When and how to do an ovulation test correctly
Miscellaneous / / April 05, 2023
A simple instruction will help you calculate the ideal time to conceive.
What is a home ovulation test
The home ovulation test is a reagent-soaked test strip that is most commonly defines luteinizing hormone level in the urine and allows you to calculate the cycle time when the chances of getting pregnant are higher. In more expensive models, the strip is inside a thermometer-like plastic case.
luteinizing hormone produces pituitary. It is the central part of the endocrine system located in the brain. In women in the second half of the cycle, there is a sharp release of luteinizing hormone - this is called the preovulatory peak. Thanks to this, the ovaries know that it is time to release the egg. This means that in the next 24-36 hours ovulation will occur and the woman will be ready to conceive.
This increase is what the test can detect. Before and after the preovulatory peak, the hormone is also produced to force the body to produce progesterone, but in much smaller quantities.
Sometimes there are tests that detect an increase in estrone-3-glucuronide. This is a breakdown product of estrogen, which also grows when ovulation approaches. It rises before the rise of luteinizing hormone, so such tests help determine the right time to conceive earlier.
When to do an ovulation test
Most likely, in order to track ovulation, you need several tests. As a rule, you need to start doing them 3-5 days before the expected date. It should be borne in mind that ovulation usually occurs 14 days before the end cycle. That is, if your cycle is 28 days, you need to start from the 11th (28 - 14 - 3 = 11). If the duration is different or the cycle is irregular, you can also calculate it yourself, based on the shortest cycle in half a year (for example, 21 - 14 - 3 = 4). But it is better to consult with a gynecologist, so as not to waste time and money.
The doctor or the instructions should clarify at what time of day and how often to do tests. The fact is that there is no generally accepted time for ovulation.
How to do ovulation tests correctly
You need to use ovulation tests in much the same way as pregnancy tests. If the amount of hormones has increased, a second strip or plus will appear next to the control. On electronic tests, there may be a smiley or other symbol.
A positive result usually means that ovulation will occur within the next 24-36 hours. You will find out more in the instructions for the test.
Submersible test
To do a dive test, you need collect fresh urine into a clean container, and then dip the test strip inward to the control line and wait about 30 seconds. After that, lay the strip on a dry, flat surface, pour out the urine and wash your hands. After a couple of minutes, you can check the result.
The exact time intervals will be indicated in the instructions.
Inkjet test
The inkjet test is similar to an electronic thermometer. On the one hand, it has an indicator hidden by a cap. You need to remove it, start urinating, put the indicator under the stream and keep it there for about 30 seconds. See instructions for specific times.
After that, close the indicator cap, wash your hands and wait as long as indicated on the package. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
How to interpret the results
Even if there are two strips, the result may be negative. To know how to decrypt it, use the instructions for the test or this table:
What's on the test | What is the result | What to do next |
The indicator showed one strip or two, but the test one is lighter than the control | Negative | Continue doing tests |
Two lines appeared. The test strip is the same or darker shade than the control | Positive | Tests can no longer be done. The level of the hormone is elevated, which means that ovulation will occur in the next couple of days. You can try to conceive a child |
no stripes | erroneous | Repeat the test following the instructions |
When can an ovulation test show a positive result without ovulation?
The test considers a surge in luteinizing hormone as ovulation, which can sometimes rise even without ovulation. This is usually associated with conditions such as:
- polycystic ovary syndromebecause it has hormone levels different from normal.
- Syndrome of luteinization of the unovulated follicle, when the egg does not leave ovary.
- Disorders of the hypothalamus-pituitary system, which answers for hormonal regulation. In this case, the level may always be elevated or there will be several peaks in the cycle, and the test will not help to guess which ovulation will occur.
What other ways are there to determine ovulation
In addition to a home test, there are other ways to determine ovulation. If you use several at once, the accuracy of forecasts increases.
Measure basal temperature
Temperature fluctuates after ovulation increases by 0.2 degrees, but this can only be determined if measure it in the rectum. A mercury thermometer is best, because it is more accurate than an electronic one, and even more so an ear or forehead one.
You need to measure the temperature every morning, preferably at the same time, without getting out of bed. Before that, you can not eat, drink and smoke.
Study selections
Measuring basal body temperature and monitoring secretions along with the calculation of calendar days relate to natural family planning methods. Under the influence of hormones in different phases of the cycle, the discharge looks different. Immediately after menstruation, they are scanty, but gradually their number increases, they become white, creamy and sticky.
Just before ovulation, the discharge is transparent and viscous, like egg white, and their volume increases. Soon they will be white and sticky again, and after three days the fertility window will close.
Search saliva for "fern"
When in the second phase of a woman's cycle increases estrogen levels, an interesting phenomenon is observed: her saliva begins to crystallize. It resembles a pattern in the form of a fern.
On sale there are special kits for determining ovulation using saliva, but in general any children's microscope will do.
Take a blood test
Luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which also increases after ovulation, it can also be assessed by a blood test. Its accuracy is higher than a home test, and it is also more expensive and takes more time, because you have to not only get to the laboratory, but also wait for the results. And the fertile window is not big enough to lose a whole day.
Go for an ultrasound
With ultrasound, you can seewhether there are follicles in the ovaries that are preparing for ovulation. If they were and disappeared, then the egg has already left. There are also indirect signs, such as a small amount of blood in the pelvis, which was released during the rupture of the follicle. You can also measure the size of the inner layer of the uterus - endometriumto find out if the organ is ready for implantation of the child.
Usually, ultrasound is not done to determine ovulation, it is quite expensive. The method is mainly used by reproductive technology clinics, for example, for egg collection.
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