[ANGWife]

So we aren't ready to TTC just yet, but I want to start getting prepared. I chart and usually know when I am going to O.

When is it best to DTD? Since the temp doesn't spike until afterwards, I only have my CF to tell me when it's coming. I get EW CF for like 4-5 days each cycle. I can't possibly DTD each of those days. What are those tests called? OPKs? Alright that may totally not be it lol but I'm curious about those things. And how do you use them? Where do you buy them?


I really respect your advice Oh yeah.... only 2 more cycles!!!!

[MamaAnna]

You can buy OPKs in just about any store that sells HPTs. They're in the same section and usually mixed together a bit from what I've seen. Depending on the test you'll either use it as a midstream test or you'll use a cup and then dip the test into it. You can buy them online as well. I used the Answer Dip Sticks last cycle and had no problems at all, though if you're willing to pay more the digital OPKs are far easier to read.

If DTD every day isn't an option for you then aim for every other day. Once you get a positive OPK try to DTD for a few days in a row if you can. If you can't then every other day should still cover your bases.

I hope this helps!

Once EWCM occurs, you want to try and DTD every other day. If you usually O around teh same cycle day, you can start trying to DTD about a week before O and do every other day until you know you have O'd

[sjkduke]

OPKs are a wonderful tool to use to help detect when you O. Charting your temps will only tell you when you O after the fact, whereas OPKs will tell you when you're getting that hormone surge right before you O.

Good luck when you start trying, hon!

[ShawnaCAN]

CF is your first earliest warning sign of ovulation. It is produced when your estrogen levels begin to rise in order to bring about the process of ovulation. This is the order in which things happen:

Estrogen begins to rise, which tells the cervix to start producing CF.
Estrogen levels rise higher, which makes the CF become more wet, more lubricative
LH surges which will yield a positive OPK. CF continues to increase in the wet and lubricative qualities.
Ovulation occurs
Progesterone is then produced. Progesterone causes your temps to rise, and the CF to dry up.

Going crazy trying to BD before your CF has started won't do anything to improve your chances of conception, so it's completely unnecessary to try every day or every other day. Do it because you WANT to, not because it will get you pregnant. When there's no CF, sperm cells can't survive longer than about 30minutes. When CF is present, they can live up to 5 days in your body waiting for ovulation to occur. So when TTC, BD anytime you have CF, and especially on the days that it is wet and lubricative - this is your most fertile time! The ova can live up to 24 hours, so be sure to keep BDing a day or two after the slippery mucus disappears.