Are BBTs more reliable than OPKs?

[Kris9380]

I stopped taking birth control pills 3 months ago and I am not sure that I have started ovulating. I have been using OPKs and doing BBTs. I have never had a positive OPK but I do have thermal shifts. Which is more accurate. Is it possible that I am ovulating even though I am not having positive OPKs? I don't know what to think. Can anyone help?

[tina1111]

It's very possible. If you are having thermal shifts, you are o'ing. I have been doing a lot of reading on OPKs and it seems that they are not all created equal. Consumer reports rendered 80% ineffective! Some measure so high of a Lh level it wont turn pos for many women. Of all brands combined wont work on 12%! I OPK 2-3x a day. This month I finally got a pos w/one brand-the worst rated-Answer. Internet strips and midstream cassettes did not show pos. My thermal shift showed o when I got pos. If you have a short surge and only test 1x a day, you may not see a pos either. They rated the clear blue opks and monitor the highest. Answer and First Resp worst. However, FRER ranks highest on HPTS. Far above everyone else. Sorry for such a long answer. I just happened to look into it today.

[willsmom]

The only sure way to know if you are ovulating is to have your progesterone level checked 7 day past ovulation, which can be pinpointed by a positive LH surge on an OPK or a sustained thermal shift on BBT.  I found that I have both a thermal shift and a positive OPK and am still not ovulating (indicated by low progesterone at 7 dpo).  

[MeganG]

WOW-  I am glad to hear that!  I just finished my 1st round of clomid.  During the days my doctor told me to expect ovulation, all the ovulation test kits were negative but I definitely had a temperature change and have been hotflashing for 2 weeks.  The OPKs had me feeling like this 1st cycle of clomid failed.  I am going in today to have my progesterone taken.  Maybe its bad that I read this since it has given me a little hope.  :) We'll see.  My husband and I have been trying for 3 years.  We are ready to start a family.  

[Kris9380]

Thanks for your helpful comments!