OPK newb

[smallllmin]

I tried using OPKs for the first time this month. Started on day 11, through yesterday (cd 15). I even tested twice a day on the last few days. I'm also temping. This morning, I just got dotted crosshairs in FF for cd 13, which should change to 14 with another high temp.
My question is, I never got a true positive with the OPKs. I did it in the early afternoon (and again in the evening a few times). On two of the days, the line was darker than it was on the other days (but still not darker than the control line), so I thought I should expect a positive soon-- but then it became lighter again.
Is this normal? I'm annoyed because I was waiting for the + to DTD. If FF is correct, I only hit one day in the window :/

[ironbaby]

The OPKs I use recommend using them with second morning urine, so mid-late morning. This may be why you didn't see a positive.

For some people, though, myself included, you may just not get positives and may need to experiment with other brands. I get darker OPKs, but never true positives, though I have been able to get a true positive with a digital. In my case, it wasn't worth the added expense, but if it's important to you, it's worth exploring.

Good luck!

Also check the discussion we had on OPKs for lots of peoples' experiences. link

[wannabmama]

I've never had great success with OPKs are you using wondfos or a different brand? I got one smiley face one cycle where I used wondfos and then when they got a little darker switched to smiley face. But...other cycles I never got positive. I've read here and elsewhere that some people just have a hard time catching the surge. I rely on temps and just try to HIO until I get crosshairs and have mostly given up on the OPKs but changing brands might help you if you want to try different one next cycle.

[pinkcat]

Hi! So, I am no OPK expert, but here's my thoughts.

First, it is possible to O and never get a positive OPK- some people never turn them. Also, in my experience it depends a lot on the brand. My first few months using OPKs I was using Clearblue and First Response, and never got a positive no matter what time of day I tested. I know I was ovulating based on temping and secondary signs, but the OPKs never showed it. I switched to Wondfos because they were so much cheaper, and with those I finally started seeing true positives. It seems like certain brands just work better for some people, I am not sure why though.

Time of day is just something to play with too- I know a lot of people have luck with SMU, but for me first thing in the morning has always worked better.

Finally, dotted crosshairs don't necessarily mean anything yet especially if this is your first cycle temping- FF is still learning about you and they could change based on future temps.

All this to say, sometimes OPKs just take a few months of trial and error and learning your body. Good luck! And it only takes one time in the fertile window, so even if your CHs are right you still have a chance!!

[pinkcat]

So, while I was typing my long winded response I see other people already said the same. Good advice by them, mine was very TL;DR.

[smallllmin]

I used wondfos. I can't post my chart right now because I deleted tapatak from my phone to free up some space.
Tested once a day around 2pm on CD 11, 12, 13, and then on CD 14 I got a line that was darker than before, so I tested again later that night because I was trying not to miss it. Tested twice a day on CD 15 too, and at that point, they became lighter again.
Temp dip on CD13, temp at cover line on CD 14, and two higher temps after that. EWCM on CD13. FF gave me crosshairs this morning for CD13, but switches them to 14 with another high temp tomorrow.

[thechickencoop]

I've had a few cycles where I've gotten positives, more often than not I never get a +. I use wondfos and SMU which is what the directions say and the times I've gotten a + it's been that late morning urine that's turned it. ::shrug::

I use the notes section in FF to record if it was just a squinter, medium, or darker (but not +) for my records,

[doodler]

Some months I get a blaring positive on a wondfo and other months the line just gets steadily darker(but not as dark as control) until it starts fading. The darkest line usually corresponds with my O Day. After doing it for awhile I can tell when the line starts getting steadily darker that it is my fertile week.

[bostonbaker]

It sounds like you ovulated on CD14 for sure. Next month, try using them AM and PM.  Wondfos are so cheap that it's worth it if you really want to catch a true +.  Like others have said, it takes awhile to get used to how they respond to you.  I use them with FMU, because I don't want to bring them to work with me, and have never had a problem seeing a fade in/out pattern.  You'll get used to what is close enough to positive for you.  When I see the line get dark enough then I know I'm about to ovulate in the next 48 hours.

[icedtea]

OPKs can be tricky, so basically what everyone else said. In my own experience, I only get a real positive (dark wondfo or digital smiley) in the afternoon. But I drink so much water that it's still a toss-up.