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Pros and Cons of OPKs
Author: Angela Heidt
There are so many different types of fertility predictors out there, so which one should you choose? Well, this depends on several factors. Many women find that OPKs work very well for them, while others find that it is nothing but a challenge to decide what the OPK “reads”. Still others don’t like the process of using them, or the cost. Take a look through the pros and cons of using OPKs and see if they are right for you – remember that there are other options out there as well.
OPK Pros
The first major pro of the OPK is that it is easy to use – you just pee on it. It also provides an advantage over basal body temperature charting because it tells you when you are about to ovulate, instead of telling you that it already happened. This way you can plan intercourse for the right time. Also, you don’t have to chart for months and months to have an idea of when the best day is, since you will have advanced notice.
OPK Cons
Everything comes at a cost, and at $3-7 per test, not everyone can afford the price of OPKs. If you have a regular cycle (28-32 days) then you can probably get away with only using a few tests per month, but women with irregular cycles may have to test daily for some time to pinpoint their fertile days. In these cases it may be better to invest in a computerized ovulation predictor which will cost less over the long term.
Women who are on fertility drugs may also have difficulty with OPKs, as the tests read differently due to the increased hormones. Overall, OPKs work well for most people, but they are not for everyone. However, it doesn’t hurt to give them a try for one or two cycles to see how they work for you.
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