https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 09 May 2026 08:38:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1134406 Sun, 06 Oct 2013 12:31:44 +0000 mrskoloa 1134406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: I don't track my bbt so I am just going to assume I ovulated. I mean, it was cd22 when I got my smiley. I continued testing with the opk after and have received two circles since so I feel confident about it. We're SMEPing, too, and it's exhausting with such a long cycle! I think next month we'll start SMEPing on the 14th day instead of the 6th. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1134115 Sun, 06 Oct 2013 08:24:14 +0000 Cole 1134115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Well I am stumped, my temp is a whopping two tenths of a degree higher than normal yesterday and today which I don't think is enough of a spike to indicate ovulation. I have had cramping and tenderness near my ovary since Wednesday so I really thought something way happening but now I have no clue. If I don't get a higher temp tomorrow morning I will pick up digital opks and start with those again. I am following smep too which means my husband is thrilled by the lack of clarity here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1133767 Sat, 05 Oct 2013 19:35:08 +0000 mrskoloa 1133767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: I know something was happening because my ovary was cramping like crazy for two days. Since I'm SMEPing I guess I'll just make sure we horizontal tango for the next couple days to be safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1133623 Sat, 05 Oct 2013 16:23:33 +0000 Cole 1133623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought that too but I am using the cheapie strips and I had a distinct peak one night and the next morning and then they started fading. I haven't confirmed ovulation yet with my chart so I am hoping this isn't a false alarm. All the other symptoms corroborate the opk though so hopefully that's just the way it works! I will keep you posted! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1133418 Sat, 05 Oct 2013 13:07:05 +0000 mrskoloa 1133418@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wait, you guys... I thought that I would get a smiley face two days in a row, but I only got one (I am testing first thing in the morning only). So when am I actually ovulating? I know that the smiley face comes before the ovulation.. am I ovulating today? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1132066 Fri, 04 Oct 2013 12:17:11 +0000 deactivated_account 1132066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Isn't it awesome to get the smiley? But I totally get the pressure of getting it done in the small window that you think you have. Best of luck, lady! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1132013 Fri, 04 Oct 2013 11:57:09 +0000 mrskoloa 1132013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcD: @LindsayInNY: Finally got my smiley face! My husband was too pressured out to get it done this morning, so I'm making him make up some excuse to come home from work for a couple hours tonight. I swear, if he tells them I'm making him come home for sex, we might have to wait 'til next month. haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120029 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:48:43 +0000 LindsayInNY 1120029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Either or. With time, I've also been able to tell when I'm about to O based on CM too. If I wasn't using OPKs now, I would still feel okay TTC and not totally out of control. (Haha, I never looked at my username that way! Made me LOL!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120027 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:46:44 +0000 mrskoloa 1120027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Then theoretically I should continue with the opks until either my cycle regulates or I can tell when I'm ovulating. I just need to stop trying to control things and realize that this is one area in which everything is out of my control. </p> <p>P.S. It took me a few reads to realize your moniker was not about belly buttons but was about where you live :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120024 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:42:46 +0000 LindsayInNY 1120024@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: I went with them mostly because they're cheaper. Yes deciphering can be tough but once you figure it out, it's a lot easier to tell what's "dark enough". Like you said though, it's more stressful to some. I think if you can actively stick to an EOD schedule, then OPKs aren't as necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120019 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:36:51 +0000 mrskoloa 1120019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Many people on this thread have recommended wondfos. It seems so much cheaper but sounds frustrating to decipher (is it as dark/darker than the control line?). I told my husband that if I don't have success with the cbopk this month then I'm going to stop actively trying to track things. I get too stressed out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120017 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:32:57 +0000 LindsayInNY 1120017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: I use Wondfo OPKs so they seem different from Clearblue. Thing with a long cycle is that it's a blessing when you're not TTC because you have more time between AF visits. But when you ARE TTC, it can suck. I went off BC in December and we're in cycle #8 now, almost 10 months later. There's not much you or I can do about it though. It is what it is! Once you start to become more regular, OPKs won't be as annoying since you won't need them for as long. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120012 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:25:31 +0000 mrskoloa 1120012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I'm using Clearblue digitals. The test line is the line that has smeared a couple times. I'm really careful about placing it flat on the sink while it "reads" the results, so I'm not sure why it's doing that. Over saturation? It's frustrating having a long cycle because most women O much earlier than you or me. How do you deal? Any tips? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120008 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:21:10 +0000 LindsayInNY 1120008@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: That makes it a little harder... My first cycles post-BC were 40ish and 60ish days before settling in around 31-32 days. So in the beginning I was using OPKs for quite some time. Now I tend to start around CD15 or so, expecting a + around CD19 or 20. If you're thinking O around CD24, that would give you almost a 35-40 day cycle. What kind of OPKs are you using? I don't know if I've ever had smeared strips before... Do you mean the control line tends to bleed? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1120002 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:12:54 +0000 mrskoloa 1120002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: no not at all! My first cycle post-bcps was 45 days, the second was 28 and also a chemical pregnancy, my last cycle was 32. I am guessing that this cycle will be in the 30-35 day range, which means ovulation closer to cd24. I'm wondering though if smeared test strips mean I am doing something wrong, and am curious that the tester didn't give me an error reading when it happened. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1119998 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 16:06:44 +0000 LindsayInNY 1119998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Do you know how long your cycles usually are? I usually O around CD20-21 and won't have a + at CD17 (where you are now). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1119828 Sun, 29 Sep 2013 12:35:33 +0000 mrskoloa 1119828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: I am now CD17 and still no positive on the OPK. However, a couple times I noticed when I pulled the stick out to throw it away, the second lined was smeared. Any thoughts on why that might have happened? There were no error messages or anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091493 Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:43:04 +0000 deactivated_account 1091493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: I think we have a lot in common!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091412 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:22:39 +0000 SweetiePie 1091412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsKoala: I know! When I first saw this post I got really scared that something happened to you and you were ttc again. Mild heart attack, but then I figured it out. Phew! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091407 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:17:06 +0000 mrskoloa 1091407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcD: Haha! Did I mention I was a teacher? We don't make a lot of money. Also, Kauai (and Hawaii in general) is a VERY expensive place to live. The average three-bedroom home costs $3-400,000. Besides, he wasn't a firefighter when we first met. That career blossomed due to encouragement from his better half. :wink: But I guess I'll manage... somehow... haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091389 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:03:16 +0000 deactivated_account 1091389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: my husband is in law enforcement and works overnight 12s. It's awful! This week we will have to get our 7 am BDing on. Sorry to my boss for being late! And seriously.... Living on Kauai with a fireman husband.... You're killing me! :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091354 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 21:32:48 +0000 mrskoloa 1091354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Punky: I think I will follow the box directions this first cycle, for sure. I just can't hold it during the day that long! </p> <p>@MrsMcD: I researched SMEP and it seems like sound advice. I will try. My husband is a firefighter, with 24 hour shifts, so I'll try to get him in the mornings during my BD days. We have sex two to three times a week already, but more couldn't hurt!</p> <p>@MrsKoala: Congrats on your pregnancy! Koloa and Koala are almost identical... Koloa is a town on the island of Kauai.</p> <p>@mrs. 64: You're totally right about the school schedule. I mean, if it happens, it happens, and my own kid will have to come first before all of the other kids we care for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091337 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 21:23:49 +0000 Punky 1091337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Timing I think depends on the brand of the OPK. What I had read when using the Wondfos was to test in the late morning-afternoon because FMU was not ideal for detecting an LH surge. I believe the digital ones do want FMU though (must be different sensitivity or something) so I would follow the directions on the box. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091225 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:33:19 +0000 SupernovaJ 1091225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the cheapie wondfos for everyday and when I felt confident the lines were the same in darkness, I used the Clear Blue Easy smiley ovulation test to confirm. I only used them one cycle and the first time I used the CBE, I got a solid smiley face (not flashing smile), so I knew it was time to get busy right away! Worked for us, got pregnant on the first try. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1091146 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 20:05:43 +0000 deactivated_account 1091146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: lucky you, living in Hawaii! I have been using clear blue digitals for three months. I find them to be the easiest TTC tool to use. If you can afford them, use them. I got a box of 20 and it lasted me 2.5 months. Start on about the 8th day of your cycle and use them in the afternoon every day until you get a smiley face. That easy! But seriously.... Don't solely rely on the OPKs. I would look at the "sperm meets egg"'plan as well. Best of luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1090235 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 13:13:54 +0000 MrsKoala 1090235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: Whoa! I saw your username and thought that I posted this! Welcome!</p> <p>I highly recommend the 50 Wondfos as well! I started testing with those twice a day (every 12 hours) when I saw EWCM and then tracked the positives on Fertility Friend. It definitely worked since I'm 20 weeks pregnant! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1090093 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 12:29:52 +0000 Littlebit 1090093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: I also use the Wondfo's and have pretty good luck with them! I usually test once a day in the morning, until I get closer to my estimated O date - then I switch to 2 a day, morning and late afternoon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1090050 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 12:14:21 +0000 doxielove 1090050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrskoloa: I think it's best to follow the instructions for the particular brand you are using. </p> <p>That being said, I always test in the afternoon. I think I've read the LH surge is best detected during the afternoon (meh, can't remember the source?). I have a hard time holding my pee, too, but I usually stop drinking/eating at 1pm, use the bathroom, and then test at 5 (4-hour hold). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1089959 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 11:42:43 +0000 mrskoloa 1089959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow! So many people in the same boat as me; I knew I was keeping the right company :happy: </p> <p>I have been sifting through hundreds of posts now talking about the benefits of when to test for LH for the OPKs. The instructions in the box say to just use your first pee of the day, because you have to have held your pee for at least four hours in order to test accurately. I would like to follow the instructions, no question (plus, living in hot HI, I drink tons of water anyway and pee at least every couple hours). However, I have seen a significant number of posts from women who prefer to test later in the day. What's a girl to do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ttc-with-opk#post-1089084 Mon, 16 Sep 2013 04:40:37 +0000 babybean404 1089084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello @mrskoala!</p> <p>It sounds like we are in similar situations. I also work at a school and really want to avoid an August or September baby! i was so excited that this would be our montb and a late May due date seemed perfect...but no dice.</p> <p>I figure I have 2 more cycles to try for a summer baby before I'll want to take time off. But honestly I think we will probably keep trying, school calendar be damned.</p> <p>I stopped taking my bc in June as well. My first cycle was 40 days, and I got some "positive" tests on wondfo OPKs I bought from amazon. But then we went on vacation and I stopped testing. After seeing some true positives this past month, I know I stopped testing too early on my first cycle.</p> <p>My second cycle, I decided to get the clearblue digitals with the :) and I committed to using the wondfos every day, even when I got disappointed that I was on cycle day 20+. I finally got a very dark test line on a wondfo at CD 25 and, like @doxielove, then I used the digital to confirm. </p> <p>I just started my period yesterday (boo).so my second cycle was 35 days. I'm hoping this is a good sign, that the cyes are getting back to "normal."</p> <p>I bought my wondfos and digitals online (wondfos from amazon and digitals from drugstore.com wtb a coupon).</p> <p>Good luck!!! I hope you get your summer baby!!! </p>