Help for the newbie? : )

Hopefully you can help me with a few questions! So glad to have found this place!

I am trying to use ovulation predictor tests this month (planning first IUI next month).  My period usually starts with a day or two of spotting before it really gets going. Which is the actual Day 1?

What time of day should I do the tests? One per day?

[40smama]

My re told me that CD1 is when the first day that the flow is going more than just a little spotting.  It's not probably as heavy as cd2 or 3 but it definitely has started.

I don't know much about OPK's.  Hopefully the ladies here will see your questions and answer them - good luck on your IUI! - jen

[candie429]

Welcome!  cd1 would be the day when you have consistent, red bleeding, not just spotting.  As for the OPK's, the best time of day is supposed to be between 10am and 2pm, or some women even do them in the evenings, with the window there being in between 5pm and 9pm I think.  Never use first morning urine, and try to limit what you drink for at least 2 hours before you take the test so your urine isn't too diluted.  Being that it's your first time, and since it's important you get it right for IUI planning purposes, I would probably do 2 per day this cycle and see what happens (1 in the afternoon and 1 in the evening).  That way you can be more certain you don't miss your surge.  Going forward though, only 1 per day is needed.  Have you been tracking your cycles and have an idea of when you O?  It's important to start your OPK's early enough since your surge will typically happen 12 to 48 hours before you actually O.  Hope this helps.  Any other questions, let us know.  Good luck to you!  :)

[Helen72]

Day 1 is the first day of heavy flow.

Good luck!!  I hope IUI works for you.