[Shades of Grey]

Would you mind looking at my chart (link in my siggy, I think it shows this and last cycle) and give me your opinion on when you would start using OPKs? Trying to AVOID like the PLAGUE this month...

[SammyJ]

Do you usually ovulate later in the cycle like that? If so, I think you are safe to start using OPKs closer to cd15. However, watch your CM and if it starts getting watery or eggwhite, start using OPKs pronto. Although I do know that every cycle is different. If you are using ICs, I would recommend starting them on CD10 or 11 just to be on the safe side, especially since you are trying to avoid. Good luck!

[rlh27]

I've only used OPKs when TTC, but all the ones I've bought come with an insert that tells you when to start testing. But make sure you're listening to CM, because you are fertile even before you get a positive OPK.

[Shades of Grey]

ICs? Ive got like 45 wondfo opks.

I think my body is still regulating after the mirena, the temps are getting more consistant from day to day. Im afraid O may happen earlier than last cycle too. CM is there, no dry days after another light AF. Another reason Im wondering if I will O earlier. But not yet to where I would say W or EW.

[ShawnaCAN]

If you've been able to determine your Basic Infertile Pattern, just start using OPK's when there's a change in how your CM feels or looks compared to your infertile pattern. Don't go by past cycles to determine when you should consider yourself fertile this time, because every cycle is unique. The time of ovulation can move from cycle to cycle.

[LJD3Tdance]

Yeah, those inserts go looking at how long your cycle is, but this is one of our worst society things I think. That we say "I have a 30 day cycle" is a bad thing. We can't know what kind of cycle we have, we can only know what kind of cycle we HAD. This is one reason I've always stayed away from OPKs cuz I've never got a positive OPK because my cycles have changed and all sorts of things., So Shawna's idea of doing it when you see a change is probably the best one, because when I used to use OPKs it was before I knew almost anything about NFP.