Can I use an OPK as an HPT to check for pregnancy?

Hi Hope,

There is alot of truth and myth to all of this and am hoping to dispell some of these using our FertilityTies wand...

It is true that the LH and hCG molecules share a similar substructure (for us chemist geeks, we call it the alpha-subunit) and it's only because of their beta-subunit that gives each of these molecules its different efficacies/properties. They also do share in the human body the same receptors so that they can trigger the same things (hence, for the IVF junkies in the community, that's why when we want an LH surge to mimick what the body does, we give hCG because it works just as well using this same receptor-search for an article I wrote for lots more info)

Now, I know I sometimes deviate, but to answer your question, we know that there's LH pulses that do occur after ovulation that are significant enough to trigger a positive OPK (probably what you saw on CD 21 and why I ask our members to stop checking after the first surge) that create minor fluctuations in Progesterone levels (a whole philosophical area as to what constitutes a normal post-ovulatory Progesterone level I've not touched upon this website reserved for academicians).

In my round about way, what I'm trying to say is that OPKs make poor pregnancy kits; it is best to check hpts for hCG which is ONLY present in pregnant women except in rare cases...but learning and trying to understand all of this is always kind of fun...

Dear Doctor, Thanks so much for your answer. It sounds so interesting.

Bump

Just an FYI

the theory of whether OPK's can detect Early Pregnancy or not has been busted by me.

They absolutely DO!! Although one should ALWAYS confirm with an HPT or BW but the OPK's absolutely pick up EARLY Pregnancy.

Here is the test I did at 16dpo just to see:



And the internet cheapy is suppose to give a + result from 10mIU.



But as of 16dpo it still wasnt that dark.

Did not get Dark until 18dpo



but still not as dark as control so keep testing girls if you use these strips You may just be missing something...

Good Luck and Baby Dust to all!!

Dr. Q stated that OPKs make for poor pregnancy tests.

I think even though there could be a few exceptions (as in most things) it's probably not a good idea just to go by an OPK to check pregnancy, as Heather said always best to check an HPT as well.

good luck!

btw, congrats again Heather on your pregnancy.

Angelfish: cute baby pic!