However, the cycle isn't set in stone and changes every month. There are several methods to track your ovulation, such as monitoring your basal body temperature (BBT) or the texture of your cervical mucus. One such method to track your ovulation is ovulation test strips. It is one of the most effective ways to track your cycle, which can help boost your fertility.
Ovulation: A Brief Overview
Ovulation is the process by which an egg is released from an ovary. This occurs due to a spike in levels of luteinising hormone. This results in the ovarian follicles rupturing and releasing the egg, which traverses through the fallopian tube to the uterus. If your cycle spans 28 days, then ovulation occurs 14 days before your period.There are several signs of ovulation, such as a change in consistency and appearance of your cervical mucus. Other signs include cramps, abdominal pain, breast tenderness and a slight rise in basal body temperature. You might also experience fluctuating libido and bloating during ovulation.
Tracking your ovulation is helpful to determine whether you're pregnant or not. Having an idea of your fertile window can be pretty helpful when trying to conceive, as timed intercourse can significantly increase your pregnancy outcomes. Apart from these benefits, tracking your ovulation can be helpful for your overall reproductive health. It can be used to identify irregular cycles, hormonal disorders or fertility issues.
What Are Ovulation Test Strips?
Ovulation test strips help you determine your fertile window. This is an excellent method to navigate your way around intercourse or having timed intercourse to increase your chances of conception.Pregnancy tests measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine to detect whether you're pregnant or not. Ovulation test strips measure the level of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine to determine your fertile window.
How do they work?
Ovulation test strips detect the level of LH in your urine. A rise in LH levels indicates the release of an egg from the ovary, which means that after a specific level of LH in your body, it can be ensured that ovulation will occur within the upcoming 12 to 36 hours.LH isn't consistent throughout the cycle, but once the ovarian follicle matures, LH levels increase, which results in the follicle rupturing and releasing the egg. If you're trying to conceive, then knowing your fertile window is highly crucial. An egg can only survive for 24 hours within the fallopian tube, so having timed intercourse is extremely important for successful fertilisation.
Types of ovulation test strips
There are different types of ovulation test strips available. The price of these strips varies depending on the features they offer. Some test strips come with a digital display that detects both LH and oestrogen.As they're expensive, these tests also offer clear readability and detect more information compared to some basic tests. If you're struggling to conceive, this additional information is helpful, as these strips help pinpoint your fertile window more precisely.
You can also purchase ovulation test strips in bulk online at a lower cost compared to the ones described earlier. Read the instructions carefully to use these test strips. Pregnancy tests are easier to read, as they show clear lines, indicating precise results. Comparatively, with ovulation test strips, you need to compare the colour of the test line with the control line.
How to Use Ovulation Test Strips?
There are different directions given for ovulation test strips from different brands. Make sure to go through the instructions on the test strips you’re using carefully. However, the general rule for using these test strips is to use them daily at the same time until you get a positive response. The process of using the strips is relatively easy, as you can simply dip them in your urine and wait for the results.The correct time to use these strips
Determining the correct time to use ovulation test strips can be challenging. These strips are not inexpensive enough to use several times a month. Selecting a few days to test it out is more helpful.If you want to use these strips without the hassle of calculation, then you can use apps that can help you narrow down your fertile window. All you need to do is fill in some basic information, such as your last menstrual period date or average cycle length.
If you don't mind doing the maths, then ovulation generally occurs 14 days after your last period. The spike in LH levels happens a day or two before that date, so testing around the 10th day is advised. Always test a few days before your date of ovulation so, as not to miss out on the LH surge.
Reading the test strips
There are two lines in the basic test. One of these lines is called the “Control Line”, which is there to tell whether the device is working well or not, while the other is the “Test Line”.The test line appears in a darker shade, which indicates the increase in LH level, and the test line must be darker than the control line. Test strips with digital displays are easier to read, as an icon appears on the screen indicating the LH surge and the start of the fertile window.
Positive results mean the LH surge is happening then, and your fertile window is within the next 24-48 hours. An important consideration when using these test strips is that the positive result remains for several days. So, when you try to use it next time, test 1-2 days in advance to ensure you don't miss out on the spike in LH levels.
Are Ovulation Test Strip Results Precise?
Ovulation test strips are really good at indicating whether you're ovulating or not. These results are only accurate up to 97% of the time, making them one of the most precise methods available. However, keep one thing in mind when testing: ovulation test strips work by detecting the level of your hormones. They can indicate your fertile window, but can not guarantee a successful fertilisation.The results of these strips vary from person to person, depending on their physical condition. This method is best suited for women with a regular menstrual cycle. However, some fertility and reproductive health issues can affect the reading of these strips.
- Irregular Cycles: If you have an irregular cycle, then it can become quite challenging to figure out your fertile window using ovulation test strips. This leads to using the strips either too early or too late, thereby missing the optimal moment of the LH surge.
- Women with PCOS-like conditions: If you have PCOS or similar issues, then there are multiple spikes in LH levels every month, despite the absence of ovulation. In such cases, ovulation test strips become quite unreliable.
- Women on certain medications: There are certain medicines, such as fertility drugs or hormonal medications, which can interfere with the reading of the ovulation test strips.
Positive result
A positive result indicates that ovulation will take place within the next 24-48 hours. You can have timed intercourse during this time to fortify your chances of successful fertilisation. An egg survives for 24 hours at most, so having sexual intercourse a day or two prior is recommended.Negative result
Negative results don't imply something terrible. What it practically represents is a very low level of LH spike that the strip isn’t able to detect. It is advised to perform the test again if you have a shorter LH surge to not miss out on the correct opportunity, but if you’re planning to take the test another day, then make sure to do it at the same time.However, you may still not get a positive result, which could be a reason for concern. If there are irregularities in your cycle, then ovulation strips will not be helpful for you, and you need other methods to detect ovulation. The test is incapable of detecting the LH surge in such cases. There are other signs of ovulation, such as the consistency of your cervical mucus.
If you're still unsure, seeking medical help is advised. There's nothing to be concerned about, though, since some women have a longer cycle than usual. Alternatively, you may have a shorter cycle and might miss the optimal time to test for ovulation. Either way, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is advised, as they can determine the exact reason behind these discrepancies.
Risks of Using Ovulation Test Strips
Ovulation strips are generally safe, cost-effective, and convenient tools for detecting your fertile window by measuring the luteinising hormone (LH) surge in urine. While they are highly effective and over 97% accurate in detecting an LH surge, they do not guarantee that ovulation actually occurs, as an LH surge can happen without the release of an egg.False positives are more likely if you have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or are taking certain medications, both of which can cause irregular cycles or elevated LH levels. Testing too early or too late in your cycle can also affect accuracy.
If you have irregular cycles or underlying health concerns, or if you’re unsure whether ovulation strips are right for you, consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance or alternative methods to track ovulation more precisely.
Other Ways You Can Track Ovulation
There are natural ways to track your menstrual cycle, known as fertility awareness methods (FAMS). You can easily determine your fertile days, hence improving the probability of successfully conceiving. These methods can be tested at home and don't require medical intervention or expensive test kits.When you're ovulating, there are subtle yet noticeable physical signs which indicate this. By identifying these signs, you can get a better idea of your menstrual cycle.
Calendar method
Ovulation typically occurs two weeks before your next menstrual period. Once you've tracked your cycle for a few months, it'll become easier to determine your fertile window.
There are even apps with algorithms that can perform this task and track your entire cycle. This method may not be as reliable if you have an irregular cycle that varies from month to month.
Monitoring basal body temperature
To use this method, a standard thermometer won't suffice; you require a BBT thermometer, which can detect even the slightest temperature difference. Record your temperature every morning, as there will be a slight drop in temperature followed by a slight spike (0.2-0.5°C) due to changes in your hormonal levels. This method is more helpful in determining your fertile window in the upcoming cycles.
Observing cervical mucus changes
There is little to no mucus after the period ends. However, as the ovulation phase approaches, there is a change in the consistency and appearance of your cervical mucus. It becomes clear, stretchy, and slippery. Once ovulation is completed, the mucus turns thicker, cloudier, and less abundant.
If you’re trying to conceive, waiting can feel stressful, but ovulation test strips offer a simple and affordable way to pinpoint your most fertile days. These strips, costing around Rs 500–1000, detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation, helping you identify the best days for intercourse to maximise your chances of pregnancy.
They are easy to use at home, just dip the strip in urine and read the result within minutes. While ovulation strips are highly effective for many, they may not be reliable if you have fertility issues or irregular cycles. In such cases, consulting a healthcare professional for further evaluation, including blood tests or ultrasounds, is recommended to more accurately determine your fertile window.
FAQs on Ovulation Test Strips: Here's All You Need To Know
- Is there a specific time to start testing?
The time for testing varies depending on the regularity of your cycle. If you have a 28-day cycle, then testing around the 10-12 days mark is advised. However, if you've an irregular cycle, then testing after the cycle or once your period ends is advised. The best time for testing is between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. - Are there any precautions for storing ovulation strips?
Ovulation strips should be kept out of humidity; therefore, storing them in a cool, dry place is recommended for optimal shelf life. Another thing to keep in mind is to always check the expiry dates before using one.