How Ovulation Predictor Kits Work

Ovulation predictor kits are a great way to chart your fertility -  they tell you when your egg is ready for the sperm! Here’s how to use an ovulation predictor kit, plus info on how to get one without leaving home…

First, a quip:

“By far the most common craving of pregnant women is not to be pregnant,” said Phyllis Diller.

And the most common craving couples coping with infertility is to be pregnant! The grass is always greener…. Anyway, to help you get pregnant, here’s info about ovulation, how ovulation predictor kits, and how to use the test. And, click on the Clearblue ovulation test strips to learn more about this popular ovulation kit.

How Ovulation Predictor Kits Work

Ovulation predictor kits work by detecting a surge or increase in the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in your urine. This LH surge occurs before your ovaries release an egg (ovulation). You’re at your most fertile the day before and the day after your LH surge.

Simply put, ovulation predictor kits detect an ovulation surge – which increases your chances of getting pregnant because it predicts almost exactly when your egg will slide down the chute! The LH surge occurs about 12-36 hours before ovulation. When your ovulation test is positive, you want to make sure there’s sperm up where it belongs.

Not All Ovulation Predictor Kits Are Created Equal

Remember, not all ovulation predictor tests work for all women! I tried the First Response ovulation kit, and it gave me “false positives” – which means I thought I was ovulating when I just had raging hormones. My fertility doctor said I just need to try another predictor kit, and recommended the Clearblue ovulation test strips (pictured above).

Also, remember that conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome may interfere with your prediction test.

The only way to know what ovulation predictor kit works for you is to experiment. I suggest trying the most popular ones, which may be the most effective – and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor which brand he or she recommends.

How to Use an Ovulation Predictor Kit

Each ovulation predictor kit is slightly different – so be sure to read the directions! Generally, they’re similar to pregnancy tests: you pee on the end of the ovulation stick, wait for five minutes, and check to see if there are two blue strips. If the test is positive, you either are already ovulating or will be ovulating shortly…so it’s time to grab some sperm!

If the test is negative, you need to do it again the next day. This is a drag, as each ovulation test strip costs money (ranging from about $5 to $10 every time – depending on the ovulation predictor kit you use). If you’re worried about money, read 11 Tips on Saving Money for Fertility Costs.

The newer digital ovulation predictor kits may be easier to read – but they are a little more expensive.

Early Pregnancy Tests.com has a wide variety of Ovulation Predictor Kits, collection cups, and test strips.

If you’ve had any experience with ovulation predictor kits, I’d love to hear from you. I now view them with distaste because I haven’t gotten pregnant yet, no matter how often I pee on those damn things!