Am I ovulating? Negative tests and no basal temperature spikes?

Question

I can't figure out whether I am ovulating or not.

Here are the details:

I have a 28 day cycle with a normal period

I was on the pill for about 10 years and have been off of it for 6 months

I have taken ovulation tests, all negative

I have been keeping track of my basal temperature, no spikes

I am at a loss! We have been trying for 5 months to conceive with no luck. We aren't too worried yet, but it would be nice to pin point our efforts ;)

Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Unfortunatly it doesn't sound like you are ovulating.  Have you been tracking your cervical mucus at all?  Temps are not always accurate and you might not produce enough LH to be picked up on an OPK (though this is rare).  If I were you, if you aren't already, is track your CM as well.  When you ovulate, it should be clear, thin and stretchy (stretching at least 1 inch).  You might have to reach up near your cervix to get a sample, just so you know.  You can also wait 21 days into your cycle and get a blood test to check your progesterone levels.  By doing this, the Dr. should be able to tell you if you have ovulated yet that cycle.  Good luck to you!  Oh, I've heard that another good resource is the book, "Taking Charge of your Fertility."  Baby dust to you!!

Answer 2

you may not be ovulating.  However I have a couple of other possible explanations:

are you using a special basal body thermometer (digital)?  regular thermometers are not sensitive enough to pick up the "spikes" caused by ovulation. Ovulation creates only a 0.2 degree difference or so in your temperature, you know.  

also, are you taking your temperature at the exact same time every day, BEFORE you get out of bed or move around in bed and before you even speak to anyone? this is important for accuracy.

also, please start tracking your results on fertilityfriend.com. this can  make it easier to pinpoint ovulation. also check oyour cervical fluid. this is easy to do.

anyway, some women need to use OPKs 2 or 3 times per day at the same time every day to catch their surge because they have a short LH surge. try doing this. consistency is important.

if you still aren't getting any results, deftinitely see a doctor.  you don't mention your age, but if you are older than 32 or so, I would see a doctor right away. sometimes they can give you medicine to improve your ovulation, such as Clomid.

also I have read reports of women older than 35 who  have been on the pill for many years who take up to 9 months to begin ovulating again after going off the pill.  perhaps that is the case here. but  I wouldn't leave it to chance if you really want a baby see a doctor.

good luck.