Ovulation Kits

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process of an ovary releasing an egg from the follicle, permitting the egg to float down the fallopian tubes. Conception, or fertilization, occurs when the male’s sperm meets with the woman’s ovum (egg) and successfully penetrates it, typically in a fallopian tube. Then the fertilized egg travels to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining. For pregnancy to take place, fertilization of the egg must be followed by a successful implantation. Only one egg is released for fertilization in each menstrual cycle. If this egg is not fertilized, conception will not be possible again until the next cycle.

What is an ovulation predictor kit?

Ovulation kits are tools for predicting ovulation, a woman's most fertile time during her menstrual cycle. Unlike body temperature charting (see FAQ on Fertility Awareness Method), ovulation tests anticipate ovulation before it takes place.

How do ovulation predictor kits work?

Just preceding ovulation, women experience a surge in Luteinizing Hormone (LH). LH is the hormone that facilitates ovulation by causing the egg to separate from the ovarian surface. Ovulation tests work by detecting LH, allowing a woman to accurately predict when they will ovulate. A positive result on an ovulation test means that the woman will most likely become fertile over the next three days, with peak fertility at 36 hours following the onset of the LH surge.

When do I use an ovulation predictor kit?

To determine when to start testing, you must first know the typical length of your monthly menstrual cycle. The length of the menstrual cycle is the number of days from the first day of menstrual bleeding to the day before bleeding begins on the next period. Most women have about a 28-day cycle, but it varies from person to person. You will need to determine the usual length of the menstrual cycle over the last few months. Most ovulation predictor kits come with a chart to help you decide when to start testing, such as the one below. Also, you can buy ovulation kits in packs of 3-7 kits. You may want to invest in these “value packs,” especially if you are not certain of your cycle length, because you will likely have to test over several days before you get a positive result.

Your Cycle Length = 24 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 8

Your Cycle Length = 25 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 9

Your Cycle Length = 26 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 10

Your Cycle Length = 27 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 11

Your Cycle Length = 28 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 12

Your Cycle Length = 29 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 13

Your Cycle Length = 30 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 14

Your Cycle Length = 31 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 15

Your Cycle Length = 32 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 16

Your Cycle Length = 33 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 17

Your Cycle Length = 34 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 18

Your Cycle Length = 35 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 19

Your Cycle Length = 36 days Day to Begin Testing = Day 20

Are ovulation predictor kits effective?

Yes, if there are no reproductive problems with the couple, intercourse happens within the suggested time frame, and the couple just needs the knowledge of ovulation timing, these tools are extremely effective at improving the odds of conception.

What are some of the more popular methods of conception?

Many couples use the tried and true method of having sex every other day. It is true that sperm can live for 24 to 48 hours in the woman after sex. If you’re consistently having sex on that frequent basis, ovulation will eventually occur and conception should happen in that window of time. Obviously, this works only if the woman is ovulating properly and the man and the woman have no reproductive health issues.

While this method may work for some couples, other couple’s lifestyle or desires may prevent this from being an effective method. This is why the use of ovulation predictor kits are very popular. Another popular natural method is derived from the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). It promotes the understanding and tracking of a woman’s ovulation cycles to give the couple a better chance of conceiving. (See FAQ on Fertility Awareness Method)

Most doctors will tell you to try conceiving naturally for six months before you consider that there may be reproductive problems that require medical help. If this is the case, the use of ovulation stimulating drugs and invitro fertilization (IVF) are options you may want to discuss with your doctor. See In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for more information.