Ovulation Tests

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What time of the day should I use the test? You may test any time of the day, however, it should be at approximately the same time each day. You should reduce your liquid intake approximately 2 hours prior to testing. Also urinate into a clean, dry cup or container.  

How long should I continue to perform the test?
At least 5 days or until the LH surge has been detected.

My cycle length is shorter/longer than normal. Can I use this test? This test is designed to work for cycles of different lengths. Remember you may not ovulate at the same time every cycle and that the cycle may vary from month to month. You may need to test over the next few months to find out your personal cycle length average.

Once I see a positive result, when is the best time to have intercourse?  Ovulation is likely to occur within 24-48 hours. This is the most fertile time. Sexual intercourse is advised within this time frame.

I have received a positive result and had intercourse during these fertile days. I have not become pregnant. What shall I do? Many factors can affect your ability to become pregnant. Often you may need to use the test kit for 3-4 months. You and your partner should consult your physician if pregnancy is not achieved after 3-4 months.

Will the amount of liquid I drink affect the result?  We suggest that you limit your fluid intake for about two hours before you collect your urine. Because heavy intake of fluids prior to testing will dilute the hormone in your urine.

Can test results be interpreted after more than 5 minutes? No. Test results must be read at 5 minutes. Though a positive result should not change for several days, a negative result may change to a false positive within minutes after the end of the testing period, which would not be an accurate reading. It is always best to read the results at the 5 minute testing period and then discard the test to avoid confusion.

Can any medication or medical condition affect the result? Certain medical conditions and medications can adversely affect the performance of the test: for example if you are actually pregnant, have recently been pregnant, have reached menopause or have polycystic ovarian syndrome you may get a misleading result. This may also be true if you are taking fertility drugs containing Luteinizing Hormone or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (such as  Pregnyl® and Profasi®). Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) does not affect the tests, but may affect the length of your cycle and, therefore, when you should be testing.

Will oral contraceptives affect the result? After using oral contraceptives, your cycle may be irregular and take some time to stabilize again. You may wish to wait until you have had two or more normal menstrual cycles before starting to use this test.

If the ovulation test can determine when I am fertile, can I use it for contraception and birth control? We do not recommend using ovulation tests for birth control or as means of contraception. The test predicts LH for us to24-48 hours in advance of your surge, yet sperm can survive for up to 72 hours (3 days). As a result, you may still become pregnant if you test and have intercourse before you discover your surge. 

I've done all the tests as instructed, but I've not yet detected my surge. What should I do? Your body produces LH (Luteinizing Hormone) every day during your cycle and you will always have some amount present in the urine. That is why you will see a test line on most of your tests. This is a healthy sign. Just remember, that the result is considered positive if the test line is at the same intensity or darker than the control line. In order to be sure if the test strip is showing a true positive result, it is important to continue testing after you receive the same intensity lines. The test line may become even darker than the control line or it may become pale again, indicating that the previous test result was a true surge. The positive test color line may vary depending on the individual. While some women can see the test line match the control line prior to their ovulation peak others see test lines a way darker than the control one. For some women LH surge can last a couple of days, while for others it only lasts about 12 hours. Please keep in mind that every cycle is unique. Some women do not ovulate every cycle and will not see an increase in LH levels during these non-ovulatory cycles. If an LH surge is not detected after several months of testing, you should contact your physician.

I have not seen any peak fertility days. Why is this? Your LH surge may be too low to be detected, your LH surge may be very rapid, or you may not have ovulated this cycle. This is not unusual but we recommend you see your physician if you do not see a positive result or elevated LH values for 3 consecutive cycles. If you miss a test around your LH surge you may not see an elevated LH value so remember to test twice a day in the morning and in the evening. When you test twice a day you have higher chances not to miss your LH surge. 

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