An OPK, or Ovulation Prediction Kit, is a urine test by which you can roughly predict when you are most likely to ovulate. The reason I say "roughly" and "most likely" is because, with a positive OPK, you will typically ovulate within twelve (12) to seventy-two (72) hours after your positive OPK.
Subject Two: WHEN SHOULD YOU START TAKING OPKS?
Typically, with regard to a standard 28 day cycle with a 4-5 day period, you should begin testing with OPKS on about CD9 until you get a positive OPK (usually this happens around CD14-16). I recommend using dip tests or dollar store brand cartridges to save money, because--usually--for the first 2-4 cycles, it is trial and error... You're just getting to know your body and when it will ovulate, etc. So, you can adjust accordingly, especially if you continue with the mentioned OPKs.
After 2-4 cycles of the cheaper tests, and you get to know when you're most likely to ovulate, you can switch to the more expensive digital tests (FRERs and CBs--you know, with the smiley face).
I highly recommend new TTC moms NOT use the digital tests, as they are pricey and you're still getting used to your rhythm; of course, if you are someone that has the instinct that you're ovulating, you could go with the digitals if you feel you can do them accurately and not waste the money... (I know it sounds cocky or whatever, but it's the truth...)
Subject Three: WHAT TIME SHOULD I TAKE AN OPK AND HOW MANY TIMES A DAY?
Unlike HPTs, which are best with FMU, OPKs can be taken at any time of day. Personally, I use OPKs in the afternoon between 1 and 8 pm, once a day. If you take it once a day, you can still catch your surge that signals ovulation.
If you are someone that likes to test 2-3 times a day, try to space them 8 hours apart. I would recommend to take one upon waking with FMU (though there is no proof of more effective OPK reading with FMU), then 8 hours later, then 8 hours later in the evening. Soooo...
Example of three times a day:
9 am--First test.
1 pm--Second test.
9-10 pm--third test.
If you want to test twice a day, do them twelve hours apart.
Example of twice per day:
8 am--first test.
8 pm--second test.
Again, there is no proof that testing more frequently or with FMU is more effective. Your surge lasts about 24 hours, so if you take a test at midnight, and it's positive, you still caught it and should baby dance!
Speaking of OPKS and baby dancing: Ideally, you should have sex one-three times a day for four days BEFORE your surge and upon getting a positive OPK, baby dance 1-3 times a day after the positive for four days (meaning the day of the positive until you may actually ovulate up to 72 hours (3 days) later).
Subject Four: WHAT DOES A POSITIVE OPK LOOK LIKE?
Unlike HPTs, an OPK is positive only when the test (t) line is as dark or darker than the control (c) line. Faint does not mean positive.
What to Look For:
Subject Five: WHY OPKS ARE NOT LIKE HPTS:
With an HPT, a faint line is still indicative of a positive test (meaning you are more than likely pregnant, but you should test again in 2-3 days to see if the faint becomes darker; darker and darker plus increased beta hCG in blood tests means you're definitely pregnant, so congratulations!). BUT, again, a faint line on an OPK is still negative. The test line has to be AS DARK or DARKER than the control line.
Subject Six: WHY WOULD AN OPK BE POSITIVE AFTER 7DPO WITH A VERY FAINT POSITIVE ON AN HPT?
This is a subject of debate, but I will do my best;
A positive OPK at, say 11 dpo, with a very faint HPT can mean you're pregnant. However, typically you should test with an HPT at or after 12dpo; this is NOT 100%, but usually, if you get a BFP BEFORE 12dpo, you may have mistaken the date you ovulated/conceived.
Subject Seven: OPTIONS OF OPKS AND WHERE YOU MIGHT FIND THEM (mostly in the U.S., sorry ladies!)
Type One: urine DIP STRIPS.
This is the cheapest option, as you can purchase them in bulk, both online and in-store.
I have seen them online at (international): each buyer.com in multi-packs for roughly $18/US in a combination package with HPT test strips, as well (90 OPK, 60 HPT). Also, I have seen them in combination packs (I am unsure of the number of each and price) on amazon.com (they're BFP brand, I believe).
I have seen them in-store at: TARGET (pack of twenty OPKs) for $21/US and CVS (pack of twenty OPKs) for $25/US. [So far, only looked at those two stores, so forgive me. I am sure they are at many others, but I haven't looked so I don't know for sure on count, price, etc.]
Type Two: urine collection cartridges.
Again, very cheap but usually in packages of ONE. Available at most dollar stores (Family Tree, I have seen. And other dollar stores in Canada. Again, have not really looked, but I do know they are one for $1/US and Canada.)
Type Three: Digital (FRER and CB)
Seen online at: amazon.com, walgreens.com, cvs.com, etc. (Unsure of count and price, sorry.)
Seen in-store at: WalMart, Walgreens, CVS, Mejiers (sp), other Pharmacies--usually Big Name ones--, Target, basically anywhere where you can find OPKs and other fertility aides. (typically 1-2 per pack at $25-$40/US).
WHAT I AM USING RIGHT NOW, AT CYCLE ONE WITH OPK TESTING:
I am currently in Cycle TWO of TTC, but in cycle ONE using OPKs; so I am using dip urine tests. I don't really see myself not continuing with them because they work well and are cheaper than digis. I don't really think that something with tons of features and a battery will help... Besides, I am cheap. Really, really cheap. (ridiculously cheap)
What to Expect Tomorrow/Thursday:
Basal Body Temperatures, Basal Thermometers versus Regular Thermometers, Why you SHOULD NOT use mercury thermometers, when to take your BBT, methods to take BBT, etc.
If you have more questions regarding the next blog or want further information regarding OPKs, please comment below or contact me on Instagram via a DM @ttc24wpcos and follow me, if you want.
Thank you, Ladies!
(Also, when I get to doing my supplement suggestions and no-goes, I will discuss some male supplements that I have found online as recommended for men, so bring your DP, DF, and DH with to look, if you please!)
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