[JSquaredMom]

For all you lucky gals who are already trying, I have a question for you!

I've never been one to actually figure out when I ovulate, but I'd like to start tracking that. I use fertility friend for most things, and I would like to see if it's accurate for when it thinks I ovulate. I got a bunch of digital OPKs (Clearblue easy) and I've been reading conflicting things about when to test.

I've read you should and shouldn't use FMU...and apparently you test twice a day?? I'm a little lost. I could test in the morning, and I could test at night after work...but I'd kind of like to just do this once a day. These digital tests aren't cheap (nor are they that pricey...but I'm a budgeter) and I don't think I can handle comparing colors of lines with the cheapie tests.

So....I guess my question is, when and how often do YOU test? I know it's personal to the person...but I am just wondering what other normal people are doing. This group is my baseline for normal!!

Thanks ladies.

[Lady Valkyrie]

I don't use OPKs...hopefully one of the other ladies will be able to advise you!

[SammyJ]

I just started using these too for the same reason. Not because I want to try, but I want to see how they relate to my cycle. Anyway, I am not using the digitals just because I am too cheap. lol. My cycle is just starting to return to normal now after I stopped using the bcp last month. So I am going to use the cheap Wondfos I ordered off Amazon. Haven't gotten them yet, but it seems like if you use them right (2x per day) that they work pretty well, or so I have read here on other threads across the boards. I figured since I am so new to it, I don't really want to spend a fortune on the digi ones. I will let you know how they work out though!

[sweet.hun]

Most of the time I tested once a day but twice would be better. I just use the cheapies, as my CB Fertility Monitor was never able to pick up on my LH surge by just testing in the morning (seems like I mostly surge at night). After a cycle or two you will get the hang of it. If anything use your Digital OPK's in the morning and cheapies at night? I know with some OPK's they say to use FMU and some you don't need to. I guess just read the package directions.

[MoMMy2*Vicky&Hayden*]

I haven't used OPK's but I have a friend that does and also I read up a bit on them... I heard most ppl get their surge in the afternoon so best time to test is around ur 11am pee and before supper 5 pm pee... Try not do drink too much water before... But I guess all tests are different (to use flu or not?) ... Also if u have a typical 28 day cycle most probably u ovulate around cd14... I'd start taking them 1x a day from maybe day 10-11... Then 2x a day around cd12-13... Up until u get ur positive and then negative showing that u actually ovulated!!!
Alsonfor the reading... The ones with lines look like preggo tests it's just a positive ovulation is shown with the new line DARKER than the test line... If the line shows up and it's faint... Well ur gearing but u haven't hit ur surge.. And that's why ppl test 2x a day!
Usually after ur positive u should ovulate anywhere from 12-48 hrs... So BD!!!! )
Hope thisnis somewhat helpful!!

[JSquaredMom]

Thanks!! I actually found a bunch of opks in my drawer from target that I apparently bought and forgot about. The date shows expired, but they still work so far as I can tell I figured I'd keep my digital ones as my primary, and if I cant take it or want to twice 2x a day, target's my backup.



Yay! Here's to hoping they work and show something. I've started seeing 'something' on the lines on the blue test that's digital, and there's a faint line on the target test, so something hopefully is starting to work in my body! I can never quite figure myself out, though, since my normal cycles are anywhere from 30-36 days. I'm on cd 13 now.