pH sticks - perhaps I'm doing it wrong?

[rainbowflower]

I bought two lots of sticks. First, by accident, the Chinese ones... and then some from a UK seller which were recommended to me.

The UK ones definitely respond better, but I still struggle to interpret the results. Where there is a lot of CM the paper seems to bleach white, and around that there is a blend of various different shades (slightly green, so no idea which is the correct one). If I wipe the CM off after a bit, it seems to take a lot of the dye off too.

The instructions say to check the pH on the back of the paper if not dipping it in liquid, yet my CM never seems to soak through to the back of the paper more than the tiniest dot.

I'm quite dry down there (sorry!), probably due to BF at the moment... so I struggle to get a sample, and when I do get one perhaps the sample is too small. I don't get enough of a sample to use an electronic pH reader despite trying the cotton-bud trick someone else suggested. I've also tried the cotton-bud trick on the pH paper to see if that will help to have less on there to remove some of the ambiguity but it doesn't help. I've tried smearing the sample over the paper but that again seems to drag colour around too.

I think my pH is just over 5, perhaps 5-5.5... but because all the pHs between 5-7 are greenish I guess it could be a lot higher and I'm reading it wrong. The paper is normally yellow, and turns a mottled light green when my sample is on it.



So, how do you do it? Is there a perfect technique? Do you read the result when the paper is still damp or let it dry? Anyone else have these problems?



ATM I'm not planning on using pH testing as part of my sway, unless I can find a way to make it easier to read as I don't plan on stressing over interpreting it when the time comes.

[zanacal]

I've had the same problems! I also *think* my pH is around 5-5.5 (and it has been no matter when I've tested and what potions I've used!) but, like you, I've wondered whether it might in fact be a 7 - but then I checked the water from my tap and I'm sure that really is a 7 and the colours are quite different!

[atomic sagebrush]

I am hoping some others chime in here with their experiences (my sticks always changed right away) but one link that you might find helpful is this http://www.in-gender.com/cs/forums/t/51370.aspx

Several people posted pics of their pH sticks/strips changing color so it may help you to judge what yours are doing. Sorry you're having difficulty.

[rainbowflower]

those sticks with the 2 squares on them look much easier to use... are those the phion ones?

thanks zana, I've tried it with the water too and you're right there is a difference. I still think I'm in the 5-5.5 range, not sure if that's that good or not, but I've not started any of the diets yet. taking the cranberry supps hasn't changed the pH at all and I've been taking those for a month or so now

[zanacal]

Nothing changes mine - even using Aci-jel! I have the ones with 2 squares on too and I don't think they change colour. I think I'm one of those people who can't use pH strips

[Flava]

My experience is this pH papers sucks! never worked good for me only if I put some very high ph thing on it like BS the I can read it.
So I ordered a digital pH meter and everything is a lot better now!

[atomic sagebrush]

those sticks with the 2 squares on them look much easier to use... are those the phion ones?

thanks zana, I've tried it with the water too and you're right there is a difference. I still think I'm in the 5-5.5 range, not sure if that's that good or not, but I've not started any of the diets yet. taking the cranberry supps hasn't changed the pH at all and I've been taking those for a month or so now

There are a couple brands with the two squares and those are the ones I used (I had phIon brand) and they worked well for me. Other people don't like them though because you don't always get perfect matches on both squares.

[atomic sagebrush]

those sticks with the 2 squares on them look much easier to use... are those the phion ones?

thanks zana, I've tried it with the water too and you're right there is a difference. I still think I'm in the 5-5.5 range, not sure if that's that good or not, but I've not started any of the diets yet. taking the cranberry supps hasn't changed the pH at all and I've been taking those for a month or so now

pH of 5-5.5 at ovulation is actually quite good and I wouldn't worry about it.

[Mochagirl]

rainbowflower - some people (like zanacal and myself) can't use ph strips. No matter what I do, my ph strips don't change colour - I think I have what's called low ionic strength. Back when I was swaying for ds3, I was told I could try to take copper (I think) to make my ph register on the strips, but since copper is extremely dangerous to take, I opted not to. I've decided to do everything I can to control ph (rephresh, aspartame, baby aspirin) and just assume it's working.

[zanacal]

rainbowflower - some people (like zanacal and myself) can't use ph strips. No matter what I do, my ph strips don't change colour - I think I have what's called low ionic strength. Back when I was swaying for ds3, I was told I could try to take copper (I think) to make my ph register on the strips, but since copper is extremely dangerous to take, I opted not to. I've decided to do everything I can to control ph (rephresh, aspartame, baby aspirin) and just assume it's working.

Yikes, that sounds like a crazy thing to do!! I don't think there's anything more I would do to lower my pH even if I knew what it was tbh - I just have to hope (I mean trust!) that those other things are working