so all I can do now is wait and hope all works in my favour.

The two weeks after a period doesn't hold true for many women and if you wait until that time you can likely miss when you ovulate. A more accurate guide might be about 12-16 days before your next period is due, regardless of the length of your cycle. It is always wise to go with your shortest cycle as well. Even this, however, will not be accurate for many women, so it really does help to get to know your body well and the possible signs of ovulation... what you will often be able to tell is that your body is preparing for ovulation, not that you actually have. Personally, I would start trying soon after your period ends and right up until you start the next one... with every other day or third day, and several more tries when you determine your most likely time for ovulation.