First time OPK user

[Angel022605]

This is my first time using OPK. I chose not to temp due to crazy work schedule and chose to use OPK. Plus temping stressed me out. I need any and all advice please. My main concerns are: do you need to hold your urine to test? Does it matter what time of day you test? Is it better to test multiple times a day or just once a day or every other day? Does what you drink affect or dilute your hormones(I drink a lot of sweet tea and water)? Do I start testing as soon as AF is gone or do I wait a few days until I get closer to my fertile period? I will greatly appreciate any and all advice with this.

 

[MagicDance]

Hey there firstly have you thought about using an app on your phone? It can help store information in one place and look at patterns and give you cycle insights? I use Ovia.

So I normally do my tests cd-13 but I normally ovulate between cd-17 - 22. I also record my cm and I am starting to temp.
Just try to get to know your body, I always make sure I'm dtd before a surge or ovulation so I have more of a chance but I also try and do it when I start to feel the ovulation pain.
Good luck with it all and try not to stress although that's a toughie for me too!

Also- I think you should start as soon as af finishes as this is your first time. I use a test in the morning but if my cm changes or I have pain then I will check / confirm by testing again and if it's a strong dark line I know I am and if it's faint then it's on the way to happen

I hope I have been a little bit helpful - I haven't been successful yet but only early days ttc do hopefully you will hear from ladies who have more experience than me too. X

 

[Angel022605]

This is my first time using OPK. I chose not to temp due to crazy work schedule and chose to use OPK. Plus temping stressed me out. I need any and all advice please. My main concerns are: do you need to hold your urine to test? Does it matter what time of day you test? Is it better to test multiple times a day or just once a day or every other day? Does what you drink affect or dilute your hormones(I drink a lot of sweet tea and water)? Do I start testing as soon as AF is gone or do I wait a few days until I get closer to my fertile period? I will greatly appreciate any and all advice with this.

May I get a bump? I've got a question I didn't ask in my original post

What's everyone's opinion on using FMU for OPK? Is it too strong? Will it cause a false positive?

 

[froggyfrog]

I wouldn't use fmu, unless your testing twice a day. I start my hold at 11 am, no liquid during my hold, and pee at 2 pm. I start on cd 10. Even though I don't ever ovulate that early, that's what my re recommended. Your lh may not yet have risen when you wake up, so it's best to wait so you don't miss it