How to Take a GOOD visible pic of your HPT

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Usually around the time of your missed period, you can take a HPT (Home Pregnancy Test) and get a reliable result. Some also opt to test early! Around 6-12dpo (Days Past Ovulation) implantation can occur, and a few days after that the HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) can metabolize enough in your Urine stream to then be detected on a HPT. If you’re actively TTC (Trying To Conceive) it can be a pretty exciting time, and you may want to get others opinions on whether or not they see a second Line, once you’ve tested. Many of us are a part of support groups and it’s fun to post pictures. The problem lies when the picture isn’t the best quality, and sometimes it can make it a bit difficult to interpret the results if you’re an outsider looking in. So I decided to make a little tutorial on how to take GOOD pics of your lovely pee sticks!

It’s always good for starters, to take a pic in good lighting! Most of us nowadays have good cell phones with camera’s – that even have a flash!

But – is it always best to use the flash? Simple answer, NO. If you’re using a midstream test that has a splash guard on it, (the clear plastic piece over the results window) the flash will more often than not reflect back and you won’t be able to see the results. Your best option is to turn the flash off. Sometimes though, that can cause another problem. Blurry pics! Here’s a pic that was taken with the flash on. Although it’s not Blurry, you still cannot see the results.

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Here’s a few examples of Blurry pics that will be very hard to interpret unless you have an unmistakable, very vivid, dark Test Line! Please try to refrain from posting these.

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There’s a very simple remedy for that issue! Maybe on your groups forums or posts you’ve noticed objects on or around their Tests and You’ve wondered why? Well – objects make the camera focus! Especially when you turn the flash off. It’s best to put a test in great lighting and an object next to it or even on it. Most with smart phones can even tap the screen to also help focus things. Here’s a few taken the right way! PLEASE (if you opt to post anything) only post pics that are good and visible otherwise it’ll defeat the purpose if you’re trying to get a second opinion.

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Now, I’m going to proceed to show you some other, “Picture Don’ts.” Here we have the ever so popular angled Tests. Unfortunately even in the best of lighting, it’s still very hard to see a second Line this way. Your best bet is to take the pic directly above the Tests!

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Love tweaking? What exactly is tweaking? Well, most of use different apps or graphics programs on our phones nowadays or even on our computers that can put different filters, enhance contrast, saturation, etc. On any pic of a HPT. The idea is to either pull some color on a line that is considered questionable, or to make a line a little more visible. Tweaking is great! The problem lies with over tweaking. And you can do that by using several different methods to try and enhance a test pic. Most don’t even realize though that when you over-tweak, you’re making it even harder to interpret. It can cause way too much pixilization with way too many colors, so if there was a chance to spot a line – there definitely won’t be afterwards. PLEASE, it’s better just to post the original and let the others do the tweaking!

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And of course the invert! If you are going to tweak, I would highly recommend to refrain from doing that. Inverts will make most ANY Line visible including (Indent Lines) and of course the dreadful (Evaporation Lines).

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If you look close enough at the inverted pic up above, you’ll see a Line. Looks promising, doesn’t it? Not so much. That’s an indent. So Yeah.

Even if you can’t test during the day when you’ll have the best lighting available – you can still make your pictures visible. Making sure the camera will focus correctly, and aiming directly right above the test is key!

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SUMMARY OF OUR WONDERFUL TUTORIAL HERE:

– Make sure you have good lighting! (Window seals are perfect for this type of thing)
– Make sure you turn your flash off
– Make sure you have an object on or near the test (to help the camera focus)
– Make sure you Take a pic directly up above the test, and as close to the results window as possible!

IN THE END (Regardless if it’s positive or Negative results) YOU WANT YOUR TEST PICS TO LOOK LIKE THIS!

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Nice, clean, bright and clearly visible! I hope this has helped you and we send Baby Dust to everyone in their TTC journey!

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The BEST Deals on Ovulation Tests and Pregnancy Tests

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If you’re actively TTC (Trying To Conceive) and especially for those of you who are (Charting) your fertility, (Basal Body Temperature, Cervical Mucus, Cervical Position and of course by also using Ovulation Predictor Kits in conjunction with those other primary fertility indicators) – You’re more than likely also wanting to test on or around the time of your expected period! And granted, if you’re an early tester it can get costly. HPT’s (Home Pregnancy Tests) come in all different forms such as Test Strips, Cassette Tests, Midstreams and even Digitals. Most of us are on a budget and I’ve made it my mission to find some of the absolute BEST DEALS that can make it way more affordable to Pee-On-That-Stick!

* PRODUCTS CAN BE PURCHASED OFF OF EBAY & AMAZON *

10miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 30 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips (with Free Collection Cups) $6.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $1.75 + Free Shipping

15miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 50 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

25miu HCG Test Strips:

Quantity: 100 Test Strips $10.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips $1.82 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $1.09 + $0.49 Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips $0.99 + $0.59 Shipping

Quantity: 12 Test Strips $2.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 20 Test Strips $2.29 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10/20/30 Test Strips $3.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 25 Test Strips $3.49 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 Test Strips $6.99 + Free Shipping

Midstream HCG Tests:

Quantity: 20 Midstream Tests (25miu) $11.80 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 5/10 Midstream Tests (25miu) $2.49 + Free Shipping

Cassette HCG Tests:

Quantity: 20 Cassette Tests (10miu) $7.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 Cassette Tests (25miu) $13.33 + $2.39 Shipping

Ovulation Test Strips:

Quantity: 100 MicroMall Test Strips (20miu) $15.90 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 40 Test Strips (25miu) $7.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 ClinicalGuard Test Strips (25miu) $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 10 Test Strips (25miu) $0.99 + $0.39 Shipping

Quantity: 10 LH Test Strips (15miu) $2.00 + Free Shipping

Combo Deals:

Quantity: 100 Blue Cross One Step LH / 20 HCG Test Strips (25miu) $20.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 LH / 20 HCG GetMore Test Strips (25miu) $8.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 60 LH / 30 HCG Test Strips (25miu) $13.69 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 50 LH / 20 HCG Strips $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 30 LH / 10 HCG Strips $5.99 + Free Shipping

Name Brand Pregnancy Tests:

Quantity: 3 First Response Early Results Midstream Tests (25miu but can detect 6.5miu) $12.95 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 8 Clearblue Digital Midstream Tests $21.50 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 9 E.P.T Midstream Tests (40miu) $25.00 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 6 E.P.T Midstream Tests (40miu) $7.50 + $2.50 Shipping

Quantity: 3 E.P.T Digital Tests (40miu) $7.49 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 6 Clearblue Plus Midstream Tests (25miu) $24.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 2 CVS Brand Digital Midstream Tests $9.99 + Free Shipping

Quantity: 3 CVS Brand Early Result Midstream Tests $4.99 + $1.93 Shipping

Quantity: 2 Answer Midstream Tests $7.77 + Free Shipping

DISCLAIMER: These may be limited time offers only! Prices and Shipping Fees are subject to change.

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Can you get a FALSE POSITIVE if an Unused Test comes into contact with a TRUE POSITIVE?

Over the past few days I’ve been conducting some new Experiments just to what (if Anything) can yield any false positive results on a HPT? Soooooooo – I decided to Take a (True Positive) HPT and touch it on a (Never been used) HPT just to see if it could possibly yield a (False Positive Result) after dipping it in normal Urine that contained no traces of HCG – just simply Because it came into contact with another, True Positive Test?!

PART 1:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFxiNLUp8RA&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “Like” THE (PART 1) VIDEO!

PART 2:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTACsmS_UY&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “Like” THE (PART 2) VIDEO!

PART 3:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DJ6L6kDfUA&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “Like” THE (PART 3) VIDEO!

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Reusing a Negative HPT with Urine that contains HCG!

Can the Temperature of Urine Effect the Results on a HPT?

Lucky me I have a friend who just so happens to be Pregnant and donated a Urine sample! I’ve done a previous Experiment with the (Temperature of Urine using a OPK) I thought I would try this same Experiment with a HPT! I left the sample sitting out for about 2-3 hours before making this VLOG!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMCE7HFn_Qk&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “Like” and “Subscribe” TO OUR CHANNEL!

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WIN FREE OPK’s and HPT’s (Social Media “Like, Subscribe & Share”) Contest!

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It’s that time (for all my fellow Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak’s) Who doesn’t love FREE Home Pregnancy Tests and Ovulation Tests?? I’ve always said, the holidays are about giving, and I would love to give you some great stocking-stuffers, (or you can decide to keep them for yourself ha ha!) But there’s no better way to bring in the New Year than by celebrating with some Baby-Making!

It’s really simple! There are so many ways you can score points. Essentially, you get what you put in! The more time and effort, the better your odds are.

First, Fill out this form and Submit it via Email to:
Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak@Hotmail.com

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-OR- You can also send it via Direct Message on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

RULES TO PARTICIPATE:

– You MUST “Like, Subscribe and Follow,” all of our Social Media Pages (where applicable) in order to QUALIFY.
– SEND PROOF of it, by DM or Tweet, Comment, etc. (Yes – I will be checking!)
– If you Remove yourself as a Fan, Friend, Unfollow, etc. (At anytime) You will immediately disqualify yourself.
– YOU MUST FILL OUT THE FORM COMPLETELY and Submit it!
– Anytime you do Anything to Participate, Promote, Refer, etc. PLEASE DM PROOF FOR TALLY POINTS!
– When you Refer people to our Social Media Pages, they ALSO must, “Like, Subscribe and Follow,” and leave a comment or DM with WHO REFFERED THEM! (Or it won’t count)

Here are ways you can increase your odds of winning!

REFERRING TONS OF PEOPLE:

– The more people you refer, and can get to LIKE & FOLLOW our Social Media Pages the better! (Especially our Facebook Page!)

(HERE ARE OUR SOCIAL MEDIA SIGNS YOU CAN POST TO PROMOTE)

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SITE PROMOTION:

Are you an artist? Make Fan Signs & Post them on YOUR Social Media Accounts! (Hashtag #PeeOnAStickFreak) Not an Artist? No Problem! Re-post our images that promote our Accounts! Regardless of HOW you choose to Promote our Social Media Networks and our Website, POST PROOF! Use the #PeeOnAStickFreak where applicable.

SITE PARTICIPATION:

– We usually have stuff going on! Just recently I started working on Product Reviews. Anytime I post questions, need feedback, or Sometimes even cool ideas for the site, THE MORE YOU PARTICIPATE – THE GREATER YOUR ODDS WILL BE (if of course you’re also participating in the Social Media Promotion)

THINGS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE WITH:

– PRODUCT REVIEWS – Anytime you try various fertility products, give me some feedback! Doesn’t matter what kind. Of course, you can also ADD your feedback as well to some of the Products that have been previously Reviewed.

– TTC “Life Hacks” – Anytime you can think of a way to improve, or substitute a fertility Product, TTC Method, etc. And you’ve had some success with it, SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE! I would love to add that information to our website and maybe even a quote from YOU!

– NEW HPT & OPK EXPERIMENT IDEAS! If you have thought of any new ideas that would make a great experiment, LET ME KNOW!

– SEND IN YOUR PICTURES & VIDEO FOOTAGE SHOWCASING YOUR Positive Pregnancy Tests! I will be making a really cool video compilation with Pictures, Video Footage, combined with music and posting it to our website! Send us a video doing a “Happy Dance” while showing your BFP TEST! SEND US PICS! You may just be in the video displayed on our site!

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS YOU CAN DO! JUST KEEP IN MIND THE MORE EFFORT YOU PUT IN – THE GREATER YOUR ODDS WILL BE! Good Luck!!

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What Do I Record as Cycle Day 1? (The Difference Between SPOTTING and Your PERIOD)


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Image: www.healthtap.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

 

When you’re new to (Charting) it can be a bit confusing sometimes to know exactly WHEN or WHAT to Record on your Fertility Chart as CD (Cycle Day) 1. We used to assume that anytime you had any kind of bleeding, “Well that MUST be the start of our Period!” Yeah, ummmm, no matter how Light, Heavy or even when it happened!

I’m sure you’ve heard this from a friend or family member, “You must just be starting Early,” OR,  “It must be a LATE Period.” Better yet, no matter how Light it was, maybe they also told you – (or maybe you just assumed as so many of us do) that it was just an EXTREMELY LIGHT Period! Well, as time goes on more and more research is done to help expand our minds and give us some clarity!

There are two phases to our Cycle – The Follicular Phase (The time from the first day of our Menstrual Period until Ovulation takes place) and that’s controlled by a Hormone called, “Estrogen.” The next Phase of our cycle is known as The Luteal Phase (The time from Ovulation until either our Period starts or we achieve Pregnancy) and that’s controlled by a Hormone called, “Progesterone,” which is a heat inducing Hormone.

If you happen to take your BBT’s (Basal Body Temperatures) throughout your cycle, Estrogen keeps your temps low during the first Phase prior to Ovulation and Progesterone elevates and sustains our higher temps post Ovulation. Most of the time, (either one or two things will happen) – we will notice that our BBT’s have remained High past 13-16 DPO (Days Past Ovulation) and have possibly achieved Pregnancy! Or, our temps will drop back down which is a good indication that we can expect our Period sometime soon.

Sometimes though we can experience what is known as, “Mid-Cycle Spotting,” on or around Ovulation. That is not uncommon! Usually (if you’re also keeping track of your Cervical Fluid or Cervical Mucus) you may notice a bit of Fluid that resembles raw Egg Whites. If you happen to see a bit of Pink, Red, or even Brown tinged EWCM (Egg White Cervical Mucus) that is considered to be amongst the most fertile, and is caused Sometimes by a bit of spotting due to the Mature Egg breaking through the Egg Follicle.

At other times, (although it is considered RARE) you may notice a bit of spotting between 7-10 DPO and if you’ve achieved Pregnancy than that can also be known as, “Implantation Spotting,” which OFTEN gets mistaken for a Period! (Now, not ALL spotting is associated with Ovulation and Pregnancy) BUT – it can be considered as a clue, and can therefore give you a bit of insight. To actually peak into your Fertile Window – you may wanna consider taking a OPK (Ovulation Predictor Kit), also to confirm Early Pregnancy I would highly suggest taking a High Sensitivity HPT (Home Pregnancy Test!)

So, how do you differentiate between Spotting and actual Flo? Well, (as some licensed Doctors have put it) if you wipe and only see a bit of Pink, or a few drops of Blood – then that would be considered, “Spotting.”

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Images: www.wikihow.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


Any amount of RED Blood that requires a pad or a tampon would be considered, “Menses or actual Flo.”

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Image: www.wikihow.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak


So essentially, if you need a pad or a tampon than you can officially record that as, “Cycle Day 1.”

Cycle Day 1 (again) is defined as your first day of actual Bright RED or Dark RED Flo that requires a Pad or a Tampon!

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Image: www.egeve.com Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

If you’re actively TTC (Trying To Conceive) and you have a higher Temperature above your coverline – (and you notice a bit of spotting) Don’t lose hope just yet! There may be a possibility that it’s simply Implantation Spotting.

If you’re new to Charting, (or tracking your Period) even if you’re NOT actively TTC – Charting is still a great way to pinpoint your Period each cycle and can also indicate whether or not you should possibly Test for Pregnancy.

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Home Pregnancy Test Sensitivities

Pregnancy TEST Sensitivities

Image: www.americanpregnancy.org Graphics: Pee-On-A-Stick-Freak

 

At the end of every cycle, (one of two things can happen) either the dreaded AF (Aunt Flo) rears her ugly head or you find you’ve missed your Period!

Some of us Chart our cycles every month by taking our BBT (Basal Body Temperature) using a special kind of Thermometer called a, “Basal Body Thermometer.” They are a bit more sensitive, and can record even the slightest body fluctuations. The next thing would be our CM (Cervical Mucus) which goes through different phases throughout the course of our cycle, as well as our CP (Cervical Position).

During the first Part of our cycle, Estrogen is responsible for gearing our bodies up for Ovulation. Once that happens you’ll notice your CM and CP getting less fertile and Progesterone (which is a heat inducing Hormone) keeps our Temperatures higher and elevated until AF shows up. Progesterone is responsible for the second half of our cycle known as the (Luteal Phase). If your Temperatures remain elevated past your ETD (Estimated Testing Day) or the day you’re expecting your Period – chances are you may be Pregnant! Estrogen is responsible for the first Part of our cycle, (Follicular Phase) so it just makes sense that our Temperature will drop within a day or two of AF.

There are all kinds of different Test Sensitivities, and you’ll find it rather easy deciding which one is right for you depending on how far along you may be in your possible Pregnancy. Usually the first day of your missed Period you can expect a reliable result, although some opt to start testing as Early as 8dpo (Days Past Ovulation). A good rule of thumb is if you KNOW you’re testing Early, you may want to rely on a HIGHLY SENSITIVE TEST that’s at least 25 mlU/ml and if you’re far enough along than usually a 40 or 50 mIU/ml should be sufficient.

Here is a List I’ve put together by Name Brand and Sensitivity!

Tests UNDER 25 mIU/ml:

– First Response Digital Gold 18mIU/ml
– First Response Early Result (Quantative Test that will pick up ANY amount of HCG per the manufacturer)

20 mIU/ml Tests:
– AimStep
– Aim Midstream 
– AimStick OTC PBO
– AimStick OTC/Accu Dip
At Home Pregnancy Test
– D Best One Step
Early Pregnancy Test
Save On Tests
– Simplicity
Tests For Less

25 mIU/ml Tests:
– AccuHome
– Answer
– Answer Quick & Simple
– Clearblue Easy (Digital) 35-50 mIU/ml
– Clearblue Easy Earliest Result
– Confirm 1-Step
– CVS Brand (Midstream)
– E.P.T. ( + or – ) Result Window
– Equate ( l l ) 2 line Result Window
– Equate ( + or – ) Result Window
– Fact Plus (Cassette)
– Fact Plus 1-Step (Cassette)

– First Signal One-Step Pregnancy Test (cassette)
– Health Check
– Health Mark
– Insta Test
– Iverness ( + or – ) Result Window
– Life Sign One Step (Midstream)
– New Choice (Dollar Tree Brand – Cassette)
– Smart Strip HCG (Fertilinet)
– Walgreens Brand (Digital)
– Puralin One Step Pregnancy Test
– One Step Be Sure Pregnancy Test

40 mIU/ml Tests:
– E.P.T ( l l ) 2 Line Result Window
– E.P.T ( + or – ) Result Window
– E.P.T Certainty

50 mIU/ml Tests:
– Clearblue Easy
– CVS Brand (Cassette)
– Early Pregnancy Test
– Iverness II
– Dollar Store Tests
– Target Brand
– Rite Aide Brand
– Drug Emporium Brand

100 mIU/ml Tests:
– Fact Plus Pro (Cassette)
– Walgreens Brand (Midstream)

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The Difference Between CONCENTRATED Urine and DILUTED Urine

HPT vs OPK

After being on a super long cycle and getting multiple positive OPK’s (using 3 different brands I might add!) So when I began to spot around 12dpo I decided to Test with both an OPK to see if I would still yield another positive result, as well as Test with a HPT to see if it would ALSO yield the same result? Or was AF rearing her ugly face?

(Part 1)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y36WOZNHig&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” the (Part 1) VIDEO!

(Part 2)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmdukJLVKIs&w=560&h=315]

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO “LIKE” THE (Part 2) VIDEO and “SUBSCRIBE” TO OUR CHANNEL!

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