This the first time I've ever TTC, so I have some questions that may seem pretty stupid, but here goes...

1. If I'm using OPK's and the test line is light, but has a dark edge, do I start doing the deed starting at that point, or do I wait til it shows two identical dark lines?

2. My test line was as dark as the control line on the OPK on Friday, Sept 2nd. When I start counting DPO days, is Friday day one, or is Saturday day one, since ovulation should occur in 12-36 hours from when you get a dark line?

3. We did the deed on Aug 31, Sept 1,2,4,5 (I worked on the 3rd, so I missed out that day!). Am I timing everything OK?

I've done two HPTs so far and both were negative. Think I'm just testing too early?

Lynn

Lynn, (LOVE your name btw)

If your test line is as dark or darker than your control, but only on one side that is considered a positive. It is tricky and I hate it when they do that. I only pee on another one if that's my result. I hate trying to decipher those stupid lines.

It's actually best to DTD every other day before you get the positive OPK and then everyday (from the 1st positive OPK) until you are definite that you O'ed. That is, of course, only if you do not male factor issues. Your timing looks great! You should have hit it. If you chart your temps, you can be 99.9% positive that you O'ed once you have a thermal shift that lasts 3 days.

I also O'ed on September 3rd. If you're only using OPK's, then I would start counting dpo two days after your positive OPK. By that method, you're assuming you will ovulate the next day. In your case, your first dpo was Sunday. You're only 10dpo right now so it's a bit early to be testing. Good luck to you and I hope you see a nice BFP in the next few days.

__________________

Lynne covered it all. But I will warn you that when you get that positive, you should expect to O anywhere from 12-48 hours after you get that FIRST positive (make sure you test early enough to get at least one negative). Pay attention to your body to make sure it agrees with your OPKs. If that CM dries up, you may have already O'd. Not all of us get O pain to help us along.

Her suggestion to chart is a good one. Just to make sure that all is as it should be! Have you gotten the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" yet? It's wonderful!!

__________________

THank you both for your help!!

OK, next month (if there is a next month...) I will start charting temps, but here's my problem with it-- I work nights (7p-7a). I don't have particular time at exactly the same time every day where I haven't been moving around that I can take the temp. Does that matter? Can I just take it whenever I wake up, whether it be in the am or in the afternoon? Thanks!

Lynn

I also work 7p-730a. I take my temp whenever I wake up...doesn't matter what time I wake up. I've been doing this for years and I'm still able to see the dip as well as the thermal shift. I don't adjust my temps either. I just make sure I've had at least 3-4 hours of good sleep. Good luck to you!

__________________