My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for nine months. We finally tried an ovulation predictor kit this month. I thought I had missed my most fertile time, because I went through nine sticks with no LH surge detected. I also had a thick, "rubber-cement-like" discharge. The very next morning, the LH surge showed up. This was day 21 of my cycle! What does this mean? Did I do something wrong? Am I not using the kit right, or am I reading my body signals wrong? My cycle is usually 30 or 31 days. Any input would be most appreciated!

Z.

The LH kit is used to determine the timing of ovulation. The LH level starts to rise in the blood about 24-36 hours before ovulation. Rising amounts can be detected in the urine about 6-18 hours later. As the first morning urine contains urine collected throughout the night, we recommend using the second morning urine for an accurate test. Most kits specify that the test line must be darker than a control indicator line. The line is usually the darkest 24 hours before the egg will be released. Still, many women, particularly those on clomiphene therapy, will never see a darker line and subsequently miss ovulation.

Pregnancies require intercourse to occur before, rather than after, ovulation. So intercourse should occur the evening of the surge. For those undergoing fertility treatment, insemination should occur the following morning.

Menstrual cycle length varies from 25-35 days normally. As you detected a surge on day 21, you would likely ovulate on day 22. While this would appear to be later than normal, it may not necessarily indicate a fertility problem. I would discuss the situation with your physician to determine whether you should have hormone testing to rule out conditions that may interfere with your cycle regularity or ovulation.