QuestionHi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and help me understand what is happening. I am completely confused and can't seem to find any information that matches my situation. I have been temping and using OPKs for the past three cycles. Based on my temp charts, I don't get a positive OPK until AFTER my thermal shift. It seems to me that I don't get the positive OPK until AFTER ovulation. Could this be possible?
I've had the same pattern all three cycles; I'll use this cycle as an example (today is Monday). My temp dipped Friday morning; Friday afternoon my OPK was almost positive. My temp jumped up Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon my OPK was definitely positive. I had another temp jump Sunday morning and a negative OPK Sunday afternoon. I have had the same experience all three cycles. What could cause this and when is ovulation actually occurring? Thank you in advance for any input or information to help this make sense.
Sincerely,
Laura
AnswerHello Laura from the U.S.,
There is no problem with your temp and OPK findings. They are recording the same change (so it is a lot of work for you to be doing both). The temperature change is due to the LH surge then progesterone increases that increases the body temperature. The OPK detects the LH surge. When these turn positive, that is not the exact time that ovulation is occurring, it is actually preceding ovulation. Ovulation occurs 32-52 hours from the LH surge. That is why it is recommended to begin intercourse once the surge is detected.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf
