OPK ??

[bostonterrier]

Not TTC yet, but figured you ladies are probably the most knowledgeable in this department:

Just got off of hormonal birth control, and starting to get a better idea about charting for future use. Is it normal to have a positive OPK stick for an extended period (5+ days)? Got pretty dark on Monday, and is still definitely present today. Is that an expected fade in/fade out? I seem to have a good bit of variability in the darkness of the line depending on my hydration level.

TIA for answering a dumb question.

[Deleted]

There is almost always a second line on an OPK...to be positive, it has to be as dark as or darker than the control line. I think it's usually recommended to test twice a day to catch your surge (which I believe can last 12-24 hours). Your body can gear up to O and then not do it, so charting is useful for confirming O. Are you temping?

[bostonterrier]

Thanks for the input. In previous cycles, I've had no second line except for right around the predicted O--this cycle's a bit strange with the two lines so far after my expected O. Not temping due to strange work related sleep cycles.

Guess I'm just being paranoid that this is some kind of evidence that I have weird ovulation-badness. I know, stupid.

[tarheels]

Ditto pp. Make sure you understand that there will almost always be a faint line present; it's only positive when it's close to the color of the control line.

My surge, with positive digital OPKs, lasts a full 48 hours. I think I'm one of the long ones.

[mrssandro]

I had three big positives and the other days where faints. The OPK showed up for like 5-6 days for me. I only counted the days it was super dark. See chart. I coordinated these dates w/my temp shift.

[bostonterrier]

Thanks so much ladies! I was a bit thrown by how dark the test lines were, and for such an extended period of time. Have to see if I can work temping into the mix.

I see how it's easy to get OCD about charting--it's actually pretty fascinating!

[mrssandro]

The key to charting is not to overly stress about it. So if you have a unique sleep schedule just attempt to take your temp at the same time everyday after at least 6-8 hours of sleep. It may be take a few months to get a real feel on how your cycle works. It's not always obvious at first. GL!

[berbles]

Peeonastick.com has really helpful advice about interpreting OPKs.