OPKs -- help a newbie out

[VillainV]

Okay, so I've been using OPKs, and I have some questions about how to get the best results.

I bought some "wand" type OPKs that test for LH. I've read that LH is normally released in the morning, so to get an accurate test you should wait until at least mid-morning to test. The instructions on the kit recommend between 10am and 8pm. However, the test also recommends holding it for 4 hours prior to testing (I'm guessing so that the level accumulates enough to be detected).

The problem is I drink lots of water, and it's nearly impossible for me to hold it for four hours, unless I test first thing in the morning (which the kit doesn't recommend)

So I guess my question is, if I have to choose between time or day and length of hold, which is more important? Should I test first thing in the morning, or wait till after 10am even if it means only a two-hour hold? Or does anyone have any strategies for testing that I haven't thought of (or other types of kits that might work better for me)?

I live overseas, and this is the only type I've been able to find in the local drug store...they're pretty expensive, so I'm looking into ordering Wondfos but it'll take a while to get them.

And one more question -- this is my first cycle off BCP, and I know there is a good chance that my cycle will be screwed up and I won't ovulate at all this month. But if I do, I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity, you know? I'm at CD19 with no signs of ovulation (no temp shift, no fertile CM, and negative OPKs for the last week). Is it safe to assume that I won't ovulate this month? The OPKs I'm using now are kind of expensive, so I'd like to not waste the kits if there's a low chance of ovulating this month....I know you can't give me medical advice, but I'm just looking for some common-sense advice (since I feel like I have ZERO common sense right now).

Thanks!

[Cheesecake]

I ordered them online from a UK company, very affordable, will look up website when I get home for you.

I can usually hold out peeing for 3 hours max. It's worked for me. As soon as you do a couple opks (so a few days) you'll totally notice the difference in color, even if you haven't held your pee in for 4 hours. HTH

Sent from my MB860 using proboards

[mimosas]

Aug 27, 2012 6:04:00 GMT -5 VillainV said:

And one more question -- this is my first cycle off BCP, and I know there is a good chance that my cycle will be screwed up and I won't ovulate at all this month. But if I do, I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity, you know? I'm at CD19 with no signs of ovulation (no temp shift, no fertile CM, and negative OPKs for the last week). Is it safe to assume that I won't ovulate this month? The OPKs I'm using now are kind of expensive, so I'd like to not waste the kits if there's a low chance of ovulating this month....I know you can't give me medical advice, but I'm just looking for some common-sense advice (since I feel like I have ZERO common sense right now).

Your cycle could very well be screwy the first few months, but you also could just have longer cycles and just later. I've been charting CM/AF for over a year and mine are usually 33-36 days and I don't ovulate until CD21 or so. I'd maybe hold off on the OPKs if you're worried about wasting them until your cycle regulates.

[thoseareradishes]

I can only hold for about 2 hours. I drink a little juice with my breakfast, then hold as long as I comfortably can. I seem to get a fade-in pattern- so a day or two before my positive, the opk starts to get darker, then I get a positive in the morning. From what I understand, the hormone is metabolized more during the day, so that's why you don't test with FMU, unless the test directions tell you to.

I think the advice to hold for 4 hours can be detrimental to some people- I can see it causing UTI's in people who are prone. Plus it is not good for your bladder. With all things TCC related, I do the best I can. I try not to get wrapped up in doing everything perfectly by the book.

I did ovulate my first cycle (CD14), and from what I have read on the bump, a lot of people O pretty far into their cycle- day 20 or later. I wouldn't give up yet. Good luck!!

[jenn1298]

I always do my OPKs first thing in the morning. I got Wondfos and they say it is ok to test any time of day and my previous OPKs said to use FMU. When I think ovulation is very likely (days 14-18 or so), I will do one test in the morning and another in the afternoon.

I think that cutting back on water/fluid intake for 3-4 hours before testing is more important than just holding your pee. www.peeonastick.com has a lot of useful information regarding OPKs.

If your tests are expensive, I would probably stop using them for your first cycle off of BCP. My OB said that it could take me a few cycles to ovulate and my cycles were very long at first. Keep charting everything else and maybe just use OPKs to confirm ovulation if you suspect it from your charting.

[thoseareradishes]

You want the hormone to concentrate in your urine. So I agree with Jenn, you want to limit fluids and hold for a while. It's a balancing act, with wanting to be hydrated for CM!

[VillainV]

Thanks for all the responses!

I think I'll order some Wondfos....NL, I'm lucky that I can order from Amazon US and have stuff shipped to military PO box for the same cost as US shipping. Sometimes things take about 10 days to get here, but it's a good way to get stuff from the States (the military definitely makes being an expat much easier). So I'll order some and start using them next cycle.

Sounds like FMU will work with Wondfos, so that's a relief (no pun intended).

[joolz]

I always use the first urine of the morning. Never been a problem.