OPK driving me nuts

[AliBiz]

So this is the second cycle that I have tried OPK and so far have never gotten a positive...so I have a question: Does the line gradually get darker, or is it barely there one day then BAM dark as hell the next?

I'm afraid that I am somehow missing it or worse not ovulating....but surely if I was not ovulating I wouldn't have a thermal shift in BBT???

Anyone would think I was a novice at this TTC business but I am really confused at the moment :S

 

[mommyB]

Mine usually gets darker gradually over a couple days. But that being said I know a lot of women will take 2 a day. So maybe you're just missing the surge? You're not using FMU right?

 

[AliBiz]

No I test about 2pm every day.... Maybe I need to take 2 a day then.

 

[mommyB]

Maybe! I only ever test around 10 am (SMU). Maybe try testing then as well?

 

[Tristansmom]

I have to use OPKs in order to time my IUI appointments. I've learned a few things:

1) Don't use First Response. I've NEVER had a positive test from them, even when I was definitely O'ing - huge amounts of EWCM, positive test on ClearBlue OPK from the same cup of pee.
2) Do test a couple times of day - LH is synthesized in the mid-to-late morning, so testing in the late morning and early afternoon can help ensure that you catch your surge. I personally only get positive tests for about a three-hour window, but I KNOW I ovulate (I have to have a blood test 7 days later to confirm, part of the process at my clinic).
3) Don't over-hydrate!! Diluted urine will make it harder to read your tests. Avoid coffee etc. as well so you don't get dehydrated, but try to make sure there's at least 3 hours between trips to the bathroom.

 

[Flourish]

I've been using OPKs for a while now and I know it will sound silly but I wasn't getting a positive on them at all the first few months, then I realised I wasn't actually waiting long enough for anything to develop, maybe you need to give it a few more minutes before looking? I give it about 5 minutes now and seem to get a much better and more consistent result.

 

[mommyB]

I agree flourish! I use dollar store OPK's and they need a little more time to fully develop. I remember when I conceived my ds2 I used the expensive cb digi with smiley OPK and never once got a positive. My dollar store ones give me the best positives! And with my temping I notice I do O the day after my positive.

 

[AliBiz]

Thanks a million Ladies...going to take all that on board. They are cheapie Internet ones but hadn't thought of a few of the points above.... This has been a great help

 

[DandJ]

I agree with MommyB- $store OPKs are really effective and only cost a dollar, what more could you ask for?

I noticed last cycle I did not drink a lot of water and saw a darker line each day around 2pm because I was not constantly going to the bathroom. However, this cycle I'm drinking A LOT more and barely see any lines because I have a bladder size of a walnut and cannot hold it for more than 30 minutes. So my urine is diluted.