Master thread for OPK questions

[Txfish]

OK, so is it possible to get a + OPK in an anovulatory cycle? This is purely for educational purposes -- just wondering, because I can't remember (and obviously need to get my eyes back on TCOYF!) whether the LH is present whether you O or not.

Any input?

[BTB]

Absolutely.

It's not that the LH is there whether you O or not, per se - I mean technically that's true, but the 'gist' when I read it isn't quite. You don't have equal amounts of LH all the time whether you O or not, and that's what I think when I read that.

An LH surge is necessary to produce ovulation, but not always sufficient to produce ovulation. So you can have the surge, detect it with an OPK, and then if it's not over the threshold your body needed it to reach to release the egg, still no ovulation takes place.

Progesterone levels, basal body temps, and ultrasound can confirm ovulation - OPK's don't say Oing did take place, only at that one point it was close to occurring.

[lowcountrywed]

This is my first month charting and according to FF, I o'ed on CD12. I've had a more stress than usual work schedule and have had issues temping at the same time every day, so I'm not sure how accurate my chart will be this cycle.

Anyway, I've been doing OPK since CD10 (currently CD16) and they all looked about the same darkness, until yesterday when the line was definitely darker (but still not positive). Could it be that I haven't o'ed yet? Would it be weird for me to have o'ed several days ago and my OPK line to get darker? I have one test left in the pack, should I test earlier in the afternoon (usually test at 6 p.m.)

A bit of history, my 1st ttc cycle, I got an obvious +OPK on CD15. (I got pg, but lost the pg). my 2nd cycle, I never got a positive.

Anyone have any insight?



Here's a link to my chart:

http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/c4aeb

[BTB]

I don't blame FF for calling it (sometimes I do, because FF is notorious for making some dumb-ass calls) :p but with the off-time temps I'd want to take another OPK today to see what happens - especially since that's in line so well with last cycle.

Generally speaking, it's best to take OPK's around the same time each day so as not to introduce a second variable - yes, there's a chance of missing the surge boat entirely, but that already hasn't happened here since you know (suspect?) you're on the upward swing.

Best o' luck! :D

[lowcountrywed]

Thanks for your help, BTB. I have had major temping issues, so that's why I'm not trusting my chart- that and it's my first cycle doing it.

I'll take another opk at 6 today. Good point about the second variable.

[jennylou]

Anyone ever get a dark positive on an OPK from Save On Tests? Mine today was pretty apparent, though not as dark as the test line, and I'm just wondering if this is as much as will darken because it's a cheapie internet test?

[lowcountrywed]

Have you tried looking at www.peeonastick.com? I think she may have some pics of those test.

[bunny nose]

I used the tests from Save on tests. I got a very good reading, good dark line- much darker than the test line. I got some almost there lines also and thought something was wrong, but within a day or two I got the dark line. Try again tomorrow, maybe it will darken up some more.

Good luck
Karen

[jennylou]

Looks like that was my pos. Definitely got a neg yesterday.

[Parrothead]

Hi there-

Just curious about which OPK you use/used, where you buy them, and how much they cost.

Thanks!!!

[angelgirl8]

i used the generic CVS brand. i think a number of drugstores have them (made by inverness). i think it was about $15 a pack (7 sticks) but i really don't remember!

[Scooter]

I tried the internet ones, but they never gave me a true positive result. I ended up always getting the CBE 10 packs. They're like $30 at drug stores, but $20 at Costco. People have said good things about the Target ones, too, which are also fairly cheap.

[steviem]

I have a question about OPK's in general. I feel silly for not knowing this.....

Anyway, when do you use the test? Do you take the test a few days before you think you will O (i.e. mid cycle) and continue taking them until you get a positive reading?

Once you do get a positive reading, does that mean that you are just about to O or that you have O'd already?

TIA for answering these questions :p

[cc8]

I've used 2 types - a Walgreens brand one and a Clear Blue Easy one. IMO the CBE ones were a lot more accurate. The 2x I used the Walgreens brand, I missed my O. It may be different for everyone, but my RE suggested that I only use the CBE ones because she felt that they were the most accurate.

On the cycle I got my BFP, I took 2 tests per day (I know, kinda obsessive) - one at 7am and one at 7pm. My surge occurred one day at 7pm and the weird thing is that the *following* AM, I got an OPK-, so I'm glad I tested 1x a day.

A + reading detects a surge in LH. You should O between 24-36 hours AFTER a + reading (I may have the hours incorrect but there should be directions with your OPK kit).

As far as days I tested, I can't remember which CD they were - but my doctor had given me instructions about when to start testing.

[Parrothead]

My OB/GYN gave me a Consumer Reports article and it basically says that Clear Plan Easy (I am thinking this is the same as Clear Blue Easy) is the only one w/ an "Excellent" rating, while all others are "Good." The one exception was the Answer Kits, which are listed as "Poor."

[steviem]

cc8 ,

Many thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated :)

[Applebee]

I've used CBE and First Response POAS test. Now my favorite is the CBE digital. I love to see that smiley face! Only problem, they are expensive (39.99) and you can't just buy more test sticks to put in the digital reader - although maybe they are on the internet somewhere, guess I should check.

I start testing two days before I'm suppose to O.

[sarahh]

Ok...I have an OPK question.

I just took my first OPK ever today and it came back with a very faint line. I know that would mean a negative, but if it is faint does that mean that I am getting closer to ovulation time? I read in the instructions that a negative would be a faint line or no line at all. But not sure if that faint line (rather than no line at all) means although you are not about to ovulate...it is coming soon.

Did that make sense? :o

[Scooter]

OPKs are different than HPTs. With OPKs, the test line has to be as dark or darker than the control line. So it sounds like you're starting to gear up to O. Keep BDing and using your OPKs, it'll probably be a few more days yet.

[sarahh]

Thanks for the advice Scooter. So would that mean a test with no line whatsoever means that I am nowhere near ovulation?

[Scooter]

It would depend on how fast the LH builds up in your system. (LH = the hormone the OPK is testing for.) Also on how long you hold your bladder before testing.

But usually, yes. ;)

[sarahh]

Thanks again Scooter! :D

[Pink_Converse]

From peeonastick.com

8. How do I know when to use an OPK? If you've been charting, you probably know approximately when you ovulate each month. Start using your OPK's a few days before you think you may ovulate.

If you have no idea whatsoever, take the shortest cycle you've had in the past 6 months and then use this chart to determine what day of your cycle you should begin testing:

shortest cycle: 26 start testing:9

Does this mean test on day nine after the last day of my period?

[jodylovesscotty]

No. You would test on day 9 which day one starts the first day of your period.

[Scooter]

Cycles are always counted fromthe first day of AF. (The first day of AF is the first day of full red flow, people always wonder about that.)

[Pink_Converse]

Another thing, before I fully understood how to use the kit I got I starting testing (I shouldn't be testing yet, I need to wait til my next period) but you are supposed to get two lines on the test no matter what and I only got one and I am positive I did the test correctly. Any idea why that happened?

I am using the one from Answer that comes with 20 strips. I read all the reason why it could have happened on the box and none of the really apply. Could it be something wrong with me, if I am sure I conducted the test correctly?

[craftyT]

PinkConverse -

I'm not sure if I've ever used Answer tests before (so this might be incorrect information) but for most kits, getting 1 line should always happen (it's the control line). When you get 2 lines that means you received a positive result and you should be ovulating soon.

Good Luck to You :)
~T

[Scooter]

You only get two lines when there is LH in your system. That's the hormone the OPKs are testing for. The LH builds up (faint lines) and then "surges" (dark line=positive=will O soon) and then fades away (faint lines again).

So if it's the wrong time of the cycle, there is not going to be two lines, because the LH isn't strong enough to come up on the test. There is only always one line, that is the control line for comparison and to know the test works.

[ktsb]

Hey Pink_Converse glad to see you posting about OPKs. ;)

Best of luck to you!

[Pink_Converse]

ktsb-Thanks! I'm happy to be posting about them too! We were kind of casually trying but you know how ready I am to have one, I couldn't help it, I ran out and got the kit before really even giving it much of a try ;) We'll keep casually trying this month and when I start another cycle I will use the OPK.

[Pink_Converse]

I read the test wrong, it says if NO line appears (as in not control line, duh) that the test is invalid. I thought well the control line ALWAYS shows up so the must be talking about the test line. I was confused!

[craftyT]

I read the test wrong, it says if NO line appears (as in not control line, duh) that the test is invalid. I thought well the control line ALWAYS shows up so the must be talking about the test line. I was confused!

Don't feel bad... the "simple" process of how to successfully make a baby totally confuses me! :o

[silentbunny]

Hey Sarah (Congrats on trying, BTW!)

I am going to disagree, based on my experiences over the past several months (and I've taken a loooot of OPKs in the last 5 months -- had a 3 month cycle, among other things). I had faint lines when I was nowhere NEAR ovulation, and now that it should be happening any day, I have no line. I don't think it has anything to do with closeness. The one bright point for me, though, was that after taking so many, when I got a positive, I KNEW...big difference from all other days.

Ya can keep BDing anyway, though! :D

[DallasLady]

Have any of you ever heard of getting 3 positive OPKs in a row? I have had two before, but never 3. And I am certain that they are positive, the test line has been as dark as or darker than the control line for all 3.

This feels like the never ending cycle. I am already on CD 24, and in the almost three years that I have been charting I have never O'd this late :(

[Freckles]

Hey!

You know it is rare, but I have read about it on TCOYF and fertilityfriend---I just think it is unusual. I would just BD all those days to cover your bases, and cross your fingers. I hope it happens for you this cycle.:)

What brand did you use? Some months I use 2 different brands to cross-check. Yes, I am obsessed.:o

[Jad]

I always get 3 + in a row when I'm using OPKs. Based on all my charts, I generally take the middle one as the "real" positive -- it's also usually the darkest. I always just figured I had a strangely long surge.

Good luck! Hope you get your temp rise soon!

[marchfamily]

I used to get up to 5 +OPKs in a row. I usually O'd after the last +OPK.

[DallasLady]

I got another one yesterday. That makes 4 :eek:

[heidi0622]

Are they getting darker? It could just be a sensitive OPK...keep covering your bases. I would sometimes get 2 or 3+s in a row.

[junkinmytrunk]

Is there any possible way you are pregnant? The only time I had 5 positive OPK's was when I was pregnant. I used the Clear Blue Easy tests. I know I started a thread on the *other* board.

Just a thought...

[DallasLady]

Is there any possible way you are pregnant? The only time I had 5 positive OPK's was when I was pregnant. I used the Clear Blue Easy tests. I know I started a thread on the *other* board.

Just a thought...

I dont see how. I am on CD 25 and my temps just went up:
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/1b17d

[Dotsie]

I got 3 + opk's last cycle. I used the clear blue easy digital so the happy face came up instead of a plain circle. I've never used opk's before so I was a little confused.

[flygirl]

Giovanna, it's also possible you had a delayed-O surge 4 days ago, followed immediately by another surge. It looks like you usually have a significant temp-shift around O, along with an obvious bi-phasic pattern. Since you haven't had that yet & are still showing fertile CM, I'd guess you haven't O'd, and barring an additional delayed-O, you are likely to do so today or tomorrow. Always rootin' for ya :).

[kathywathy]

Do anyone know of a good kit or monitor to get?

I tried to search through the posts, but I wasn't successful.

I'm completely overwhelmed by the options.

Thanks!
-Kathy

[jennylou]

Target's brand is pretty good, and pretty inexpensive as well.:)

[BTB]

I'd stick with the LH tests, either via boxes of sticks or as a monitor. I know there's other options, like the saliva ferning scope and so on, but I just have a personal preference for the LH sticks. :) The price can add up over time, a monitor like the clearblue easy can actually end up being cheaper - but the cheapest "fertility monitor" of all is to chart if you're not already. Good luck!

[tlew12778]

I agree with BTB. Chart and watch your CM for O signs. O kits are spendy and they don't always guarantee O.

[AmyE]

I usually bought the cheapest generic brand at the store - Target or grocery, and found them just as user-friendly as the more expensive ones (which I also tried.) I found them very helpful. CM wasn't actually a good clue for me, as other things would interfere.

[karlatta]

I have used the Dollar Tree ovulation predictor strips, and I've been pleased. They're $1 a stick, and they've given me clear positives that line up with chart every cycle.

[DallasLady]

I too suggest charting first. Then, if you want to get obsessive (like me ;)) order some ovulation sticks from online or buy them at Dollar Tree. They was WAAYYY cheaper than buying one of those pricey monitors and you get the same results.

I have ordered from this site several times:
www.early-pregnancy-tests.com

[DianaFaye]

I have the clearblue easy fertility monitor. I got it free but haven't used it yet as we're not TTC at the moment. I also recommend charting! I highly recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Welcher. It's very informative and will help you with charting!

[albuquerque]

Just to add some encouragement--ovulation predictor kits are *waaaaay* expensive over here, no Target brands, so I was hesitant to spend the money....but the first month I used them was the month I got pregnant, and I'm a believer! I was charting too, but I ovulate a bit late. I didn't want to wait too long to BD and so we'd start too early every time, and then be losing steam by the time the O finally rolled around. The OPK just helped me keep up the momentum long enough to finally catch that O. It is SO HELPFUL to have some kind of indicator 12-24 hours BEFORE the O. Made all the difference in the world for us.

[kathywathy]

Thanks for all of the encouragement. I started charting, but I'm so anxious and I guess I just want the assurance of a "test."

I had no idea Target and DollarTree had their own brand.

I'll have to go an pick up some sticks.

Thanks again!

[kimthebride]

I used the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor because with the PCOS issues I had, I would have O symptoms many times a month. What was happening was I'd chart, use Target OPKs over and over to no avail. I finally used the CBE FM, got my "peak" reading, did the deed and got preggo. :D I will *definitely* be using it from the get-go for TTC baby #2. Worth every penny.

[jesseybell]

I use the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor. At 35 I don't want to waste any time. I love it. It was pricey ($200 + $40 for 3 months of sticks) but to me completely worth it. I didn't ovulate the first month and last month I ovulated at Day 23 and I probably wouldn't have used OPKS for 2 weeks otherwise. To me I figure I would probably spend that money eventually on OPKs and potentially other tests and the piece of mind makes all the $ worth it.

[marchfamily]

I used Target's brand. Approx $15 for 7 tests.

[Amaye]

I just bought Answer brand from Walgreen's - $20 for a box of 20 strips.

[junkinmytrunk]

I have the CBE monitor but never had any luck with it -- never got a "PEAK" reading. On the cycle we conceived, I will freely admit I was obsessive and would use CBE OPKS in the AM and the Answer OPKS at 6pm. If either showed +, we'd BD. Somehow, it was our lucky month and it worked.

Prior to that month, I used the OPK's in the AM and was only using the CBE tests. We did this for about 2 years :eek: .

No matter, without the OPK's we'd have NEVER conceived the boy I'm carrying. I hadn't had a period in over 40 days due to ovarian cysts (HUGE cysts) and the odds of my conceiving were practically nil that month.

Bottom line...I'm a firm believer in peeing on a stick and absolutely recommend using them.

Good luck to you!

[TeaEmCue]

Hi, we've been TTC for several months now, and this is my first cycle trying the OPKs.

I have a question. I'm using the Clear Blue Easy brand, and it says not to urinate 4 hours before testing. Today is my second day and I FORGOT. I urinated right before I was suppose to test (I tested around 2pm yesterday). Do I wait 4 hours to test or do I just test after a couple hours? Does it really make a difference? Thanks in advance!

[junkinmytrunk]

Wait before you pee on the stick. Honestly (and I'm sure others might disagree) some doctors prefer you do your OPK later in the day (between 3 and 6pm) so you definitely pick up the LH surge. Wait the full 4 hours if you can stand it -- IMO it does matter. The more LH in your urine the better chance of catching your positive. Just my opinion though.

Good luck!

[TeaEmCue]

Oh THANKS for your post! I was about to give in and go! :p
I guess I'll try to wait.

[TeaEmCue]

Hi, I'm bumping this up with another OPK question. Sorry I'm so clueless to all of this...

How many positive OPKs are you supposed to get? Are you supposed to get only one? I've been testing twice/day for the last couple of days. Yesterday, I got 2 positives (the lines were about the same--slightly darker surge line). Today, I got 2 as well (this time, the surge lines were definitely darker). Is this how OPKs work? Is it supposed to get darker and darker? I just tested and got another positive. Does this mean I didn't ovulate?

TIA!

[jennylou]

It means you haven't ovulated yet. I've been known to get two days worth of pos OPKs in a row.

Are you saying that the OPKs are getting darker still (not just the same color)?

[Happy1]

Okay, I 've told so many people there is no such thing as a stupid question. I'll just keep telling myself that as I ask this question:

I have to start using an OPK to help with some fertility issues so I can tell exactly when I'm going to O. I have found that I'll probably be better off peeing in a cup (PIAC) because my aim just is not good to try to pee directly on the stick (yup-I have issues:p). My question is if I pee in a plastic cup, will that throw off the OPK results at all? Yeah I know-I think too much sometimes.:p

Thanks so much for your help and for stifiling your laughter.:p

Nikki :D

[Deanna1018]

I don't think it will be a problem. The OPK that I am using says that I can either PIAC or on the stick. Hope that helps.

[MichelleRenee]

I don't know about an OPK. I know that you can PIAC for HPT's, and many of them come with plastic cups. Even the ones that don't say you can PIAC if you don't want to POAS. I would *assume* that as long as the cup is clean it wouldn't be a problem. Does it say on the box anywhere that PIAC is an option, like it does on HPT's?

[karlatta]

I used Dollar Tree OPKs and PG tests, and they are all the PIAC kind, but they don't come with cups. I just designated a plastic cup to be my pee cup and used that one every time (washing it with hot water between - I didn't use soap because I didn't want the chemicals in the soap to have an effect on the test). It worked.

I think my directions just said it should be clean. Might have used the word sterile, but I'm not sure.

[Happy1]

Thank you so much for your responses ladies. They have all really helped!

I haven't read the side of the box yet but it was just a question that popped into my head. Thanks again!!

Nikki :D

[kazata]

The OPK's I have say you can either POAS or PIAC. It says if you POAS to hold the stick in your urine stream for at least 5 seconds, and if you PIAC to dip it for 10 seconds.

[Amaye]

The OPKs l used were PIAC and l got great results!

[Twylla]

LOL! Happy, I was wondering this about HPTs a while ago.

Even if it may be a "stupid" question, you're not the only one looking for the answer! lol.

[Happy1]

Thanks for the continued answers and support. I always figure I can't be the only one out there that questions stuff like this. Just for the record, I did check the side of the box last night and it did say that to use the PIAC, just use a clean, dry container and dip it in for 15 seconds (instead of the 5 seconds if you POAS).

Thanks so much for not making me feel like an idiot.;)

Nikki :D

[ausi2b]

A wonderful friend just gave me some leftover First Response OPKs. Unfortunately, the directions from the box are gone (she gave me 4 from a pack of 7). Do any of you have the directions? Specifically, I want to PIAC and want to know how long to dip the OPK in there. I could buy another pack, but I had already bought some cheapie OPKs online. Thanks in advance!

[jesseybell]

I've been peeing on them for the last 3 days :) You dip for 5 seconds. Make sure that the whole tip is immersed. Hold it facing down and put on the cover if you want and lie flat. The line closer to the end you hold is the control line, so the other line needs to be darker than the control for it to be +.

[ausi2b]

Thanks Jessie! You are the best!

[ausi2b]

I have been using First Response OPKs for the past 4 days (started on CD 11). I have always gotten a 2nd line, and they are continually getting darker. Today in the mail I received my cheapie OPKs from saveontests.com. I PIAC, dipped my FR OPK and my cheapie OPK into the same cup. Darker lines on the FR, barely there line (I can make it out if I squint) on the cheapie. What to do? I'm now out of FR tests, but have 50 of the cheapie. Should I buy another box of FR OPKs and double test for the next few days? Trust one over the other? Buy another brand (I've heard good things about CBE, but I got my FR ones for free)?

Thoughts? :confused:

If it matters, I had EWCM yesterday, but nothing much today, but its hard to tell since we BD'd earlier. Thanks in advance!

[Tonysweetie]

hmmmm if I had to pick one over the other I would go with FR but I wuold buy another box and double test and see what happens. I'm not an expert on this since I just took my first ever OPK this cycle and I got a + one about 3 days of testing and it was confirmed with a temp. spike and watery CM. How do your temps look? CM? are you charting? That would help determine if the FR OPK is right or not? Good Luck!!!

[Deanna1018]

I have used three different kinds,all during the same cycle so I could figure out the best one for me. Both the target brand and the dollar tree brand showed nothing while the CBE digital showed a positive result on two days. I used them all at the same time too. I am definitely going to use CBE digital from now on. By the way Eckerts drugstore has a $5 mail-in-rebate on them. The CBE digital is more expensive but definitely worth it. I believe the CBE is more sensitive then the other brands I used. The digital one also doesn't make you guess if it is positive. It shows an empty circle for a negative and a happy face for a positive result which takes out the guesswork. Hope that helps.

[jennylou]

I'd recommend continue testing with the cheapie AND buy another of the FRE. You may find that the cheapies end up picking up the surge towards the end. That's what I've noticed. When using the Target brand I get a line that progressively gets darker. With the cheapies I get a very faint line until about a day or two before the surge, then it's glaring.

Good luck!

[suiej]

When using the Target brand I get a line that progressively gets darker. With the cheapies I get a very faint line until about a day or two before the surge, then it's glaring.

I had the same experience. The Target brand got darker and darker until it was positive, then the Answer brand was very faint until I got a distinctive positive the same time as the Target.

I am intrigued to try the CBE ones, I'd love to see a happy face! :)

[ausi2b]

Thanks so much for the feedback, girls. I think I'm going to run to the store to pick up another pack of FR OPKs and will continue to take those for the next 7 days (unless I get a positive of course!) just for consistency's sake. If I need to next month (please no!!) then maybe I'll try the CBE digital.

If anyone else has any other advice - I'd love to hear some!

FYI - I am charting, but this is my first month off of BCPs so my temps are ridiculously wacked out. Very stable during AF, but all over the freaking place now. Today is CD14, so I'm not too worried yet about having a late O. I'll just keep BDing until I can't BD no mo'! :D

[mkvh]

ausi2b...I NEVER got a + on the saveontests OPKs. I "co-tested" with 2 store brands which kinda gave me +s. Long story short, I never got a line as dark as the control line on any of them, but using the same brand allowed me to compare and see them get progressively darker and then abruptly lighter.

FWIW, at 6w1d pg, I took a pg test (for kicks) from saveontests and the test line STILL wasn't as dark as the control line. Even though it came up well before. I wonder if their dye is just subpar?

[Aletheia]

I'm using OPK's for the first time this month, and would love some help with this question:

In your experience, do you gradually get a positive? That is, do the lines on the days leading up to the surge seem to gradually get darker? Or have you ever had a positive appear strong and clear just a day after a completely negative result?

The reason I ask: I am currently 4 hours' driving distance away from DH and have had my test line completely disappear as of last night (it was at least visible this last weekend.) If I leave tonight for a 'bootie call' :p I can make it back to school on time tomorrow evening in order to teach on Thursday... But is it worth it if my LH is hardly even detectable as of now? If I don't see him tonight, I won't see him until Thursday night, which is statistically when I should O based on 9 months of charting. Should I go or stay?

I know that the fact that I'm even considering this may indicate to you an unhealthy level of TTC insanity. But if it's worth doing, isn't it worth doing right? :o

[Sabriel]

This is my first cycle using OPKS, but I got definite negatives (I always had faint lines) until the day I got a +. I normally tested at 3pm. The day I got a + it was a medium color at 3pm and a blaring dark + at 8pm. I was using cheapie online OPKs, so I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

Not sure what you should do. If you are willing to do the drive, it can't hurt to go home for a booty call. ;)

Good luck!

[jjsanner]

In my experience, the OPK's do gradually get darker. Also in my experience, a + is very obvious. There have been instances where the line was getting darker and then suddently got less noticeable. In those cases I didn't end up O'ing for at least a week.

I would say that unless you are sure it's a + result, then there is no need to drive all that way.

And no, you're not completely TTC insane. I'd probably consider doing the same if I were in your situation ;) .

[ausi2b]

I would consider going up there. If you do get a positive on Thursday, it means that you could ovulate anywhere from 12-36 hours from that time. Add to the fact that sperm can live up to 5 days, it would be best to cover your bases, IMO.

And no worries about the insanity - I've been there!

Almost forgot - my OPKs always had a line, but faint (obviously negative). Mine got darker each day. I was using FRER OPKs. Cheapies didn't work for me at all.

[Aletheia]

Thanks for the advice, ladies. It looks like I'm driving home. :rolleyes:


I just took today's OPK- there's a definite line there, even if it is still negative.
Historically, I O on day 19 or earlier. Even if I am stressed out, it's more likely that I'll be late by one day than by many days.
It's not like I'm going to be very productive here at school anyway. Given the choice between thinking about feminist philosophy and the contents of my pee, I have to say that right now the latter is more interesting. (Isn't that an interesting feminist quandry in and of itself?)


I just hope that stress can't cause me not to O at all. I don't feel significantly more stressed out than the most intense months of TTA, but then, none of those months involved waiting for O with this sort of anticipation. If thinking about TTC proves to keep me able from TTC because I have an annovulatory cycle, I will laugh myself silly.

[Tonysweetie]

Just some advice. I had light OPK - negatives - for about 3 days then I got a + and according to FF I O'd the next day but I'm currently 24DPO and no AF or PG so I'm guessing that FF was wrong and I didnt' O yet. So confusing!!! GOod Luck!!!

[Asha]

i have been using an ovulation kit to track my fertile days for many months now. the thing is my line never is as dark as the comparison line. sometimes the line is darker than other days, but it is never very dark like the other line. is it possible that i just am not ovulating? or is it that the line doesn't need to be as dark as the other line? the thing is i still get my period, but my period never comes regularly. also, i always test first thing in the morning. i can be as much as a week off for my period. would i still be getting a period if i weren't ovulating? i know i could ask my dr., but my appt isn't till feb., so i was just wondering what other people's experiences with the ovulation kit is.

[Toonces]

The test line should be as dark as or darker than the control line for it to be a +. I think there are some OPKs that indicate you can test any time of day, but others recommend testing sometime between 2pm-8pm, after you have gone at least 2 hours without urinating, and that you haven't taken in a lot of liquid. I'd recommend trying to test in the afternoon during your next cycle. I was testing in the morning and was getting varied results that I don't think were correct. When I started testing in the afternoon, I got a definite positive.

Also, have you ever temped with a BBT? If you still aren't getting + OPKs, then I'd recommend doing that. OPKs are very touchy. If you temp, it'll help to tell more of the story.

HTH!

[Wrighty26]

The month I got pregnant I was using OPKs (and charting) and never got a positive OPK. I don't know why I didn't-- because I started testing pretty early and I tested at the same times every day (late morning and again in early evenings)-- but I obviously DID ovulate. I might have been drinking too much water-- which was diluting the LH hormones.

Do you have any ovulation symptoms?

[TexasYankee]

I've been using OPK's and have never gotten a + although all other signs are indicating that I O. If you aren't charting and relying just on the OPK's I would invest the money in the digitals as I know a lot of women who are getting positives on them when they haven't on others.

Good luck!

[gantry_g]

I just used an opk for the first time this cycle, and after getting unclear results, I did some more research. I also used first morning urine, (because the test I had said it didn't matter what time of day), but everything I've subsequently read says not to use first morning urine for any opk, because LH is better detected in the late afternoon/early evening. Next cycle, I'm going to test later, so maybe you could try that. Good luck!!

[Asha]

catgirl - i didn't realize you were supposed to do it in the afternoon. my kit said early morning is the best. also, i don't think i could wait two hours to urinate. i guess, it could be that i drink so much water and it dilutes it.

wrighty - this may sound horrible, but i don't even know what to look for in ovulation symptoms.

texasyankee - yes, i think i should consider checking temps. do they sell them in a regular drug store? of course, i could ask my dh bc he works in a pharmacy.

[Asha]

gantryg- i think next month i will test in the later afternoon, but i will find it hard to wait 2-3 hours to urinate.

[Toonces]

I had a kit that said to test any time of day too, and then I got a different kit and it said to only test in the afternoon. I know, it's hard to wait to go to the bathroom for that long, but also like you mentioned you might be drinking too much water and that could be diluting the results. What OPKs are you using? I use First Response and have found them to be the most reliable (for me anyway). I was using Answer and it seemed to be too sensitive toward positive, but that's when I was using them in the morning.

Ovulation symptoms can include - pain/cramps (kind of like PMS), clear and/or stretchy cervical mucus, and a temp rise if you're temping. For DC1 I had ovulation pain, but no clear/stretchy CM. This time around I had O pain, clear/stretchy CM and a + OPK, but I'm still in the 2WW.

BBT - I got mine online at drugstore.com. They don't sell them at all stores - I know the Target by us doesn't sell them. I think most women out here use "BD Basal" in the pink box.

Sorry to hog this thread, but I'm in the dreaded 2WW and my DH is out shopping with DD so I'm obsessing over family planning right now. :p

[Asha]

catgirl - thanks for posting so much information. hmmm. i have never noticed any cramping except right before my period, and i haven't paid too much attention to my cm before. i will ask dh about the basal thermomter. we get a discount if we buy from his store, so i hope they have it.

[Scooter]

Just thought I'd second the idea of testing in the afternoon and also not testing with FMU. If I tested in the mornings I would never have gotten a positive OPK. Afternoons or early evenings pick up the LH surge better. (I found between 7-8pm to be my usual surge time, and it would stay a strong positive all the way until 10pm, just in case I missed testing at the earlier time.) If you have trouble holding your bladder for that long, just limit your intake of fluids for a few hours after lunch. 3-4 hours is necessary to get an OPK result that is not too diluted.

[Asha]

my dh picked me up a basil thermometer at the drugstore, so i am going to start charting when my next cycle begins. thanks for all the help!!

[AusMarchBride]

When we were TTC, I used ovulation kits for about 3 months and I never ever got a line that was darker than the control. Didn't matter what time of the day I tested, and some days I was testing at least twice. I was convinced that the OPKs were wrong and that I was ovulating because I had always had extremely regular periods (for the last 20 yrs or so).

I ended up going to see and RE who sent me off for all sorts of tests, including testing me to confirm that I ovulated normally. Which I did and at the same CDs as I had been testing. She laughed when I told her I had been using OPKs with no result and said in her experience they were useless for many many women who were ovulating normally.

Good luck with TTC.

[Asha]

ausmarchbride - that's good to hear bc i have fears that i am not ovulating bc of those damn those tests.

i also picked up a copy of taking charge of your fertility.

[Heidi9771]

I just bought a brand new CBE monitor on Ebay for $99 + $3 shipping. I have VERY irregular cycles, plus a history of endometriosis, so I am hoping this will guide us better to our BFP!

[Jill1228]

I got a pack of answer OPKs for 11.97 at Wal Mart. I couldn't find any at my dollar tree :(

[kimthebride]

Saw this thread bumpred up and thought I'd just put this out there, after my post on 10/25/05 post:
I got pg on the first cycle of using my Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor again when TTCing DC#2. Highly, highly, highly recommend it for anyone with cycles 40 days long or less.

[KaliLily]

I have the CBE monitor but never had any luck with it -- never got a "PEAK" reading. On the cycle we conceived, I will freely admit I was obsessive and would use CBE OPKS in the AM and the Answer OPKS at 6pm. If either showed +, we'd BD. Somehow, it was our lucky month and it worked.

I hadn't thought about using both. Hmm....

[kimthebride]

I used both as well (Type A, anyone? ;) ) just to be absolutely positive...

[taffers]

I'm wondering if I should take the plunge and purchase the CBE monitor.

I've been charting for 5 cycles now...to no avail. We've had perfectly timed BD according to my charts, but could that be wrong? I have fairly flat temps...usually 97.2 to 97.3 pre-O and 97.6 to 98 post-O. FF always calls my O date, and my charts seem to show a clear O date. I've had a few cycles with climbing temps (I can't remember what they call that in TCOYF!) where it jumps just .1 or .2 each day after O so I don't know if perhaps that could be inaccurate as well.

Did anyone else have what looked like an easy to read chart every month, but found out it was wrong after using a monitor? Can temps lie?

Oh, and I don't like using OPK's because they never work for me.

[Heidi9771]

I'm wondering if I should take the plunge and purchase the CBE monitor.

I've been charting for 5 cycles now...to no avail. We've had perfectly timed BD according to my charts, but could that be wrong? I have fairly flat temps...usually 97.2 to 97.3 pre-O and 97.6 to 98 post-O. FF always calls my O date, and my charts seem to show a clear O date. I've had a few cycles with climbing temps (I can't remember what they call that in TCOYF!) where it jumps just .1 or .2 each day after O so I don't know if perhaps that could be inaccurate as well.

Did anyone else have what looked like an easy to read chart every month, but found out it was wrong after using a monitor? Can temps lie?

Oh, and I don't like using OPK's because they never work for me.

Taffers, I absolutely recomend the CBEFM... The problem with just using OPK kits/temping that it can only tell you when O occoured after the fact. I never had any luck with OPK either. The FM tells you when your hormone levels are optimal to prepare to BD in order to catch the egg. The FM will classify this into Peak, High, or Low fertility. I love mine, and used it for the first time this cycle (I'll find out if I am PG by the end of the month.) I got it (new) on ebay for $99...much better than paying $180+, which is the going rate.

Good luck!

[taffers]

Thanks Heidi9771!

Good luck to you...I hope it worked for you!

[AndreaMMS]

A fertility specialist I know recommended Clearblue Easy brand OPK. Certainly worked for us- 8 months of temping and trying- nothing. First time using the OPT we got pregnant!

Good luck!

[craftgenius]

I used the Clear Blue Easy test strip kit and they worked GREAT for me. It was key in helping me to get pregnant. I tried charting but I couldn't keep up with all those temperature readings and documenting daily the temps and CM.

[j*east]

Bumping to ask:
What day do you start using the CBEFM?

I ordered mine online and it's supposed to get here Monday (despite ordering it two days ago with expedited shipping), which will be CD6, so presumably I won't be able to start until CD7. From looking around it looks like I have to start testing CD5 to set it the first time. Any thoughts?

I am pulling out all the stops this month (lucky cycle 13!) so I'm hoping I get to use it. I know when I O, but anything to give us a better chance...

[DelSol]

j*east ~ When I ordered my CBEFM it came late but since I wanted to start using it ASAP, I set the first day as CD5, I knew I was off by a few days but I tracked my readings in FF. The next cycle I reset my FM to get the correct data. Best of luck to you this cycle.

[j*east]

Thanks, DelSol! I'm so excited to use my new gadget. :)

[deanna616]

After reading through all of this thread, it seems to me like I should try the sticks. I am 37 and TTC but seem to be having issues. We've been at it for almost 7 months...and although I had no problem getting pregnant long ago (I have an 18 year old who was a serious oops!), I seem to be having issues now. I never had to worry about any of this stuff, and figured it wouldn't be that hard. HA! I haven't started taking temps, but have been charting all of the other stuff they tell you to. I think I'm going to try the Target sticks and see what happens. I'm so frustrated now...and try not to let it get me down...but some days are hard.

Sigh.

[jajacobsen]

Deanna - If you seriously want to get pregnant, I would go see a Reporductive Endocrinilogist.

I was like you when I married 2 years ago. However, now at age 40, still no baby, my available window is running out as well as my egg quality is decreasing. Charting and OPKs are very, very useful tools for people who have a few years to develop a trend and see what happens. I am seeing an RE and I wish I started earlier, as I would have more options. Just some unsolicited advice.

[deanna616]

I'll look into that to see how much my insurance will cover of a visit (or multiple visits). I know a friend of mine had a really hard time getting pregnant because her system was really messed up, and she went to a specific doctor for a year (not sure what kind) and finally had success. She had a baby...and 2 years later had another one. This was never anything I thought about until now...when I'm having no luck. Thanks for the advice...I'll definitely look into that. :)

[anemone]

Just wondering if the OPK can miss ovulation?

I've been testing and have also been charting, and I *think* I've o'd (EWM & temp), but the test kits keep saying I haven't. I know they say they detect LH 12 - 36 hours before o, so as I'm testing every 24 hours, could I have missed it and be getting negative results?

[jennylou]

Yes - it's entirely possible that you missed the surge.

That's why some people test more than one time per day.

[anemone]

Hmmm. Thanks jennylou. I hadn't thought to test 2 xs a day. The kit stressed every 24 hours.

[jennylou]

Yeah, it's unfortunate, but some people have a quick surge. That's why I bought OPKs in bulk (for cheap) so that I could POAS as often as I felt the need without feeling wasteful.

[Sand]

Yes, they can miss it. I cant get an OPK to give me a surge for the life of me, but I know I O because i've gotten pregnant while using the opks.

Didn' think to test 2x a day, good thinking Jennylou. ;)

[Scooter]

Absolutely, like Jenny said. The test instructions often say to test in the morning, but many people find that they surge in the afternoon or evening.

I always tested around 6 or 7pm and that's how I have caught my LH surge. If I only tested in the morning it would never quite get positive, just over several days get kind of dark and then fade out again.

[sea74]

I've been using OPKs and a clear blue easy fertility monitor. The fertility monitor picked up my LH surge as well as my chart. The OPKs did not.

[lee60657]

I just wanted to chime in with the pps - OPKs can most definitely miss your surge even though you ovulate. What time do you test? I have the most luck testing in the evening. I never tested 2X a day, but that is a good idea, esp if it is one of those "almost" + results in the morning. Good luck!

[mcgwigan]

Also, don't forget, an OPK is not a sensitive test, it's not testing for trace levels but the surge. I read that it is better to do them in the afternoon, around 2-5 pm and also, you have to not have urintated for at least 4 hours before you test. They are tricky things, those OPKs!!

[DelSol]

I've been using OPKs and a clear blue easy fertility monitor. The fertility monitor picked up my LH surge as well as my chart. The OPKs did not.

Ditto! Last month was 1st month I ever got a +OPK, granted I wasn't using them all the time because I got so frustrated not seeing the +OPK but I got a Peak reading on my CBEFM and decided to see if I could get a +OPK and low and behold it was +.

[jesseybell]

I was the same as DeSol in that I wasn't getting a + OPK - I quickly broke down and bought the CBEFM. I drink a ton of water during the day and there was no way I could have gone 4 hours without peeing (plus I just know myself and knew I would be tested 3-4 times a day and with my job I just couldn't have been thinking about it all the time)

[mkvh]

FWIW, I also never got a +OPK on the internet cheapies but DID get them (same time) on CVS store brands.

[hiphopgirl]

I'm not sure if this is the place to ask this question, but y'all seem knowledgeable on OPK's. Do OPK's have a shelf life? I bought the ones I have now when I was TTC with my first child - 3 years ago. I used one this morning (first time out of the gate) and got a positive reading. What are the odds on that? Granted I am on day 13 of my cycle, but I normally ovulate on day 15. The test does say 24-48 hours, but it seems like an odd coincidence that I would have gotten a positive when so many of you in this thread are reporting how hard it is to get a positive. Anyway, just asking. I guess the temps will tell in a couple of days how accurate it was. I was just curious. Thanks :)

[LexyLou]

When I was on clomid to TTC DD1 the OPK said I didn't O until CD 17. But according to the U/S I O'd on CD 13.

[hiphopgirl]

Just to give more information, I did get a negative result this morning. Maybe it did register correctly. I am still not showing that I o'd based on temps alone. I guess it's possible that in my case it registered a positive 48 hours before O (rather than 24 hours). I guess I'll know more tomorrow.

[lilmomma]

Any recommendations. Are they all the same?

[sea74]

I use the Dollar Store OPKs and get dark line on them. And heck, for only $1, I think it's a great deal. I also use the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor ( I double up every month.) and I like using it better then the OPKs.

[lilmomma]

I use the Dollar Store OPKs and get dark line on them. And heck, for only $1, I think it's a great deal. I also use the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor ( I double up every month.) and I like using it better then the OPKs.

why do you like it better? I am going to try to get some type of opk this cycle. I don't know what to get. TIA

[sea74]

I like the monitor better than the OPKs because there's no guess work. Sometimes with the OPKs, it's hard to tell if it's a dark enough line to be positive or if it's just a little too light to be positive. On a PG test "a line is a line" for positive, however with an OPK, the test line has to be as dark as the control line. Sometimes, it's off because maybe you drank too many fluids, etc.

With a fertility monitor there is no guess work. You pee on it, click it into the devise and then it tells you if you're on a low, high or peak day. :)

[lilmomma]

I see. How much are they? Do you buy a new one for each month?

[sea74]

Lilmomma:
Here's a link to the clear blue easy site.
http://www.clearblueeasy.com/FertilityMonitor.cfm
The most advanced method to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

Our Fertility Monitor reliably indicates the days of your cycle when you are most likely to conceive – the days closest to when the egg is released from your ovary (ovulation).

Most home ovulation and fertility tests identify the 2 best days to get pregnant during a woman's cycle by detecting the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor not only shows these 2 Peak Fertility days, but also identifies additional fertile days when you can conceive (view our Understanding Your Ovulation & Menstrual Cycle demo). By detecting a rise in estrogen, The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor can inform most women of an extra 1 - 5 days of High Fertility prior to their Peak Fertility days. This means that you know all the days on which having intercourse is most likely to lead to conception.

* More accurately identifies a greater number of fertile days than any other method. Typically identifies up to 6 fertile days each cycle.
* Is the only Monitor to detect two key fertility hormones.
* Stores your personal fertility information and displays your level of fertility every day.
* Is simple and easy to use. Click here to see how it works.
* Is a 100% natural, non-invasive way to increase your chances of conceiving.
* Lasts for years, to help you plan for future pregnancies as well.
* The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor includes the Monitor and easy-to-follow instructions. The Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor Test Sticks are sold separately in a box of 30 test sticks.




The monitor is a little expensive but you can find them on the internet and on Ebay for cheaper. The box of test sticks is about $45 for 30 sticks. The monitor is something you can use month after month, pregnancy after pregnancy.

You can also do some searches on CC about it because a lot of girls here use them. I went to the monitor because it's taking us a little longer than I hoped to get PG. If you're just starting out TTC, you may just want to see how the OPKs help you :)

[alootikki]

I ovulate every cycle, but never got a dark line with the ClearBlue Easy OPKs (not the monitor - just the drugstore OPKs). First Response has been really good at predicting my O though - apparently different brands worked differently for me.

[Scooter]

The internet cheapie OPKs never worked for me (although the cheapie HPTs worked great). I always had good luck with the Clearblue Easy OPKs, though, which I was able to find in a big pack at Costco.

[lilmomma]

Where do you find the monitor? I was at walmart and they had the 7 stick opks for 16 bucks I think. I bought two of them. I wanted to see what you guys say before I open them. The clear blue opks were all they had.

[lilmomma]

Bought my first opk yesterday. I am ready to start. What tips/tricks do you have for me so that I can get my bfp this month. Today is cd8 and my last 6 cycles have been int he range of 25-33 days. I think i can test reliably at 6 am. But during the day I don't know if I can test at the same time every day because I work. So should I just do it in the am or just plan to test between 2-5 pm and deal with the slight time variations? TIA.

[sea74]

Clear Blue Easy makes OPK sticks, which sounds like what you purchased and then the Clear Blue Easy Fertility Monitor which takes a different kind of test stick. They come in a box of 30 for about $45.

I've found the monitor at one of my Rite Aids (no all of them had one) but I'd recommend buy off the internet or Ebay as they're cheaper there.

[lilmomma]

I am testing in the am because that is the only reliable way I have of making sure I haven't voided in 4 hours and test at the same time every day. ANyone have any luck getting positive OPKs and testing in the am. I was reading another thread about OPKs missing ovulation and one suggestion was to test at 2 pm. But its hard for me to that reliably because I work.

Also, once the test comes out positive, does it give you a positive reading every day until the end of your cycle? Or does it go back to negative after the LH surge?

And finally, has anyone tried that saliva fern test with the microscope? TIA.

[Katie&Micah]

I got a positive doing my opk's in the morning. We started dtd before the line was darker than the test line, when they were about the same color.

I'm not sure if the line stays dark or not because once I got a positive I stopped taking the tests.

[DelSol]

I've always done an AM OPK and my past 2 cycles I've gotten a +.

I could never hold it for 4 hours and test at the same time in the afternoon so I know as soon as I get up I do the OPK.

Once I got the positive I stopped using an OPK because I believe they say you should O within 24 - 48 hours (at least on mine it did).

[jesseybell]

I know they are expensive, but I am a big believer in the fertility monitor. You POAS every morning so it becomes routine (which was good for me because the monitor showed I wasn't Oing until Day 23). I had a hard time getting positive OPKs because I drink so much water all day that there was no way I could hold it that long. Plus I didn't want to be thinking about them while at work.

[Scooter]

The line fades. It is testing for a surge of the lutenizing hormone (LH). The LH surges a day or two before O (triggering O), and then drops down low again. Some people see a fade in, face out pattern, and other people just see a positive.

[Sarah]

I know this is probably really dumb, but bear with me. :)

If you take an OPK, does the line start out non existant, and then get darker as you approach Ovulation, and then taper off? Or does the darkness of the line have nothing to do with it?

Like if you normally O on day 14, would the OPK generally be dark (positive) on 13 or 14, but slightly dark on 11-12, and slightly less dark on 9-11, and then blank the nights before that? Or would it be the same all the time and then suddenly show a positive on Day 14?

What's your experience?

Anyone have any pics?

Thank you so much. :)

[jesseybell]

It is blank for a while but then gets darker as you get closer to O. With OPKs it has to be darker than the control to be a + OPK (unlike a pregnancy test where a line is a line is a line in terms of being positive)

[Scooter]

Some people have a fade in, fade out pattern, but for others it doesn't necessarily show up as much of anything and then it's suddenly positive. It's one of those things that can depend on the person!

For some pics, peeonastick.com is a good resource:
fade in fade out examples (http://www.peeonastick.com/opkodyssey.html)

[Sarah]

Thank you so much. I took an OPK last night and got a dark line in the test area, but not quite as dark as the control. Looking at my chart, I have about 2-3 days before Oing, probably. So I would imagine the line will get darker.

Thank you! Any more experiences would be helpful, too!

-Sarah

[Rosebud]

I've been having the same problem as the OP. I work and afternoon OPK testing just isn't going well for me. I'd love to do it in the AM instead.

Here's another question-- if I've tested at 2pm for the last couple days, can I switch it up and test in the AM from here on out? Or will that not work?

[Scooter]

Rosebud, it just depends on when your body releases the LH. If you haven't caught a surge yet then you never know what time of day would work. If you never get a true positive this cycle, you can try another time of day next time. I always had good luck in the evening around 6 or 7pm, so you're not restricted to morning or afternoon.

I have heard from multiple sources that it isn't advised to test with FMU, though, and that it's better if you're testing in the morning to do it with your 2nd urination instead.

[lilmomma]

I did FMU and got no blue line at first . THen when I looked at the stick an hour later, it was dark blue but thin. I called the number and they said the test had to be read at three minutes and that if you look at it too late , it could turn blue as it sits there. THe next day I got a definite blue thick line and dtd. But the 2ww is over and af is back. I was wondering how long I should try testing with FMU before changing things a bit. And, on average how many months it takes to get the bfp using opks? Do y'all dtd a million times once you get the blue line or what?!?!

[Katie&Micah]

I personally got my bfp with the opks the first month. And we only dtd 1 time. But I'm sure that's definitely not the norm.

[Ericka_Jarett]

When I took OPK's I took them in the afternoon between 11am-7pm. I didn't use them the same time each day. I got positives on them when switching it up. I would only have to use 3-4 a month when I used them. I never got a BFP with them.
Did better just tracking my temp for a couple of months and knew I ovulated around Day 22-23 every month. Saved money in the long run actually, took the OPK's around my O time just to make sure of the Day and it was positive.

[albuquerque]

I was wondering this *exact* same thing--I don't think it's a dumb question at all! I seem to remember when we were TTC with #1 that I had a few days of the test line getting darker before I had a +, and then a day or two of taper-off post O. Now we're TTC #2, and for the last few cycles I was getting what seemed to me to be really strange OPK results. I'd get a day or two of light lines, no clear positives, and then nothin'. This cycle, I swear I've been PIC every 3 hours or so, and I *finally* got results that make sense. Three days ago, I got the lightest of light lines. Yesterday in the early afternoon, I got a very light line but I didn't have to squint to see it, at least. Later in the afternoon I PIC'd again, and got a substantially darker, but still not positive, line. Then, in the evening, I got a clear positive. This morning, I can't tell if there's a line there or not--there might be but I don't know if I'm imagining it. For some reason, this time around, it seems like the LH in my system comes and goes in about 12 hours, totally unlike the several-days early warning that I had the last time. If I had just recorded my negative from early afternoon and not PIC'd again until today, I'd have missed it totally! I guess the moral of the story, for me, anyway, is to PIC several times a day around the time that I expect O, and especially after the first light line appears.

FWIW, I'm using internet cheapie OPKs and on top of that, they're left over from TTC DD more than 2 years ago, so they're past their expiration date. I was wondering if they just didn't work anymore, but yesterday I learned that they do. It is possible though that they aren't as sensitive as the OPKs I used the last time around, though.

[MrsCantDecide]

I'm having totally identical results to albuquerque, and also like her, I'm using old internet OPKs from DS, so July of 05 (and have an expiration of 3/07 on them! :o ) I started out doubling my OPKs up with newer ones, but the light lines were looking identical on both, so I stopped using the new ones as well.

The day I got my positive, I had been PIAC about 7pm, and that day I happened to PIAC at 2pm and it was almost pos, but not there yet, so I took another one at 8pm and it was positive. Next day, barely a line at all.

Before DS, I would get a pos about 2 days before I O'ed, but this time, the day before.

HTHs!

[mkvh]

I NEVER got a true + on an internet cheapie OPK, even when I took a store brand that was CLEARLY +. (Same PIAC.) I just think they're not nearly as sensitive.

[Scooter]

I NEVER got a true + on an internet cheapie OPK, even when I took a store brand that was CLEARLY +. (Same PIAC.) I just think they're not nearly as sensitive.

ITA with this--I never got true positive OPKs until I stopped using the internet cheapie tests.

[rubyslippers]

I'm so glad I found this thread! I thought I wasn't ovulating, but it seems my internet cheapie OPK might be the problem. I have very regular cycles but the last 2 cycles I switched to the cheap OPK's and never got a positive reading. When I found this thread this morning I ran out ang got the OPK I had been using before. Voila...a + today just where it should be.

[lilmomma]

Today at 530 am, I definitely got a dark blue line on the opk. NOw my question is where is my cm?!?! I was kind of slippery down there starting Monday. BUt today, nothing really happening as far as I can tell. My temp also was up this am at 97.8 ffrom 97.1. Could it be that I already o'd and the opk missed it? (I usually test only once a day in the am. Yesterday am, the blue lines were equal in color.) Maybe my cm will show up a little later? Does cm usually stay constant and consistent during your fertile days or does it come and go to some extent. I am hoping to dtd tonight and I hope the cm will be back and I haven't missed my chance for this month. If so, what do I do in the future. Test twice a day? As it is I go through two boxes a month sometimes!

(I know, I know, I need to post my charts. I will try to get around to it.)

[missy329]

I am not an expert at charting but I also sometimes get two +OPKs in a cycle. According to fertility friend :

Quote:
Testing daily once you have started to test is the best strategy since your first positive OPK result probably means that you are about to ovulate and your last positive OPK, if you get more than one, may mean that you just ovulated. Since OPK packages include only a limited number of test strips, timing when to start testing is crucial.

Here's the link http://www.fertilityfriend.com/Faqs/Ovulation-Prediction-Kits--OPKs--.html

If yesterday's lines were the same color then that is a +OPK and today is the second +OPK. Therefore, it is possible that you did O during the day yesterday- which would also explain you temp jump today. However, I would advise that you continue BD until you are sure you have O'd.

[lilmomma]

I thought that the line has to be darker to be considered positive and that equal bars are supposed to be interpreted as a negative.

Oh man I screwed up. I just called the help line for the opk and it says that if it is the same color Or darker it is positive. I should have dtd yesterday. I hope its not too late!

[lilmomma]

I felt crampy yesterday around 4pm and I hope it was ovulation pains although I did not have any noticeable cm. Is that possible? We dtd last night and this am I was expecting a jump in my temp, but it went down from 97.8 to 97.5. My opk was negative this am as well. I don't know what is going on. Any ideas?

[Ericka_Jarett]

lilmomma - I tried OPK's along with some charting and never got a positive OPK, was better for me to just watch CM and my temp to know when I was Oing. Charting off and on for a few months showed me what day I was Oing each month so didn't need to continue to chart after a few months.

You may have O'd yesterday, but only time will tell if you caught the egg. I see you have asked a number of charting questions and at one point you said you didn't have the info on-line, it's much easier to see if there is a pattern if it's in the online charts to be able to see. Just a thought for you.

Are you in the charting thread? They can possibly help you out more.

[lilmomma]

No I haven't input my data into fetrility frien so I can't show my charts. I guess I will go lurk in the charting thread.

[Parrothead]

I have heard good things about these ones from a friend. Anyone else have experience with them?

http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/pacof3ovtess.html

[Scooter]

You'll find those at various sites all over the internet, those are often referred to around here as internet tests or internet cheapie tests. ;) Check out the 3rd post.

ETA--I just merged another thread on the same subject with this one, which also mentions these tests.

[Parrothead]

So it sounds like the internet cheapies are not the way to go. Anyone have any good experiences with them?

[Jill1228]

I love the clearblue easy digital ones...the ones that have the smiley face when you reach your surge

they are rather expensive in the store...I recommend ebay

[Jill1228]

Mine got darker the closer I got to the O. I have pix if needed

[KrissyCat7]

Will the OPK get darker if left out after you do the reading? I thought I read that somewhere but couldn't remember.

[jennylou]

krissy - similiar to an evap line in an HPT, OPKs can also get a bit darker after being left out.

BTW - I've taken regular store bought OPKs and internet cheapies. The darkest one I've ever gotten was from the internet cheapie and it was on a non med cycle (whereas the others were med cycles!).

[countrymouse]

I also love the CBE digital- I got so confused with the sticks that have a line...never could figure out if it was dark enough etc...the digital is great because you get a definite reading. I'm finding that not many stores carry them though, so I buy them whenever I see them.

[hiphopgirl]

I have been wondering about this too. In fact, I was about to come start a new thread until I found this one.

I have expired Target OPK's. I'm getting practically no line and I'm on CD12. I ended up just buying some First Response ones at Wally world today. We'll see if I get different results. I guess I'll try PIAC and test with both ones to see what happens.

[Parrothead]

Another question -- did you keep doing OPKs after you got a positive one? I took one just now and it appears to be negative (test line lighter than control) after getting a clear positive yesterday. Does that mean that I ovulated?

[MrsSpencer]

I've now had a + OPK for FIVE days...wtf is going on????

[jennylou]

OPKs measure LH, so if you've had a true positive for five days (meaning as dark or darker than the control line, not just another line) your body has been producing LH for that long. It may mean that you are gearing up and your body just hasn't released the egg (possible stress, possibly it takes your body that long) or finally, it could be because you have a hormone imbalance (lots of ladies with PCOS can't use them because they'll just keep getting positives).

[MrsSpencer]

I looked up the brand I was using...and it said that they can produce "half looking positives" It's only positive if 50% (at least) of the line is darker...and mine weren't but one...so I think I've already O'd and was just interpreting them wrong. But if it doesn't work this cycle..then I'm temping next cycle..cause I'd like to not guess and know.

[RoxyRocks]

has anyone used them I am just curious:p I saw them for a dollar & got 30 of them....the guy in the check out looked at me like I was crazy

[Pine Tree]

I loved them!!!!! They also have pregnancy tests which are great. I would always buy gift bags to hide them (we live in a small town) because the packaging is so bulky. I have a 4 month old DD so they worked for us.

[Lolly]

Sorry, haven't used their OPK's but I second that their pregnancy tests work very well!

[RoxyRocks]

I loved them!!!!! They also have pregnancy tests which are great. I would always buy gift bags to hide them (we live in a small town) because the packaging is so bulky. I have a 4 month old DD so they worked for us.

That just made me laugh so hard cause I did a simliar thing when I went back the 2nd,3rd,4th....time to get them!

Dollar store is the only place I get my PG test & other testing suppys:p

[chi]

So I took an OPK and I *think* it was a +, but now that I look at it again (an hour or so later), the line has become very thin and I can't tell if it is darker than the test line. I am on CD 20 and my CBEFM is still on low, so I didn't expect a + OPK, so I took it just before I met a colleague for lunch. I waited the three minutes, looked at it, thought it looked darker (and it was thicker) and threw it in my bag. When I got back to my office about an hour later it had just this thin (but pretty dark) line. Has anyone ever had a similar situation? I guess worst case scenario, I just BD tonight!

[Scooter]

Parrothead, this is a really late answer, but yes it's normal to get a negative right after a positive like that. It does not mean you ovulated on the day the OPK was positive, though. That's a really common mistake. You O 12-36 hrs after a +OPK.

Chi, if it's after the time limit I wouldn't worry about what it looks like now, just try to trust your judgment at the time you looked at it. :) It's so hard not to second guess and go back to look later! But OPKs and HPTs do not always look the same later. If you can, I'd take the test again today, because for some people the LH stays in their system long enough to get a couple positives in one day, especially later in the day. Also, if you take one tomorrow and it's definitely lighter, it will confirm your suspicion that it was in fact positive earlier. HTH!

[Sasha]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get a +OPK but then never O? I got 2 +OPKs but then never had a temp surge, the temps have stayed low. Could they have both been false positives? Thermometer gone bad? Seems odd because I got the first + on the same day that I always do and always O. Any thoughts? TIA.

[Scooter]

Yes, it's possible. Were you sick? Stressed?

It does very occasionally happen that your LH (hormone the OPK tests for) surged but due to sickness or stress your body didn't respond. It's considered a delayed ovulation, and if you keep taking OPKs chances are you'll catch another surge in a few days and finally see the temps rise.

[katiems118]

The same thing happened to me, I got 2 OPKs and then no temp surge. The RE told me that the OPKs are more reliable than the temp surge. I did notice that the temps were a tiny bit higher but nothing drastic to pre-O temps, and AF showed up at the exact date it should have.
hope that helps

[Sasha]

Scooter - Yes, I am under a ton of stress right now. I wondered if that might be the culprit.

Katiems118 - My temps aren't even a tiny bit higher, they are totally consistent with the pre +OPK numbers.

I had run out of OPKs so I didn't test for 2 days, but I bought some yesterday and it was negative this morning. Temp is still down. CM is consistent with my normal post O cycles. FYI, I also took Clomid, but I have always O'ed with Clomid. I am going in on Monday to my OB for a progesterone level check, so we'll see if that sheds any light on things. Thanks for the input!

[Scooter]

Do you have a link to your chart?

[Sasha]

Here is a link to it. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/31358

I got a(nother) +OPK today.

[Golightly]

A couple of days after posting about seeing an RE in the IF and Loss thread I was in the grocery store and got the undeniable urge to pick up one more OPK kit.

I took it home and followed my instincts to do one more... and it was positive. Like way positive, the surge line was darker than the test line.

For the record I have literally flunked every single POAS test I've ever taken. Needless to say I was a little excited and promptly pounced on my poor DH who already feels like he lives on a stud farm.

Anyway, as it turns out, we BD'd the day before the surge test, and the two days afterward. I've been watching my temps, waiting for the rise and while it's higher than the day I took the test, it has not risen above previous temps this cycle.

My highest temp this cycle has been 97.7 and the day I took the test it was 97.0, the next day was 97.5, then 97.3 and today was 97.5 again.

Here's what this cycle looks liike so far:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/jgolightly/chartgraph_modulephp.png

So my question is... am I truly in a 2WW? Is it possible to have a LH surge and NOT ovulate? Could I just be a slow riser?

This is my 7th cycle TTC and I was preparing to contact an RE to begin the diagostic process when I was possessed to do that OPK.

[linekelei]

If you have PCOS, you can get the LH surge without ovulation. Also, if you are stressed, your body may try to ovulate, have the LH surge, and then not ovulate.

Based on your history of low temps and the current temp situation, I would say that you haven't ovulated, even with the + OPK. Keep temping and if your temps go up in a few days, then you probably ovulated. Is your CM matching the +OPK?

[Golightly]

Hi linekelei,

I did have lots of watery CM... nothing eggwhite or stretchy though... although I've never had anything like that in my life.

I did a big glass of white grapefruit juice every morning for the last several weeks, so maybe that helped. If not, at least it was good for me (I really like it actually.)

I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I got all excited because I've never had ANY indication of ovulation before. I don't want to get my hopes up too high though.

[jennylou]

You can certainly have a pos OPK and not ovulate. Have you tried using any more? Was the line AS dark as the control or darker?

[Golightly]

Hi Jennylou,

I didn't do any more after that one. The instructions said to stop testing after I got a surge result.

The line was much darker than the control line.

I got the positive result on CD22 (first one I did this cycle.) It's now CD24. Should I do another one? Could I still be surging?

[jennylou]

Hmmm, I always continue to use OPKs until I get a clearly negative result. I've always seen a temp surge to correspond with the surge.

Honestly, your chart doesn't look like you've O'd yet. I guess one thing that you can do at this point (besides continuing to temp) is to go ahead and call the doc for a 7dpo test. That can tell you if you've ovulated, even if you don't see a huge thermal shift.

[Golightly]

thanks. I just did another one and it didn't register a surge this time.

I guess I won't hold my breath then... and go back to getting the testing ball rolling.

FWIW, here is my chart from my previous cycle.

This was actually only my first cycle charting. Plus DH had a crazy work schedule with travel and nights so our BD schedule wasn't dead-on.

My OB seems to think that I ovulated on CD19 not because there was a sharp temp rise, but because of the watery CM, the fact that my temps "evened out," and because it was about 16 days before I started spotting. Fertility Friend seems to think that I O'd on CD31, which is what I originally thought, but then my LP is only 4 days long which is a little scary.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a178/jgolightly/chartgraph_module-1php.png

This is all getting so dissapointing. Probably because I'm an optimistic idiot and keep getting myself psyched up over dumb things like positive OPKs.

Thanks for taking a look at my charts. I appreciate it.

[NotDesperate]

You are not an idiot, just optimistic and there is nothing wrong with that. I know what you mean about getting your hopes up though. Good luck with future cycles.

I was going to post a question similar to yours, but opposite- maybe I will post it in here if you don't mind.

I was just going to ask:

Can you ovulate and have negative OPK tests?

Because this is my 2nd cycle off the pill and I keep taking OPK tests, and nothing- not even a faint line. I did get AF last month. So I am just wondering what is up.

[Golightly]

Hi NotDesperate. I have no idea if you can ovulated with a negative OPK test. But for some reason, I think it's not likely.

It can take several cycles for your body to get straightened out after being on The Pill.

I am on my 7th cycle after going off The Pill and while I've been having a period fairly regularly, there is no certainty that I've been ovulating or not.

Are you charting? It can be a great tool to help you figure all of this out (and keep from going nuts with the OPKs)

[jennylou]

golightly - I don't agree with FF or your Dr. I don't think you O'd last month. To follow true FAM rules (and FF has theirs automatically set, not FAM for interpretation) your CL would be .1 above the highest of your last five temps....which would put yours at 97.9 - and only leaves you with two temps above and one at the same temp. Going off the Dr's analysis, your CL would be 97.7 and there's hardly any temps above that mark for you. Your charts look like mine (but far fewer days!) when I first came off the pill - shortly before I was diagnosed with PCOS.

[Scooter]

bump

[Scooter]

bump

[Golightly]

I don't think I did either Jennylou. I'm actually pretty sure I'm going to switch doctors. While I like this current practice, I wasn't thrilled that he wasn't more interested in whether or not I O'd or not.

This time, I'm watching my temps... I think it could be possible that I'm having a slow rise.

I've been off the pill since early April, so I asked my doctor if I could still be regulating... he said that this most likely "just me." But then he didn't offer any insight on how to work with it.

Frustrating. Thank you for all your insights!

Are there any other symptoms of PCOS that I should look for and bring to my new doctor's attention?

[Jill1228]

yup...for a while I had been getting +OPKs and not O-ing
My doc put me on Clomid

[Scooter]

I've got a full box of 10 OPKs that expired almost a year ago. Does anyone know if they will still work? I hate to go buy new ones if I could just use them! TIA

[j*east]

Go for it...if you do a google for "expired OPK" you'll find a lot of women's experiences with "expired" ones that still worked. It seems that the FDA requires an expiration date on everything, even things that don't really expire. I think OPKs are pretty shelf stable.

[Scooter]

Thanks, J!

Well I went ahead and used an expired one this evening, and surprisingly not only was the control line a little fainter than usual, the test line didn't even come up at all! And since I had an ultrasound yesterday I know for sure I'm close to having an LH surge--my doctor wants me to test this weekend just in case I surge before my next ultrasound on Monday.

Guess I've got to go buy some more OPKs tomorrow!

[Annette]

I wondered about this too. My OPK's are the ones that once you open the package they expire after 20 days and that was 3 months ago. I'm wondering if they're still good?

[j*east]

Scooter, yikes! I guess not having the test line come up is a pretty clear sign they are actually expired.

Annette, it's worth a shot, but realize that they might not work...

[Scooter]

OK, I take it all back! Turns out that despite being close to ovulation, my LH was too low to show up on the test. On the brand new test it came up as a faint line the next day. Last night I took a shot to trigger ovulation and today the expired tests registered a line!

It seems that the expired OPKs are indeed just as good as the brand new ones. (Now I wish I hadn't bought that new box!)

[MelissaLovesPugs]

I just got my order of OPKs in from saveontests.com. I have been having more ewcm today and cramps so thought I would test using the OPK strips, in case my O has just been very delayed this cycle.

Now I have read that the test line should be darker, but on saveontests it says:

Positive Ovulation Test - LH Surge:
If two color bands are visible and the test band is nearly equal to or darker than the control band, the ovulation will likely occur within 24-48 hours. To increase likelihood of pregnancy, the best time for egg fertilization is between 24 hours and 48 hours.

So now I am staring at my OPK strips trying to decide if the test line is "nearly equal" to the control line...or significantly lighter. :p Also my test line seems to be half light and half dark. (I read about that on POAS, and they said the darkest part of the "result" line should be compared with the test line, and that this applies to all brands of OPK's.)

Ahh POAS fun! Analyzing OPKs is much harder then HPTs. :eek:

[NotDesperate]

Yes a positive OPK is one in which the test line is just about as dark as the control line.

If you are having to stare at it that hard, I would just go ahead and call it positive.

I took one today and I was staring at it because it was too faint.

And you have to test a couple times a day because the surge comes and goes pretty fast.

I would test tomorrow mid-morning and it may be easier for you to decipher this test you took tonight depending on if the one tomorrow is lighter or darker.

Good luck!

[MelissaLovesPugs]

Yes a positive OPK is one in which the test line is just about as dark as the control line.

If you are having to stare at it that hard, I would just go ahead and call it positive.

I took one today and I was staring at it because it was too faint.

And you have to test a couple times a day because the surge comes and goes pretty fast.

I would test tomorrow mid-morning and it may be easier for you to decipher this test you took tonight depending on if the one tomorrow is lighter or darker.

Good luck!

Thank you! I called the one I took at noon yesterday "maybe" positive, because the tiny darker half of the test line was def. nearly equal to darkness to the control line. I held my pee and took a 2nd one at 3:30 and it was lighter then the first, I called it negative. I am going to test again sometime this morning. May finish my coffee, use the restroom then try to hold it for a while. :p

[NotDesperate]

Good luck!

[MelissaLovesPugs]

Good luck!

Thanks! Good luck to you too.

I just got a strong positive, "darker then control" test line this afternoon. That was after a lighter test line this morning. It seems as though the dye in some of these is not as strong as in others. Some have a control line that is even pretty light. Makes it tough to call.

[NotDesperate]

Hmm that is tough Melissa. The ones I buy always have solid, dark control lines and right now I am using ones that "expired" a year ago. I have Dollar Tree brand. Maybe you have a not very good brand?

[Bernie & Matt]

What about +OPKs for more than 2 days? Like 4??? Anyone experience that? And they're all equal to the control line, I swear.

[WonderWoman]

Or how 'bout this, I got two +OPKs yesterday with strong test lines darker than control lines, but this morning I got what looks like a -OPK with a week test line next to a strong control line? Is it possible my pee was just too watered down?

I'm just going ahead with the plan, but I wish these things were more clear.

[Bernie & Matt]

FWIW, I would guess that the weak test line means that your LH surge is over. A weak line is what I was expecting on mine for the last two days. Seriously, what gives??? :rolleyes: ;)

[MelissaLovesPugs]

Hmm that is tough Melissa. The ones I buy always have solid, dark control lines and right now I am using ones that "expired" a year ago. I have Dollar Tree brand. Maybe you have a not very good brand?

Probably so. I have internet cheapies, cheapest of the cheap that I could find (saveontests). :p
Our dollar tree has stopped carrying them. I heard somewhere they may have discontinued them.

Yesterday I had a negative OPK so I think my surge has passed. My temps are rising slowly, but we will see if that continues for a few more days to verify. So far it seems like the OPKs were accurate but it is a little early to call. (Whether I did ovulate or not.) I hope so, this cycle is just dragging on and on. :eek:

[catsy]

I also have tested positive for 4 days now. My first positive happened on Friday morning (Feb.8th) where the test line looked equal to the reference line. Same results for Saturday morning. Sunday's test looked negative, but I did it in the afternoon and didn't wait 4 hours since my last pee. This morning I have a definite positive where the test line looked darker than the reference.

I'm so confused. I'm using the "First Response" OPK.

[mamax2]

O.k., I've read the 4 OPK threads in the 'popular threads' post, but since they're all pretty old, I'm bumping for new ideas/advice/info.

I've never used an OPK before nor have I charted. Since my 2 y.o. starts co-sleeping some time between 2-5 am, I have decided temping will probably be futile. I'll use CM to chart, but since we really want to increase our chances for conceiving a boy, I want to use OPKs to be sure. I also have a longer than 28 day cycle and ovulate later (based upon when my girls were conceived)

Has anyone used the Clearblue Easy Digital OPK ? I'm a little worried about reading the lines on the other (cheaper tests) and the simplicity of the digital appeals to me (the price, of course, does NOT! :p )
I'm not opposed to buying the CBEFM either, but it seems like it shows ALL possible fertile days and I really just want the peak days for a boy. Thoughts?

[Scooter]

mamax2, well, that's the great thing about all this info--it hasn't really changed in the last 3 yrs, so all the old threads are still helpful. :) As far as what kind of OPK to use, I think the only ones that there would be a possible issue with are the cheapie internet ones. If you buy regular ones at a store, there shouldn't be a problem reading the lines. You could always try a pack of, say, target brand ones and see how the results go for you, and if you don't like them then go for the more expensive ones. After you have a better idea of when you're Oing. Just something to consider!

[sea74]

I found the Target brand OPKs to be useless, although they were not the digital kind.
As for the CBEFM, it WILL give you the 2 best peak days so if you only want to BD those days to up your chance for a boy it would certainly help you narrow down the days.

[countrymouse]

mamax2-- I wholeheartedly recommend the CBE Digital opk. I started using the target and Answer brand strips, but it became too hard for me to read a positive line (I'd get lines for a whole week, and could never tell when it was darkest). With the digital, you get a smiley face about 24-36 hours before ovulation. They are expensive, but if you O around the same time every month, you can use less tests. I would usually test twice a day the closer I got to O day for more accuracy.

The month I got my BFP, I O'd 3 days later than usual, which was very unlike my normal cycle. If not for the digital test, I would have assumed I O'd on day 14 like usual, and missed the egg completely.

The tests are about $30 for 7 sticks at Target, and $40 at places like CVS and Rite Aid...at least in my area (Georgia).

Good luck!

[mamax2]

mamax2, well, that's the great thing about all this info--it hasn't really changed in the last 3 yrs, so all the old threads are still helpful.

I didn't see much in the way of the Digital OPKs so I thought maybe they were something new-ish on the market. Also new people on the boards/this forum who may not have contributed at that time and have some insight.

So, jury's out on the regular 'ol OPKs I guess. Looks like I might just have to do trial and error to see which ones work best for me. I see some auctions for the digital tests on eBay though so maybe I'll try to snag some there.

If anyone else has any advice about their favorite (or not so favorite) brands, please share!

[JessicaT]

I've used Answer brand (both the regular pee sticks and the dip sticks kind) and Target brand, and I haven't had any issues reading the lines - I get very, very clear positives on all of those tests. In fact I was kind of shocked that it worked so well. So, my suggestion is to try one of the less expensive brands before going to the digital.

The Answer dip sticks in particular are a good deal - I think you get 20 sticks in the package for about $20. I did however get more than one day of positive readings with those, which was a little weird. This month I was using Target brand around O and I got one day with a half-positive and the next day a clear positive (I think these might be slightly less sensitive to LH - which was a good thing for me) - but I'm also only testing once a day in the morning.

Of course I'm not pregnant yet, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt!

[mamax2]

I ended up buying a used CBEFM because once I figured out the costs and the potential to re-sell it when I'm done, it seemed a more economical choice for me.

[diam124]

DH and I were just on vacation and I took my OPKs with me but not the instructions. Can someone tell me if we timed things right? I got a positive OPK on Saturday late afternoon and another one on Sunday late afternoon. Monday afternoon's test was negative. We BD'd on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I read today that you should BD for 3 days after a positive OPK (which I guess we did), but which positive counts - the first one or the second one?

[jennylou]

The OPK detects the surge of LH which is an indication that you're about to O. You can O anywhere from hours later to 36 or so hours later.

Now, timing wise, I think you did great. They say to BD 3 days after simply because of the length of time that it could take to actually O after a positive OPK, so they're just trying to make sure you cover your bases really, really well. Really though, if you're one of the ones who O's right after a positive OPK (which could be confirmed through temps), your best bet is to BD before that positive OPK and the day you get it. If you aren't temping, three days after is a safe measure.