Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

I wrote this in one of my replies in my thread from this morning, but it's probably going to get lost in the shuffle.

I have a First Response 20 OPK kit from a friend that got pg. All 20 sticks are in one pouch that you're supposed to open and shut right away and it says once the pouch is open the sticks are only good for 30 days.

Is this REALLY true?

I ask because, as was previously discussed, I think 20 is overkill and would love to use 10 one month and 10 the next, but that would go beyond 30 days a bit.

Thoughts?

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

They say they only last for 30 days, now whether true or not, I guess we just have to take their word for it.

I agree that 20 is overkill, esp if you have an idea of when you O. IMO, I would just do it 2X a day for 10-days, but then again that is just me.

I used those the first month and hated the fact that I could not take them with me and had to close the bag tight right after, etc.. so last month I bought the OPK's from babyhopes.com because they are individually wrapped and usually about a year exp on them.

Good luck

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

Thanks Bari!!

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

I heard you only have 30 days from when you open them... I would just take their word for it. Maybe just use them twice a day

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

I got the same type of OPKs from babyhopes.com. They were each individually wrapped so if you don't use all in one cycle you can use them in the next one.

Got a BFP using them. So I would try it.

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

Unfortunately... since I've been TTC for so darn long... I know the answer to this one.

If you keep the kits in a dark, cool, dry place and you zip the bag meticulously after you take each one out: I've used the kit for 3 months (about 90 days). It picked up my O date every time. In the last month, the colors get slightly faded...but when you O and compare the lines: you still can tell.

So YES: I have used for 3X the expiration date with it working.

Re: Spin-off to my own post about 20 day OPKs...

NOT true. (at least for me) I bought the same ones months and months ago. I only used a few and then just kept them sealed in my closet afterwards. (this was probably back in March/April) I just used the rest of them this past month along with my CBEFM to track my ovulation and they worked perfectly fine. They were dead on for when I O'ed. (right in line with my CBEFM) Honestly, I think they say that so you throw them out and buy more every month.