https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:16:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230884 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:10:56 +0000 GreenThumb 230884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I have only ever used the cheapies and had pretty good luck with those. Sometimes I would have 2 days that showed a positive, but it was close enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230857 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:48:46 +0000 JoJoGirl 230857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: @alison206: @GreenThumb: Thanks for your input! I don't know why I didn't think of using the cheapies first before. duh. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230824 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:20:22 +0000 GreenThumb 230824@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I definitely think starting with CD10 or 11 is the way to go. When I was using OPKs, I always hated testing on CD10-12 because I felt like I was wasting $$ on them, but really that's exactly what they are meant for and catching that surge is so important ;). And I agree that with acupuncture you will probably regulate in a little bit, so hopefully you will find that CD14/15 is your regular ovulation time.</p> <p>I'm on CD11 today, too... time to start BD! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230813 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:06:25 +0000 ladybee 230813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jojogirl: I started with the cheap Target brand. It was $11 for 30 sticks. Then I bought FR which were $16 for 7. I thought the Target brand sucked and didn't work however the real issue was I ovulated way late so they were working. Target brand asked for FMU btw. Id do cheap from CD 7 till 12 or 14 and then switch over. Or use CB digital to confirm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230803 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:01:24 +0000 looch 230803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>good luck girl! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230801 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:00:53 +0000 JoJoGirl 230801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thanks - will do. Just found a dollar store near my office so will grab some today after work. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230797 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:59:24 +0000 looch 230797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, got it. I haven't used OPKs in 2 years, so I am not up on all the latest stuff!</p> <p>I'd try with a set of non digitals. It's all I ever used. I also was going to an acupuncturist, and I just looked at my old charts, I'd always start testing on CD 12 with a 33 day cycle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230783 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:52:46 +0000 JoJoGirl 230783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope, I mean the ClearBlue digital OPKs that give you a smiley face if it's positive or an open circle if it's negative. I burned through 11 sticks last month cause I started testing on CD10 and it turned positive CD21 and the box of 20 cost me like $40! So trying to avoid that going forward :) Unfortunately my ovulation time keeps changing so I guess I'll just keep burning through them til it regulates. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230778 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:48:39 +0000 looch 230778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you using a monitor? Is that what you mean by digital?</p> <p>I never used one, just cheap kits from CVS. I'd buy the First Response kits, they have like 10 or 12 in a package. One package lasted me 3 months while I was establishing my ovulation times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/with-irregular-cycles-what-day-to-start-using-opks#post-230730 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:20:43 +0000 JoJoGirl 230730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Today is cycle 5, CD11. In previous months I've used OPKs they've turned positive on CD15, then CD16, then CD21 last month (grumble). My acupuncturist is convinced I'm going to 'regulate' and fall back closer to CD14. What day do you think I should start using OPKs? </p> <p>I only wonder because I'm using digitals so would hate to start today and go through half a box or more and waste them. I would also hate to miss O. I suppose I could use the internet cheapies and when they start fading in, switch to digitals, but I don't have any on-hand yet. What do you all think?</p> <p>(ETA: i know to BD this whole time regardless, but I'm getting tired wasting my money on these expensive OPKs so want to maximize them! :) ) </p>