An ovulation test kit will let you know when you are at your most fertile period during the month, in order to increase your chances of conceiving. Ovulation test kits do not simply confirm that ovulation has taken place; they accurately predict when your ovulation will occur.
The tests work by detecting Luteinizing Hormone, which your body produces when the ovum is about to be released. This enables the test to predict the precise moment of ovulation. A positive result from an ovulation test kit means you will have the best chance of becoming pregnant over the subsequent 3 days.
There are two equally accurate types of ovulation test kits. One is comprised of a midstream strip. For this test you hold the strip in your stream of urine. The other test is comprised of a test strip. You simply fill a container with urine and dip the strip for 5 seconds. The usual reaction time for the test is 5 minutes. By that time you can make a reading. The tests, like most pregnancy tests, have a color band for control. If the test color line matches the control, you have a positive result.
Another type of fertility testing kit is the home fertility microscope, which works by detecting certain hormones that indicate the time of ovulation. By placing a sample of your saliva in the microscope you will be able to see a discernible "ferning" pattern if you are about to ovulate.
What to Look for
The main thing to consider when choosing a ovulation testing kit is how long you will be needing it for. If you are planning to get pregnant once, then either of the strip kits will be suitable. If, however, you are planning on future pregnancies, you may want to choose the home fertility microscope. Although it is more expensive than the other tests, it will last for up to 2 years.
Common Pitfalls
The surge of Luteinizing Hormone is very brief, so you need to be testing at the right time of the month and the right time of day to get a positive result. The ideal time of day is mid afternoon, as this will give your body time to build up a concentration of Luteinizing Hormone in your urine. The appearance of a pale or thin band (in comparison to the control color band) does not indicate a positive result. The color band must be equal to or darker than the color on the control line.
