Progesterone Q + A: The Misunderstood Ovulation Hormone

Part 2: Testing For Ovulation

 

Often we meet women who have been mis-prescribed progesterone by doctors who aren’t as familiar with the nuances of fertility medicine and the physiology of ovulation.  If used incorrectly, prescribed progesterone can act as a birth control, rather than support fertility. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence as there are so many misunderstandings around ovulations and progesterone. This is a huge key to fertility. At Famlee, our mission is to help bring clarity to women’s health and fertility—and that includes the ever-misunderstood ovulation hormone: progesterone. Let’s continue with part two of our four part series… 

When should I start using an OPK?

It is good to start using OPKs by Cycle Day 10 (sooner if your cycle is shorter than 28 days; later if your cycle is longer than 28 days).  It is best to start at least 4 days before you expect ovulation. Each kit on the market today is a little different, but most recommend testing the second morning urine. 

When is the best time to test progesterone?

Progesterone is best tested about 7 days after a +OPK or around 7 days before you expect your period. 

Should I wait for a +OPK to try for pregnancy?

If possible, it is best to be intimate or do fresh inseminations before your +OPK as well as when you have a +OPK. The goal is to not wait until OPK but follow other signs leading up to that too, especially cervical mucus (as indicated in Part 1) and libido.  

 

Should I keep testing my OPK strips after I get a +?

No, once you get a + you can stop testing. Everyone has different speeds at which their body is able to clear out the LH hormone once it surges, but the important part for ovulation is when it surges.  

 

Is it possible to have two separate +OPKs in one month?

It is rare, but some people have two separate +OPKs in one month, if they have two separate ovulations at different times. This is very uncommon but good to be aware of. Usually one of the ovulations is stronger than the other, depending on the timing in the cycle.  

 

Is there a difference between the digital ovulation predictor kits and the individual LH strips?

There are some differences in how sensitive the kits are. Most digital versions have a slightly lower (more sensitive) level at which they turn positive, which helps to capture the surge of more women. It can also be a lot less stressful to have a digital version, as it is standardized to what level of the surge is considered “high” or +. Trying to interpret how strong a line is versus the control can often cause a lot of stress.

What is the flashing stage of my fertility monitor before the +OPK?

For mental health reasons, we often recommend a more simple LH strip/OPK instead of a fertility monitor.  The flashing stage, also often listed as increased fertility versus high fertility, indicates the estrogen rising before the LH surges. This is designed to give you a few more days for expanding the fertile window, but doesn’t work well with certain bodies.

This concludes Part 2 of our 4-Part Progesterone Q+A Series—check back soon for Part 3. Click here for more information on the Famlee Fertility Kit.