new to OPKing

icanonlyimagine · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2006, 12:45 PM

I am not activly trying, but I am activly trying to get a handle on my cycles so that when ttc comes along I will be ready. heres the story.... my cycles (so far out of 3 cycles that I have temped) are anywhere from 24 days to 35 days long, and an LP of 11days to 13 days as you can imagine its very frustrating. I have decided to try some OPK to verify what FF is telling me about when I O, does that sound like a good idea? how do I use them? its the kind where I have to pee in a cup and dip. do I start at my earliest O date and just PIAC every morning? should I do it at night, when we are more likely to dtd? what am I looking for. 2 dark lines means I am Oing or just about to right? what about a light line? does that mean that I have already O'ed?

KRRJ · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2006, 01:34 PM

I'll try to help - as you can see I keep asking questions

too....

I have decided to try some OPK to verify what FF is telling me about when I O, does that sound like a good idea? how do I use them? YES!

do I start at my earliest O date and just PIAC every morning? should I do it at night. I usually buy the Answer brand that comes with 20 sticks at Walgreens - that way I can use the entire pack from the time I end my

Also, if your temps seem to be looking like and O is coming - I test in the am and then in the evening....

what am I looking for. 2 dark lines means I am Oing or just about to right? YES

what about a light line? negative but it's fun to see it get darker

does that mean that I have already O'ed? depends on when you are testing.... if it's before your "O" then no and if it's after your "O" then yes

That is why I buy the bulk tests so that I can see it happening....also watch your CM...

GOOD LUCK

...and WELCOME!!!

jsnbean · #3 (**permalink**) 08-16-2006, 01:43 PM

I've had similar problems with cycle length. LP has been anywhere from 10 to 12 days. Cycles from 24 to 30+.

I have decided to try some OPK to verify what FF is telling me about when I O, does that sound like a good idea? Definately, that really helped me with the charting CM and CP.

how do I use them? its the kind where I have to pee in a cup and dip. do I start at my earliest O date and just PIAC every morning?
I think most of the dipsticks suggest using them in the afternoon since LH builds up during the day. Check the directions.

should I do it at night, when we are more likely to dtd? Some people test 2x a day just to be sure.

what am I looking for. 2 dark lines means I am Oing or just about to right? two dark lines indicate that you will ovulated in 24-48 hours.

what about a light line? does that mean that I have already O'ed? You may see a light line before you ovulate and after you ovulate so it doesn't really tell you much one way or another.

Lots of

Jilda

trirae · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 03:43 AM

Welcome! The other ladies have answered your questions I think. There is an FAQ at the top of this forum which might help as well with some questions as you get started with OPK's. I also used the Answer brand which worked for and were a bit cheaper than others.

Good luck!

Star622 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 03:59 AM

I also suggest charting. You'll really learn a lot about your body and it's great to confirm O. It'll save on some sticks once you know what to look for.

CatieMay · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 07:14 AM

They couldn't have said it better. Good Luck

icanonlyimagine · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 08:59 AM

I've been charting for 3 mo

icanonlyimagine · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2006, 09:02 AM

oops I posted before I was done...... I was going to say I have been charting for 3mo, but only last mo did I continue temping after O so I still have a few cycles to go before I'll really get to know what my temps are supposed to do. thank you all for the advice... I think I'll start poas close to NEXT weekend. if I'm right then I should probably O around around the 1st or 2nd