An ovulation predictor kit is a test that can be taken at home that can help a women pinpoint the times she is ovulating to increase her chances of successfully conceiving a baby. The test works by detecting a surge in the lutenizing hormone, which indicates that ovulation will most likely occur within 24 to 48 hours. Using an ovulation kit is a very simple process and can be done with just a few steps.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. If you are healthy and not on medication this may not be necessary, but certain medications or medical conditions may interfere with getting an accurate result from ovulation kit testing. Talking to your doctor may be a good way of determining if using an ovulation predictor kit would be right for you.
Step 2
Purchase the item. Ovulation predictor kit test strips are generally available at drugstores, but may also be found at grocery stores or online. Before making your purchase, consider the price, consumer reviews and how many testing strips are available for each package. If you have a long menstrual cycle, it may be more economical to go with a brand that offers more tests in a package. On the other hand, if your cycle is closer to the typical 28-day cycle, a box with seven tests should be sufficient.
Step 3
Read the instructions. Although the general testing process is usually the same, it is always best to check to make sure that the specific brand you have chosen doesn't have any unusual testing quirks.
Step 4
Figure out what day you will begin testing. The date your last period began is considered the first day of your menstrual cycle. Generally, you should prepare yourself to begin testing on day 11 of your cycle and to continue taking the test every day until you get a positive result.
Step 5
Figure out what time you will begin testing. For best results, the tests should be taken at the same time every day until the surge is detected. Different brands may recommend testing at different periods of time during the day, so follow the recommendations of your specific brand for best results.
Step 6
Begin taking the tests. This is usually done either by urinating directly on the testing strip or by urinating into a cup and then dipping the testing strip into that urine. For best results, limit your fluid intake for about four hours before taking the test.
Step 7
Read the results. Remember, unlike a pregnancy test where two lines only appear with a positive result, an ovulation kit may have two lines appear even with a negative result. A LH surge is only detected when the test line is as dark or darker than the control line.
Step 8
Continue to take one test a day until the LH surge is detected. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the three days immediately following a positive result are the best days to have intercourse to increase the chances of conceiving a baby.
Tips and Warnings
- An ovulation kit can be expensive, especially when you have a long or irregular menstrual cycle. However, using coupons or comparing prices and shopping online may help you save some money.
- Although it is rare, false positives may occur. If you do not detect an LH surge at all or do not conceive within a few months of using an ovulation kit, you may want to talk to your doctor to be tested for fertility problems.
