OPK for dummies: can someone please help me?

Question

Ok, I don’t have regular-regular periods, but I do have one every month, with that being said; when should I test for ovulation. And do I need to keep and date my opk’s to see the test line getting darker? Because I haven’t been doing this. 
Also, after you get your positive. Is it 100% that you ovulate 12-36 hours after? And how do you know you have for sure ovulated? 
I’m just so confused; I’m sorry I sound dumb.

Answer

I don’t keep my tests but I take pics so I can see the progression. And no a positive opk does not guarantee ovulation. It only shows that your body had an LH surge in an attempt to ovulate and sometimes that attempt doesn’t work. There are actually only a couple ways to know for sure if you’ve ovulated. Blood work to test progesterone levels, frequent ultrasounds to see when the egg is released from the follicle, OR... the easiest way, take you temp every morning before you get out of bed. Progesterone causes your base temp to rise by a noticeable amount so when you see a sustained temp jump on your chart, it confirms ovulation has happened. Check out the book “taking charge of your fertility”.

Answer

The only way to know for sure you ovulated is blood test done by your doctor to check your levels. A positive lh surge does not always mean you ovulate (like in my case with pcos) 
I keep my test however I do not use the strips I use the clear blue digital that shows a circle for no or a smiley for yes.

OPK for dummies: can someone please help me?

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