OPK FAQ

1.When do I start?

The answer is “it depends.” OPK’s can be a nice predictor of when you will ovulate, but if you are not familiar with your cycle/pattern, there is quite a bit of guess work in the beginning. Although generally, people ovulate somewhere near cd 14, there is a wide range of possibility. It may take a few cycles to get to know your pattern.

2.How long after I get a positive OPK will O happen?

Again, there is no definitive answer. Most people will ovulate anywhere from 12-48 hours after a positive OPK.

3.Does the line test line have to be darker than the control line to be considered positive?

As a general rule, YES. The test line should be as dark as or darker than the control line. In some cases and with some brands, it’s possible to never see a true positive though. Particularly with some of the cheaper online test strips, using the OPK in conjunction with other ovulation detection methods (temperature charting, cervical mucus, etc) can be useful for a couple of cycles to figure out what will look like a positive to you.

4. OPK as HPT?

The theory behind this is that OPK’s test for LH, which is molecularly similar to HCG which is what HPT's test for. So, in theory, an OPK could detect an early pregnancy, however, you would be looking for a true positive on an OPK, as we can still have a line at any time due to varying levels of LH in our system. It would still need to be followed up with an HPT or blood test at some point.

5. Are some brands better than others?

The short answer is yes. Research often rates Clearblue as the best and most reliable OPK. It’s also one of the most expensive. Our members have had success with many brands, including internet strips which are much cheaper. The long answer is: every woman’s body is different and the tests will respond differently. Give a cheaper brand a shot, but be prepared that it may take a cycle or two to be able to read them accurately.

6. Are OPK’s for everyone?

No, they aren’t. Women who have PCOS, for example, may have difficulties using OPK’s because higher levels of LH will be in their system more frequently.

7. What time of day should I test?

The manufacturers usually suggest late afternoon, after holding urine for 4 hours. It is best to avoid FMU for OPK’s, unlike HPT’s. However, some women will choose to test twice a day. If you have a short window between a positive OPK and O (which you might find by charting), you could miss the opportunity. For example, if you tested at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, you could get a negative. You could test again at 3:00 on Thursday. For some people, you may only have a 12-24 hour window, so it’s possible that you would have missed your actual positive OPK. For most women though, once a day is probably sufficient.

8. Do I really need to hold my urine 4 hours?

Longer is better. Try to restrict liquid intake as much as possible to keep your concentration high and to help avoiding have to “go” too soon. Of course, many women will only wait 2-3 hours, but you’ll get a better indication if you can wait longer.

Fertility Monitor FAQ

How do I Reset the Monitor?

READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO RE-SET THE MONITOR!

1. Remove the plastic cap from one end of a clean-unused-test-stick and snap the cap onto the other end of stick. Inset the test stick into the test stick slot of the monitor. The beveled corner on the insertion end of the stick must face in toward the monitor. THE STICK MUST SNAP INTO PLACE TO PERFORM PROPERLY . The monitor should not be turned until step 2.

2. Press and hold the "M" button. Continue pressing the "M" button while turning the monitor on. NOTE: Do not take finger off the "m" button until these directions say to do so in STEP 5.

3. The screen will show the "remove the test stick" symbol (a flashing test stick with an arrow pointing right). Continue pressing "M".

4. Keep pressing the "M" button and in about 20 seconds, you will see a screen full of symbols. The screen will also display these symbols when you initially turn the monitor on for the FIRST time. This indicates the memory is now cleared of all prior data.

5. Remove the test stick first and then QUICKLY release your finger from the "M" button. The memory should now be cleared.

6. Your screen should display a flashing "M" and one or two dashes. If it does not, it will probably show a "1" and an "M" in a non-flashing mode. If so, you will need to repeat all steps of the process. This procedure may take several times before you successfully reset the unit to its “new” state.

7. Start using the monitor on CD 1 as per the instruction booklet. "

When should I give it sticks?

The first cycle, your monitor will ask for a stick beginning on day 6. In the beginning, it’s best to do that. As time goes on and you know your cycle better, you can save sticks by starting a little later. Once you get a peak, you can stop testing. The monitor will automatically give you a peak two days in a row.

How do I read the lines?

This link gives pictures of a typical nonmedicated cycle and what will happen to the lines.
http://users.ekns.net/moorell/cyclex.htm


Information Links

Clearplan’s FAQ Page
http://clearplan.com/FAQCPEFMTopicTOP9FAQs.cfm

Instruction Booklet
http://clearblueeasy.com/gims/conten...ty_Monitor.pdf

Fabulous information about OPK’s and HPT’s
www.peeonastick.com

Information about charting, ttc circles, etc
www.fertilityfriend.com

More OPK FAQ’s
http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/opk.html

HCG levels in early pregnancy
http://www.bobrow.net/kimberly/birth/hcglevels.html

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