[kat21]

Hello,

I am 33 and I have been on the pill since I was 17. I am ashamed to say that I really don't have a clue how my body works.

I have a couple of questions about
ovulation as I would like to TTC.

Is an OPK simply the stick that you pee on to tell you if you are ovulating?

I have read some signs of ovulation include spike in temps and a change in CM. What else should I look for? For counting do I count 14 days from the first day of my period or is that only if I have a 28 day cycle?

Okay, that is WAY more than a couple of questions but if anyone can help me that would be great!

XO

[Kellileanne]

Ok, an OPK predicts that you will be ovulating in 24-36 hours (mostly, read the info that comes with them) and there are different brands and types--get the digital, they are much easier.
For the temps, look up basal body temp. This is where you are checking your temp before you get out of bed every morning, has to be every morning or it isn't that accurate and it still doesn't work for everyone. You should start seeing a pattern after a few months and that pattern should show you when you are ovulating.
The CM you are looking for when ovulating is it getting thinner and clearer (and probably slimy, slick) and should end up looking like egg whites. It will start out (at the beginning of your cycle) almost like craft glue, sticky and thick, then gets thinner and thinner the closer you get to ovulation, then goes back to sticky and thick after ovulation.
Not everyone ovulates on the same day each cycle so you really would need to pay attention to your body. Most women ovulate 13-15 days before their period (I know, doesn't tell you much). It can be frustrating because I think I ovulated on day 9 or 10 when I got my bfp.

You can find a lot of information if you google "ovulation tracking" or "fertility charting". Find the right system that works for you and you should have a better feeling that you are working with your body.

Good Luck and Welcome!

[kat21]

Thanks so much! That's a BIG help!