OPK Question

triplej

So my RE told me to get a OPK and start monitoring my ovulation.  I'm somewhat in tune with my body already and having read the numerous posts here I can check my CM and see if its consistency is changing.  Anyway, I started using the kit and it appeared that before ovulation, right after my period, the stick showed one line for the control and no line for the test, and as I approached ovulation, the second line appeared and got darker.  The problem is that now, I think I'm beyond ovulating maybe by a week, but I'm still getting two lines.  Has this happened to anyone?  How can you tell when you're really ovulating? AGGHHH!!

 

CharBart

The trick with reading the lines is that the one line will be as dark as or darker than the control line...this means o'ing is in 24-36 hrs based on the level of LH in your body. I have seen lighter lines in mine after I had o'd that month.  My RE recommends that I use clearblue easy OPK's...I don't know if I completely agree with all this but he thinks there are some that just don't work well.  Now the CBE ones are more pricey, but I have found the the CBE digital ones that give you a smiley face for your surge seem to work the best.  They're about $30 for 7.  Hope that helps a little!

GL!!!

LizzyB11

I used the line OPKs for one month and that was it. I stressed out so much over the colors of the lines - was the ovulation line as dark or darker? etc. So I switched over to the Clear Blue Easy digital tests. The smiley faces are totally worth the extra money because they're a simple answer to my ovulation question. I don't have to sit there and compare line colors anymore, which is awesome! And...I get a little thrill when the smiley is telling me it's a good time to grab my husband! I would highly recommend that brand if you are going to use OPKs. Good luck!

NowDNAtoo

I also recommend the CBE digital OPK tests.  It's well worth the extra money to know for sure what the results are without second guessing yourself on the color of the lines.

hollymichael

I have used them and not had much trouble, but I know many people say they miss their surge.  For me, I always have two lines, but for a couple of days, the test line will be the same color as the control line.  I think www.peeonastick.com does a good job of explaining the OPK's.

ocho2002

Ditto the Clearblue Easy digital - the smiley face does not lie.  Also, it works using FMU for me. They are expensive, but now I am so in tune with CM that I know when to start using it.  A box lasts me 2-3 months.

rsrn02

sorry i cant help with reading them. i could never get a positive on the OPK. perhaps that was b/c i have PCOS and rarely ever ovulate. hmmm.

i bought the CBEFM, and love it. it gives you high days and a peak, plus i temp. sadly though this month CD whatever and i have not ovulated. despite what my ticker says.

triplej

Everyone thanks so much for the advice. I think I'm going to switch to a digital test method.  I'm stressing myself out as it is trying to determine if one line is darker than the other.