Ovulation tests are also known as Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) or ovulation test strips. In
this blog, we will cover:

1. What ovulation tests detect
2. Why they are useful when trying to conceive
3. How and when to use them
4. Common questions and misconceptions

Who Can Benefit from Ovulation Tests?

Ovulation tests work best for those with regular menstrual cycles (21-35 days). They can still
be helpful for those with irregular cycles, PCOS, or longer cycles, but they may not always be
100% accurate. If you have irregular cycles, additional tracking methods such as basal body
temperature (BBT) or cervical mucus monitoring may be necessary.

Types of Ovulation Tests

There are two main types of ovulation tests:

1. Midstream Ovulation Tests
   – These are similar to pregnancy tests—you remove the cap and urinate directly on the stick.
   – A control line and test line will appear, indicating the presence of luteinising hormone (LH)
   in your urine.
   – Pros: Convenient, easy to use
   – Cons: Expensive ($2+ per test), requires multiple tests per cycle
2. Ovulation Test Strips
   – These require you to collect urine in a cup and dip a test strip in for about 15 seconds. After
   waiting 5 minutes, you can read the results.
   – Pros: More affordable (50 strips for $12-$38 AUD), just as effective
   – Cons: Slightly less convenient than midstream tests

What Do Ovulation Tests Detect?

Ovulation tests measure Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels in urine. LH is released by the brain
and signals the ovaries to release an egg. When an ovulation test is positive, it means an LH
surge is happening, and ovulation will likely occur within 6-72 hours (most commonly
around 24 hours after a positive test).

Biggest Misconception About Using Ovulation Tests to get Pregnant Naturally

A common mistake is assuming that a positive ovulation test confirms ovulation. While LH is
necessary for ovulation, having an LH surge does not guarantee that ovulation will happen.
To confirm ovulation, tracking Basal Body Temperature (BBT) is necessary and after three
consecutive days of elevated temperatures ovulation is confirmed.

How to Use Ovulation Test Strips

For a visual demonstration, please access this YouTube video.

1. Collect urine in a clean, dry cup.
2. Dip the test strip into the urine up to the max line for 15 seconds.
3. Lay the strip flat on toilet paper and wait 5-10 minutes.
4. Read results at the 5-minute mark (not after 10 minutes).
5. Compare your test line to the control line:
   Negative: Test line is lighter than the control line.
   Positive: Test line is as dark or darker than the control line.

What to Do When You Get a Positive LH Test

If your goal is to conceive, this is the time to have intercourse daily (every other day can also
be effective). Since sperm can live for up to 5 days, having sex during the LH surge and the
days leading up to ovulation maximises your chances of pregnancy.

When to Start Testing in Your Cycle

• Regular 28-day cycles: Start testing around day 9.
• Using cervical fluid tracking: Start testing when you notice fertile cervical mucus.
• Irregular cycles: Start testing as soon as you see fertile cervical fluid. Continue testing until
  ovulation is confirmed with BBT.

If you have longer cycles, you may see multiple LH surges. Keep testing until you confirm
ovulation to avoid missing your fertile window.

When to Stop Using Ovulation Tests

If you have a regular menstrual cycle, once you receive a positive LH test , there is no need
to continue testing. Simply have intercourse daily until ovulation is confirmed by a
temperature shift in your BBT chart.

Best Time of Day to Test for LH

Unlike pregnancy tests, which are best taken with first-morning urine, LH tests should be
taken between 10 AM and 2 PM. LH is released in the early morning and takes time to
appear in urine. If your schedule doesn’t allow for mid-morning testing, afternoon or
evening testing is also effective.

Should You Test Twice a Day?

For some people, the LH surge happens quickly. If you suspect you have a short, quick surge
or missed a peak in a previous cycle, testing twice a day (once in the morning and once in
the evening) can help catch the surge.

Final Thoughts

When using Ovulation Tests to get pregnant naturally, these are the key points to keep in mind:

• The egg survives only 12-24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can live for up to 5 days.
• Predicting ovulation with LH tests and cervical mucus helps time intercourse for the best
  chances of conception.
• Track multiple cycles to identify your patterns and optimise your chances of conception.

Your body gives clear signals about your fertility—learning to read them can empower you
and give you more control on your journey to conception!

You are blessed with a body that shows you signs that tells you what is going on with your fertility.
Remember: 

• Your cervical fluid tells you your oestrogen is increasing and ovulation is approaching.
• Your LH surge tells you that ovulation is closer and 
• Your BBT tells you about your progesterone levels, which then confirms ovulation.

And knowing all this information helps you time sexual intercourse so you can increase your
chances of conceiving.

Happy Baby Making!

Amanda xx