Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

This morning was the very first time I used an OPK (Clearblue Easy) and I didn't get a smiley. This was not a surprise, I didn't think I was even near O yet, but I did what the directions said (actually, according to the directions I should have started yesterday, but I forgot). Anyway, I couldn't help but feel like I wasted a stick and that I really shouldn't start testing this early, but I am new to this and admittedly clueless, so what do I know!

Anyway, my long-winded question is, do you all start testing from CD 9 if you're using the Clearblue Easy?

My cycle is usually pretty normal... anywhere from 28 to 30ish days.

Message edited 8/3/2010 10:57:32 AM.

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

I test starting CD9 - mainly b/c i used to start at CD10 and one month got and wondered if i might ever get one on CD9 and miss

I too have 29 day cycles and usually O on CD14 but sometimes earlier - it stinks to use so many tests but its better than missing it

Hope that helps

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

Well, I don't use the smiley tests...just the cheap Amazon test strips (you can get 50 of them for the same price you'd pay for a name brand) and they work fine for me. I usually start 2 days before my usual O date, around CD18 or 19. So I test around CD 15 or 16.

My cousin usually O's around CD8 or 9 so you really should temp for a few months to pinpoint when you O if you are not sure when that is. Not everyone who has a 28 day cycle O's on CD14. GL!

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

I don't O till CD 22 or 23. I start using the sticks at CD12, just because you never know, and I wouldn't want to miss an O!

ETA: I get the box of 20 digitals on amazon. They are WAY cheaper than at the drugstore!

Message edited 8/3/2010 11:17:13 AM.

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

I start CD 11, I usually get my CD 14 or 15.

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

Thanks all. I'll keep testing from CD 9. I'm so naive when it comes to this whole subject, I didn't realize I could ovulate just four days after AF left town.

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

the last 2 cycles I was using OPKs I got my on CD20, and I felt O pains a couple days before both times. So this month I decided to start testing on CD17. Well, its CD22 and still no and I havent felt a thing I have regular 29 day cycles, so I probably missed it, unless this months cycle is going to suddenly be longer... I have absolutely no idea what is going on!

Re: Newbie needs help: What's the latest CD you would start using the OPK?

its hard to say. my cycles are a bit irregular. they range in length from 23 to 29 and i have O'd anywhere from CD11 to CD 18...so i guess it just depends on knowing your own body and taking a couple cycles to see what is normal for you. I personally gave up on OPK's for a few reasons. Our schedule is BD every other day starting at CD10 though CD20...and maybe an extra time if i see a lot of EWCM. Its a lot of BD but we try and have fun with it. I do temp. to make sure that I did indeed ovulate.