[MinDB]

okay--how do ovulation predictor kits work? are they expensive? are they worth it?
i've never used one before.
thanks in advance!

[Mom 2 Avery]

These things are awesome!

They measure the hormone that your body produces just before ovulation.
The lines get darker as the hormones "surge".

Cost wise, the sky is the limit!
You can get cheap sticks off the internet; but sometimes you get what you pay for!
I have found complete kits of 7 sticks at a local dollar store...well, they're $1.49.
Dollar Tree has single test sticks for a buck each. I've had good luck with them!

There is also a monitor you can invest in.
I got mine for $50 off Ebay; the sticks are cheaper there too!

There are a couple of really expensive monitors out there, too.
It all depends on how much you are able to "invest"!!!

Unlike pregnancy tests, these use urine from later in the day.
Mine says to use it from 10 AM to 8 PM; I settle for 4 PM every day.
I have 35 day cycles, so I start testing around day 15 and ovulate around day 21 or so.

Good luck with your adventure!
Let us know how you do!!!

Sending hugs from Houston!
Dawna

[Danica]

Good info. Hopefully you don't mind me asking on your thread Mindy but since we are on the learning subject... What is a digital pregnancy test? Does that mean that you can test as many times as you want without having to buy a "disposable" test or are there refills that are just cheaper or something like that? Is there a preferred brand, do they detect hcg at levels down to 20? Maybe I should google this...

[Mom 2 Avery]

I'm pretty sure the digitals are one use only.
They're just really easy to read...you get a smiley face on your bd days!!!
They do cost quite a bit more...

Speaking of a test you can use more than once...
There's also a saliva test.
It's a microscope you can use every morning...just make sure you do it before you drink anything or brush your teeth.

It seems that estrogen causes salts to build up in your saliva.
As you get closer to ovulation you see different patterns...from big spots to some really cool ferning!!!

Good luck y'all!!!
D

I just noticed you were asking about digital pregnancy tests...
I'm on an OPK mentality!!!

They do measure a higher level of HCG

Again, these are more expensive...but you don't have to worry about whether that second line is real or not...
You get the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant"!!!

Sorry for the confusion!!!
Dawna

[dee68]

I think Dawna just about summed everything up !!!!!

way to go girlie !!!

[Mom 2 Avery]

Of all the things to become an expert on...I'm an OPK pro!!!

Hugs!
d

[Danica]

Thanks for the info, that clears up that question

[*Bobbie*]

Dawna....


I have nothing to add... except I love the Answer brand of the dip in your urine (not mid stream) kind. They come in a box of 20 for $25 or under. (here you can buy them at K-Mart and Tops supermarket) I have tried a lot of different brands and like those the best. They put out a REALLY clear positive. No guessing with them. For some reason the Answer mid stream don't work nearly as well.