OPKs

[TCGirl]

So, I have never used these before, but I am getting impatient and thinking I will begin. Can someone explain how you actually use them.  I am wondering at what point you are supposed to begin with them.  It looks like today will be the last day of A/F and since I am beginning a new possible conception period I don't want to get the timing wrong.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

Karren

[TCGirl]

I bought the kit with 20 strips, but I was testing first thing in the morning. I guess I should try more in the middle of the day. Testing at that time is difficult though because I am at work.  My cycles have always been somewhat shorter than average, and this last month even shorter, hopefully I just misread the strip.  Last time I conceived I didn't do anything other than use an ovulation calender and bd during the recommended time. I did the same thing this time, along with the opk, hopefully it worked.  

[JennaRie]

It is possible to have a period without ovulating, but that usually results in longer cycles  rather than shorter. Also, it's possible to only get a very faint line on an opk and still ovulate (my friend did and got pregnant that cycle). If you want to be sure you're ovulating, I'd recommend charting your basal body temperature (BBT) for a cycle. Let me know and I can give you details on how to do it. It's easy and best of all, it's free as long as you have a thermometer!

[Babs1982]

TCGirl,

Did you buy the one month or just the 7 day test? Just wondering if you may have ovulated later than you thought? I have used the First Response kit where you get a 30 day supply. You start testing the day after your period if you have cycles within I think 35 days. In October I ovulated on day 17 and in November I ovulated on day 16. I would have a lr surge for about 3 days, but from what I've read you ovulate 12-48 hrs, on average 36 hrs, after your first positive lh surge.

[TCGirl]

Thanks for your reply.  This is going to sound silly, but can I still be getting a monthly period without ovulating?  I feel like I should know the answer to that, but I don't.

[gillianl]

I would use them again for a second time but if for another month you never get a positive i would speak with a doc as you may not be ovulating.  Best of luck!!

[TCGirl]

Hi all! So I bought the Answer opk and have used it at the same time each day since the first day after my last period ended.  Here's the problem, not once did it show that I was ovulating. Because my period was a little early this last month I wanted to make sure of when I was ovulating.  However, I should have already ovulated and it did not show positive once.  Any advice? I don't believe I was using it wrong, I followed the directions, did them at the same time each day and used a timer to assure I didn't forget to check the strip.  Has anyone else had this problem? Just wondering if it is me, the way I used the test or the brand I bought.  Any feedback would be really appreciated.  Karren

[feather2e]

It can get expensive for the ovulation kits. If you go to amazon and search for ovulation tests you can get the dip strips alot cheaper.

[TCGirl]

Thanks Michelle. I think I will stop and buy some on my way home from work.  Not having ever used them I really had no idea how to use them.  Thanks again and lo5ts of baby dust to you too.

Karren

[ilovemyson23]

I read a website that you can start using them right after af. That you should limit your fluid intake 2 hours before and take the test from 1030am til 230pm. i was testing twicw a day about noon and 6pm. I started my ovulation earlier then i though so i was glad i started testing early. the thing with me is that i got like 4 positives 4 days in a row and my reproductive doc told me to stop testing after the first surge and just get busy. Good luck to lots of baby dust.  Michelle