Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

This is exactly why I didn't want to use them to begin with, but this process as a whole is frustrating me so I felt like OPKs might help move things along, but they're just complicating things for me.

I started using the line OPK strips on CD 10 with FMU because it's not possible for me to hold my urine for 4 hours. I've gotten nothing but the faintest lines possible. You literally have to be close up to them to see the test line.

Yesterday (CD 20) I tested around 10:30am (FMU) and forgot about the test. DH reminded me like 2 hours later, at which time I saw it was a darker line. I knew the results were invalid at that point, but I was curious about the darker line, so I didn't drink anything and held my urine until 1:30, at which time I tested again. The line was definitely darker than what I've been getting (much darker!), but not as dark or darker than the control line. I did some research online and looked at pics of other women's OPKs and when they had a line like I did it seemed they got a positive OPK the next day.

Well, this morning I test with FMU at 7:30 and it's back to the faint line again. I'm beyond upset and confused. I wonder if the OPKs just aren't working for me, especially because I use FMU. Could yesterday have been a positive and the line just couldn't get dark enough because I didn't hold it in for 4 hours and it was early afternoon?

I'm going to try holding it after 3 today and test again when I get home. I haven't been consistently checking my CM so I'm kicking myself for that. Temping isn't possible because I wake up frequently throughout the night and I don't think it would be accurate. I just want to know when/if I'm Oing!

Sorry for the long vent, but DH is the only one besides all of you I can talk to and if he tells me one more time to just relax and it will happen I am going to punch him in his face. And I mean that with love.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

aww, sorry you're frustrated. i just read a little about OPKs and it mentioned that you shouldn't use them until around 2pm because the hormone needed for a positive on the test doesn't really show in your body till the afternoon.

also, what about using the digital kits? maybe you'll have better luck. HTH!

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

I don't know much about this but wanted to say that you should not be using FMU, the hormone that you are looking for comes much later in the day and will not show up. I think you are supposed to test between 10am and 8pm? You do not have to hold your urine for a certain number of hours, just don't drink much for a few hours before testing.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

I have heard that with the strips FMU doesn't work....I use the digitals and loved them this month. I also didn't hold for 4 hours...I would hold from 12-3 and if I couldn't I even cheated nad did 2:30 a few times..lol....

but I wouldn't test w/ FMU. They say the digitals you can though...so maybe give them a try rather than the strips.

I knwo I would've gone crazy reading the lines also...it was worth the extra $$ for me to know the smiley when I see it.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

you can't use FMU. the LH surge isn't metabolized into your urine until the afternoon. that's why you're getitng the faint line. sorry

the only time you would get a positive OPK in the morning is if you surged the day before and it was "left over" in your system - which happens to some women but not most.

if you had a dark line yesterday i would BD today and for the next three days - there's a good chance you are Oing soon. and test later today.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

I'm really so sorry you're so frustrated!!! Those lines can drive anyone mad!!!

I have to agree with the posters above who said not to use FMU Holding it in for 4 hours can be sooo difficult. Just try to hold it for as long as you can, don't drink too much in the hours before you take the test, and go for it. Wait until the afternoon or even the evening. Carry one with you in your bag so that when you feel like you can't hold it in anymore, regardless of how long it's been, but the longer the better, then you take it when you go. That way at least you have a good chance of catching the LH that's metabolized into your urine by then.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

I went through MANY OPKs.

1st morning urine worked for me: even when I was testing 2x a day (AM and PM), I'd get my 1st + in the AM (even after holding at night).

I'd say be meticulous about WHEN you take the test (do it at the same time every day & let is sit for the same time).

Try it next month...if it works, it works.

Re: Beyond frustrated with OPKs (long)

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I tested again today around 7:30pm after holding for 3 hours and it was negative. I don't know what to think.

I know you're not supposed to use FMU with the OPKs, but many women have and it worked for them. I was just hoping it would work for me also, but I guess not. If this isn't our month I'm going to test 2x a day next month to make sure I catch my surge. I just won't be able to drink anything until night time.