Dollar store OPKs - I am SUCH a newbie

Sorry for all the questions but I feel like such a newbie. DH and I don't plan on officially starting until the fall. However, I am using the next few months to figure out my cycle.

I was wondering if I should pick up a couple of OPKs from the dollar store to figure out when I ovulate so that we DON'T get pregnant in the next couple of months. When do you all test? Do I just guess that it's somewhere between CD11-CD16?

We really want to take the whatever happens approach in the fall. I am just wondering if I start using the OPKs now if I will feel lost without them?

Re: Dollar store OPKs - I am SUCH a newbie

You cannot use OPKs to avoid pregnancy. The test tells you that you will be ovulating in the next 24-36 hours. Sperm can survive in fertile CM for 3-5 days, so if you have sex a day or two before the +OPK, you could still end up pregnant.

I'd say that if you want to get an idea about your cycle inpreparation for TTC, try charting.

Re: Dollar store OPKs - I am SUCH a newbie

I think the OPKs are a good idea to get to know your cycle - they do get expensive though.

I would use condoms as another form of BC - going strictly by your ovulation isn't a very good method - it's called the rhythm method, my parents used it because the Church was against birth control and now they have 7 kids (one was planned)

Message edited 4/24/2008 10:22:47 AM.

Re: Dollar store OPKs - I am SUCH a newbie

Just a thought- the Dollar Store stopped carrying OPK's- at least the ones in LA did.

I bought mine from early.pregnancy.tests.com and they work fine for 1.50