OPKs?

[Kathryn]

In an ovulation predictor kit, is a faint line the same as one in a pregnancy test? So, it would be like a faint positive, so that I'd be either a bit early in the process or a bit late? We've never tried to have a baby before, so I've never done this before.

[medawyn]

A faint line on an OPK just indicates that the test registered some of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in your urine stream. This can actually happen at any time in your cycle, but yes, a faint line probably indicates you are sometime before or after ovulation.

 

An OPK is positive when the testing line is darker than the control line. That means there is enough LH to indicate a surge - or basically you have between 12-36 hours before you ovulate.

 

I have friends who test both morning and afternoon during their ovulation window, as the LH surge can be very short.

[Kathryn]

Thank you!

[nukeswife]

I totally thought this post was about "Other People's Kids" before I opened it LOL.

[besroma]

I have also read that it is best to test around the same time every day. The article I read said that around 3pm was best.

[Kathryn]

Just wanted to say thank you again. I just tested again and it's a definite positive right away this time.

 

My LMP began December 2, so would this be a "normal" time to ovulate? This is my first cycle off BCP so I don't know what my cycle length would be. I guess what I'm asking is when to consider myself late for my next period.

 

With My 3yo, I got pregnant my first cycle off (on accident). My LMP was December 8, but I didn't get pregnant until New Years (we were trying to wait to TTC and thought we'd be safe to do it then). So, I didn't get a positive until mid-January.

[besroma]

This does fall in the range of a normal time to ovulate.

 

You could also try an ovulation calculator:

 

http://www.webmd.com/baby/healthtool-ovulation-calculator

 

Here is a good article on ovulation.

 

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html

 

It can vary pretty widely. You will have a better idea once you know the number of days of your cycle.

[Reya]

Equal to or darker than is positive. :)

 

Positives lasting days indicate PCOS or some other problem.

[Mrs Mungo]

I totally thought this post was about "Other People's Kids" before I opened it LOL.

 

Me too, lol.

[texasmama]

I didn't have great success with OPKs. I had better success in determining ovulation by charting my temp and watching other fertility signs after reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I successfully got pg with my two planned babies by charting. Got pg the first month with one and the second month with the other.