OPKs?

[esquette]

Hey all,

My name is Esquette, and my Sweetie and I are going to start TTC in July!  We are a same-sex couple, so we've got to import some things and we have some added expense.  Such is life.

Questions: I gots my folic acid going. I gots my period tracker tracking. I gots a doctor appointment set up to (hopefully) get the all clear. I was really bad at temping and charting, and I think I might just start with OPKs and go from there. Does anybody have an OPK brand that they loved/hated? Does it matter which ones we use? If we are planning to start trying at home ICI's in July, should I do OPK's in May to figure it out? Today is CD 1, so I think I need to start the Amazon ordering now if that's how we want to do it. Or is it good enough to start in June? Also, despite copious research, I am now doubting myself about how all this works. I assume an OPK tells you "Okay, inseminate now!" not "Okay, you should have inseminated yesterday!" Right?!

I did the FF.com course a while back, and now I am doubting myself.

TLDR: Tell me about OPKs!

Esquette

[kawaiikitsune]

Wondfos. They are cheap and you can buy them in bulk, which is perfect if you plan on testing everyday until you confirm O. I would suggest starting now, so you can get into a routine and get used to reading them, as it can be a bit confusing at first. OPK's detect LH, which indicates you will likely ovulate within 24-48 hrs. However, some women can surge and not ovulate or have several surges a month. That is why it is recommended that you temp in unison with OPK's. GL to you & your partner!

ETA - You can buy Wondfo's on Amazon. Check the Newbie blog as it has a list of legitimate sellers.

[juliayadda]

Even if you are bad a temping, you can get better. I was a terrible temper for a long time and now it is my first thought every time I wake up!

I am not a scientist but I think you ovulate alternating ovaries, and with one removed you will only ovulate every second month. (Please scientists answer my noob question hiding in that sentence!)

Therefore, I believe peeing on a stick to see which month you ovulate in is a good idea. Wondfos can be ordered off Amazon and are like 30 cents each? They work just as well as any OPK.

I will try to peer pressure you into temping though.

DO IT! ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE!!

***thank you FDL for deLakerMama66g my wild claim of ovum production***

[ohinvrtedworld]

I concur with finding a reputable buyer for Wondfos on Amazon (I think the newbie blog has some links on that? I hope?). It's nice not to feel guilty using so many since they're so cheap.

[FDL]

I would at least start the OPKs now to make sure the ones you use work well for you. Some OPKs are more or less sensitive and you may find one brand or type works better for you then another.

For me, I have had ovulation on the day of my first OPK or my second positive OPK or the day after. So, through charting I have noticed a three day span when it comes to possible ovulation days for me. It's different for everyone though.

As far as brand, I've just used cheap OPKs like Wondfo. I would consider charting your BBT especially if the cost of ICIs is a concern. Good luck!

[icaughtfire]

I would not depend on a period tracker for at home insemination. They can be SO off & since I assume the sperm you'll be using isn't cheap, you want the best odds.

I'd use Wondfo for OPKs because cheap, and I'd still give temping a try. OPKs tell you COULD ovulate. At least by temping you'll know if you inseminated in the right time frame. The wondering would drive me crazy, personally. Best of luck to you!

[FDL]

May 5, 2015 20:02:26 GMT -5 juliayadda said:

Even if you are bad a temping, you can get better. I was a terrible temper for a long time and now it is my first thought every time I wake up!

I am not a scientist but I think you ovulate alternating ovaries, and with one removed you will only ovulate every second month. (Please scientists answer my noob question hiding in that sentence!)

Therefore, I believe peeing on a stick to see which month you ovulate in is a good idea. Wondfos can be ordered off Amazon and are like 30 cents each? They work just as well as any OPK.

I will try to peer pressure you into temping though.

DO IT! ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE!!

Your ovaries don't switch which one releases the egg each month. When your body starts releasing hormones to stimulate egg growth, both ovaries stimulate eggs. The one that stimulates the most mature egg is the one that releases it. 

With one ovary removed, her body will still release hormones to stimulate egg production and that ovary should release a mature egg each cycle. Typically your remaining ovary will pick up the slack as long as there aren't any other health issues. 

[helloerrbody]

FWIW, OPKs are not reliable for me. I have gone many cycles without ever turning a positive - and I pee on them 3-4 times a day. I have confirmed ovulation with temping every month (and this past cycle with a progesterone test). All that to say, I don't suggest than anyone go the OPK-only route. Temping and secondary signs is the fail-safe method for me.

Good luck!

[getzystark]

In addition, with the OPKs, you may have to determine when you are able to catch a surge. I drink a boat load of water, so my only reliable time to get a positive OPK is with second morning urine. Ideally, you test in the afternoon, as that is when your surge should be the most present, however that isn't always the case for everyone.

[shadesofgold]

May 5, 2015 20:08:14 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

I would not depend on a period tracker for at home insemination. They can be SO off & since I assume the sperm you'll be using isn't cheap, you want the best odds.

I'd use Wondfo for OPKs because cheap, and I'd still give temping a try. OPKs tell you COULD ovulate. At least by temping you'll know if you inseminated in the right time frame. The wondering would drive me crazy, personally. Best of luck to you!

I agree with ^this^. Take the guess-work out of your cycle and add temping. Get a Fertility Friend account and download the app. Buy cheap Wondfos (proven sellers are listed on the newbie blog), chart your BBT and become an expert on your cycle. Participating in the WTO and TWW threads is a great way to learn the ins and outs, and get feedback on your chart.

Best of luck to you and your partner! Hope your stay here is short, but you'll definitely find it a useful community!

[akraus2015]

May 5, 2015 20:00:45 GMT -5 kawaiikitsune said:

Wondfos. They are cheap and you can buy them in bulk, which is perfect if you plan on testing everyday until you confirm O. I would suggest starting now, so you can get into a routine and get used to reading them, as it can be a bit confusing at first. OPK's detect LH, which indicates you will likely ovulate within 24-48 hrs. However, some women can surge and not ovulate or have several surges a month. That is why it is recommended that you temp in unison with OPK's. GL to you & your partner!

ETA - You can buy Wondfo's on Amazon. Check the Newbie blog as it has a list of legitimate sellers.

+1 for Wondfos.  I'm getting ready to order my next batch on Amazon tomorrow.

[peanutmuse]

A regular "period tracker" without the input of temps, cervical fluid, OPKs, etc. will only be reliable in telling you when you got your period... after you already got it and entered the info in. Anything beyond that is just a guess. Even if you have not been good at temping and charting in the past, I would strongly urge you to try again.

Side note: I am a breastfeeding mama with insomnia -- and my chart still provides useful information. It really is the way to go.

But, as others have said, wondfo OPKs are a good, inexpensive way to start.