OPK Timing

[meeshy9]

Hi all

What is everybody's opinion on the best time of day to use OPKs?  I had heard/read that early afternoon (2pm-ish) is best and that morning testing is not as reliable.  Something about ovulation usually occuring in the middle of the night and therefore the LH in your urine doesn't actually show up until later in the day?  Anyway, I've just recently starting seeing a RE and the nurse told be to be sure that I test with first morning urine?  Any opinions?

[meeshy9]

Thanks to all!  Especially Jen - I will check out the strips!

I am now on CD21 and haven't gotten a positive yet - my follicles measured 13.5mm on day 18, my RE's nurse said I may not ovulate this month :(  I do usually ovulate late - CD17-19 and have a longer cycle - 30-35 days.  I hope I am just ovulating late this month!

Michele

[lmcrt]

Around 2pm is best I have never gotten a postive opk in the morning. I have to wait till around 2p.

[jenandjon]

Just as an FYI after charting for a few months I was able to nail down my "O" date to within a couple of days.  I bought the strips online that are much cheaper than the drugstore brands and was able to test 2x a day during the days that I knew to be right before O.  This helped me nail down the time I O'd and I got preggo within two months of OPKing 2x a day.  Just a thought.  Good Luck.

Jen (and Jon)
TTCing for 6 months with timed BD, OPKs, & BBT
23 weeks now with Zoe Elizabeth

[candie429]

You are exactly right about your LH surge not showing up in your urine until later in the day.  I've heard that early afternoon is best and I usually do mine at 1 or 2.  It can be tough if you work.  (I feel your pain Irish741 - I try to hide my test and run the bathroom without anyone seeing! :)   If afternoon won't work, evening is supposed to be OK too.  As far as first morning urine, I think there are certain tests on the market that are set up to work with that, but those are the exception.  Whatever brand you are using should give you instructions.  Regardless, try to limit what you drink for a few hours before you test to make sure it's concentrated.  Good luck!

[Irish741]

I have heard that the middle of the day around 2pm is good as well. However, for me 2pm meant I was at work and really couldn't descreetly take an OPK. I did mine everyday after work around 5:30-6pm. I only used it for 2 months and was able to see my surge both months. Good luck.... :)

[Irish741]

I have heard that the middle of the day around 2pm is good as well. However, for me 2pm meant I was at work and really couldn't descreetly take an OPK. I did mine everyday after work around 5:30-6pm. I only used it for 2 months and was able to see my surge both months. Good luck.... :)

[Irish741]

I have heard that the middle of the day around 2pm is good as well. However, for me 2pm meant I was at work and really couldn't descreetly take an OPK. I did mine everyday after work around 5:30-6pm. I only used it for 2 months and was able to see my surge both months. Good luck.... :)

[rene67]

You do not need to test with early morning urine.  I usually test btwn 12 and 2pm, and my RE office says that is the best time.  You can in fact test anytime, but I think 2ish is good.