I'm back.....questions about OPK

[LAMom]

Hi Maura, Dina, StacyAnn,

I'm back.....giving it another try after another break from t.t.c. My dh and I both are feeling that if it doesn't work this year we will have to give up......and be happy and realize the blessing of our two wonderful children! I'm a little sad to consider giving it up.....but, we both don't feel that we should spend tons of money and emotion to make it happen either, so we know that more invasive measures aren't for us.

I'm on Clomid and I've also decided to do the o.p.k. thing (still no b.b.t'ing).
I'm currently on CD 15 and I started the opk yesterday (based on past history with Clomid and, also, the physical symptoms). I expect that I will ovulate closer to CD20......
(Also, I took the Clomid on CD5-CD9)

Here's my question though......yesterday was my first day with the Clearblue
Easy o.p.k. test. The result line was very very light. As long as today's line is a little bit darker, does that mean that I'm approaching ovulation? If it's lighter, is it likely that I already missed it? I probably SHOULD HAVE started with the opks on CD10, but the Clomid info also says that ovulation usually happens 5 to 8 days after the last pill is taken--and with me, that is usually the case!)

Let me know what you think.

Thanks, ladies!

LAMom

[BC-DKNY]

hi LAMom...welcome back.

i would honestly continue on with the OPK's even if you don't see a darker line today. for all practical purposes, cd 15 is still *early* for a clomid user, so i'd hate to see you give up and then miss O. being on clomid, i would probably continue testing for the next week. i know women who were regular cd 14 O'ers and didn't O (while on clomid) until cd 21-22. so don't get discouraged! you still have plenty of time to see that dark line!

[BC-Maura]

Hi LAMom! The only thing I would add to what Dina said is that you might get a light line one day, then no line, then another line (etc.) as you go forward. Like HPTs, OPKs are not very precise... also factors can affect the test, like dilution of urine ... what happens before the surge (line or no line) isn't important because women have LH in their systems at all times ... the only thing that matters is the true surge and if you usually O closer to cd 20, then chances are you will again and so didn't start the OPKs too late.

GOOD LUCK and keep us posted+++++++++++++
Maura

[LAMom]

Thanks Maura & Dina:

It sounds like I'm still in good shape. I may end up needing another 7-test kit though., huh?

Sorry if either of you just said this, but, will I need to keep testing after I get the dark line? For example, what if I finally get the dark line on my 7th test? Do I still need to go buy another set of 7 tests to check another day? I just don't know what to expect!

I appreciate both of you!

Hugs,
LAMom

[BC-Maura]

Hi LAMom: No, once you see a result line that is the same darkness as, or darker than, the reference line then there's no need to keep testing. You can assume that you are surging and will O within 12-48 hours after the test.

Good luck and keep us posted++++++++++++
Maura

[BC-DKNY]

i agree