When trying to get pregnant, timing is important. Knowing when ovulation occurs can help you plan the best time to conceive. An ovulation test, available at any drug or department store, can help pinpointing the moment of ovulation. These tests are much more accurate at determining ovulation than other techniques, such as basal temperature charting, and are easy to use and read.
The Equipment
Ovulation tests resemble pregnancy tests and come as either test strips or a hand-held, midstream test device. The strips are inexpensive, which allows you to test repeatedly to identify the release of a certain hormone that occurs during ovulation. While more expensive, the midstream tester also checks for the same hormone, allows multiple tests, and is neater and more convenient. Some midstream testers also have digital readouts to help reduce the risk of error. Many ovulation tests come as complete kits with all the required equipment and important information about ovulation, conception and pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, ovulation tests have around a 99 percent accuracy rate at detecting hormonal changes that can indicate ovulation.
Ovulation
As ovulation approaches, the body begins producing Follicle Stimulating Hormone. Also called FSH, this hormone triggers the formation of a follicle on one of the ovaries. The follicle contains an egg. Once the follicle is mature, and about 24 to 36 hours prior to ovulation, Luteinizing Hormone, also referred to as LH, surges dramatically in the body. This causes the follicle to rupture and release the egg into the fallopian tube. This is ovulation.
How Ovulation Tests Work
Ovulation tests are designed to detect the LH hormone surge. When a positive test result occurs, the next two days will usually be the day before and the day of ovulation. Having sex on these days will maximize the possibility of conception. Some tests also detect other hormones that indicate ovulation, increasing the accuracy of the test and helping to identify a wider range of time of potential fertility.
When to Test
Because the LH surge occurs during a relatively short period of time, it is important to test at the right time during your cycle and at the right time if day. The best time of the day to test is from midday to early afternoon and in the evening. To identify the LH surge more accurately, test twice a day, starting on the ninth day from the beginning of your last period. This is the first day of the time frame in your cycle when you are likely to be most fertile. Continue testing until you get a positive result.
How to Test
For the test strips, collect a urine sample in a clean cup. Dip the test strip into the urine and watch fro a reaction. If the strip turns color, there is a LH. For the midstream test device, place a clean test tip in the device and pass the tip through your urine stream. Observe the display on the unit for a response.
