Ovulation Test Strips
This page will answer your questions before using ovulation test strips.
What are ovulationLHtest strips?
Ovulation test strips are home tools used by women to determine the time to conceive. These strips work by measuring the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, as a rise in this hormone indicates that the ovary will release an egg within 24 – 48 hours. They are up to 99% effective in identifying the fertility period.
What are the uses of ovulation test strips?
- These strips are useful for determining the ovulation period for women who wish to:
- Increase chances of conception: These strips help women who want to get pregnant determine their ovulation period and identify the optimal time to increase the chances of conception.
- Prevent pregnancy: They can be used by women who wish to avoid pregnancy by identifying their fertile period and planning to avoid intercourse on those days.
Adjusting medication doses: Ovulation test strips can help in adjusting the doses of certain medications, such as fertility drugs.
What are the components of ovulation test strips?
An ovulation test includes a set of test strips, and the number varies depending on the manufacturer. Some may also include a cup to collect urine and place the strip in for testing.
How to use ovulation test strips:
The method for using ovulation test strips involves several steps. First, you must determine the appropriate time to start the test, which is day 11 of the menstrual cycle, “if your cycle is 28 days.” If your cycle is different, you should consult a doctor to determine the appropriate time.
- At the beginning of the test, you can either urinate directly ontoTthe test strip for five seconds or collect urine in aCclean container and dip the strip in it according to theLHinstructions for proper use. After completing this, the result will appear:
- Negative test: Only one line appears, or the testTline (T) is lighter than the control line (C).CThis means there is no surge in luteinizingLHhormone (LH), indicating that ovulation is not imminent.
Positive test: Two lines appear, and the test line (T) is as dark as or darker than the control line (C). This means there is a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), and ovulation is likely to occur within 24–48 hours, according to the instructions provided with the test kit. The way the result appears may vary depending on the type of device.
You may need to perform the test daily for 5 to 7 days to detect the ovulation period, making sure not to miss a day of testing.
What are the instructions for using ovulation test strips?
- Ovulation test strips are up to 99% effective in identifying the fertile window. To ensure this effectiveness and get an accurate reading when using them, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid drinking large amounts of fluids before the test. It is preferable to limit fluid intake for two hours before the test to prevent diluting the concentrations of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the urine.
- Avoid taking medications that may affect Luteinizing Hormone (LH) levels, such as estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones can be found in birth control pills and hormone therapy, and the drug Clomiphene can also increase hormone levels.
- Store and keep the test strips at a temperature between 2 and 30 degrees Celsius, and keep them away from direct sunlight, humidity, heat sources, and freezing.
- Use each strip immediately after opening the packet.
There is no specific best time to perform the test, but it is recommended to avoid using the first morning urine, as it may be too concentrated to detect luteinizing hormone. It is preferable to perform the test at the same time each day.
In addition to the guidelines provided by the test manufacturer, some instructions may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to read the test results?
If one line appears, the result is negative, meaning you are not in the ovulation period, so this time is not fertile and the chance of pregnancy is low. When two lines appear, the result is positive, and ovulation will occur within 24 – 48 hours after the test. This is the highly fertile period when the chance of pregnancy is high.
Are ovulation test strip results always accurate?
