using OPKs

[lisax4156]

Hey all

So my BF and I would like to have another baby. Since my cycles vary each month (30-34 days), I can't exactly pinpoint ovulation. I have been tracking my cycles for a few months now.

Anyways.. I'm wondering which brand you have used previously. Has anyone used the Answer brand tests?  Also, has anyone used the cheap test strips on Amazon? Any tips or advice would be great... Thanks all :)

Lisa

[Angebelle]

Typically OPKs are started on CD10 or CD11 for cycles of 26-30 days, using each day until there's a positive read. For longer cycles such as yours you may want to begin on CD14 or CD15. The thing to remember is OPKs only detect a surge, Your BBTs will tell you if you actually ovulated or not. It's a good thing that you're using a combo of both. Also, my doctor has recommended digital ClearBlue easy (smiley face) and find them super easy to use and fairly accurate unlike the others. One more thing, if the OPK doesn't detect a surge but your BBTs show ovulation occurred, then your surge may happen within a smaller window of time (less than 24 hrs), then you may want to test twice a day.

[lisax4156]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it!! :)

The last time I got pregnant and charted my cycles, they were on spot every month. They were 29 days. After viewing my cycle charts (which i've been charting since Feb.), my cycles vary 33-34 days. I did go one month (april-may) where it was 38 days.  I should be getting AF a week from Monday, if I go by 33 days.

I've never used an OPK before, so we'll see how this goes next month!!

[MrsPincince]

Ovulation can be calculated by starting with the day the last menstrual period (LMP) starts or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Most women ovulate anywhere between Day 11 - Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP. This is what many refer to as the "fertile time" of a woman's cycle, because sexual intercourse during this time increases the chance of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur at various times during a cycle, and may occur on a different day each month.There are so many different types of fertility predictors out there, so which one should you choose? Well, this depends on several factors. Many women find that OPKs work very well for them, while others find that it is nothing but a challenge to decide what the OPK “reads”. Still others don’t like the process of using them, or the cost. Personally I think OPK's are a waste of money..Some women here will agree with me and some will disagree. I would recommend using an ovulation calculator (which you can find online by google and it is FREE) and just have sex as much as you can during that fertile period. JMO...