OPKs

[Sarahmayo]

Hi all, looking for a bit of advise please. I have never managed to get a positive on an OPK, even the control lines are only ever faint. I know I ovulate as I was pregnant late last year, sadly ending in miscarriage. Does anyone know why this happens? Thank you

I've heard that OPKs don't work for everybody. Do you have a regular cycle? Xx

@Sarahmayo Have you tried different brands of strips? Just the cheapy ones I mean. Some have a higher sensitivity, just like pregnancy tests, so they would be the best bet if, for example, your LH levels are generally quite low.

And, silly question, but are you using the strips correctly? Not peeing on them but peeing in a pot and dipping for 15-20 seconds? It's longer than the few seconds of peeing on a preg test!

And maybe try using them from just after your period ends until the next one begins....maybe you're missing ovulation by starting/finishing too early/late.

If they're still not working, then try temping to determine ovulation. Or do both at the same time to avoid wasting time!

@FirstTimeTryer93 yee I have regular cycles pretty much 28-30 days always

@Regenbogen22 Thank you. I have only ever tried the cheapie ones One Step I think they are called, however they don't have any instructions with timings in them. I do dip in a pot but only for 10 seconds not 20 so maybe that's the issue. How does the temp thing work? I have never tried that

With temping you have to get a basal thermometer which goes to 2 decimal places. You have to take your temp every morning first thing on waking, at exactly the same time each morning, even before getting out of bed. Consistency is key.

You enter the temps into an app each day, Fertility Friend gives the clearest graphs in my opinion. When you see a noticeable shift upwards in temps this means you've ovulated. Basically!

Have a Google, there's tons of info online, or just scroll down this board, there are multiple temping threads.

I have the one step tests. They need dipping until you see the dye appear in the test area. But there are some dodgy packs according to the Amazon reviews, is it worth buying another box to see if these are just faulty?

I'm struggling with OPK's too! Mine got slightly darker last cycle on two days (not consecutive) but no where near as dark! My sister used clear blue digital ones and said they were easier to use so may try them next cycle if. I luck, think they are more pricey though!

I got pregnant in a cycle where I tested every damn day and had no positive OPK result so clearly my body is nuts or they don't necessarily work the way you expect.

@AnuSTart that's hopeful then cause I don't seam to having a peak!