Best Ovulation Tests for You to Time it Right

Best Ovulation Tests for You to Time it Right

For some, getting pregnant is as easy as doing the baby dance but for others, conception isn’t always a straightforward process. Are you tired of Aunt Flow coming around to burst your bubble, month after month? Well, join the club, sister. Knowing your precise day of ovulation can boost your chances of conceiving. Still, pinpointing this golden day can be tricky — especially without an ovulation predictor kit.

Motherhood is a beautiful thing, and every woman deserves to experience it with confidence. We rounded up the best ovulation tests of the year, with hopes of helping women all over the world get closer to their dreams of starting or growing their families.

How to Pick the Best Ovulation Tests

Starting a family is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life but nothing puts a damper on plans like a negative pregnancy test. There are so many ways you can track your menstrual cycle to make the most out of your ovulation window. Before we reveal our favorite ovulation predictor kits, let’s cover some of the basics, starting with ovulation itself.

What Is Ovulation and How Long Does It Last?

The majority of women ovulate once a month, resulting in a mature egg (or ovum) being released from one of their ovaries. During this phenomenon, the ovum travels through the fallopian tubes, to be either implanted into the lining of the uterus if conception occurs, or to be shed alongside the endometrium during menstruation if pregnancy isn’t achieved.

Ovulation typically lasts anywhere between 12 to 24 hours. While this might sound like a very small window of opportunity, there is a lot you can do to boost your chances of conception.

When Do I Ovulate?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-day-fits-all option when it comes to ovulation. Every woman is unique and so is her menstrual cycle but the average cycle is pegged at 28 days. Ovulation can occur anywhere between days 11 and 21 of your menstrual cycle. However, these dates depend on the length of your cycle, which vastly varies from month to month and woman to woman.

There are many ways you can determine your fertility window, such as using an ovulation calculator, but few are as effective as using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK). After all, OPKs do offer superior benefits when compared to other ovulation tracking methods.

How Do Ovulation Tests Work?

Ovulation tests do not predict the exact moment when the ovary releases its ovum but they do accurately read the body’s levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) — or, more precisely, when there is a surge of LH. When there is a surge of LH, a mature egg bursts from its follicle, beginning its assisted descent into the fallopian tubes. In other words: let the ovulation cycle begin!

For superior results, women must test their LH levels via urine in the mid-afternoon. This gives the ovulation test a chance to accurately detect a surge of LH in the body, seeing as this hormone is only produced in the morning.

Peak fertility occurs 36 hours after this surge has occurred, but the female reproductive system is still very fertile one to three days after this event. If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, having access to this information can boost your chances of conception.

Are Ovulation Tests Accurate?

Ovulation tests are 99% accurate but some brands are more reliable than others — which we’ll explain in detail a little later. However, just because a surge of LH is detected in the body doesn’t mean that an egg has been released. This is because there are many factors that prevent eggs from being discharged by the ovaries.

All in all, ovulation tests are one of the most accurate and popular ways to test for ovulation from the comfort of your own home.

What to Consider When Selecting the Best Ovulation Tests

To find the best ovulation tests of the year, we took many factors into consideration. As we reveal our top picks, we’ll focus on the following four categories, while also explaining what sets each test apart.

  • Type: As we dive into each entry, we’ll let you know what type of ovulation test we’re dealing with. There are two different options: digital tests or test strips.
  • Accuracy: Most importantly, we’ll let you know the success rate of every product covered in our guide.
  • What’s Included: Testing for LH isn’t a one-time deal which is why many ovulation tests offer a large number of strips or test sticks. We’ll let you know the quantity present in each OPK. And, since ovulation tests and pregnancy tests go hand in hand, we’ll also reveal which products offer a two-in-one combo kit, as well as some other useful perks.
  • Ease of Use: Choosing the best ovulation test can be a little overwhelming. We want to simplify things for you from start to finish, which is why we’ll fill you in on whether the test is easy or hard to use — so you can get accurate results the first time around.

If you need more information on anything from the pros and cons of ovulation predictor kits to the signs of ovulation, feel free to check out our full guide. If you’re all up to date, keep reading to find out which ovulation tests made the grade in 2021, and why.

Top 10 Best Ovulation Tests 2023

1. Best Overall Ovulation Test: Easy@Home Ovulation & Pregnancy Kit

Easy@Home Ovulation & Pregnancy Kit

Why we like it: Easy@Home is a highly trusted OPK. This brand keeps things simple and can be used with the Premom Ovulation Predictor app. We love how easy it is to track our cycles and how affordable it is to order a large number of tests.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: Both Strip and Test are 99% accurate.

What’s Included: Each Easy@Home Ovulation & Pregnancy Kit includes 50 ovulation tests, 20 pregnancy tests and an instruction manual. To keep things simple, Easy@Home is supported by Premom — a free ovulation predictor app that makes tracking results easy and practical. Urine cups are sold separately.

Ease of Use: Easy@Home ovulation and pregnancy tests are easy to use and even more simple to read. Once you have collected a urine sample, dip the test strip into the liquid and, in about 5 to 10 seconds, the dye will rise into the result window. Once the process is complete, open the Premom app and take a picture of the test strip. This will allow you to track your ovulation pattern with ease.

Review

Tracking your ovulation with Easy@Home is a total breeze thanks to the handy Premom app. These urine-based test strips can be used by women with regular or irregular cycles. They can also be used by women with PCOS; however, if you do have this condition, it can take a few months before you can accurately pinpoint your day of ovulation. Like most ovulation tests, Easy@Home has a standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml. Overall, Easy@Home offers one of the best ovulation strips on the market, but the same can’t be said about their pregnancy tests.

There are two issues with this kit. First of all, this company prides themself on quality control, but it’s common for a box to hold a few defective tests. Secondly, the way the pregnancy test is built leaves room for women to misread their results, making some believe that they are pregnant when they are not. However, if read correctly, this will not happen.

Pros

  • Easy to use and read
  • Compatible with the Premom app
  • Works well with irregular cycles and PCOS
  • Standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml for ovulation tests

Cons

  • Some test can be defective
  • Pregnancy strips aren’t as reliable as ovulation strips

2. Best Ovulation Test For PCOS: PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit

PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit

Why we like it: PREGMATE doesn’t mess around when it comes to tracking ovulation. Their Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit has everything you need to start attempting pregnancy—and for a very affordable price, too.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: Strips: 99% accurate, Tests: 99.8% accurate

What’s Included: The PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit comes with 50 ovulation test strips, 20 pregnancy test strips and an instruction manual. If you’re not interested in procuring pregnancy tests, you can simply order a PREGMATE OPK.

Ease of Use: The PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit is easy to use — once you get the hang of it, that is. These test strips have a maximum fill line, meaning that you can’t simply insert them into your urine stream. Instead, you must carefully dip them into a cup, which isn’t supplied. Once fully immersed, lay the strip flat and wait 5 minutes for results. Reading the tests can be challenging at first: to have a positive test, the test line has to be darker than the control line.

Review

Just like the MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit, PREGMATE knows how important it is to prevent false negatives, which is why their tests also have a standard sensitivity of 25 mlU/ml. Ovulation and pregnancy tests go hand in hand, which is why PREGMATE has created a kit that includes both options — so you don’t have to rush to the store to buy a pregnancy test every time your period is late. PREGMATE tests work well with women who have irregular cycles. Better yet, they also work with women who have PCOS!

One thing to keep in mind is that PREGMATE tests can be a little tricky to read at first. However, since you’ll be using these strips every other day until you pinpoint your ovulation, you’ll quickly learn the ropes. We’d also like to point out that the included pregnancy tests do not detect early pregnancies, as it can take some time for the strips to pick up on excess levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine.

If you’re someone who wants immediate results in this department, we suggest looking into the iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit. The iProven pregnancy test is revered for its ability to detect early pregnancy.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml for OPK
  • Works well with irregular cycles and PCOS

Cons

  • Results can be tricky to read
  • Pregnancy tests don’t detect early pregnancies

3. Best Digital Ovulation Test: Femometer Advanced Digital Ovulation Test

Femometer Advanced Digital Ovulation Test

Why we like it: Femometer digital ovulation tests make it easy to track your ovulation window. These digital tests offer highly-accurate results that will have you turning your nose at urine-based test strips in no time.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Digital test
  • Accuracy: Over 99%

What’s Included: You get 20 advanced digital ovulation tests, a urine cup, an instruction manual and a color reference card in every box. This card makes it easy to read your results. You can also use the Femometer app to keep track of your cycle and results.

Ease of Use: The Femometer Advanced Digital Ovulation Test is so easy to use, you’ll never look at test strips the same way again. These tests can collect urine samples mid-stream, removing the need for a urine cup (unless you prefer to use one). Once the results are in, compare them to the easy-to-read color reference card, plug your results into the app and voila!

Review

Although the standard sensitivity for the average ovulation test stands at 25 mlU/ml, Femometer kicks things up a notch, bringing their standard to 65 mlU/ml — perfect for women who produce high levels of LH on the regular.

This means their OPKs to offer highly-accurate results, helping future mothers determine the precise moment when LH levels surge in the body. Better yet, you can use the Femometer app to track your LH levels instead of logging everything down by hand.

Despite its excellent testing abilities, this digital test isn’t perfect – mostly because it’s very expensive. While more reliable, this OPK only offers 20 digital tests for roughly double the price of test strips.

It also produces a lot of excess packaging. If you plan on taking ovulation tests on the regular and want to get the best bang for your buck, check out the ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips.

Pros

  • Highly accurate
  • Easy tracking with the Femometer app
  • Standard sensitivity of 65 mIU/ml for ovulation tests

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Excess packaging

4. Best Ovulation Test For Quick Results: iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit

iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit

Why we like it: iProven has created an ovulation and pregnancy predictor kit that helps women accurately track their LH and HCG levels in just 3 minutes. Unlike some of their competitors, iProven pregnancy test strips can detect early conception.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: Both the ovulation and pregnancy tests are 99% accurate.

What’s Included: In each iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit, you get a total of 50 ovulation test strips, 20 pregnancy tests, and an instruction manual.

Ease of Use: Using an iProven test strip is a straightforward process, and its tests offer the fastest results. Dip the test strip into the urine cup for 5 seconds, lay it down flat for 3 minutes and then use the manual to decipher your results. Unfortunately, using the manual can pose some challenges, as the tests may not perform as the directions say they will.

Review

Out of all the test strips on our list, the iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit offers the fastest results — perfect for women who are constantly on the go. While the iProven ovulation test strips are average, their pregnancy test strips are way ahead of the curve. They can detect early conception up to 4 days before the date of your new cycle!

You can accurately track your ovulation cycle thanks to the iProven OPK. However, when comparing your results to the manual, you might find that things just don’t add up. Once you get the hang of it though, reading your results will be a breeze!

Another thing we’d like to mention is that although this predictor kit has many tests, you might notice that it’s lacking in the quality department. Plus, if you do not enjoy peeing in a cup to test your results, iProven is not for you.

Should this be the case, we’d point you toward the PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit instead. This test can be inserted into the urine mid-stream, perfect for on-the-go testing.

Pros

  • Fast results
  • Pregnancy tests can detect early conception
  • Standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml for ovulation tests

Cons

  • The instruction manual isn’t very accurate
  • Some of the ovulation tests may be defective

5. Best Ovulation Test for Irregular Cycles: MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit

MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit

Why we like it: For a very reasonable price, the MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit offers a large supply of test strips that are praised for their accuracy and simplicity. Tracking your ovulation cycle is easy.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: Over 99%

What’s Included: Each MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit comes with 60 ovulation test strips, 60 urine cups, an instruction manual and a time tracking chart.

Ease of Use: The MomMed OPK is super easy to use. Dip the strip into the supplied urine cup for 5 seconds and get results in under 5 minutes. Once the verdict is in, log it into your Time Tracking Chart for future reference.

Review

The MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit is affordable and reliable. Each strip comes individually wrapped for accurate results. To prevent false positives, MomMed supplies you with tests that have a standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml as opposed to 10 mIU/ml. This ensures that you don’t get false positives whenever your adrenaline or emotions spike, which can cause a small excess of LH to be present in your urine.

MomMed strips are praised by women who have regular and irregular cycles alike. However, if you have PCOS, your fertility window could be harder to track. In this case, we recommended using the PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit.

The fact this OPK comes with 60 free urine cups is a great benefit. Still, it’s important to note that a very small fraction of the supplied tests may be challenging to read, but not impossible.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Compatible with irregular cycles
  • Standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml
  • Free urine cups

Cons

  • Some test strips can be challenging to read

6. Best Ovulation Test For Women With Low LH Levels: AFAC Ovulation Predictor Kit

AFAC Ovulation Predictor Kit

Why we like it: We love how small and compact AFAC digital ovulation tests are. You can easily bring them to work or on vacation! These highly sensitive tests offer results in just 3 minutes, and you have the option to insert them into your urine stream instead of constantly using cups!

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Digital tests
  • Accuracy: Over 99%

What’s Included: Each AFAC OPK comes with a total of 20 digital ovulation tests, 20 urine cups, an instruction manual and an ovulation calculator calendar.

Ease of Use: AFAC digital ovulation tests are very easy to use—as long as you follow the instruction manual. Once you have filled the urine cup, remove the cap and dip the tip into the liquid for 3 seconds. Or, insert it directly into your urine stream for 10 seconds. Re-cap the test and wait 3 minutes before reading your results.

Review

There are a few things we love about the AFAC OPK and a few things we aren’t too crazy about. Regardless, AFAC still has the making of a wonderful digital ovulation test that can be used and loved by all. It’s very easy to use and read. This OPK comes with an ovulation calculator calendar that breaks things down in a very simple way. We love how you can choose between inserting the test midstream or dipping it into a urine cup. But most impressive is how quickly these tests can deliver answers.

Even then, the AFAC OPK isn’t perfect. Unlike most tests, the AFAC does not follow the standard sensitivity of 25 mlU/ml. Instead, it has a sensitivity of 10 mlU/ml, allowing it to pick up very low levels of LH. Additionally, while the digital tests are easy to use, instructions must be followed to the T. If not, your digital test may come off as defective – which isn’t ideal when you’re paying a little under a dollar for each test.

If you enjoy digital ovulation tests and are looking for one that offers bulletproof results, we suggest looking into the Femometer Advanced Digital Ovulation Test — it even has an app for easy tracking!

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Urine cups are included
  • Fast results

Cons

  • Directions must be followed perfectly for accurate results
  • Sensitivity of 10 mIU/ml

7. Best Budget Pick: ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips

ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips

Why we like it: ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips are as affordable as they are easy to use. We love how reliable these little test strips are. They get the job done without any fuss.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: 99%

What’s Included: Each box of ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips is stocked with 50 test strips and an instruction manual.

Ease of Use: Few ovulation tests are as simple as the ones produced by ClinalGuard. Dip the test strip into your urine sample for 3 seconds, making sure to not surpass the maximum fill line. Lay the strip flat and wait 5 minutes before examining your results — it’s as easy as that!

Review

ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips are perfect for women who are just starting on their ovulation-tracking journey. For a very reasonable price, you can get 50 ovulation test strips — allowing you to make mistakes or take more than one test per day without having to break the bank. These tests are very accurate, having a standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml.

When you order a box of ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips, you get much more than you pay for. Still, there are a few issues with these strips that can be a dealbreaker. If you have issues with your eyesight, you might find it hard to decipher results, seeing as the test strip itself is quite small. Secondly, the given instruction material does a poor job of explaining the rules, which is why it’s best to go with the instructions displayed on the back of each individually wrapped test.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Great value
  • Accurate results

Cons

  • Test strips are quite small
  • Instruction manual lacks proper explanation

8. Best Premium Pick: Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

Why we like it: We love Clearblue because they are a trusted brand that is often praised by doctors and gynecologists — especially when it comes to pregnancy tests! The Clearblue digital ovulation tests are super easy to read: a smiley face will appear on the test on your most fertile of days.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Digital test
  • Accuracy: Over 99%

What’s Included: When you order a Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test Kit, you receive one test holder, 20 test sticks and an instruction manual.

Ease of Use: The Clearblue ovulation test isn’t the easiest to use. There can be a little bit of a learning curve, but you’ll become a pro in no time. Reading your results, on the other hand, is super easy, seeing as Clearblue states whether or not you are fertile by displaying a blinking happy face.

Review

Clearblue is one of the most trusted brands in the sector of fertility, making it a top pick amongst women. What makes this test special is that it tests both your estrogen and LH levels, which in return gives you a more accurate reading. Despite its reputation, however, these digital ovulation tests are very pricey when compared to others.

So why the average rating for such a touted product? Well, price aside, this OPK will not accurately spot ovulation in women who have PCOS or irregular cycles. If you have PCOS or irregular cycles we suggest looking into the PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit instead.

Pros

  • Very easy to read results
  • Tracks estrogen and LH

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Not compatible with PCOS or irregular cycles

9. Easiest to Read Ovulation Test: Wondfo Ovulation Strips

Wondfo Ovulation Strips

Why we like it: If reading ovulation strip results isn’t your forte, Wondfo is the brand for you. These ovulation strips are so easy to use, it’s rare to mess up and have to take a second test. These tests are inexpensive and super accurate, too.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Test strips
  • Accuracy: 99%

What’s Included: Each box of Wondfo Ovulation Strips contains 50 test strips and an instruction manual.

Ease of Use: Mastering the use of Wondfo Ovulation Strips is beyond simple. Dip your strip into your urine sample for 10 seconds and within 5 minutes, you’ll be able to read your results.

Review

When you side with the Wondfo Ovulation Strips, what you see is what you get. These easy-to-use tests are fail-proof, having a sensitivity of 25 mlU/ml. Better yet, each box contains a whopping 50 test strips for an unbeatable price. If all you’re looking for is for a basic ovulation test that won’t break the bank, look no further.

All in all, we think the Wondfo Ovulation Strips are good because they can definitely help you get pregnant. Unfortunately, some of the tests are duds. While some boxes are better than others, on average, about 10% of the tests in each box can be dried out, which prevents them from working. If this bothers you, we would recommend looking into the MomMed Ovulation Predictor Kit instead. The main difference between these OPKs is that, although you pay a little more for MomMed, you receive fewer duds per batch and 10 extra test strips.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Affordable
  • Standard sensitivity of 25 mIU/ml

Cons

  • Some of the tests may be defective

10. Best High-Tech Ovulation Test: Eveline Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit

Eveline Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit

Why we like it: Trying to make sense of an ovulation test can be a little overwhelming. Thankfully, the Eveline Digital Ovulation Tests can be scanned, allowing the app to decode results — so you don’t have to.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Type: Digital test
  • Accuracy: 99%

What’s Included: Each Eveline Digital OPK comes with 10 digital ovulation tests, a smart scanner and an instruction manual.

Ease of Use: Once you set up the Eveline app, you’ll quickly find out that it doesn’t mess around. You no longer have to read your results — the scanner and app can do that for you. Take off the cap and insert the tip of the digital test into your urine stream for 5 seconds (or into a urine sample for 15 seconds). Re-cap the test and lay it down flat for up to 10 minutes. Then, attach the digital test to the scanner and let the Eveline app work its magic.

Review

Sometimes, trying to decipher the results of an ovulation test can be a headache in itself. Knowing this, Eveline created a digital OPK that can be scanned. Once scanned, the app inputs all the data, giving you a clear and concise LH verdict. This prevents you from making mistakes, which can lead to a missed ovulation window. If you find it difficult to keep track of your LH levels and decipher your test results, the Eveline Digital OPK will reign supreme.

We would have liked to give this digital OPK a perfect score, however, the Eveline brand does compromise some important factors to deliver bulletproof results. First of all, unlike most tests, it can take up to 10 minutes to get a final reading, which isn’t always ideal for busy ladies. Secondly, if you have a cracked smartphone screen or some dirt on your camera lens, you might find it hard to accurately scan your tests. Lastly, the Eveline Digital OPK is a little pricey considering it only comes with 10 digital tests.

If you’re looking for a digital ovulation predictor kit that offers a greater value — while still being easy to use — we recommend checking out the AFAC Ovulation Predictor Kit instead. For a similar price, you’ll receive a total of 20 digital tests, amongst a few other perks.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Scanner and app combine for bulletproof results

Cons

  • Slow results
  • Requires a decent smartphone camera
  • Expensive

Guide to Buying the Best Ovulation Tests

Using an ovulation predictor kit can help you pinpoint your ovulation date, therefore heightening your chances of conceiving. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you have found out that getting pregnant isn’t as easy as they allude to in the movies.

You probably have a ton of questions, and in this buyer’s guide, we aim to supply you with all the information you need to find the best ovulation test for your individual needs. We’ll start with a list of pros and cons and finish with some frequently asked questions—getting down to the nitty-gritty in between.
woman ovulation calendar

Pros & Cons of Ovulation Predictor Kits

The Pros

  • High Success Rate: Ovulation tests have a 99% accuracy rate and can help women determine which days of the month they are most fertile. They have helped countless women conceive and have a very good success rate.
  • Convenient: Most ovulation tests are very easy to use and can be taken from the comfort of your own home.
  • Inexpensive: Although some ovulation tests do cost more than others, there are plenty of reasonably-priced options on the market. Take the ClinicalGuard Ovulation Test Strips for example, this OPK offers 50 ovulation tests for a little over 10 dollars. Depending on your testing schedule, this could last you months!

The Cons

  • Doesn’t Track Ovulation: An ovulation test does not track ovulation like its name promises to. Instead, it reports high levels of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which is expelled right before the ovum is released by the ovary. This allows you to predict when you ovulate, giving you a higher chance of conceiving.
  • Not Compatible With Fertility Drugs: OPKs do not provide accurate results if you are taking fertility drugs. Although not as accurate, there are some other ways you can track your ovulation.
  • Age Limit: The levels of LH in your body will increase as you near the menopausal segment of your life. For this reason, ovulation tests are not very accurate for women aged 40 and over.

Signs of Ovulation

The female body knows no bounds: it does what it wants, when it wants. Still, it’s a little predictable. Although ovulation symptoms are different from one woman to the next, one or more of the following signs could indicate that ovulation is right around the river bend.

  • A surge of LH
  • Change in basal body temperature
  • Egg-white cervical fluid
  • Tender ovary
  • Tender breasts
  • Light spotting
  • Increased libido

While these symptoms can be caused by ovulation, many of them coincide with the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which can make tracking down your ovulation day a little tricky. Using an ovulation test to track your LH levels is the best and most accurate way to predict your ovulation cycle without stepping into a doctor’s office. However, tracking your basal body temperature using a basal thermometer is a good option, too.

How to Boost Your Chances of Conception

Although taking an ovulation test is a woman’s game, there are many ways you and your partner can boost your chances of conception. So, some of these pointers can relate to both parties involved.

  • Have intercourse – as much as possible – before, during and up to 3 days after ovulation
  • Expand your diet to include antioxidants, fiber and iron
  • Avoid consuming excessive amounts of trans fats, refined carbs, alcohol and caffeine
  • Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Take multivitamins or prenatal vitamins
  • Engage in moderate exercise
  • Keep your stress to a minimum
  • Quit smoking

If you’re looking for ways to boost your chances of getting pregnant, improving your overall health and talking to your doctor is always a great place to start!

Possible Causes of Negative Tests

Even the best ovulation tests can turn up negative for some women and that’s because everyone’s body is different. There are so many factors that could be causing your ovulation tests to falter.

  • The surge of LH was missed
  • Low levels of LH
  • Faulty tests
  • The instructions weren’t properly followed
  • Irregular menstrual cycle or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Ovulation did not occur
  • Hormone imbalance
  • Fertility drugs

It’s perfectly normal for it to take a few tries before getting pregnant but if your ovulation and pregnancy tests continue to have negative results, contact your doctor and encourage your partner to do the same, as it may be something to do with their sperm count or some combinatorial factor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Soon After a Positive Ovulation Test Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

For a pregnancy test to come back positive, a surge of HCG has to be detected in the given urine sample. This hormone will double about every 48 hours once the fertilized egg has completely implanted itself into the uterine wall. This can take a little time so it’s perfectly normal to test negative, especially if you test before your expected period.

If you have a regular cycle, it can take a minimum of 12 days after your predicted ovulation day for a pregnancy test to pick up high levels of HCG. However, since a negative pregnancy test can be discouraging or lead to stress, it can be beneficial to wait a few days after your missed period before taking one.

If you’re someone who wants results, and fast, we recommended looking into the iProven Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit. The iProven ovulation tests are very accurate and easy to use, and the included pregnancy tests can detect conception as early as 4 days before your expected period.

Which Ovulation Test Is Best for PCOS?

It can be difficult to track your menstrual cycle and predict your day of ovulation when you have irregular cycles or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). But, that doesn’t make it impossible! Women with PCOS tend to have high levels of LH on average, causing them to constantly test positive for ovulation when they aren’t actually ovulating. If you have PCOS or irregular cycles, we would highly recommend the PREGMATE Ovulation & Pregnancy Predictor Kit.

Can I Use Ovulation Tests as a Contraceptive?

Ovulation tests can help you track your fertility window but these little tests aren’t a reliable source of birth control. While you could pinpoint your ovulation day and refrain from having intercourse on that day, miracles can happen and they do — all the time. Once inside the body, sperm can live for up to 5 days and since some women can ovulate more than once a month, tracking your ovulation to prevent pregnancy is far from legitimate.

Can I Ovulate More Than Once a Month?

In most cases, either the left or right ovary will produce a single ovum once a month. However, dizygotic (fraternal) twins do exist, and they are living proof that some women can release more than one egg in a single cycle. Many factors could lead to double ovulation, like undergoing fertility treatments or having a hormonal imbalance that increases the production of progesterone and LH. Call it genetics or call it fate, but women can ovulate more than once a month. It’s rare but not impossible.

Will an Ovulation Test Pick up on Small Levels of Luteinizing Hormone?

Ovulation tests measure the level of LH in the urine, which is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/ml). If there is a spike in LH, this signifies that ovulation will soon occur. For most ovulation predictor kits, the standard sensitivity level of LH is set at 25 mIU/ml. However, they can be set at as slow as 10 mIU/ml or as high as 65 mIU/ml. If you have PCOS it’s best to seek out an ovulation test that has a sensitivity level of 25 mIU/ml or higher, as anything lower than that can cause false positives to arise.

If you suspect that your body produces lower levels of LH, you may benefit from siding with the AFAC Ovulation Predictor Kit, it has an LH sensitivity level of 10 mIU/ml.

I’m Pregnant — What Now?

Although rare, pregnancy tests can deliver false positives, which is why taking more than a few pregnancy tests — from different brands — is suggested. Once you have more than one positive pregnancy test in your possession, make an appointment with your doctor and they’ll take it from there. Congratulations, by the way!
ovulation test results

Final Thoughts

In a perfect world, a stork would deliver your baby to your front door as soon as you were ready to become a parent. Unfortunately, that’s not the way of the birds and the bees. Getting pregnant can be an uphill battle at times but ovulation tests can help pave the way. We wish you the very best on your journey and sincerely hope that you find the best ovulation test for your individual needs. Good luck!