Ovulation Predictor Kits
OPK’s can be frustrating and confusing but they are also a great tool in predicting ovulation and timing intercourse.
What is an OPK?
Definition from Wikipedia.com.
“The detection of a surge in release of luteinizing hormone indicates impending ovulation. LH can be detected by urinary ovulation predictor kits (OPK, also LH-kit) that are performed, typically daily, around the time ovulation may be expected. A conversion from a negative to a positive reading would suggest that ovulation is about to occur within 24–48 hours, giving women two days to engage in sexual intercourse or artificial insemination with the intentions of conceiving.
Tests may be read manually using a color-change paper strip, or digitally with the assistance of reading electronics.
Tests for luteinizing hormone may be combined with testing for estradiol in tests such as the Clearblue fertility monitor.
The sensitivity of LH tests are measured in milli international unit, with tests commonly available in the range 10-40 m.i.u.
As sperm can stay viable in the woman for several days, LH tests are not recommended for contraceptive practices, as the LH surge typically occurs after the beginning of the fertile window.”
When using OPK’s a line doesn’t always mean a line as in HPT’s. Read the instructions for any brand of OPK’s that you use.
For most tests, the line needs to be as dark as or darker than the control line to be positive. A great resource for all of your HPT/OPK questions is www.fertilityfriend.comand search for their OPK or HPT gallery.
Some important points to remember when using OPK's:
***Dollar store tests are just as reliable as any other test.
***the 2nd line on a digital is to be ingored!
***OPK’s should be used within a timeframe of 2pm-10pm, unless the directions tell you to use FMU, it is better
to wait. LH builds up during the day.
***Some doctors state that it is better to use the second urine of the day around 10am-2pm. Check with your doctor to see
what they recommend. Everybody is different and you could surge at different times than what is stated here.
***CBEFM’s are different - they also measure estrogen and DO require FMU.
What is an OPK?
Definition from Wikipedia.com.
“The detection of a surge in release of luteinizing hormone indicates impending ovulation. LH can be detected by urinary ovulation predictor kits (OPK, also LH-kit) that are performed, typically daily, around the time ovulation may be expected. A conversion from a negative to a positive reading would suggest that ovulation is about to occur within 24–48 hours, giving women two days to engage in sexual intercourse or artificial insemination with the intentions of conceiving.
Tests may be read manually using a color-change paper strip, or digitally with the assistance of reading electronics.
Tests for luteinizing hormone may be combined with testing for estradiol in tests such as the Clearblue fertility monitor.
The sensitivity of LH tests are measured in milli international unit, with tests commonly available in the range 10-40 m.i.u.
As sperm can stay viable in the woman for several days, LH tests are not recommended for contraceptive practices, as the LH surge typically occurs after the beginning of the fertile window.”
When using OPK’s a line doesn’t always mean a line as in HPT’s. Read the instructions for any brand of OPK’s that you use.
For most tests, the line needs to be as dark as or darker than the control line to be positive. A great resource for all of your HPT/OPK questions is www.fertilityfriend.comand search for their OPK or HPT gallery.
Some important points to remember when using OPK's:
***Dollar store tests are just as reliable as any other test.
***the 2nd line on a digital is to be ingored!
***OPK’s should be used within a timeframe of 2pm-10pm, unless the directions tell you to use FMU, it is better
to wait. LH builds up during the day.
***Some doctors state that it is better to use the second urine of the day around 10am-2pm. Check with your doctor to see
what they recommend. Everybody is different and you could surge at different times than what is stated here.
***CBEFM’s are different - they also measure estrogen and DO require FMU.